In a move that has blindsided fans and artists alike, BET has officially suspended the BET Hip Hop Awards indefinitely.
Let me keep it a buck. I have known this for a very long time. I did not want to put it out there and cause issues. But, this is crazy! When you think of all the memories we have had with the Hip-Hop Awards. They broke out out after The Source Awards were a bust. And BET ran with it with the performances, the awards and – yes – those ciphers!
But, there is a hook I did not see. They are also ending the Soul Train Awards. Big Don Cornelius is rolling over! This was the last remnant of his legacy. What now?
These two iconic ceremonies have long served as cultural cornerstones! They both rep Black music in major ways. Since 2006, the BET Hip Hop Awards has been the ultimate showcase of rap excellence. Yes, it got wonky from time to time, but those legendary ciphers endure. Those unforgettable performances made headlines.
The Soul Train Awards go back even farther, with roots going back to 1987. They carried the torch for R&B and soul. They honored both the pioneers and the future of R&B. Now,there is no clear path forward. Oh well.
BET CEO Scott Mills confirmed the rumors, but did not say much else.
He told Billboard the following: “We have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows. But we have a team that’s actively thinking about where those award shows might best live as the media climate continues to evolve. They aren’t gone. And we also still have the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards.”
What do you all think about this? Are they cooking something else up or is this just a changing of the times?
T.D. Jakes is coming for Tyrone Blackburn and he’s not playing—the megachurch mogul says Blackburn’s sloppy AI-generated court docs wasted his legal team’s time and now he wants nearly $76,000 back.
Jakes dropped a defamation suit on Duane Youngblood after the ex-pastor accused him of decades-old sexual abuse.
But when Blackburn, Youngblood’s lawyer, filed court documents, they were filled with fake cases, false info and errors — all thanks to some AI tool that clearly flunked law school.
The judge already held a hearing to figure out if Blackburn should get hit with sanctions.
Now Jakes’ legal team says they spent 140+ hours cleaning up the mess and want to get paid for it. In a new filing, they told the court they’re asking for $75,932.50 to cover the extra work.
The filing breaks it down — time spent reading through garbage filings, responding to nonsense claims and tracking down citations that don’t even exist.
Jakes’ team says their rates are solid, even with discounts and they only billed for hours tied to this AI disaster.
Jakes’ attorneys said the whole thing was a waste of time and money and they’re tired of dealing with “hallucinated” filings.
They want Blackburn or his client to cover the costs within 30 days if the judge signs off.
This whole thing is part of a bigger legal back-and-forth between Jakes and Youngblood, who’s accused him and his brother of abuse dating back to when Jakes was a pastor in West Virginia.
Jakes has denied everything and says it’s all a setup — even accusing Youngblood of trying to extort him for $6 million.
Youngblood’s lawyer tried to get the defamation case tossed, claiming it didn’t have enough detail. The court didn’t buy it.
Now the focus is on whether Blackburn’s AI-generated trainwreck ends up costing him — or his client — a fat check.
WWE Raw didn’t just pull up to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Monday night (August 4)—they brought the block with them. What looked like a wrestling event on the surface quickly morphed into a cultural mash-up that only Netflix could engineer: Hip-Hop royalty and sports entertainment under one energized, crazy roof.
Method Man strolled in like he owned the arena. This was no act of arrogance on his side. No, it was simply the quiet, powerful presence he wields. Havoc of Mobb Deep brought that Queensbridge cool and was very low key. Joe Budden simply observed as he seemed to familiarize himself with this strange, new world. Dave East leaned into the spectacle. Renowned bassist and musical director Adam Blackstone and other cultural connectors gathered near the floor seats for what felt like an unannounced rap night at Raw. I was ringside representing AllHipHop. When I was informed that I was ringside, I didn’t fully grasp what this meant. I’ve been ringside for boxing matches, but this was very different.
Traditionally, Hip-Hop and wrestling haven’t always shared the same stage. Netflix is changing that in a lot of ways. The company, which began streaming WWE Raw in 2025 under a billion-dollar deal, seems determined to bring the worlds together. The streaming giant is actively inviting influencers, artists and cultural figures to attend WWE events. But they aren’t just observing…they are experiencing. For many of them, this was their first time this close to the squared circle, and the reactions are priceless.
Combat sports reporter (and one-time Hip-Hop journalist) Andreas Hale covers the gambit of boxing, wrestling and MMA. He says Hip-Hop is now getting respect from the WWE universe.
“Over the past half decade, WWE has realized the value of the urban community’s support of their product and have made efforts to embrace a long ignored demographic,” he told AllHipHop. “Between incorporating Hip Hop artists from Travis Scott and Wale to Cardi B and Sexyy Red into their programming and pushing more minority talent, moves have been made to strengthen the relationship. Although it is not perfect, there are very clearly steps being made in the right direction that weren’t taken not too long ago.”
One rapper’s face lit up like a child watching fireworks when a wrestler got slapped across the chest right in front of him. One person said, “I thought this was fake! But that spit was real” as a wrestler was seemingly struck in the face. Someone else gasped watching sweat literally fly off a wrestler’s body from the impact. The close-up perspective destroys that age-old myth. You see the welts, red marks and exhaustion. Sure, it’s entertainment, but this isn’t pretend. It was incredibly fun and completely different than the in-lounge experience.
Fashion, as always, added its own flair. More than one onlooker was caught off guard by some of the outfits, prompting a few crowd-worthy pause moments that drew hearty laughs. Still, it was refreshing to see artists kick back, laugh and just be themselves. There were no entourages, no true mic moments— just wrestling and good vibes.
Then there was the bodega. Everybody loves the bodega.
Netflix’s advocates understand the soul of New York City. Only a company with deep, deep pockets and good cultural consultants could do the now-infamous “Netflix Bodega.” Think of a VIP suite transformed into a corner store, but curated. We’re talking air freshener, paper towels, Drano, chips, drinks, deodorant—you name it. They even had bags ready for guests to “shop.” Things were orderly this time. The first round, at Madison Square Garden, was mayhem. Barclays was more refined but still hilarious and entirely NYC.
I didn’t witness Method Man, Havoc or Joe Budden participating (chuckle). Last time around, plenty of rappers joined in the free-for-all. Watching well-known names casually snag a box of cereal or a bottle of Dawn…you really can’t recreate that moment.
Shout out to the the influencers, media figures and die-hard wrestling heads like Shaheem Reid, who was getting autographs on an authentic WWE Belt. Jawn Murray, the acclaimed producer, and singer Skye Washington helped me get up to speed on all the new names and mores of this version of this WWE. There’s something refreshing about watching grown men geek out over the Undertaker’s aura or a perfectly-timed frog splash.
What Netflix is building here is both synergy and strategy. Hip-Hop has loved wrestling for a long time. Many of us grew up on Andre The Giant, The Rock, Ric Flair, Stone Cold Steve Austin, King Kong Bundy, Junkyard Dog, Tony Atlas, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Macho Man” Randy Savage and so many more.
As WWE leaps into streaming, rap and so-called urban culture will help them make this digital maneuver a cultural pivot as well. Wrestling isn’t just for kids or middle America anymore. It never was. It’s for everybody. And last night, it was certainly for Brooklyn.
Diddy is still banking on a presidential lifeline from Donald Trump, even though Trump basically said he was not going to pardon the disgraced mogul.
Diddy’s legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo and lawyer Nicole Westmoreland, among others, has been quietly pushing for a pardon behind the scenes.
When CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister asked Westmoreland whether anyone from Diddy’s camp had reached out to Trump’s team, she didn’t dodge it.
“Yes. My understanding is that we have reached out,” Westmoreland said.
That’s despite Trump telling Newsmax it’s “more likely a ‘no’” when asked if he’d pardon Diddy, who was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering but was convicted on two prostitution-related counts earlier this month.
Donald Trump didn’t totally slam the door, but he made it clear things are complicated.
“He essentially, I guess, is sort of half-innocent. It makes it more difficult to proceed,” Trump said. And while he admitted he and Diddy were cool back in the day, he said things got weird once he started running for office.
“When I ran for office, he was very hostile,” Trump said. “It’s hard, you know, like, we’re human beings… and he made some terrible statements.”
His lawyers wanted him out until sentencing, promising he’d stay at his Miami mansion and only travel to New York for court hearings. Judge Subramanian wasn’t buying it.
Diddy has some hope, since Trump hasn’t made a final call yet. He’s waiting on more info before making a move. That includes the outcome of Diddy’s sentencing, which is locked in for October 3.
Bill and Hillary Clinton were among nearly a dozen high-profile figures subpoenaed Tuesday (August 5) by House Republicans as part of an intensifying congressional investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of the late Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case.
The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas to former president Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, ex-FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller and six former attorneys general. The committee is demanding testimony and documents related to the federal government’s prosecution of Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said the move came just days after Department of Justice officials questioned Maxwell, who’s currently serving a 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Texas for conspiring to sexually abuse minors.
“The facts and circumstances surrounding both Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell’s cases have received immense public interest and scrutiny,” Comer wrote in the subpoena letters. “While the Department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell’s cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight of the federal government’s enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell.”
If Clinton complies, he would become only the fifth former U.S. president to testify before Congress. But legal experts are skeptical. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told the New York Post he would be “very surprised” if Clinton appeared at the scheduled October 14 hearing, adding that Clinton and the former attorneys general could invoke executive privilege to avoid testifying.
The renewed scrutiny follows a controversial two-page memo released by the DOJ and FBI on July 6, which concluded there was no “client list” tied to Epstein’s criminal enterprise. The memo stated a “systematic review” of evidence found “no credible evidence” that Epstein blackmailed powerful individuals or that any uncharged third parties could be investigated.
Still, the memo acknowledged that Epstein’s crimes affected “over one thousand victims.”
Epstein, 66, died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell on August 10, 2019, according to multiple independent and federal investigations. His death, combined with his ties to celebrities, politicians and business leaders, has fueled years of public suspicion and conspiracy theories.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by Donald Trump, previously said in February that a client list was “sitting” on her desk and that the FBI’s New York office held “thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein.”
On July 17, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.” He added, “This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!”
Public dissatisfaction with the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein case remains high. A Quinnipiac University poll in July found that more than 60% of voters disapproved of the administration’s management of the so-called “Epstein files,” while only 17 percent approved.
Soulja Boy walked free Tuesday (August 5) after prosecutors in Los Angeles declined to pursue charges tied to his weekend arrest for allegedly possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
“A case was declined due to insufficient evidence,” a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in an email to Rolling Stone. Jail records show the 35-year-old rapper was released shortly before 2 p.m. local time.
The arrest happened early Sunday (August 3) after Los Angeles police pulled over a car Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, was riding in. Officers booked him on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to an LAPD spokesperson. Authorities did not provide details about what prompted the traffic stop.
The stop occurred near Melrose Avenue, not far from the storefront for Way’s SODMG clothing brand.
The arrest added to a growing list of legal issues for the “Crank That” rapper. In April, a jury awarded $4 million in damages to a former girlfriend who accused him of assault, sexual battery and harassment. He was also convicted in 2014 for carrying a loaded weapon in a vehicle following an arrest in the San Fernando Valley.
He has yet to publicly comment on the latest incident.
Soulja Boy rose to fame in 2007 with his viral hit single “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and sparked a widespread dance craze.
Soulja Boy was among the first artists to leverage the power of social media platforms like MySpace and YouTube to promote his music, helping to shift how the music industry discovered and marketed talent.
His debut album, Souljaboytellem.com, helped define the sound and style of late-2000s rap.
Beyond music, Soulja Boy has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including fashion lines, video game consoles, and tech investments. Despite ongoing debates over his legacy, Soulja Boy remains an influential and controversial figure known for his innovation in music promotion and digital branding.
Dez Bryant hopped back online to clean up the digital drama after his unexpected back-and-forth with Nicki Minaj exploded all over Twitter (X).
The ex-NFL star admitted he lost his cool and said he’s trying to be a better example for the younger crowd watching him.
“I’m not in the sphere of people crashing out on the internet,” he tweeted. “I don’t bother people..I never do. I was just posting about my son. I let the devil win that time…I apologize to the kids who follow me because I care about setting the right example more than you know.”
It didn’t take long for 50 Cent to take notice of Minaj’s response, which was just as savage as the others.
“(This tweet is alleged & for entertainment purposes only),” she began. “As a matter of fact, let me go call President Trump & ask for a pardon like DESIREE PEREZ did. Next, I’ll get into the CASINO stuff. Dez Bryant’s booty hole allegedly LEAKS as AN ADULT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Should I start my story times now?!?”
50 wrote in the comment section, “WTF going on here Nikki be blacking out on these people LOL.”
The contentious exchange started after Bryant got into it with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over contract talk drama from 2015.
Jones dredged up Bryant’s old deal, which was handled by Roc Nation, and used it to explain why he doesn’t mess with agents and prefers to deal directly with players.
Jones claimed JAY-Z and Roc Nation ghosted him during the negotiations and stopped picking up the phone.
Bryant wasn’t feeling that and hopped on social media to fire back, warning Jones to keep his name out his mouth or else he’d start airing out old Cowboys business.
Bryant and Roc Nation both called Jones’ version of events bogus. They said it was Jones who went MIA during the talk—not JAY-Z’s team.
That’s where Nicki Minaj jumped in.
She has been feuding with Roc Nation and took the opportunity to side with Jerry Jones by bringing up Bryant’s 2012 run-in with the law involving his mom—charges that were later tossed.
She also threw out a $10 million dare, offering the cash if Bryant would fight her husband, Kenneth Petty, who’s a registered sex offender from a 1995 conviction.
“I’ll give you 10 million in cash if you’d come & fight him since you BEAT UR OWN MOM,” Minaj posted.
Bryant fired right back, calling out Petty’s criminal history and didn’t mince words.
“Go get that 10 million in cash.. I’ll stomp that n#### out right in front of you.. and it’s ROC for life b####,” he wrote.
Eventually, Bryant hit pause on the chaos and ended on a motivational note.
“I want everybody to stop and think for 5 minutes,” he said. “You can make it through anything if you put your mind to it..no matter how big the battle is..no excuses.”
Eve said her emotional exchange with Nicki Minaj was the final push she needed to believe she made the right call by opening up about her insecurities in her memoir, especially the chapter about their time filming Barbershop.
During a sit-down with Complex, Eve called the viral moment “another confirmation” that she was right to be honest about her feelings, even if they were uncomfortable.
“I’m so happy that that happened,” she said, reflecting on Nicki’s heartfelt public response.
In the book, Eve admitted she felt insecure when Nicki joined the cast of Barbershop, revealing she debated whether to include that part of her story at all.
Ultimately, she chose transparency, saying insecurities are something everyone faces, “no matter what”.
Minaj’s response came last September in the form of a lengthy and emotional letter.
She praised Eve’s honesty, writing, “You took the game by storm, that there were some ppl who couldn’t hide their insecurities. Even tho it’s swept under the rug now, I remember that you handled it with grace but ALSO a big sprinkle of unapologetic TALENT & charisma. You soared & soared. Classic music w/the illest team, to the BIG SCREEN.”
Nicki Minaj also opened up about her own nerves during filming and admitted she thought Eve didn’t like her at first.
“You looked like a pro & I admired that so much,” she wrote. “Women feel so much pressure to compete & it’s a shame b/c we usually have so much in common & could rlly benefit from one another just as human beings.”
Jeezy made it to his Baltimore show with just minutes to spare thanks to a ten-hour Uber ride that turned a travel nightmare into a tour-saving mission.
The Hip-Hop veteran shared the wild journey in an Instagram post on Monday (August 4), detailing how a canceled flight, a busted gas tank and a last-ditch ride-share effort nearly derailed his TM:101 Live tour stop at The Lyric Baltimore.
“Ten hours later, we arrived in Baltimore just ten minutes before showtime!” Jeezy wrote, crediting an Uber driver named Tanner for stepping up when all other options failed.
The chaos began when inclement weather grounded Jeezy’s flights to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The team was forced to pivot to a road trip. But two hours into the drive, disaster struck.
“We hit an object on the highway, puncturing the gas tank and causing fuel to leak everywhere,” Jeezy explained. “We pulled over to a small gas station to regroup in SC.”
Attempts to book a private jet were also blocked by bad weather, so the team called an Uber to reach a rental car location. That’s when Tanner entered the picture.
“I assured him that whatever it was, he’d have it,” Jeezy said. “Like real one, he didn’t hesitate and just kept driving.”
Tanner drove Jeezy straight to Baltimore, logging ten hours behind the wheel and arriving just in time for the curtain to rise.
As a thank-you, Jeezy gave him a Snowman t-shirt and brought him backstage as his personal guest.
“Shout out to the real MVP, my Uber driver Tanner! Not all heroes wear capes!” Jeezy wrote alongside a video of him recounting the story onstage.
The Baltimore concert, held Friday (August 1), was part of Jeezy’s 23-city TM:101 Live trek. The tour celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101.
The show blends Hip-Hop with classical music, featuring orchestral arrangements by bassist Derrick Hodge and the Color of Noize Orchestra, produced by Adam Blackstone.
Latto got more than just a diamond chain during a recent trip to a celebrity jeweler — she also walked away with a viral moment that had social media in stitches after flubbing a riddle about Donald Trump.
During a video posted Monday (August 4), the Atlanta rapper stopped by Jewelry Unlimited to treat herself to a custom piece.
But before she could finalize the purchase, the jeweler tossed her a brain teaser with a $2,000 discount on the line.
“The 45th president of the USA and the 47th president of the USA they both have the same parents. How is that possible?” he asked.
Latto took a moment to put on her glasses before attempting to solve it. “Hold on. These make me smarter,” she joked.
Unfortunately, the eyewear didn’t help.
Visibly puzzled, she rubbed her forehead and rolled her eyes at the mention of “president,” before offering her answer.
“They got the same parents because God made us all, and we all got the same parents,” she said. “Because we’re not on the 47th president yet.”
The jeweler eventually revealed the answer: Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States and now serving again as the 47th.
The clip quickly made the rounds online, with commenters piling on.
“Take them glasses off,” one user wrote. Another added, “Wtf be going on in those Atlanta schools lmao.” A third chimed in, “My crush on Latto is gone.”
Latto Shows Off New Diamond Pendant & Chain
Despite the brain freeze, Latto still walked out with her new bling — a diamond-encrusted “A” pendant paired with a 75-pointer tennis chain. Jewelry Unlimited shared a photo of the piece on Instagram, captioned, “@latto putting on for the city with a clean Atlanta Braves A pendant with 75 pointer tennis chain.”
While the pendant may nod to the Braves, it more likely represents her first name, Alyssa.
Latto revealed the jewelry was a personal gift to commemorate the one-year anniversary of her third studio album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, which dropped on August 9, 2024. The project debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200, matching the peak of her 2023 album 777 and cementing her highest chart position yet.
Skye Washington Offers An Insider’s Look At WWE Raw And All The Drama, Violence And High-Flying Fun!
Seth Rollins ignited chaos at WWE Raw on August 4 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center when he defended his newly-won WWE Championship, got ambushed by CM Punk, and still managed to walk away as the most hated man in the building—by design.
Fresh off his controversial cash-in win at SummerSlam, Rollins opened the night flanked by Paul Heyman, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker, delivering a “visionary” address that sounded more like a declaration of war. But before he could finish, LA Knight stormed the ring to demand a title shot on the spot. Rollins denied the request and tried to slip away backstage, only to be stopped cold by General Manager Adam Pierce, who made the match official and barred Seth’s goons from ringside.
The night, streamed live on Netflix, was packed with hard-hitting action and unfiltered drama.
Grudge Matches and Flying Knees
Rusev and Sheamus renewed their brutal rivalry in a match that was supposed to settle the score between two old frenemies. Instead, it descended into a wild brawl that required eight security guards to break up. With no winner declared, this feud is clearly destined for a bigger stage.
Later, Grayson Waller got humbled in a high-octane showdown with PENTA, who flipped, kicked, and clowned his way to a crowd-pleasing victory. Even interference from The New Day couldn’t stop PENTA, who dismantled them with the same flair he used in the match.
Women’s Champion Naomi, booed but beloved, promised to defend her title next week against Iyo Sky, a match that has “classic” written all over it. Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss successfully defended their newly-won WWE Women’s Tag Team titles in a surprise bout against Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. The crowd popped loudest when Charlotte received her first-ever “you deserve it” chant.
Over in the Intercontinental title scene, Dominik Mysterio eked out a win over Rey Fenix using his usual bag of tricks. But AJ Styles arrived post-match to warn that their feud is anything but finished.
Becky Lynch also made waves with a fiery promo celebrating her Women’s Intercontinental reign. But the moment got personal when Nikki Bella interrupted and took aim at Becky’s legacy. Becky’s retort? “Funny how nobody can ‘see’ your ex anymore.” She then dropped Nikki with a punch before walking out. Expect that beef to simmer until the next big event.
The championship match between Seth Rollins and LA Knight was explosive, until CM Punk crashed the party, hungry for vengeance after Rollins robbed him of the title at SummerSlam. The moment was electric—but things escalated fast.
Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed swarmed the ring to save their leader, but then the unthinkable happened.
The Tribal Chief cleaned house, flattening Bron and Bronson in a fury. But just when it seemed Roman had control, Rollins blindsided him with two curb stomps—then stood by as Reed delivered three monstrous Tsunamis. Officials swarmed the ring as Reigns lay motionless.
Word backstage is that Roman Reigns may be out for weeks, possibly longer. But no one should forget what happens when a Tribal Chief returns with revenge in his soul.
https://x.com/WWE/status/1952523560276140411
Star Power in the Stands
Brooklyn came out strong. Hip-Hop heavyweight Method Man, Mobb Deep’s Havoc, podcast icon Joe Budden, musical genius Adam Blackstone, singer/actress Kiera Please, and cast members from Netflix’s upcoming Wednesday season were all spotted ringside soaking in the chaos.
From blockbuster feuds to surprise returns, WWE Raw in Brooklyn wasn’t just a fallout show—it was a declaration. The lines are drawn, and no one is safe.
Jim Jones stirred up speculation Monday night (August 4) after posting a video on Instagram hinting at a potential podcast launch from inside his new content facility.
“Don’t get scared now,” he said in the clip. “Is y’all ready for my podcast? Because none of you could talk more s### than me, I promise you that.”
The Harlem rapper quickly clarified the setup was part of his newly opened media space, not necessarily a personal project—at least not yet.
“This is actually one of the podcast setups we have in the facility that’s here for rent,” he explained, before adding with a grin, “I know y’all got nervous. You never know what might could happen. I might just do one for fun.”
“Don’t get scared now,” he wrote in the caption, doubling down on the tease. “New Pod cast on th way I done made all yal pod cast hott time to take my spot back lol lol lol lol. Only at @theifcfactory u never know lol.”
The playful announcement comes on the heels of a recent podcast appearance where Jones’ comments about Nas sparked heated online debate for weeks.
Now, with his own facility in full swing, he’s in a position to control the narrative—and the mic.
Jim Jones Shows Off The IFC
Last month, Jones unveiled his latest venture: the IFC, short for Intellectual Factory for Content, a sprawling warehouse space transformed into a multi-use media production hub.
In a video posted to Instagram, he guided contractors through the space while explaining his vision.
“Welcome to the IFC intellectual Factory for content,” he wrote. “We are building a multi purpose entertainment media content n creative facility on all levels. A place for creatives a place to learn a place to teach. A safe haven for th kids who are gonna shape our future. A tourist destination for those who wanna catch a vibe. Sports bar grand opening this summer. We are open for studio recording videos n photo shoots right now.”
Despite ongoing renovations, the space has already drawn attention from major artists. On July 18, Jones posted a video of Quavo visiting the IFC, calling it “what real support look like.” Quavo responded, “The first one in this muthafucka, in the factory.”
Whether or not Jones officially launches a podcast, the IFC is already proving to be a magnet for Hip-Hop creatives. The sports bar portion of the facility is expected to open later this summer.
Offset lit up Times Square and social media on Monday (August 4) with a bold rollout for his upcoming album “Kiari,” staging a massive takeover in the heart of New York City.
Offset had hundreds of people laying down in the middle of Times Square to announce his new album KIARI 8/22 👀pic.twitter.com/dSSkxPvxjE
The Offset spectacle featured a crowd of extras and what appeared to be a music video shoot, drawing attention to the rapper’s third solo album, which drops August 22, via Motown Records.
The visual centerpiece? An image of Offset lounging with a cigarette between his lips—an image that quickly stirred reactions online.
“Smoking a cigarette on the cover I know this s### finna hit,” one user wrote, echoing the buzz that followed the reveal.
Offset has already dropped two singles—”Bodies” featuring JID and “Professional”—as part of the album rollout.
The timing of Kiari’s release places it just weeks ahead of Cardi B‘s sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, which is set to arrive September 19, 2025.
Cardi has described her project as a reflection on “seven years filled with love, life, and loss,” and said it explores themes of power and self-worth.
Offset and Cardi B’s respective albums come amid their highly publicized contentious divorce, which has spilled out onto social media.
Monica stirred wedding rumors after posting courthouse photos with Ant Wilson, prompting celeb friends and followers to flood her comments with congratulations.
Monica lit up social media Monday (August 4) after posting photos that had people convinced she and boyfriend Anthony “Ant” Wilson quietly tied the knot at a courthouse.
But it wasn’t just the images that had people talking — it was the captions and comments that followed.
She captioned the post, “Two Hearts One Love … FOREVER.”
Wilson wrote, “S/o to everybody at the courthouse that got us in and out without a problem.” Monica replied, “They were amazing.”
That was all it took for speculation to explode.
Celebrity friends quickly jumped into the comments with congratulatory messages, assuming the couple had made it official.
La La Anthony wrote, “YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m sooooooooo happy!!! Two of my fav people!!!!!! Love wins!!!!!!! Love you!!!”
Rapper Trina added, “Congratulations so beautiful.”
Quality Control Music boss Pierre “P” Thomas chimed in, “Mo I ain’t never seen him smiling like this. Happy for yall.”
Monica responded to Thomas, “I honestly didn’t think this kind of love , support & protection was even possible for me! So I guard it with my life! I appreciate you supporting us because you mean everything to him.”
But not everyone was convinced the couple had said “I do.”
Kendra P, who married rapper Payroll Giovanni in a lavish ceremony on Sunday (August 3), seemed to suggest Monica and Wilson were just guests.
“Thank you for coming to my wedding. I wish I would’ve got a chance to take pictures with you!” Kendra commented.
Monica and Wilson went public with their relationship in October 2023. Wilson is an executive producer on the Starz series BMF and also manages Chris Brown.
Before Wilson, Monica was in a long-term relationship with incarcerated rapper C-Murder, which ended after years of public support and heartbreak.
Meanwhile, Monica is also gearing up for a major tour with Brandy. The two R&B icons will co-headline The Boy Is Mine Tour in fall 2025, their first joint tour since their 1998 hit duet.
Whether Monica and Wilson actually got married or just dressed to impress at someone else’s nuptials, one thing’s clear — the internet is watching.
Nicki Minaj tore into Dez Bryant during a profanity-laced rant Monday (August 4) on Stationhead, defending her husband Kenneth Petty’s criminal past while dragging up disturbing allegations about Bryant’s own family history.
The NYC rapper referenced Bryant’s 2012 domestic violence arrest and claims that his mother was a teenager when she became pregnant by her mother’s boyfriend, who also fathered two of her siblings.
The tangled accusations were part of a blistering tirade aimed at Bryant after he brought up Petty’s status as a registered sex offender.
“It’s starting to look like some of you men who didn’t have a father in the home want other people to not have a father in their home,” Minaj said. “It’s starting to look like some of you men whose daddy and granddaddy is the same man, has been projecting his anger in relations to women being abused all over the internet. Because psychologically he’s defending his father.”
Minaj then turned her attention to her husband’s 1995 conviction, when Petty was 16 years old, and compared it to Bryant’s alleged family trauma.
“If a man can say after finding out his mama/sister was raped by his daddy/grandad, that he forgives both of them. What do you mean both of them?” she questioned. “What did she do? So is that why you’ve been beating her? Because you are taking out what he did on your mother, who was a child, you dumb b####. Just like my husband was a child. You dumb b####.”
The feud escalated when Minaj referenced her $10 million challenge for Bryant to fight Petty.
“I’mma make this n#### beat you bad b####,” she said, before adding a disclaimer: “Listen, all of this has been for entertainment purposes only. These are all alleged.”
Nicki Minaj & Dez Bryant’s Heated Timeline Clash
The online clash began earlier in the week after Bryant responded to Jerry Jones criticizing Roc Nation, the agency founded by JAY-Z that once represented him. Minaj jumped in, promising to match every NFL story Bryant posted with her own exposés about Roc Nation, JAY-Z and CEO Desiree Perez.
Bryant initially tried to de-escalate, calling himself a fan of Minaj and asking to be left out of her issues with Roc Nation.
But after Minaj brought up his 2012 arrest, Bryant fired back by pointing to Petty’s sex offender status and accepted her fight challenge, saying he would “stomp her husband in front of her” and told her to “get the cash ready.”
Bryant later apologized for his part in the feud, writing that he “let the devil win that time” and expressing regret over the influence his actions might have on younger followers.
Fivio Foreign is back outside after spending over half the year locked up over a New Year’s Day gun threat case in New Jersey.
The Brooklyn drill rapper got out on August 1 after a Bergen County judge gave him credit for the 196 days he already sat in jail and hit him with three years’ probation.
That means no new run-ins with cops, clean drug tests, and staying out of trouble if he wants to remain free.
He pointed a gun at a woman who had asked him for help jumpstarting her car and told her, “If I see you parked in front of this building again, there is going to be a f###### problem.”
Witnesses at the scene identified Fivio Foreign and called 911.
Surveillance footage from the apartment complex reportedly backed up the woman’s version of events. Officers arrested him on January 18, but no firearm was recovered.
He ended up getting booked on five charges, including aggravated assault and illegal gun possession.
Fivio copped a plea deal for third-degree terroristic threats — which helped him dodge the more serious gun and assault charges.
Fivio Foreign is back outside after spending over half the year locked up over a New Year’s Day gun threat case in New Jersey.
The Brooklyn drill rapper got out on August 1 after a Bergen County judge gave him credit for the 196 days he already sat in jail and hit him with three years’ probation.
That means no new run-ins with cops, clean drug tests, and staying out of trouble if he wants to remain free.
He pointed a gun at a woman who had asked him for help jumpstarting her car and told her, “If I see you parked in front of this building again, there is going to be a f###### problem.”
Witnesses at the scene identified Fivio Foreign and called 911.
Surveillance footage from the apartment complex reportedly backed up the woman’s version of events. Officers arrested him on January 18, but no firearm was recovered.
He ended up getting booked on five charges, including aggravated assault and illegal gun possession.
Fivio copped a plea deal for third-degree terroristic threats — which helped him dodge the more serious gun and assault charges.
Jeezy brought Hip-Hop and fine art together in Atlanta for a private auction that raised funds for youth programs and honored the 20th anniversary of his breakout album.
The Grammy-nominated rapper partnered with acclaimed visual artist Dr. Fahamu Pècou on July 29 to debut “School of Hard Knocks,” a custom portrait unveiled at the Johnson Lowe Gallery.
The painting, which sold to Jeezy’s longtime mentor Jerry Thomas for an undisclosed amount, will benefit both Jeezy’s Street Dreamz Foundation and the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta.
The event celebrated Jeezy’s 2005 debut album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 and merged themes of resilience, transformation and education.
The artwork depicts Jeezy in all white, posed like a professor holding a fictional book titled They We Didn’t Realize We Were Seeds.
The piece also includes a transparent backpack filled with cowrie shells and a crystallized Snowman emblem—symbols that reimagine surveillance tools as markers of empowerment.
“This painting is not just a tribute to Jeezy’s 20-year legacy,” said Dr. Pècou. “It is an offering to all the thinkers, hustlers, and visionaries molded in fire. For those of us who come through the margins, the school of hard knocks isn’t metaphor—it’s alma mater. And from its halls, we emerge not broken, but forged—brilliant, unbowed, and blooming.”
Radio host Frank Ski served as the night’s auctioneer, helping secure the sale that will now support two community-focused organizations. Jeezy’s Street Dreamz Foundation, a 501(c)(3), works to uplift at-risk youth with programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, health and tech.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pècou’s museum continues to highlight the artistic legacy of the African diaspora in Atlanta.
The Johnson Lowe Gallery, known for showcasing internationally respected artists, hosted the invitation-only event, which blended Hip-Hop’s cultural weight with the reflective power of visual art.
Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman had themselves a messy moment at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that ended with her in cuffs, but Coleman says don’t let that fool you—she’s still solid.
Richardson was busted on July 27 after a heated exchange with Coleman allegedly turned physical. Cops say it went down at a TSA checkpoint where she reportedly snatched his backpack, blocked his path, shoved him into a pillar and tossed a pair of headphones at him. Surveillance cameras caught the whole thing.
She got booked into the South Correctional Entity jail in Des Moines, Washington, that Sunday night and was released Monday afternoon, according to reports.
Cops say Coleman didn’t want to press charges and told them he didn’t wanna be seen as a victim either.
Now Coleman’s speaking up and clearing the air during an interview with CITIUS MAG.
“I feel like it was just a sucky situation all around. I don’t feel as if she should’ve been arrested. People have discussions and emotions. She has things that she needs to work on for herself, of course. So do I, so do you. Everybody. I’m in the business of extending grace and mercy and love, I don’t try to look at obstacles, either,” Coleman said.
He wasn’t feeling the way the story got spun.
“I hate the narrative too, it’s so negative. Like I said…even talking to the cop, he was like, ‘There’s nothing I can do.’ I understood, but like I said, it was just a sucky situation. She’s a human being, and a great person,” Coleman added.
Coleman also gave her props, calling her the best female athlete in the world and saying she’s dealing with stuff nobody else can really get.
“We’re two dominant personalities and she’s the best female athlete in the world,” he said. “I see it every day. She just has a lot of things going on. A lot of emotions and forces going on inside of her that not only I can’t understand, but nobody can. She’s one of one. And I’m one of one too…she’s gon’ be just fine, I’m gon’ be good too. So it is what it is.”
Diddy will remain behind bars until sentencing after a federal judge in Manhattan denied his request for bail, citing his history of violence and potential to flee.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Combs failed to meet the strict legal threshold required for pre-sentencing release. The court found no “clear and convincing evidence” that he is neither a danger to the public nor a flight risk.
Diddy, who is awaiting sentencing on charges tied to prostitution-related crimes, had asked the court to consider exceptional circumstances.
His legal team presented a $50 million bail package secured by his Miami property and co-signed by family members, including his mother Janice Combs. Some relatives even surrendered their passports.
The defense also offered to limit his travel to Florida, New York and New Jersey for legal appointments and said he would comply with mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Despite those offers, the court sided with prosecutors who argued that Diddy’s wealth, influence and past violent conduct made him a serious risk.
The judge emphasized that no amount of money or monitoring could ensure he wouldn’t interfere with witnesses or pose a threat to others.
“Increasing the amount of the bond or devising additional conditions doesn’t change the calculus given the circumstances and heavy burden of proof that Combs bears.,” the judge wrote in the ruling, rejecting the defense’s proposed conditions, including house arrest and electronic monitoring.
But the court dismissed those claims as insufficient to justify release.
“The public outcry concerning these conditions has come from all corners. But as Combs acknowledges, MDC staff has been able to keep him safe and attend to his needs, even during an incident of threatened violence from an inmate,” the judge said, referencing a prior case where release was granted only due to a defendant’s old age and severe health issues.
The court made no ruling on the underlying evidence, reserving that for sentencing, which is scheduled for October 3, 2025. Until then, Diddy will remain in custody.
Tsu Surf declared he’s nearly out of prison and hinted he might not return to battle rap, sharing a raw update that mixed hope with hesitation.
“IM GETTING SO CLOSE I CAN TASTE THE DOOR,” the Newark rapper and battle rap icon wrote in a message from behind bars, signaling that his release is approaching fast.
But while freedom is on the horizon, his future in the ring that made him a staple in the Hip-Hop world remains uncertain.
“WHO GOING TO BE MY FIRST BATTLE HOME? HONESTLY, I GOTTA SEE IF MY HEART IS STILL THERE, THE ENERGY DOESN’T FEEL THE SAME. IF I DON’T FEEL LIKE ITS ANYBODY WORTHY OF SHARING THE STAGE WHEN I TOUCH, I’LL PASS,” he admitted.
Tsu Surf is currently serving a five-year federal sentence after pleading guilty in 2023 to conspiracy and unlawful firearm possession as a convicted felon.
Surf also reflected on the mental toll of incarceration, describing how it forced him into a deeper connection with his faith.
“He sat me down before I completely self-destructed… before I lost everything,” he wrote, speaking about his relationship with God.
He said he once felt “bitter” about his situation but now views it as a blessing in disguise.
“IF I HAD 100 MORE LETTERS TO WRITE, I WOULD PROBABLY USE THESE TWO WORDS 100 TIMES…. GRATITUDE. HUMILITY,” he wrote. “Stop walkin around like everyday not a blessing… if it feel good, say thank you. If it hurt, learn from it.”
Tsu Surf Gets Real About Prison Life
Surf didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of prison life either. He described missing basic comforts like going for a drive and being powerless to help his daughter when she needed him.
“I can’t pull up to McDonald’s… can’t even open this cell door to get to my daughter,” he shared.
Despite the uncertainty around battle rap, Surf didn’t completely shut the door on a comeback.
“I’LL PASS,” he said, unless the right opponent or offer comes along. Still, Surf admitted he wouldn’t turn down $100K for a battle.
During a short Q&A, he listed artists he hopes to work with once he’s out, including Latto, Rylo Rodriguez, Fridayy, Ella Mai, Hunxho, EST Gee and Coco Jones. He credited Rylo’s music with helping him get through his sentence.
As for when he’ll walk free? “WHEN DO I GET HOME? SOON AS HELL, BUT NOT SOON ENOUGH!” he wrote.
He ended his message with a reminder to stay grounded through life’s ups and downs: “Don’t trip over your blessons (yeah I spelled it like that for a reason).”
