Meek Mill Promises New Music While Challenging Industry Model & Criticizing Impact Of Viral Trends

Meek Mill has laid out his plans to release new music while also providing insight into his thought process when it comes to the business model of the music industry.

On Wednesday (April 23), the Philadelphia lyricist shared a string of tweets in which he revealed he was nearing the end of his distribution deal and in search of a new partnership. Meek also made a promise to drop a project before the end of the upcoming summer season.

“Looking for a new distributer for my music,” Meek Mill wrote in part “Holler at me I have one song left with my distribution company and a whole project to release . Before summer … holler directly and me and my team!!!! I’m dropping before the summer no matter what!”

In another tweet, he criticized the current landscape of the music industry while also issuing a warning to artists apart of the genre of rap music.

“The problem is most of the major label artists not gonna be able to survive if certain artist consistently drop!!!” he wrote. “They programming trash music saying the game failing.”

Meek attempted to utilize his recent collaboration with R&B artist Fridayy as an example of talent and hard work culminating in organic success, rather than manufactured metrics.

“Like that Fridayy song, I have 10 songs with him like that,” he said in part. “It worked because it’s authentic talent from both ends! It’s simple math … that’s crack ima show you at the roots fest in Philly mass people crying! D&N intro great song but my flow a hunnit times better!”

He then turned his focus to placing part of the blame on the advancement of technology, seemingly alluding to algorithmic tech integrated within social media and DSP platforms of spreading “propoganda” and compromising artists..

“Yall letting tech and propaganda campaigns to hurt artist brands, all of it is defamation of character,” he said in part. “All those pages yall see posting about hip hop has cause confusing of fans and the way the see certain artist!”

In a bizarre twist, Meek appeared to allege his recent viral video created to the trending audio of Yung L.A.’s 2010s era hit “Ain’t I” was working against him, despite boosting his TikTok visibility.

“I posted this video on purpose just being black and goofy,” he wrote. “Now look at the numbers of the other videos #TikTok. Compared to when I’m rapping! The goofy video 2M the rapper video 14k.”

In a follow-up tweet, Meek concluded creative control is his primary concern.

“All my projects done and we have our vision,” he said. “Looking for companies that believe in the “meek mill rap Brand” with the technology to get my music across the world when it drops! I don’t care if its a text notification

Peep more of Meek’s tweets below.

Rhymefest Claims Eminem Called Him “N-Word” During ’90s Rap Battle

Veteran Chicago MC Rhymefest has added his voice to the discourse surrounding Eminem’s alleged racist past, echoing criticism made by Benzino in a recent interview.

During a revealing appearance on the It’s Just My Opinion Podcast, Rhymefest recounted a moment from his early battle rap days that he says opened his eyes to race and artistry in Hip-Hop. According to the former Kanye West collaborator, he and Eminem were at odds in the ’90s after he says Em hurled a racial threat at him.

When asked if he and Eminem ever went face-to-face in a rap battle, Rhymfest replied, “Battled Eminem in ’98 at this competition called Scribble Jam. It was the biggest battle in the Midwest and one of the biggest rap battles in the country.”

According to Rhymefest, that was the first time he’d ever been called a racial slur by a white man.

“He said, ‘I’ll let my razor split you till they have to staple stitch you/This n#### took my facial tissue turned it to a racial issue.’ And you couldn’t even be mad.”

Reflecting on that moment, Rhymefest explained how it forced him to think differently about the impact of racism in entertainment.

“I realized something about racism that day,” he said. “It’s why ‘Family Guy’ works. It’s only good when it’s funny. It only is non-offensive when it’s dope.”

He admitted Eminem’s skills were so sharp, the crowd let the bar slide.

“Had you said that s### and it not been dope, it would have been a problem,” he said. “But you so cold and courageous, man, that you did it and got away with it.”

Still, Rhymefest emphasized that talent alone shouldn’t shield someone from accountability.

“I had to dig deep and be like, it can’t just be you’re a white guy rapping,” he said. “You gotta dig deep and be like, what is it about the person?”

In his view, the encounter ended with him winning the battle but Eminem winning the war.

Rhymefest’s recollection arrives on the heels of fresh remarks by Benzino, who reignited public scrutiny over Eminem’s early lyrics and the industry’s alleged efforts to cover them up. In a recent interview, Benzino accused music executives of deliberately concealing Shady’s racially offensive past to protect his career.

“Why is he so scared in 20-something years of his career to do interviews with Black media?” Benzino asked. “He’ll expose himself.”

Benzino pointed to the controversial early recordings that resurfaced years ago, asserting that Eminem received a level of protection that Black artists are rarely afforded. He recalled how the label claimed Eminem was just 16 and in a relationship with a Black girl when he made the remarks—though Benzino says the rapper was actually 21.

Benzino claimed executives, including Jimmy Iovine, held closed-door meetings to manage the backlash.

“They got in a room and said, ‘We have to fix this,’” he said, describing a calculated attempt to control the narrative. Benzino argued this defense was crafted to soften the blow and paint Eminem as a misguided youth rather than a grown man making racist statements.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Coachella Rebuff Hasn’t Fazed Slim Thug: “That Was A Good Shout Out”

Slim Thug has shared his optimistic outlook on Megan Thee Stallion’s response to his recent hypothesis following weekend two of Coachella.

Megan responded to Slim Thug’s speculation that she might be interested in him after she danced to his music during her first Coachella set and said she didn’t want him while performing at weekend two. Still, the Houston rap veteran remains undeterred.

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Slim Thug seized the moment to reflect, joke and even celebrate the unexpected attention. Though in his initial remarks he appeared to admit defeat, he expressed his confidence that a change in circumstances would only be a matter of time.

“I can’t do Megan Thee Stallion,” Slim Thug joked with an associate in a video circulating on social media. “Gotta do Megan Thee Auntie, 10 years later.”

Despite the apparent rejection, Slim Thug is choosing to see the moment as a win.

“She gave me a shout out, said my name on Coachella stage,” he said. “And then she called me babe. Come on now, that’s a lot.”

Slim downplayed any suggestion that Megan’s comments were a diss. Instead, he praised her for showing love by performing his song and saying his name in front of a massive crowd—in turn, boosting his streams.

“That was a good shout out,” he continued. “Played my songs, everything. Streams up on ‘Thug From Around the Way.’ We good. We love all that, man.”

While Megan’s fiery comment might have shut down Slim’s public flirtation, he made it clear he’s not bitter—just patient.

“I’mma be patient, man,” he said. “Gotta come home. Slim ain’t going nowhere.”

Acknowledging that Megan might already be involved with someone, he remained lighthearted and respectful.

“I’m a respect the situation or whatever,” he said. “I’m a fall back, chill. But yeah, I ain’t going nowhere though, man.”

For Slim Thug, the attention itself is enough of a reward for now. The veteran rapper sees it as a sign of continued relevance, even in a fast-moving industry.

“Ultimate patience will get you greatness,” he said. “That’s what I be telling y’all, man.”

Check out Slim Thug’s post in full below.

From Street Style to Stage: The Evolution of Hip Hop Jewelry

Hip hop is more than music—it’s a culture and lifestyle that transcends generations. Central to this influential movement is its distinctive jewelry. From humble street origins to high-profile celebrity stages, hip hop jewelry reflects the profound cultural journey of the genre itself. Its evolution narrates a story of struggle, ambition, identity, and triumph.

Let’s explore how hip hop jewelry has transformed from modest street symbols into mainstream cultural artifacts.

The Humble Origins: Street Jewelry as Symbols

In the late 1970s, the Bronx birthed hip hop—a voice for marginalized youth seeking expression. Early jewelry was simple yet profound. Gold rope chains, pendants, rings, and earrings served as symbols of success and respect within local communities. These pieces weren’t mere fashion—they represented personal victories, resilience, and community pride.

Artists like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa donned modest yet bold accessories. The jewelry they wore was authentic street style, meaningful and expressive, embodying the gritty realities of early hip hop.

The Golden Age: Bigger Chains, Bigger Statements

As hip hop culture surged through the 1980s and early ’90s, jewelry became more visible and extravagant. Icons such as Run-DMC popularized massive gold rope chains and Adidas sneakers, shaping hip hop’s visual identity. Slick Rick’s extensive gold collection—oversized chains, elaborate rings, and even a diamond-encrusted eye patch—pushed jewelry into the spotlight as a symbol of wealth, creativity, and artistic success.

This era redefined jewelry from mere adornment into powerful storytelling elements, reflecting rappers’ personal and cultural narratives.

The Bling Era: Diamonds and Extravagance

The late ’90s and early 2000s saw hip hop jewelry evolve dramatically into what many call the “bling era.” Diamonds and extravagant designs symbolized newfound wealth and influence. Rappers like Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Nelly popularized iced-out chains, watches, and grills. Jewelry became synonymous with success, fame, and influence, visually representing artists’ rise from humble beginnings to extraordinary heights.

Custom jewelry emerged prominently during this time. Jewelers began creating personalized pieces to represent artists’ life stories and cultural identities, making every accessory uniquely meaningful.

Iconic Jewelry: Pieces That Defined LegendsCertain jewelry pieces have transcended mere fashion, becoming iconic symbols tied closely to artists’ identities. The legendary MF DOOM’s metal mask, for example, symbolizes his enigmatic persona. DOOM’s mask significantly influenced fans and other artists, prompting an enduring trend in hip hop style jewelry that allows individuals to celebrate his legacy.

Other artists had similarly memorable pieces—Flavor Flav’s oversized clocks, Tupac Shakur’s gold crucifixes, and Biggie Smalls’ Jesus pendants. These pieces are enduring legacies, shaping hip hop’s lasting influence in jewelry design.

Contemporary Shifts: Minimalism and Symbolism

Today, hip hop jewelry embraces more refined aesthetics alongside traditional extravagance. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and A$AP Rocky have popularized minimalist designs—subtle yet meaningful pieces echoing early hip hop’s understated origins. Slim chains, minimalist pendants, and symbolic rings highlight authenticity and personal expression rather than overt displays of wealth.

Simultaneously, jewelry pieces rich in cultural symbolism have gained prominence. Modern rappers frequently wear jewelry that tells personal stories, highlighting their heritage, beliefs, or critical life milestones.

The Cultural Impact of Hip Hop Jewelry

Hip hop jewelry’s influence extends far beyond music, profoundly impacting mainstream fashion and culture. This cultural significance is evident in exhibitions like “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” hosted by the American Museum of Natural History, which emphasizes jewelry as a significant art form within hip hop culture. Such exhibitions demonstrate how hip hop jewelry has reshaped contemporary aesthetics and redefined self-expression globally.

Integrating Hip Hop Jewelry into Your Personal Style

For those inspired by hip hop jewelry’s evolution, consider these practical suggestions for incorporating it authentically into your wardrobe:

  • Authenticity First: Choose pieces that resonate personally and reflect your identity.
  • Less Can Be More: Balance your look by selecting a single striking piece rather than multiple overwhelming accessories.
  • Quality and Craftsmanship: Invest in high-quality pieces that stand the test of time, crafted from durable materials like sterling silver or gold.

The Future of Hip Hop Jewelry

Looking ahead, hip hop jewelry continues evolving alongside cultural and technological developments:

  • Sustainability: Greater emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainable materials will influence jewelry designs.
  • Cultural Representation: Increased use of designs reflecting cultural heritage and identity.
  • Tech Integration: Innovations like smart jewelry and digital enhancements could soon become part of hip hop fashion trends.

This evolution ensures hip hop jewelry remains at the forefront of cultural innovation, adapting to modern values and technologies.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Hip Hop Jewelry

From street corners to global stages, hip hop jewelry embodies an extraordinary journey of artistic expression, cultural identity, and personal success. Its evolution narrates hip hop’s story—from resilience and rebellion to mainstream celebration. Jewelry within hip hop culture serves as more than decoration; it’s an enduring symbol of authenticity, self-expression, and creative individuality.

As this dynamic art form continues shaping fashion, society, and personal style, its significance only grows. Hip hop jewelry’s story—from humble origins to iconic cultural artifacts—continues inspiring individuals worldwide, demonstrating the power of jewelry to communicate deeper truths about who we are and where we come from.

Whether through minimalist designs, symbolic pendants, or extravagant pieces, hip hop jewelry remains deeply connected to its roots while evolving into a timeless reflection of modern culture.

Kevin Gates Got Floor Seats To Lakers Game & Now Brittany Renner Is Involved In Weird Beef

Kevin Gates and Brittany Renner made a spectacle of themselves within the sports and social media world amid the NBA layoffs.

On Tuesday (April 22), Gates and Renner made an appearance together at the Lakers’ first round playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves—where they began trending on social media after being spotted court side. In multiple videos shared by social media users, Gates and Renner can be seen sitting extremely close together and chatting with each other as the Lakers secured a hard-fought game two win against the Wolves. In a separate photo circulating, Gates can be seen intensely gazing at the floor while Renner appears to be gazing off in to space.

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Their attendance to the game follows the Lake Show’s veteran star, LeBron James’, suspected indirect shot at Gates over the critical remarks he made about his wife Savannah James.

While their presence at the game came and went without major incident, Renner sparked swirling rumors suggesting building tension due to a message she shared while reposting the viral clip of her and Gates to her story. The two-word caption Renner wrote on the video she shared read “Relationship goals” and featured Gates NSFW song “D U Down.” Gates didn’t back down from the coverage of their attendance to the game, either and shared several posts to his Instagram Story of he and Renner’s NBA date night.

Of all of the commentary to come from the stunt, one in particular perspective on the situation is that James did not appear to have the same energy for Gates as he did for sports broadcast journalist Stephen A. Smith, who he confronted during a tense in-game exchange courtside at a Lakers game last month.

Check out a few of the fan reactions below.

John Legend Bashes “Bigot” Donald Trump In Resurfaced Clip

John Legend didn’t hold back when he labeled Donald Trump a “bigot” and a “terrible leader” during an event in Hollywood.

The R&B singer tore into Trump’s record on race and leadership during a February appearance at The Fifteen Percent Pledge’s 15th Street Block Party in Hollywood, accusing him of promoting racial superiority.

“He’s a bigot,” Legend said to a crowd that responded with loud applause. “It’s a belief that there’s a hierarchy of racial groups and that his group is genetically superior.”

The Grammy-winning artist didn’t stop there. He slammed Trump’s leadership style, particularly in times of crisis.

 “America made a decision that I strongly disagree with,” he said of the 2024 election result. “It seems that we are reaping the whirlwind right now, putting someone who is a terrible leader, especially in crisis. He’s already out blaming people, misinforming people, dividing people when a smart and responsible and good political way to handle it would have been to bring people together…be a comforter-in-chief, you know.”

Legend also took aim at Trump’s personnel choices, comparing the appointment of former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to conservative commentator Pete Hegseth

“That’s the level of bigotry he has,” Legend stated. “Any white man is better than that.”

Originally recorded in February 2024, the clip resurfaced online in April 2025, reigniting tensions between Legend, his wife Chrissy Teigen, and Trump. 

The couple has frequently criticized Trump, dating back to 2019 when Trump referred to Teigen as “filthy-mouthed” and dismissed Legend as a “boring musician.”

Legend has consistently spoken out against Trump’s views on race. In 2023, he said, “He has made it clear throughout his life that he believes Black people are inferior. Like, he believes that, to his core, in his bones.”

Azealia Banks Says Kanye West Is On “Diddy Tapes” & Was Intimate With Virgil Abloh

Azealia Banks is both criticizing Kanye West and distancing herself from the divisive rapper amid his recent comments.

On Tuesday (April 22) and into the following day, Banks tweeted a number of remarks calling out Kanye West while also making salacious claims about his relationships with his friends, family and collaborators. Banks remarks were purely inspired by her reaction to West’s promotion of his alleged upcoming album Cuck, and his song “Cousin”—on which he admits to performing oral sex in his male family member.

”Just say you like dick and don’t go and make it some traumatic childhood b#######—DON’T BE A DRAG QUEEN,” Banks wrote in response to a tweet West shared doubling down on his admission.

Banks branched off into to share a tweet thread of her on in which she started off by mentioning West’s collaborators such as JAY-Z and Drake, Banks linked him to Diddy and the late Virgil Abloh with new allegations.

“Kanye and Virgil were lovers,” Banks wrote in part. “Elon def got some head from Kanye off that Ketamine. Kanye is on one of them Diddy tapes. Jay-Z was like no h###.”

Banks then began targeting West’s family members.

“Trump was like no h###,” she wrote. “Travis was like no h###. Drake was like no thank you. Amber hit him with the strap. Kim thought she could, but vomited on his back and started crying Kris yelled CUT!”

In response to a user who called her out in a tweet by comparing her to West and alleging they had the same mental illness as her, Banks snapped, arguing that she has nothing to hide—unlike the outspoken Chicago MC. She also appeared to entertain a Twitter fan theory which allegedly exposed proof West purportedly groomed his cousin.

Check out the other tweets Banks shared below.

JAY-Z Hit With Motion To Toss Defamation Lawsuit Over “Malicious” Intent

JAY-Z’s defamation lawsuit hit a legal roadblock in California as the woman who accused him of rape moved to have the case thrown out, arguing it was filed “for malicious reasons” and lacked any legal foundation.

Jane Doe, the woman behind the now-dismissed 2024 sexual assault case against JAY-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs, filed a motion in April 2025 asking the court to dismiss the Hip-Hop mogul’s countersuit “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. 

Her legal team argued that Hov “fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted” and that her original allegations were “absolutely privileged” under California law.

The motion bluntly states, the rapper “has not alleged facts that would support an abuse of process claim.” 

It also challenges JAY-Z’s civil conspiracy allegation, asserting that Doe’s attorneys “have shown that, as attorneys, they are not liable for civil conspiracy under these allegations.” 

The filing continues, “Since a conspiracy requires more than one party, Doe cannot be liable for civil conspiracy.”

Doe also defended her televised interview with NBC, saying her statements were based on “claims in court documents,” which are legally protected and cannot be used as the basis for a defamation claim.

JAY-Z filed the countersuit after Doe dropped her rape lawsuit in February 2025. That case was also dismissed “with prejudice.” 

At the time, JAY-Z called the outcome a “victory,” stating, “The frivolous, fictitious, and appalling allegations have been dismissed… This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere.” 

He added, “The trauma that my wife, my children, loved ones and I have endured can never be dismissed.”

JAY-Z Accuses Jane Doe & Her Attorneys Of Fabricating Lawsuit Allegations

In his defamation and malicious prosecution suit, JAY-Z accused Doe and her legal team of fabricating claims that caused $20 million in damages to his company Roc Nation and inflicted emotional distress.

His attorneys pointed to inconsistencies in Doe’s public statements, including a moment in her NBC interview where she admitted, “I have made a mistake in identifying.” Her father also publicly contradicted parts of her story.

JAY-Z further alleged that Doe’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, pressured her to name him in the lawsuit. Buzbee denied wrongdoing and dismissed the countersuit as “without legal merit,” accusing JAY-Z of using intimidation tactics.

Tina Knowles Explains Beyonce & Solange’s Anger At Dad Mathew

Tina Knowles revealed that she secretly rekindled her relationship with her ex-husband, Mathew Knowles, after his affair and the birth of a love child ended their marriage.

In her memoirMatriarch, the 71-year-old mother of Beyoncé and Solange shared that she briefly reunited with Mathew after filing for divorce in 2009, despite learning he had fathered a child with his mistress, Alexsandra Wright.

“He’d changed after new counseling,” she wrote. “I didn’t believe him, but he was persistent, proved he’d gotten help, and as he courted me, I found myself falling in love again. The magnetic pull between us, this cosmic cord I had tried to cut so many times, was stronger than ever.”

Though their marriage was unraveling publicly, Tina admitted the two kept their reconciliation hidden from their daughters.

“We knew the kids would be so mad at us if they found out we were together again,” she wrote. “Our bond seemed stronger because we were sneaking.”

But the secret reunion didn’t last. In 2010, Mathew, now 73, fathered another child with a second woman, TaQoya Branscomb. That betrayal ended things for good.

“I clearly knew my relationship with Mathew was unhealthy, and it was the fear of going it alone that kept me stuck,” Tina wrote.

Their divorce was finalized in 2011.

Kanye West Admits He Didn’t Write Any Lyrics On New Album

Kanye West has confirmed he didn’t pen a single lyric on his upcoming album, instead crediting every word to Dave Blunts.

Blunts publicly claimed full authorship in a video, saying, “Every song on that album… I wrote that s###, me.”

The rapper and singer, whose raw and emotionally charged writing has drawn attention, described the project as “one man going between hurt, betrayal and pain and he’s putting that s### down.” He also claimed the album carries no antisemitic intent.

West backed Blunts’ claim on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “This is true. We would talk for hours. Then he’d write three songs in a day.”

Kanye West Changes Album Title

West renamed the album, originally titled WW3, to Cuck earlier this month. West previously described the genre mashup as “CUCK. Think Punk Prog Rock Rap Electronic Berlin School Synth” and said the new title reflects “my whole style.”

One of the most controversial tracks on the record is “Cousins,” which details West’s alleged childhood sexual experiences with a male cousin. The lyrics, written by Blunts, include graphic lines such as:

“Hanging with my cousin reading dirty magazines / We seen some n##### kiss and we ain’t know what that s### mean.”

“Then we start reenacting everything that we had seen / That’s when I gave my cousin head,” a line repeated throughout the track.

West expanded on the song’s meaning in a series of posts on X, writing, “This song is called COUSINS about my cousin that’s locked in jail for life for killing a pregnant lady a few years after I told him we wouldn’t ‘look at dirty magazines together’ anymore.”

He added, “My name is Ye and I sucked my cousins dick till I was 14.”

The cousin referenced is currently serving a life sentence for murder

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Blunts acknowledged that his label might not be thrilled with his transparency, saying, “I know my label is going to be mad as hell because I told you I wrote that s###, but whatever.”

As for when Cuck will be released, Blunts said, “It’s coming soon. I know it’s coming soon. And I know that it will drop, but I don’t know when it is.”

The collaboration began after mutual acquaintances introduced Blunts’ music to West, who was impressed enough to invite him to the studio. Their first session involved West crafting beats while Blunts observed, later describing the moment as emotionally overwhelming.

Cuck remains without a confirmed release date as of April 2025.

Tsu Surf Declares “Be Home In A Second” In Federal Prison Update

Tsu Surf has revealed he’s inching closer to freedom in a hopeful update from behind bars where he is serving time on federal charges.

The Newark battle rap icon, currently behind bars on racketeering and gun convictions, shared a hopeful message Tuesday (April 22) alongside a billboard promoting Mozzy’s new album Intrusive Thoughts, which features Surf on the track “FREE SURF.”

The billboard reads, “This message is brought to you by Mozzy. Free Surf.” Surf added his own caption: “FREE ME TIL ITS BACCWARDS. BE HOME IN A SECOND. DON’T BLINK.”

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The announcement follows Surf’s feature on Mozzy’s April 18 release, marking their first collaboration since their 2019 joint project Blood Cuzzins, which included appearances from Boosie Badazz, Styles P and 42 Dugg.

The new track, “FREE SURF,” was recorded while Surf remains incarcerated and was released with an official visualizer on YouTube on the same day as the album.

In November 2023, a judge sentenced Tsu Surf to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to RICO conspiracy and illegal firearm possession. Prosecutors alleged he was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and involved in drug distribution and violent crimes. He turned himself in after a standoff with law enforcement in Jersey City in October 2022.

Tsu Surf Reflects On His Time Behind Bars In Prison Update

Despite his legal troubles, Surf has stayed connected to his supporters through a personal website, Tsu Surf Report, and social media. On his birthday, January 15, he posted a handwritten letter reflecting on his time in prison and his plans for the future.

“This journey Hasn’t been Easy at all, I’ll admit, But it was NECESSARY,” he wrote. “Im focused, sharpening my Tools, identifying my weaknesses/flaws, recalibrating my mental, and preparing for my return.”

He continued, “When i get back im promising you a better Tsu surf, A more Focused artist, Better music, More visuals, More drops, just MORE period.”

“I’ve been shorting You guys, i’ve been shorting my loved ones, and most importantly, I’VE BEEN SHORTING MYSELF. The hunger I feel right now is more than EVER.”

“Im counting down the days until Im back with you guys. Lol yeah im short enough to start counting the days down. FREE ME. With Love, Tsu.”

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While an official release date has not been confirmed, Surf is expected to be out sometime in 2025.

His return is widely anticipated within the battle rap community, where many believe his comeback will reignite the scene.

Mozzy’s Intrusive Thoughts dropped April 18, featuring Tsu Surf’s contribution from behind bars.

Wiz Khalifa Mocked For Saying “We Live On A Flat Plane” Despite Globe Album Cover

Wiz Khalifa found himself at the center of a social media roast after declaring on The Joe Budden Podcast that he doesn’t believe the Earth is round, just days after dropping his new album Kush + Orange Juice 2, which ironically features a globe on the cover.

“I would say no,” Khalifa said when asked if he thinks the Earth is round. “I just believe that we live on a flat plane, like a huge flat plane.”

The Pittsburgh rapper linked his belief to his frequent travel, claiming his experiences in the air have shaped his perspective.

“It’s only because I’ve traveled so much,” he explained. “When I travel, the routes that we take and how we do it, it’s not possible to go up and down. You’re just going straight.”

Khalifa also floated the idea that there are undiscovered land masses, referencing the ancient supercontinent Pangea.

“I think that there’s more masses than just what we see,” he claimed. “Because it was one thing before and it spread out.”

He didn’t stop there. The rapper dismissed space missions altogether, saying, “I don’t believe in space exploration at all. I don’t believe that they explore space as much as they say that they do.”

The conversation took place during a lighthearted segment of the podcast, with co-hosts poking fun at his views.

But the internet didn’t hold back. One user wrote, “This might literally be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Podcasts were a mistake.” Another chimed in, “I am dumber for having watched this.” A third joked, “When do the tariffs on podcast equipment get applied?”

Adding to the irony, Wiz Khalifa’s latest album, Kush + Orange Juice 2, released on April 18, 2025, features a round Earth on the cover.

The project arrived exactly 15 years after the original mixtape dropped in 2010 and includes 23 tracks with guest appearances from Don Toliver, Larry June, Gunna, Juicy J, Curren$y, Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Quik, Smoke DZA, Michael Prince, RMR, LaRussell, Luh Tyler and Chevy Woods.

“It’s 4/20. So I need y’all to light the best of the best and get rid of the rest,” Wiz Khalifa said in a message to listeners. “Invite some of the homies and home girls over and throw a Kush and Orange Juice 2 party while you’re at it and get high as Wiz Khalifa.”

Boosie Badazz Breaks Down In Tears After Welcoming Ninth Child

Boosie broke down in tears of joy as he announced the arrival of his ninth child—a baby girl named Sevyn—with longtime partner Rajel Nelson.

The 42-year-old rapper shared the emotional moment in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday night (April 22), visibly overwhelmed while laughing and crying.

“I’m a daddy again, man. My daughter’s so beautiful,” he said through tears. “I can’t stop crying. Man, my daughter here.”

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Boosie made a mad dash to the barbershop earlier this week after hearing his little girl was making her way into the world.

“I gotta get me a haircut right quick,” he said. “I gotta be looking good when my little girl see me!”

The couple had revealed they were expecting a girl during Boosie’s birthday bash, which doubled as a gender reveal party.

Boosie Wants to Work On Tenth Baby Immediately

Though Boosie had hoped for a son, he made it clear he’s already planning for baby number ten.

“Yeah, I wanted a boy. But I ain’t tripping; I’m putting another one in her right after that,” he said. “Other people wait six weeks; I don’t wait six days. I ain’t waiting six days. I’m gone get that boy.”

Boosie and Nelson have been together for several years and are engaged. While Nelson had once hoped to be married before having children, she shared that she’s content with how life unfolded.

“I did say I would like to be a wife before I have a kid,” she admitted. “But God has blessed me to have a kid before I got married. And that is okay because this is my baby.”

Sevyn is Boosie’s ninth biological child and his first with Nelson. His other children—born to six different women—are Ivy Ray Hatch, Lyric Beyonce Hatch, Toriana Hatch, Iviona Hatch, Michael Jordan Hatch, Tarlaysia Hatch, Torrence Hatch Jr. and Laila Jean.

Despite his busy schedule, Boosie remains active in his children’s lives, often posting about their milestones and supporting their interests in music and sports.

Two of his kids, Iviona (known as Poison Ivi) and Torrence Jr., are already following in his footsteps with rap careers of their own.

Papoose Dragged Into Claressa Shields & Tesehki’s Explosive Feud As Boxer Dares “Fight Me Right Now”

Papoose found himself unexpectedly pulled into a social media slugfest after his girlfriend Claressa Shields and reality TV personality Tesehki escalated their war of words into a full-blown online brawl.

The Hip-Hop veteran became collateral in the feud Tuesday night (April 22), when Tesehki — sister of Chrisean Rock and cast member of Baddies Midwest — posted a photo of herself alongside Papoose with the caption, “Ya [ninja emoji] know who the champ is.”

The post came shortly after Shields dared Tesehki to fight her on Instagram Live, saying, “Fight me right now.”

The beef started when Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning boxing champion, responded to a fan question by saying she’d beat both Tesehki and fellow Baddies star Ivori in a fight.

That comment didn’t sit well with Tesehki, who fired back in an interview, claiming that although she liked Shields, she could take the champ in the ring if she trained seriously.

“I will beat the f### out of her,” Tesehki said, adding she’d quit smoking and drinking to prepare.

Claressa Shields Urges Tesehki: “Go To Rehab”

Shields didn’t hold back in her reply, ripping into Tesehki’s claims and lifestyle.

“You never said congrats on the m############ world championship,” she said on Instagram Live. “You never mentioned me in a good light. So no, you did not ever like me. And that doesn’t matter to me. But to sit here and say you can whoop some a and you out here popping pills and doing everything you doing? You not gon’ whoop nobody ass. You need to go to rehab and get that s### out of your system; you need help.”

Shields also dismissed the idea of a real fight happening, saying she’d only put up money if Tesehki had a shot — which she doesn’t believe she does.

She continued to drag Tesehki’s street-fighting credentials, posting a photo with the caption, “Tell Zeus Network I’m the real baddie!!!”

She added, “I keep telling these folks fighting for a couple seconds with security guards breaking it up is way different from putting on gloves going 2 minutes with no one to save you, these folks crazy lol.”

However, Claressa Shields decided to put Tesehki to the test, calling her out during a treadmill workout streamed live on Tuesday (April 22).

“B####, don’t ever say you can beat me in no fight when I’m more nastier and meaner in a street fight than I am in boxing,” she stated.

She then challenged, “Fight me right now.”

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Tesehki clapped back by mocking Shields’ treadmill video and demanding $1 million for a fight.

She also took a jab at Shields’ boxing résumé in an Instagram Story post. “Your fights don’t make no noise at all babyyyyyy,” she wrote. “All your opponents walk off looking the same way they came.”

Meanwhile, Papoose is showing love to his lady, posting a photo of Claressa Shields on Instagram amid the back and forth.

Instagram/Papoose

SZA Dethrones Adele To Become New Billboard Queen

SZA just made chart history with SOS and edged out Adele’s 21 for the most weeks spent in the Billboard Top 10 by a female artist.

The genre-blending album notched its 85th week in the Top 10 this week, surpassing Adele’s 21, which previously held the record.

Released in 2022, SOS has become the longest-charting album by a woman in the chart’s history.

The project originally debuted at No. 1 and spent 12 weeks at the top, including two more in January after releasing the SOS Deluxe: LANA edition.

Despite the milestone, SOS still trails the all-time record for most weeks in the Top 10.

That title belongs to the My Fair Lady soundtrack, which logged 173 weeks beginning in 1956. Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous follows with 158 weeks.

SOS includes standout tracks like “Kill Bill” and “Supermodel,” which helped solidify SZA’s place in contemporary R&B and Hip-Hop.

Her songwriting credits stretch beyond her catalog, having penned songs for Beyoncé and Rihanna, including “Consideration” on Rihanna’s Anti.

SZA’s collaborations span various artists, from Kendrick Lamar and Drake to Doja Cat and Justin Bieber.

She’s also performed alongside Coldplay, opening for their “Ghost Stories Tour” in 2014, and later co-headlined Glastonbury with them in 2023.

Lil Wayne Lines Up MSG Concert For “Tha Carter VI”

Lil Wayne will mark the arrival of Tha Carter VI with his first-ever headlining performance at Madison Square Garden on June 6, the same day the album drops.

The New Orleans rapper is tying the release of his long-awaited Tha Carter VI to a major live moment in New York City. The show will serve as both a celebration of the album and a rare opportunity for the crowd to hear new tracks live for the first time.

The Tha Carter VI show promises a stacked lineup of guests, including Miley Cyrus, Bono, MGK, Elephant Man, Euro and Wyclef Jean. Bono appears on the track “These Are the Days” alongside Wayne’s 15-year-old son Kameron.

Production credits include Ye and Wheezy, with some songs leaning into Brooklyn drill rhythms.

The album announcement came via a nostalgic video posted on April 1 featuring clips from Wayne’s earlier career and commentary from the rapper himself.

The release date lands nearly 17 years to the day after Tha Carter III, which dropped on June 10, 2008 and became a cultural landmark in Hip-Hop.

Lil Wayne’s last entry in the series Tha Carter V debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2018 and logged the second-biggest streaming week ever for an album at that time.

His most recent solo effort, Funeral, also topped the chart in 2020. Lil Wayne teased the album earlier this year in a Cetaphil Super Bowl ad and pre-orders are already live.

Tickets for the MSG event go on sale to the public on Friday, April 25, at 10 a.m. local time through LiveNation.com. Artist presale access begins Wednesday, April 23.

Tha Carter VI arrives June 6.

Gordo & Mustard Exchange Insults Over Drake & Kendrick Lamar

Gordo and Mustard’s simmering tension over their ties to Drake and Kendrick Lamar exploded online this week with insults, unfollows and toilet seat jabs.

Gordo kicked things off last week after noticing Mustard had quietly unfollowed him on Instagram.

“Omg just noticed mustard unfollowed me on ig, he tweeted. “Sad day… headlining chella must of got to his head.”

Mustard fired back on Monday (April 21) with a jab that lit up social media. “Aint going back and forth with a n#### that’s happy to change music on another n##### toilet seats,” he wrote. “Let’s just end it here i’m richer than you and have more hits than you i have multiple houses with my own toilet seats and many of my own chains to wear.”

The back-and-forth didn’t stop there. Gordo, who has been touring globally, took a swipe at Mustard’s role as an opener on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX tour.

He posted a clip from a packed show, writing, “10,000 tickets in Santiago Chile! I hope more ‘DJs’ get to experience this feeling… headlining your own worldwide tour is UNREAL!!!”

Mustard clapped back again, this time with a pointed insult: “the guy wants a attention. keep slaving at those over seas shows brother … don’t forget to buckle dudes pants after you done.”

Then came the chain photo. Mustard uploaded a shot of Gordo wearing jewelry at Drake’s house.

“omg girl i can’t believe it b####,” he teased in the caption. “He really left me in his house with all his chains he trust me. im his fine s###.”

Gordo Clowns Mustard Over Coachella Set

Gordo responded by mocking Mustard’s Coachella set, which leaned heavily on Kendrick Lamar’s music. “Imagine devoting your entire Coachella set to a guy that wouldn’t drive an hour to pop out for you,” he wrote.

During that same Coachella performance on April 18, Mustard doubled down on his allegiance to Kendrick by playing “Not Like Us” twice, prompting the crowd to chant along to lyrics aimed at Drake.

The feud between the two producers traces back to last August when Mustard accused Gordo and Drake of deliberately dropping Diamante to compete with his album Faith of a Mustard Seed. Gordo’s project sold 20,000 units, while Mustard’s moved 18,000.

Mustard also took aim at Drake in an interview with The New York Times, saying, “I don’t think I want to make a song with that dude. He’s a strange guy.” He also labeled the rapper “the Malcolm X of white people” in a separate post on X.

Gordo responded with a mix of praise and shade: “I will not tolerate any dj mustard slander…. That guy is a f###### legend… made multiple classics.. and had one the most iconic runs ever as a producer… he’s just a strange guy.”

The tension between the two producers mirrors the larger rift between their respective collaborators, with Mustard producing Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” and Gordo aligning with Drake.

Kendrick Lamar Explains How Chanel Brand Ambassadorship Deal Came Together

Kendrick Lamar stepped into the world of high fashion and heritage craftsmanship in Paris, officially joining Chanel as the latest face of its eyewear campaign.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper, known for his sharp lyricism and visual storytelling, was tapped by the French fashion house after spending time at its storied atelier, where he immersed himself in the brand’s legacy.

“I visited the Chanel ateliers and saw the process of how something goes from design to execution. Seeing the people who work hard and bring these visions to life resonates with me,” Kendrick Lamar told Business of Fashion.

His appointment comes nearly two years after he represented Chanel at the 2023 Met Gala, which honored the late Karl Lagerfeld.

In January 2024, Lamar and longtime creative partner Dave Free collaborated with the label again, designing the set for its haute couture show and directing a short film titled The Button.

Ahead of his latest partnership, Kendrick Lamar said he “spent a week in Paris with their team and explored the brand history,” a process he repeated before becoming the face of Chanel’s new eyewear line.

The campaign, photographed by Karim Sadli, is set to launch later this week.

Lamar, who sported Chanel glasses in the video for his track Luther, said the choice to focus on eyewear was intentional.

“Chanel has a timeless legacy and that is always something I can get behind. Since they don’t make clothes for men, I knew it would have to be glasses,” he said.

Ferg Faces Backlash After Showing Support To Kanye West

Ferg has shown his support for Kanye West, following the Chicago MC revealing a traumatic experience with a family member from his childhood, but his advocacy appears to be ruffling some feathers.

On Tuesday (April 22), Ferg tweeted a message directly at West after he confessed disturbing claims about giving his male cousin oral sex into his teenage years while promoting his new song “Cousin.”

In addition to giving West a pat on the back for speaking his alleged truth, he appeared to make an attempt to rationalize the bizarre behavior the “CARNIVAL” hitmaker has been exhibiting for months.

“Good for @kanyewest now you can be whole,” Ferg wrote in part. “When people start to act out you never know the root of the issue ! Sending love brother your a goat.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwaJ73PUI_/

Last year, FERG released his album Darold and came to terms with the sexual abuse he faced as a child on the track “Pool” which captures the Harlem native recounting how an elder family friend groped him. While it appears as though West has yet to respond to Ferg’s message, multiple users on Twitter added their two cents in the thread of replies attached to the original tweet. The reactions range from supportive remarks to angry and insensitive insults.

One user wrote, “He’s not gonna suck you bro,” seemingly trolling Ferg’s message by referencing the snippet West released. Piggybacking on the previous tweet, an additional user wrote, “N#### congratulated Kanye for admitting to gargle on d####. What is life.”

Another user countered, adding, “Don’t listen to these people ferg you did something powerful…Compassion.”

Another individual directly called out Ferg’s theory that about why West began to “act out” by completely rejecting the idea that he has mental health issues.

“Act out?” the user questioned rhetorically. “Why everyone play him like he’s crazy? Y’all in the industry watch all the f### s### going on and don’t say anything or call anybody out.”

https://twitter.com/Giftaveli/status/1914459669113807208

Ferg wasn’t the only New York rapper to react to West’s controversial snippet featuring the mission. After trolling Joe Budden during the New York Knicks playoff game on April 21, 50 Cent seemingly slighted West in a caption of an Instagram post he shared.

“F### today man the Knicks lost, the pope died, and Kanye told us he sucked his cousin’s d!ck for 8 years,” 50 Cent wrote. “I’m going to bed early tomorrow gotta be a better day. @bransoncognac.”

Revisit the bombshell claims West made in the post below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIt1Mu3RWhx/?img_index=1

EXCLUSIVE: Big U Says “Orange Man” President Trump Could Get RICO Charges Dropped

Eugene “Big U” Henley apparently believes his ties to President Donald Trump could be the key to walking free as he sits in jail awaiting trial on sweeping RICO charges in Los Angeles.

In March, the feds hit Big U with a RICO case as the alleged leader of the “Big U Enterprise” and he has pleaded not guilty to a wide-ranging federal indictment accusing him of running a violent criminal organization tied to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips.

Prosecutors say the group operated like the mafia, using threats, extortion and murder to maintain control. Federal authorities are pushing to keep Big U behind bars, arguing he poses a serious threat to the public and witnesses.

Big U, however, supposedly claims he has influence in high places—specifically, with President Donald Trump.

According to federal prosecutors, the alleged gang boss has “suggested that he can manipulate the President of the United States into intervening in the case and dropping the charges, even as he simultaneously derisively refers to the President as ‘the orange man’ while in custody” said U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli.

The indictment paints Big U as the mastermind of a sprawling criminal operation that used his street credibility and Hip-Hop connections to extort celebrities, athletes and businesses.

Prosecutors allege he murdered aspiring rapper Rayshawn Williams in 2021 over a diss track and lack of studio output. They also accuse him of sending armed men to rob a dispensary after the owner refused to pay protection money.

Big U is also charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and embezzlement.

Authorities say he misused public funds from his anti-gang nonprofit, Developing Options and lied on COVID-19 relief loan applications for his music label Uneek Music The indictment includes 15 counts of wire fraud, five counts of embezzlement, and additional charges tied to interstate prostitution and Hobbs Act robbery.

Prosecutors say Henley has already tampered with evidence, threatened witnesses and tried to spin a false narrative about his role in the alleged crimes.

“Even in his short time in custody, he is up to his old tricks, once again trying to use some of those same celebrities for his personal gain,” Essayli said. “With everything to lose, including the immense goodwill he fraudulently procured from the community and his city, [Big U] still told anyone who dared to ask that he was a killer. And he proved that he was.”

Big U, who surrendered in March 2025 after initially being a fugitive, faces life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors have labeled Big U a danger to the community he once served and fear he will flee if the case does not “go his way.” They want him permanently detained before trial.

His co-defendants, Sylvester “Vey” Robinson and Mark “Bear Claw” Martin, face up to 20 years. A judge has not yet ruled whether Big U will remain in custody before trial.