Clipse continued their masterful rollout of their long-awaited album Let God Sort Em Out, with an epic performance on NPR’s “Tiny Desk.” Released on Friday, July 11, to coincide with the release of the album, No Malice and Pusha T proved why they are among the greatest rap duos of all time. With vivid storytelling and hard-hitting production, their 16-year hiatus proved just how much they contributed to the culture and how much they were missed. The two performed songs from their new album, Let God Sort Em Out, for the first time, and left the audience wanting more. But the performance went to another level when they concluded with their classic “Grindin.” Bobby Carter, producer of ‘Tiny Desk,” shared the dynamic duo’s creative vision for the performance. “At first, I didn’t know exactly what they were looking for, in terms of sonics, but it clicked when I was told what they didn’t want: no jazzy renditions of their music. They meant no disrespect to jazz at all, and if you follow the duo’s music, it boils down to hard drums and even harder synths,” Carter explained.  “Hybrid drummer Daru Jones, who played on last year’s Tiny Desk for the LOX, was the first choice because of his unique ability to mix traditional and electronic drum sounds,” he continued. Produced solely by Pharrell Williams,  Let God Sort Em Out has already garnered rave reviews. The project features appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Stove God, Tyler, the Creator,  Check out the setlist below: “Virginia” “Keys Open Doors” “Momma I’m So Sorry” “Chains & Whips” “Birds Don’t Sing” “Grindin”

The late and legendary Fatman Scoop is still receiving his well-deserved flowers. The Freeman Family, NYC Council Member Dr. Yusef Salaam, and the Forever Fatman Scoop Foundation have announced the official street co-naming ceremony honoring Grammy Award-winning artist and Harlem native, Isaac “Fatman Scoop” Freeman III. The intersection of 109th Street and 5th Avenue will be officially co-named “Isaac ‘Fatman Scoop’ Freeman III Place.” The ceremony takes place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fatman Scoop (@fatmanscoop) This ceremonial renaming recognizes Freeman’s decades-long impact on music, entertainment, and community empowerment. Known for his unmistakable voice, high-energy performances, and cultural relevance, Fatman Scoop is not only a global entertainer but also a proud son of Harlem whose roots remain deeply planted in the neighborhood. Kendell “Sav” Freeman, Scoop’s brother, expressed his gratitude for the prestigious honor. “Scoop has always represented Harlem with pride,” Freeman said. “This co-naming is a tribute not just to his artistry, but to his ongoing commitment to uplifting the community that raised him.” The ceremony will “bring together friends, family, local leaders, and community members in a celebration of legacy, culture, and Harlem pride.’ Born and raised in Harlem, Fatman Scoop was known for his booming, raw vocal presence and high-energy performances and rose to prominence with his 1999 single “Be Faithful” (featuring the Crooklyn Clan). An instant club classic, the song became a number one hit in the UK and Ireland in 2003, and also charted in Denmark and Australia. Throughout his career, he collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest artists, including Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.   Scoop passed away on August 31, 2024, at the age of 56.

Nicki Minaj has been vocal about her issues with the Recording Academy for years, but mostly recently she revealed why she declined the organization’s invitation for membership. During a Stationhead live, the “Barbie Dreams” rapper told her followers while she thought it was a “kind gesture,” her “integrity wouldn’t allow her to accept it.” Nicki claims the invitation came around the release of Pink Friday 2. In her opinion, the decision “made absolutely no sense.” She added, “I thought it was kind of them to try. Why would I be sitting on the board if I don’t have a Grammy?” Nicki Minaj reveals the Grammys Recording Academy asked her if she’d like a spot on their board but she politely declined. “ I appreciated it, I thought that was a very very kind gesture but my integrity couldn’t allow me to accept it” pic.twitter.com/2Xj462mqV6 — She’s Fishy ➐ (@ShesFishy) July 11, 2025 In other news, Nicki Minaj recently set social media ablaze after airing grievances against Jay-Z and Megan Thee Stallion. Her posts drew immediate attention, with the rapper accusing Jay-Z of owing her $200 million while also criticizing Megan’s legal issues and suggesting Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez was part of a larger industry problem. In a pointed reference to Cardi B’s underwhelming single “Outside,” Minaj’s commentary seemed both strategic and personal, fueling a new wave of speculation across fan circles. Amid the digital uproar, Minaj turned to X (formerly Twitter) to ask her fans where she should take her livestream content next: Twitch or Kick? That question quickly reached Adin Ross, a leading creator on Kick, who jumped into the conversation with a direct—and business-minded—offer. He warned that Twitch’s strict guidelines might limit Minaj’s ability to speak freely, especially on hot-button topics involving Jay-Z or Megan. Kick, on the other hand, would welcome her voice without restrictions. To make the proposition even more enticing, Ross offered Minaj equity in the platform—signaling just how serious he is about bringing her into the fold. Known for his ties to Drake and Stake, Ross has carved out a space in the streaming world that aligns closely with unfiltered entertainment and hip-hop culture. 

Essence Festival 2025 returned to Louisiana with star power and cultural pride, but this year’s edition revealed growing pains beneath the surface. The Essence Festival is an annual event that celebrates the beauty and richness of Black culture during the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans, often referred to as “the Big Easy.” This year, Hot 97’s Bryson “Boom” Paul provided coverage of the event, which is commonly known as “Your Auntie’s Festival.” Boyz II Men, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Jill Scott, and Babyface headlined a stacked lineup, with Maxwell’s soulful midnight set earning widespread acclaim. The Isley Brothers and Buju Banton added legacy and energy, electrifying the Superdome crowd. DAY 1 Day 1 began with dysfunction in production; however, festivalgoers received a warm welcome from brands, pop-ups, and activations across the festival showroom at the Convention Center. The long lines displayed excitement, positivity, and appreciation. Celebrities submerged themselves in the festival and spent the day partying with fans. New Orleans would treat travelers like family, while locals showcased their pride through cultural attractions. On the grounds and social media, many expressed their enjoyable experience at the recommended eateries. The evening concert experienced delays, which led to concertgoers choosing to stay at the Caesar’s Superdome until 4 AM. The continuous technical difficulties made the show uneasy. While the legends delivered satisfactory performance, the out-of-our-control issues made the experience forgettable, as fans didn’t desire an encore. DAY 2 Day 2 was perfect from beginning to end. Fans called it “soul-nourishing,” praising the daytime lineup’s depth and energy. But by nightfall, enthusiasm gave way to complaints about poor scheduling, backstage confusion, and weak promotion. Social media reactions ranged from disappointment to calls for refunds. Still, solo festivalgoers enjoyed the lively atmosphere and activations, salvaging an otherwise uneven experience. DAY 3 The afternoon highlights included a raw, candid discussion with reality stars Shamea Morton, Yandy Smith-Harris, and Quad Webb, praised for its honesty. Food critic Keith Lee closed out the festival as one of the biggest draws in the fandom. Technical difficulties returned but were overshadowed by the unforgettable surprises. LL Cool J stole the show with his surprising set that proved his iconic stature. Bringing back a nostalgic atmosphere, the evening featured heartfelt performances by Babyface, Yolanda Adams, and Boyz II Men. Master P’s farewell delivered the signature New Orleans bounce that had been missing all weekend. Despite lingering delays and lackluster VIP perks, Day 3 ended on a high. OVERVIEW Despite standout performances, the overall atmosphere felt subdued. Fans and vendors noted smaller crowds, lower energy, and logistical hiccups. Lauryn Hill’s set, announced late and delayed until 2:30 a.m., unfolded to a sparse audience. Organizers took responsibility and praised her professionalism, while fans responded with mixed reactions. Economic factors also shaped the weekend. Travel costs and the July 4th holiday led to a drop in hotel occupancy and vendor pullouts. Still, curated spaces like BeautyCon, Suede Men’s Lounge, and the Food & Wine series offered memorable moments, blending style, wellness, and culture. Organizers defended attendance numbers, cited over $300 million in local impact, and promised improvements in scheduling transparency. Though not without flaws, the 2025 edition affirmed Essence’s enduring role as a celebration of Black music and identity. The festival continues to evolve, even as it holds tightly to its cultural roots.

Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell announce their engagement. Mitchell shared the news via Instagram. “Yaaaaaayy!! So happy for you guys!” commented Ciara. WNBA star, Angel Reese said, “stopppp CONGRATS SIS!” in celebration of the announcement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) Coco previously confirmed their relationship during an interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay in March 2025. When asked about their relationship, Jones expressed, “I love the internet because they definitely clocked my tea. Little spies everywhere. I’m happy and I will say, my music is my outlet where I tell my stories and my truth. Some things I keep for myself because this is my life, too. I say some things and you can hear it on my album.” She continued, “secrecy is not what I prefer. I don’t want to feel like I have to be somebody secret. I don’t want to make anybody feel like they’re mine. For me, I’m trying to protect myself, and I’m trying to protect my family and those I love, so I am more private.” Congratulations to the lovely couple.

After almost two decades, Pusha T and his brother and rap partner-in-crime, Malice, have returned to music with Let God Sort Em Out. During a recent sit-down with Complex to discuss their new album, Pusha T addressed Kanye West’s desires to rekindle their friendship. “I don’t care about that at all. It’s fine,” Pusha tells the outlet. “I would miss me, too. I really would.” Back in May, West expressed feelings of regret regarding his estrangement with Pusha T via X(formerly Twitter), writing, “I miss me and Pusha’s friendship.” “I’m not in a position to where I can even risk and gamble with the wishy-washiness,” Pusha T says NEW YORK – JULY 30: Rapper Kanye West (C) performs with rappers Malice (L) and Pusha T (R) of Clipse on stage during the Diesel U Music 2009 NYC Tour at Webster Hall on July 30, 2009, in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for Diesel USA) For a long time, the rapper defended West fiercely against criticism. However, today, things have changed. In Pusha T’s opinion, he’s “not in a position” to “risk and gamble with the wishy-washiness or the lack of loyalty.” He continued, “I don’t play like that. Why would I ever dive back into that type of scenario? I’m with my brother and Pharrell, come on. I don’t even understand that lack of principles just amongst people you call your brother. I don’t get that. That’s not for me.” The 48-year-old rapper claims that cracks in his relationship with West began to show during the recording process for Donda. He says, “…A lot of people who are not that good, and they’re just around, and they’re around for no reason. These are the backbiters and the people who have hidden agendas.” Pusha believes that Kanye was surrounding himself with “chaos” and that it “just wasn’t for him.” He added, “On top of that, I mean, listen, just in how he tends to connect with a lot of people that I don’t connect with. I don’t understand that. That’s just not my name. He does it a lot, and it’s cool, but you got to just stay over there with that. I’m going to stay over here with this.”

Justin Bieber returns to music with his seventh studio album, SWAG, with guest appearances ranging from Sexxy Red and Gunna to Druski and Marvin Winans. Similarly, with 2014’s Journals, throughout the 21-track album, the Canadian pop singer once again ventures into R&B, paired with smooth vocals and soulful melodies. With SWAG, Justin Bieber pulls back the curtain, showcasing his vulnerabilities as he juggles fame, family, and fatherhood. Released on Friday (July 11), the project comes somewhat as a surprise, given that Bieber never did an official rollout. However, recently, billboards featuring the album’s cover appeared around Los Angeles. Despite only releasing the project today, the singer’s track, “Daisies,” is currently sitting at 1,000,000 million views on YouTube. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Bieber (@lilbieber) The singer’s last project, Justice, was released on March 21. It features appearances from Khalid, Chance the Rapper, Daniel Caesar, Giveon, and Burna Boy. Upon release, Justice debuted atop the Billboard 200 charts. The album was supported by six singles, including “Peaches,” giving the singer his seventh No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Bursting on the scene in the early 2010s, Justin Bieber’s impact on pop music is unmatched. Discovered by both Scooter Braun and Usher, his debut EP, My World (2009), established him as a teen idol. Bieber is one of the most successful pop acts of all time, with over 150 million albums sold globally and five certified diamond certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Check out the complete tracklist below: ALL I CAN TAKE DAISIES YUKON GO BABY THINGS YOU DO BUTTERFLIES WAY IT IS FIRST PLACE SOULFUL (featuring Druski) WALKING AWAY GLORY VOICE MEMO DEVOTION (featuring Dijon) DADZ LOVE (featuring Lil B) THERAPY SESSION SWEET SPOT (featuring Sexxy Red) STANDING ON BUSINESS (featuring Druski) 405 SWAG (featuring Cash Cobain & Eddie Benjamin) ZUMA HOUSE TOO LONG FORGIVENESS (performed by Marvin Winans)

Katt Williams recently addressed being compared to Kendrick Lamar. During an appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM In Brooklyn podcast, the legendary comedian shares his thoughts on the similarities with the iconic MC. “That’s why I said I’m not somebody you want to have beef with. It’s bad optics. I’m on the righteous side, and if I make a mistake, work with me. But other than that, you have no reason to be, because we all are just understanding what Kendrick has to be to even be doing the show there,” Williams said, referring to Lamar’s concerts in Drake’s hometown of Toronto. “We’re not talking about Drake doing his show in LA. We are not talking about him in the Bay. We’re not talking about that. But we are talking about Kendrick going there and doing his body of work. That’s what it means to stand on them 10. It means standing on that business. I said what I said over here, and I’ll be saying it over there as well,” he continued.  “And that’s what’s so critical about me, trying to make sure that I say it as viciously as I mean to say it, to say it as accurately as I can say it. This is part of keeping that energy, so you’ve got to respect it.” During Lamar’s hugely successful “Grand National Tour” with SZA, Lamar performed multiple nights at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. His performance of “Not Like Us” caused the fans in the arena to chant for an encore.

Jermaine Dupri will go down in history in one of the biggest spends in the history of Atlanta strip club Magic City. Appearing on the latest episode of Joe and Jada, the So So Def founder was promoting his five-part Starz docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy. Dupri also revealed how much cash he was spending each week. He even named his favorite Magic City dancer, Whyte Chocolate.  “I used to throw the money up to the ceiling and let it shower the girls,” Dupri said at the time. “So, what other people are doing now, I used to do it specifically just to hit the ceiling because then the money would just splatter everywhere.” “I threw up a thousand dollars; the ceiling would make it fly all over the room. The money would stick to the ceiling, and the girls would stand with their feet on the couch and get their money back. I started that,” Dupri added. Last month at the American Black Film Festival, which was held in Atlanta, Dupri released the trailer of the highly anticipated docuseries. According to the synopsis of the docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy is a five-part docuseries “that delves into the storied history of Magic City, a legendary strip club in Atlanta, and its immense influence on hip-hop culture, sports, and Black culture over nearly 40 years.” 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi share their firsthand accounts of Magic City in the series. “Magic City: An American Fantasy is a riveting behind-the-curtain look at one of the most unique places in Black culture,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz said in a statement. “The docuseries’ unprecedented insider access and history unveiled from those who built its empire is a perfect complement to Starz’s slate of adult, culture-driving shows.”

Pusha T is speaking his truth about why he and Kanye West don’t see eye-to-eye anymore. During an interview with Ebro Darden for Apple Music, he spoke about how their once-close relationship deteriorated.  “I feel like me and Ye, we don’t gel,” Pusha told  Darden at around the 45-minute mark. “Where I am right now in my life, I’m not with anybody who ain’t on my team — especially when I’ve been on your team.” Pusha also shared that West would collaborate with artists he saw as enemies, which accelerated the end of their partnership.  “He champions and stands next to anybody and everybody who don’t f**k with me,” Pusha explained.“And I don’t get that. I don’t understand that.” He also was not feeling how West spoke about the music they both created. “Why would you ever say anything negative about the music we created when you know it slaps?” the former GOOD Music president said. This continues Pusha T’s current trend of speaking candidly about West. In a previous interview with GQ, he said he lost respect for Ye as an artist and as a man. “We made some great sh*t, bro,” Pusha said. “He’s a genius. But that’s why me and him don’t get along, because he sees through my fakeness with him. He knows I don’t think he’s a man. He’s shown me the weakest sides of him, and he knows how I think of weak people.” On July 11, Clipse will release their highly anticipated sophomore project, Let God Sort Em Out. So far, the dynamic duo had released “Ace of Trumpets” and “So Be It” to critical acclaim.