Ja Morant is taking his talents to Oregon. The Memphis Grizzlies are sending Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. In the last two seasons, the Grizzlies have now traded all three of their former franchise cornerstones, Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Just a few years ago, the Grizzlies were hailed as one of the most talented young teams. After trading Morant,  the Grizzlies have made a full reset. MORANT SPENT HIS FIRT SEVEN SEASONS IN MEMPHIS Morant’s seven-season tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies was thrilling, capped by a stark and abrupt ending. Selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant single-handedly revived the franchise’s identity post-“Grit and Grind.” He won Rookie of the Year in 2020, was a two-time All-Star, and Most Improved Player in 2022.   BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/FJOTzGe5Tr — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026 At his peak, his gravity-defying dunks and elite playmaking transformed Memphis into an elite Western Conference powerhouse. The team enjoyed a 56-win season and a trip to the conference semifinals. However,  his off-court issues derailed his potential. He was suspended by the league for gun-related conduct, sidelining him for significant stretches alongside a season-ending elbow injury in early 2026. Over his last three seasons in Memphis, Morant was limited to just 79 games. According to The Athletic, Morant had been declining on the court as injuries had taken their toll.  This past season, he averaged 19.5 points per game, “his third-lowest scoring average since his first two seasons as a pro.” Also, “he shot 41 percent from the field, the lowest of his career, and 23.5 percent from the 3-point line. Earlier this season, when the Grizzlies were in London for two regular-season games, Morant said he wanted to stay with the team. If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy,” he said. “I got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.”

Tay-K has reentered public discussion after releasing new music from prison. Meanwhile, his legal team presses forward with a renewed effort to challenge his murder conviction. The case traces back to a 2017 San Antonio shooting that left photographer Mark Saldivar dead. This incident ultimately led to the lengthy sentence he is now serving. Recent court filings reported by Complex outline a request from his attorneys to briefly slow portions of the appellate process. Specifically, they seek more clarity from the trial court. At the center of the dispute is a search warrant involving an iPhone recovered from a vehicle tied to the investigation. The defense has long argued that the evidence should have been excluded due to a lack of probable cause. However, the original trial court rejected their motion. Now, his legal team is asking an appellate court to require more detailed written reasoning from the lower court. Specifically, they request “findings of fact and conclusions of law.” They argue that without a fuller explanation of how the ruling was reached, the appeal cannot properly address the suppression issues now under review. Defense seeks findings, brief extension possible “The need for detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law is essential to this case,” the motion states. “Although the trial court made some off hand comments about the existence of probable cause, Counsel respectfully submits these remarks are insufficient for full and fair appellate review of [Tay-K’s] suppression claims. Without concise, written findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is impossible to adequately brief the suppression issues raised by this appeal.” The filing also emphasizes that the request is not intended to disrupt a July 1 briefing deadline. Rather, it seeks to allow limited adjustment around unresolved legal questions. If denied, the defense has proposed a short two-week extension to complete its submission. The appeal follows Tay-K’s 80-year sentence in the same case. In that trial, questions were also raised about the credibility of a key witness. He is separately serving a 55-year sentence for a 2016 home invasion in which Ethan Walker was killed. He was arrested on June 30, 2017—the day his breakout track “The Race” was released. He is currently scheduled for parole eligibility in 2049.

The Buffalo Bills are slated to open their new stadium later this year, however franchise legend O.J Simpson will not be included in the celebration. Simpson, who spent nine years (1969 to 1977) with the Bills, will not be included on any new displays in or outside the stadium. “We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and family circle.” said Pete Guelli, chief operating officer for the Bills, in a statement on Saturday. Rather than duplicate their Wall of Fame, the Bills plan to honor their past by having their greats featured in a display in a large gathering area, called the “Family Circle,” in front of their new stadium. A stadium built for Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/vvJRdjTXwJ — Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 23, 2026 While Simpson was a superstar player, setting several NFL records, his legacy was overshadowed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. Though acquitted of murder, Simpson was later found liable for the deaths in a separate civil case.  He was ordered to pay $33.5 million to family members of Brown and Goldman, per AP News. Later, Simpson served nine years in prison after being convicted on unrelated charges. The Bills’ decision to exclude Simpson from the Family Circle underscores how his history-making NFL career and infamous criminal case remain inseperable. The Bills, under late-owner Ralph Wilson, had long ago distanced themselves from Simpson as a result of the murder charges Simpson was 76 when he died of prostate cancer in April 2024. During the time of his death, neither the Bills nor his alma mater, USC, publicly acknowledged his passing.

Jay-Z’s 2026 has begun to take shape less like a traditional touring cycle and more like a rolling reflection on his own catalog. This has unfolded across stadium dates, public installations, and anniversary events in New York. On Thursday, June 25, he appeared at the Brooklyn stop of an Apple Music and Roc Nation pop-up marking 30 years since Reasonable Doubt. He was accompanied by his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Photos captured them together in front of the Roc hand sign. Meanwhile, figures like Dave East and more circulated through the space. The mood inside the installation leaned relaxed. Visitors moved between exhibits that trace the album’s early legacy. Alongside the displays, limited merchandise and city-backed collaborations have turned the anniversary into a wider New York moment. This is rather than a single event. That sense of looking back does not stop at his debut album. Jay-Z is also preparing to mark 25 years of The Blueprint, a record that shifted his artistic trajectory and, for many listeners, broadened his reach. Plans around that milestone are expected to follow a similar format. There will be curated experiences and public-facing installations extending the celebration across the city. Taken together, the two anniversaries have effectively structured 2026 around memory, legacy, and performance. View this post on Instagram Jay-Z’s Stadium Trilogy Expands Globally In July, that framing moves into stadiums. Jay-Z is scheduled to perform at Yankee Stadium on the 10th, 11th, and 12th, with each night shaped around a different chapter of his work. The first is expected to center on Reasonable Doubt. The second will focus on The Blueprint. For the final show, he will weave the two together with space for improvisation. While setlists have not been formally detailed, the structure suggests a focus on revisiting material. This material will be presented in ways that feel less archival and more interpretive. Later in the year, he is slated to perform in Paris on September 10 and Los Angeles on October 23. This extends the anniversary framework beyond the United States. Between those commitments, he has also been spending time with Blue Ivy. This includes a recent family trip that briefly separated him from the demands of the rollout. Even with the calendar filling quickly, the year so far has carried a steady balance between public commemoration and private life. Both unfold in parallel.

On Thursday (June 25), journalist and author Sowmya Krishnamurthy took advantage of hip-hop’s celebration for JAŸ-Z’s 30th anniversary debut album, Reasonable Doubt, by previewing a page from her upcoming book about Roc-A-Fella Records, The Blueprint. “To celebrate Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt, here’s a sneak peek from my new book, The Blueprint [diamond emoji],” Krishnamurthy tweets in celebration of JAŸ-Z’s legacy. To celebrate Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt, here’s a sneak peek from my new book THE BLUEPRINT https://t.co/NuPX2lldbz pic.twitter.com/o98JaAJxBb — Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) June 25, 2026 Leading up to the anticipate Yankee Stadium concerts in July, JAŸ-Z and Roc Nation unveiled multiple commemorative pop-ups throughout New York City. The activations support the classic 1996 album that includes memorable songs such as “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” “Ain’t No N***a,” and “Dead Presidents II.” Krishnamurthy’s The Blueprint retraces the steps that took Roc-A-Fella Records — founded by JAŸ-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke — from an unknown independent to one of the most influential brands in hip-hop. Titled, “Reasonable Doubt,” the chapter 8 excerpt opens Jay’s reflection on the album that began his legendary career. The debut album that redefined East Coast Hip-hop was originally meant to be Jay’s last album. “When I made my first album, it was my intention to make it my last,” said Hov. Early in the chapter, Krishnamurthy recreates the signature atmosphere Hov and Roc-A-Fella created in the “Dead Presidents” music video, where Jay, BIggie Smalls., Dame, Biggs, AZ, Lil’ Cease, Smoothe da Hustler and Ty Ty gathered around a Monopoly board stacked with real cash and bottles of Cristal. It inspired a generation as it became one of 90s hip-hop’s most memorable moments. Author Sowmya Krishnamurthy Previews The New Roc-A-Fella Book In Celebration Of JAŸ-Z’s Legacy “Aight now, fittin’ that we’re all playing games here, being that we’re all players, you know? Monopoly is the perfect game for us,” Jay-Z says before shaking the dice in “Dead President II” and asking, “Where we at?” Krishnamurthy spoke to rap legend AZ about the game and it’s authenticity. “It was like a Brooklyn thing,” he recalled. “Everybody wanted to play Monopoly with real money, so we just brought it to life, man.” The page focuses on “Dead Presidents II,” with the author talking to the song’s producer, Ski Beatz, about the song’s samples. Most fans know the classic track has a sample from Nas, but also hall-of-fame rap group A Tribe Called Quest and legendary pianist Lonnie Liston Smith. Krishnamurthy teases the untold story behind how Ski Beatz originally left the Nas sample on the track, which Jay agreed to. The Blueprint will be released by publisher Simon & Schuster on November 30. The upcoming book marks Krishnamurthy’s second release with the publisher, following her debut book, Fashion Killa, which is a Ptichfork’s Best Music Book of 2024. Krishnamurthy’s upcoming book promises an in-depth chronicle of JAŸ-Z from Brooklyn hustler to one of hip-hop’s most influential moguls. She announced The Blueprint last March, describing it in a tweet as: “Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records are a testament to the American Dream. This is the story of ambition, innovation, and the cost of success.” The legacy of Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt: Authenticity, independence, and the rise of the hip-hop hustler https://t.co/RaDWaDwbSz#hiphop #rap #jayz pic.twitter.com/OOW7Wp0yD3 — Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) June 26, 2026 Chapter 8 is fans’s first glimpse inside the book. Krishnamurthy has been regularly promoting The Blueprint on her YouTube channel alongside relatable content. Pre-orders are available now, here. JAŸ-Z’s upcoming Yankee Stadium concerts will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt on Friday, July 10, 25th anniversary of Blueprint on Saturday, July 11. A third show, known as the “extra innings” will be on Sunday, July 12. An 8-part Jay-Z interview with legendary hip-hop producer Rick Rubin was announced on Thursday, set to premiere on HBO this Fall.

Federal prosecutors have stepped back into court with a new filing aimed at keeping Pooh Shiesty in custody as his federal case continues to move toward trial. The submission is dated Wednesday, June 24. It comes as the rapper—alongside his father, Lontrell Williams Sr.; fellow Memphis artist Big30; and several co-defendants—faces allegations tied to robbery and kidnapping connected to Gucci Mane. The government’s position remains unchanged. Shiesty should not be released while proceedings are still unfolding. A central piece of the latest filing is a letter submitted to the court by an individual identified as “C.W.,” described as a retired law enforcement officer and one of the people prosecutors consider a victim in the case. In his statement, C.W. asks the judge to deny bond. He points to fears about personal safety and the possibility of retaliation if Shiesty were released. Prosecutors included the letter as supporting material for their argument against pretrial release. Victim cites safety fears; prosecutors cite supervision breach C.W. writes that his prior work in law enforcement heightens those concerns. This is particularly true given his belief that Shiesty is aware of his background. “Out of all the victims involved in this case, I am the only one who lives in Texas, and I am extremely fearful of [Pooh Shiesty’s] ability to reach me or my family if he is granted bond,” the letter states. He also describes what he views as a broader risk tied to the circumstances of the case. In addition, he mentions the defendant’s alleged conduct while under supervision. Beyond the letter, prosecutors also reiterated claims that the alleged offenses occurred while Shiesty was already under government monitoring. They further argue that the conditions described in court filings justify continued detention as the case progresses. The trial is currently scheduled for February 2027. Additional filings, evidence, and testimony are expected to surface in the months ahead as both sides prepare their arguments.

Pooh Shiesty remains in custody as he continues to pursue bail in a federal case that prosecutors say involves an alleged kidnapping and robbery tied to Gucci Mane. A recent filing reported by Complex outlines the government’s push to keep him detained ahead of trial. It also revisits claims tied to a Dallas recording studio earlier this year. Prosecutors say the record now includes disputed footage involving both artists. In addition, it includes a contract they allege was central to the confrontation. Shiesty is charged alongside his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., Memphis rapper Big30, and several additional co-defendants. At the center of the dispute is a contract prosecutors describe as heavily one-sided. They allege it was designed to alter Shiesty’s relationship with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records. They argue the document would have allowed him to exit the label immediately. It also would have erased existing obligations and claimed ownership over masters and intellectual property rights. Gucci Mane, according to the filings, objected most strongly to those terms. Gucci Mane Allegedly Forced to Sign Deal The filing further claims the agreement shifted key approval power over Atlantic Records dealings into Shiesty’s “sole discretion,” giving him control over outside negotiations. Prosecutors allege the document was prepared shortly before the incident. Furthermore, they say Gucci Mane was pressured to sign it during the encounter at gunpoint. They also say Shiesty directed Big30 to record parts of the episode. This adds another layer to the government’s account. Screenshots included in the filing reportedly show a firearm present while individuals stand near Gucci Mane, whose legal name, Radric Davis, appears partially obscured in court exhibits. Aside from Gucci Mane’s track “Crash Dummy” and limited public commentary from Shiesty, neither side has directly addressed the latest allegations in detail. With trial proceedings scheduled for February, the case is expected to expand. This is as additional evidence is reviewed in court.

Drake has long treated album rollouts as creative events of their own. ICEMAN continues that pattern. After “Janice STFU” climbed to No. 1, the rapper decided to lean into the song’s title with an unexpected real-world gesture aimed at people who actually share the name. Rather than letting the record speak for itself, he turned to Instagram with an invitation. This quickly became one of the weekend’s biggest talking points. On Thursday, June 25, Drake wrote, “All my Janice’s in [New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, and Houston]. Look out for my invitation for Sunday [three eyes emojis].” According to Now Toronto, one of those gatherings is expected to take place Sunday, June 28, at Toronto’s Cactus Club between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Entry is reportedly limited to guests whose government-issued identification lists Janice as their legal first name. Fans of Drake are eager to see if similar events have not yet been confirmed in the other cities mentioned. However, fans continue to speculate that additional celebrations could follow. For now, attention remains fixed on whether those plans ultimately materialize over the weekend. Drake is throwing a party exclusively for women whose legal name is ‘Janice’ Invitations are going out across New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Houston pic.twitter.com/wFzJGAA69T — Kurrco (@Kurrco) June 25, 2026 ICEMAN Keeps Dominating the Charts The promotion arrives as ICEMAN continues to post strong commercial numbers across streaming platforms and sales charts. Along with the success of “Janice STFU,” the project recently moved ahead of Don Toliver. Across the charts, Drake’s impact remains clear, as it is now the year’s highest-selling hip-hop album. Moments like the Janice-themed event have helped keep the conversation surrounding the album active well beyond release week. This reflects Drake’s familiar approach of pairing music with attention-grabbing ideas that extend the life of a project. Debate surrounding the identity of “Janice” has also continued online since the song’s release. Some listeners believe the nickname references executives at UMG. Others have suggested figures connected to Baby Keem, Joe Budden, or even Jay-Z based on lyrics throughout the record. None of those theories have been confirmed by Drake, leaving the subject open to interpretation. Whatever inspired the song, the Janices attending this weekend’s event appear to be getting an apology of sorts—and perhaps one of the year’s most unusual album rollout experiences.

A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb tour has settled into a strong commercial rhythm. Venues across the country are reporting consistent sellouts and enthusiastic turnouts. The run has effectively reaffirmed his standing as a live performer who still commands significant attention on a national scale. Rihanna has accompanied him for much of the tour. Her presence has added a quieter, family-centered dimension to what is otherwise a high-energy circuit. Even so, a brief moment from the stage has begun circulating far beyond the concerts themselves. It’s clear that Rocky continues to draw headlines inside and outside the music world. During one recent performance, Rocky made a remark to the crowd that quickly traveled across social media platforms. “thank god y’all didn’t know me when I was single, I would’ve fcked the sht out of you if you was pretty.” The comment was delivered in passing, but its tone prompted immediate discussion online, particularly given his relationship with Rihanna and their three children. Some fans treated it as typical stage improvisation. Others questioned its timing in light of his current family life. View this post on Instagram Online Reaction Threads Erupt Quickly Reaction threads, including those on The Neighborhood Talk, reflected that range of responses. “Call me what you want but if I’m married to a billionaire I just wouldn’t be playing with my bag the way he does with Rihanna.” Another commenter wrote, “She’s got all the kids she wanted. I’d tread lightly if I were him because she’s technically good now. If she doesn’t talk like this, neither should he. Seems like the men get overly confident at this point and start showing out. Saw the same thing with Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon.” As the main subject of the online debate, Rocky finds himself under constant social media scrutiny. The discussion widened quickly, as is often the case with viral clips. Neither Rocky nor Rihanna has addressed the moment publicly. There is no indication the exchange has affected the tour itself. For now, the shows continue to move forward with strong attendance and an engaged audience. The episode has largely become part of the broader online conversation surrounding the tour rather than a disruption to it. Onstage and off, Rocky remains firmly at the center of attention, maintaining his focus on performing night after night.

Pooh Shiesty remains in federal custody as he awaits trial in a case that prosecutors say stems from an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping involving Gucci Mane. The allegations trace back to an alleged dispute tied to a recording contract. In addition, the encounter prosecutors say involved Shiesty, his father, Big30, and several others who traveled to Dallas. Some co-defendants, including Big30 and his father, have since been released while awaiting trial. However, Shiesty remains detained without bond as the court considers the government’s most recent request to keep him incarcerated while proceedings continue. The filing includes surveillance stills that prosecutors say relate to the incident. In one image, Gucci Mane appears partially obscured, labeled with the initials “R.D.” referencing his legal name, Radric Davis. Other frames depict individuals prosecutors identify as members of Shiesty’s circle. Notably, one image, according to the filing, appears to show Gucci Mane being held at gunpoint. However, the full video evidence has not been released publicly. View this post on Instagram Prosecutors Press for Continued Detention as Court Weighs Risk and Ongoing Allegations Prosecutors have argued for continued detention, saying the risk extends beyond the case itself. In court filings cited by Fox 13 Memphis, they wrote, “no condition of release can protect the community or witnesses against Williams Jr. from the danger he poses.” They also outlined broader allegations tied to his conduct. As the case moves forward, the court will weigh the filings alongside defense arguments. Trial proceedings are expected to examine both the allegations and the evidence in full detail. For now, Shiesty remains in custody as the legal process continues. The outcome will depend on how the court interprets the record now being assembled. This record remains subject to change as additional hearings unfold. Furthermore, it is a case that continues to draw close attention as it moves through the federal system. No final resolution has yet been reached in court.