To celebrate the 4th of July, Drake has returned with some new music, and he has a lot to get off his chest. On “What I Miss”, Drake took some time to address his former friends who were disloyal to him and referenced Kendrick Lamar and his “Pop Out” concert, held in Los Angeles on Juneteenth 2024. After his infamous beef with Lamar has settled down, Drake may have reignited the feud with his new track.  “Last time I looked to my right, you n—s was standing beside me / How can some people I love hang around pussies who try me?” Many also speculated that the 6 God was taking aim at NBA stars LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan. “You switched on the guys and supported a hater / Let’s go / What’s a get back for niggas? It’s TBD / I look at this shit like a BTC, could be down this week, then I’m up next week,” Drake raps. “I’m back in your city tonight, walkin’ around with my head high / I saw bro at The Pop Out with them but been dick riding gang since ‘Headlines.’” The single debuted on Drake’s livestream “Iceman: Episode 1” that featured the “Nokia” rapper as he drove around his native Toronto in a truck emblazoned with a false telephone number and the website that read the-iceman.com Drake also performed “What Did I Miss?” live surrounded by firearms. During the stream, Drake also premiered a few unreleased tracks, causing social media to speculate if they will appear on a forthcoming album.

Judge Greg Mathis has weighed in on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial verdict, offering a candid and measured response to the hip-hop mogul’s conviction. Speaking from Mountain Gate Golf Course on Wednesday, Mathis shared his thoughts on the outcome and what should come next. His stance is clear: Diddy must face the same sentencing standards as any other defendant would under similar circumstances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judge Greg Mathis (@judgegregmathis) Combs, once one of music’s most untouchable figures, avoided conviction on the weightiest charges—racketeering and sex trafficking. Mathis said he never believed the federal racketeering charge fit the facts and described the sex trafficking counts as questionable. Yet, he expressed deep sympathy for Cassie Ventura and the other women who testified to enduring abuse at Diddy’s hands. The former television judge made it clear that accountability must follow. Diddy was found guilty on two counts tied to prostitution under the Mann Act, which involve transporting individuals for illegal sexual activity across state lines. Mathis urged Judge Arun Subramanian, who will oversee sentencing, to impose a term within the federal guidelines. As a first-time offender, Mathis said Combs should serve between 21 and 27 months. Anything less, in his view, would fall short of justice. Mathis acknowledged uncertainty about whether Diddy’s continued detention was necessary to protect society or the witnesses who took the stand. Still, he admitted concern that without meaningful consequences, the artist might repeat harmful patterns. He bluntly noted that unless Combs receives intervention or rehabilitation, “he’s going to do it again.” The former Detroit judge also addressed widespread criticism that federal prosecutors overreached with the racketeering charge. He agreed that the RICO case never seemed solid but pointed out that overcharging is a strategy often used by the government to force plea deals or secure convictions on lesser counts. Mathis explained that this approach, while controversial, reflects a long-standing federal playbook. Beyond the courtroom, Mathis spoke about speculation that Combs might seek a presidential pardon, possibly from Donald Trump if he wins reelection. He called the idea unlikely but not impossible, given the unpredictability of politics and celebrity influence. Mathis also offered a sharp critique of those in the entertainment world who waited until after the verdict to voice their views. In his eyes, silence during the trial spoke volumes about loyalty and fear in the industry. As Combs awaits sentencing at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, Mathis’ words serve as a reminder that even icons must answer to the law. The path forward will reveal whether justice, accountability, and rehabilitation can coexist in a case that has gripped both hip-hop and the nation.

Usher has canceled his planned Past Present Future Tour dates in Australia, leaving fans in Melbourne and Sydney disappointed. Live Nation confirmed this week that all scheduled shows for November and December will no longer take place. The decision ends what would have been Usher’s first tour of Australia in several years and was set to include multiple arena performances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Usher (@usher) In a statement through Ticketek, Live Nation expressed regret. “The promoter of Usher’s Australian tour regrets to advise that the scheduled shows to take place in November/December will no longer be proceeding,” the message read. The announcement came as a shock to fans who had secured tickets hoping to see the eight-time Grammy winner perform hits spanning his career, from Confessions staples to recent tracks. Ticketek confirmed that refunds are already being processed. All purchases, including those with optional refund insurance, will be automatically refunded to the original payment method. Customers do not need to take action, although refunds could take up to 30 business days depending on the payment provider. Neither Usher nor Live Nation has provided a reason for the cancellation. The lack of explanation has fueled speculation among fans, who had been eager for the singer’s return. The Australian leg was part of Usher’s broader international tour following his acclaimed Las Vegas residency and his Super Bowl halftime show. The Past Present Future Tour was designed to celebrate his legacy while showcasing new material. As of now, there are no details about rescheduled dates or alternative plans for Australia. Fans remain hopeful Usher will eventually return.

T.I. and Tiny Harris are once again under scrutiny following renewed accusations from longtime critic Sabrina Peterson. This week, Peterson took to Instagram, leveling fresh claims against the couple and their son, King Harris. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Jasmine Brand (@the.jasmine.brand) The allegations—centered on sex trafficking, coercion, and exploitation—surfaced after Tiny publicly reacted to the Diddy verdict with, “ppl wnna charge u so bad for being freaky is nasty work.” Peterson reposted Tiny’s comment, warning, “Lying on me was the BEGINNING OF YOUR END.” Peterson escalated, alleging the couple engaged in trafficking and forced drug use. She claimed to have “sex trafficking receipts” she plans to release on July 19, her birthday. In her posts, Peterson accused the Harrises of taunting survivors while asserting, “The FEDS ALREADY HAVE THIS! I think the FANS NEED IT.” She also shared alleged text exchanges between King Harris and a young woman described as trafficked. Peterson claimed the girl’s family contacted her legal team, fearing their child was caught in a network “led by the HARRIS FAMILY.” She further accused T.I. of degrading Tiny, alleging he forced her into humiliating acts to secure marriage. These accusations echo Peterson’s 2021 claims, which began with her allegation that T.I. threatened her with a gun. That sparked broader claims from over 15 alleged victims of drugging and assault. T.I. and Tiny have repeatedly denied all accusations, calling them malicious fabrications. A defamation suit Peterson filed against the couple was largely dismissed in March, with the court ordering her to pay nearly $97,000 in legal fees. Los Angeles authorities reviewed the case in 2021 but declined prosecution due to the statute of limitations. T.I. is pursuing a countersuit, accusing Peterson of spreading damaging lies after their friendship collapsed.

Dana Tran, the mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ youngest daughter, made a swift exit from New York following the music mogul’s verdict on Wednesday. Sources close to the family revealed that Tran boarded a flight to Los Angeles shortly after jurors delivered their decision. The reason for her sudden departure was personal and urgent: their two-year-old daughter, Love Combs, had fallen ill with a severe cold. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheCityCeleb (@thecitycelebs) Tran had traveled to New York to support Diddy during his high-profile legal battle. However, upon learning of her child’s condition, she wasted no time returning to care for her. Diddy’s legal saga reached a dramatic turning point that same day. A federal jury acquitted him of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. These allegations, which carried the possibility of life in prison, had loomed over the Bad Boy Records founder for months. Despite the acquittals, the jury found Diddy guilty of two violations of the Mann Act. Those charges stemmed from transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. While not as severe as the original charges, the convictions still carry significant consequences. The courtroom tension continued as Judge Arun Subramanian denied Diddy’s request for bail. The hip-hop icon remains detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits sentencing. Federal guidelines for his offenses allow for a maximum of 20 years behind bars. Yet, legal experts agree such a harsh sentence is improbable. His legal team argues that the starting point for sentencing should be 21 months. Prosecutors, on the other hand, contend that the guidelines begin at 51 months, citing aggravating factors in the case. Diddy’s fate now rests in the hands of the court, with sentencing set for October. The verdict has sparked heated debate about accountability, power, and privilege in the music industry. Supporters and critics alike are watching closely as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures faces the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Dana Tran’s quiet act of maternal devotion reminds the world that, beyond the headlines and legal drama, family remains at the center of this unfolding story.

Raekwon is back with The Emperor’s New Clothes, a solo release that brings legends and new voices together under one roof. Dropping via Mass Appeal, the album blends the grit of golden-era hip-hop with sharp, contemporary energy. After a seven-year solo break, the Wu-Tang veteran delivers a project that feels both reflective and fully in the now. The features are nothing short of historic. Longtime Wu-Tang partners—Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck—bring their signature edge, while Nas makes a standout appearance that deepens the album’s roots. Griselda’s Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn round out the lineup, injecting a raw, modern sound that complements Raekwon’s polished delivery. Fans have waited since The Wild in 2017 for a solo drop, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The project weaves cinematic storytelling, street wisdom, and layered production into one of Raekwon’s most complete bodies of work. Raekwon hints at Wu-Tang reunion and solo heat Speaking on Instagram Live, Raekwon addressed the status of a potential Wu-Tang Clan album, pointing to the hurdles that come with reuniting such a sprawling crew. “We’re all doing great things in our lives, and getting everyone in the same room is no easy feat. But don’t misconstrue our desire; we definitely want to create together,” he said. He added, “With so many different minds at play, it can be a challenge to agree on a direction. Yet, we are still very much in the game—don’t count us out.” The message was clear: collaboration remains possible, even if the process isn’t simple. And the door to a new chapter for Wu-Tang isn’t closed. Raekwon also hinted at something special arriving August 1, on the anniversary of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. “I promise you, this next record is going to blow your minds. Trust me,” he said, adding more intrigue to what’s already been a busy year. Even without that announcement landing just yet, Raekwon is front and center in Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It…” series. The label has already rolled out a new release from Slick Rick and teased upcoming projects with Nas and DJ Premier, Mobb Deep, Ghostface Killah, and De La Soul. A posthumous album from Big L is also on the horizon. The “Legend Has It…” series honors the artists who built hip-hop from the ground up—and who still have plenty more to say. With The Emperor’s New Clothes, Raekwon proves once again that timeless lyricism and sharp instincts can coexist. It’s not just a return—it’s a reminder of how far the culture’s come, and where it’s still headed.

Quinta Brunosn is opening up about her for the first time about her divorce In an interview with Bustle opened up about going through a divorce in public “Even if you don’t give a lot, people want whatever they can get, and will take whatever they can get,” she explained. “I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce.’ I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you.” “No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life — it’s just that that’s public record information,” she continued. “I hate all of it.” She also spoke about the future of her award-winning show, Abbott Elementary. “Those are invisible voices that aren’t in your home with you, that aren’t in your personal life, that aren’t your friends,” Brunson said. “I love my fans, I love the people who watch ‘Abbott.’ So you want to hear them, and you want to listen to them, but when it comes to matters of your personal life and decisions you make, you do have to tune it out.” “It’s a transitional time,” she went on. “I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world. I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day.”

Master P is hanging up his mic for good. In an interview with PEOPLE, the No Limit Records founder revealed that his performance at the Essence Festival on July 6 will be his last. “My last show has to be with Essence,” P said. “It has to be big. A celebration.” P then shared why he believes the timing is right for his retirement. I’m growing to another level and I’m embracing it,” P explained. He was recently named the new head coach and president of basketball operations for the University of New Orleans basketball team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Master P (@masterp) “It’s a blessing now to be able to transition into doing something that’s bigger than me. Being a servant is my most important job,” P said. “I feel like hard work got me here, even though I didn’t know I was going to get this far in life. God spared my life and put me on this journey.” A product of New Orleans’ public housing, P recalled that he dreamt of making it to the NBA and being a success in the music industry. “I was just a kid trying to make it out the ghetto. I just had so many big dreams and goals,” he said. After settling tin tbe San Francisco Bay Area, P learned the tricks of the traded from some entrepreneurial rappers “That’s where I got my hustle. I remember being with E-40, E-A-Ski, JT The Bigga Figga, and all them. I actually created No Limit Records in Richmond, CA, “ P recalled. “I had a lot of close calls,” he continued. “I went from one bad place to another, but I feel like God saved my life for a reason. He knew my heart.” Although officially retiring, P admitted that it was a tough decision, but the time is right, saying this “feels like this is the next phase of my life.  “That chapter closed itself with maturing and growing up and not being afraid to grow, “ P explained. “There is a lot of negative stuff going on in hip-hop, and people don’t want to talk about the positive things. They say when you know better, you do better. That’s the phase I’m on. I’m fine with growing up.”

Wale recently revealed how challenging it is to remain relevant in the rap game. During an interview with Cam Newton on his “Funky Friday” podcast, he spoke about how he’s maintained his relevancy..  “It’s hard, man,” Wale said. “I mean, there are so many things that throw you off. I lost a lot of friends in the streets or just otherwise, but jumping in the industry, being here for about 16 years… The amount of friends that I lost… It’s not a normal life to live,” he continued. He went on to describe the modern music  industry as “not the brightest place to be.” “You could be the greatest rapper of all time, but everybody could be like, ‘Oh I don’t like you, you’re not good,” he explained. “So that can just throw you off … The longevity is no joke, man. And the game done change, it keep changing.” He argued that another aspect beyond the changing nature of the industry, and the arrival of new artists, is how tough it can be to have your art noticed with everything going on. “There’s so much stuff going on right now,” he said. “So much distractions and so much… Everybody is bloodthirsty right now in hip-hop,” he said. “So it’s like, how many people’s attention can you get, you know what I’m saying? How do you enter the zeitgeist? How do you enter the mainstream, the algorithm? It’s busy. It’s tough, it’s a tough game.” Wale also shared that he’s not interested in chasing the latest trends, and supports “evergreen music,” and used JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt as an example of great art. “I had to grow up a little bit before I understood how great Reasonable Doubt was,” he said. “I didn’t understand how good it was in middle school. When I got older, I was like, ‘Oh snap.’ Everything he’s saying, I didn’t get. That’s why I got to try to make the music evergreen, because it’ll catch up eventually.”

While promoting their new Peacock reality series, Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together, the couple made a stop at Cocoa Butter, where a casual game turned into an unexpected moment of nostalgia and admiration. Asked to choose his favorite song from Ashanti’s catalog, Nelly bypassed the expected hits in favor of “Baby,” her 2002 deep cut. The choice surprised many—and delighted Ashanti. During the segment, the St. Louis rapper kept the tone light, jokingly confirming, “Larenz Tate was in that video, right?” in reference to the visuals for “Rain on Me.” But even as the game unfolded in good fun, Nelly’s picks began to reveal something more personal. In a series of bracket-style face-offs, “Baby” consistently emerged victorious over tracks like “Happy,” “Rock Wit U,” and “Rain on Me.” When pressed on his preference, Nelly remarked, “‘Rain on Me’ represented a different stage in our relationship. We’ll just set ‘Rain on Me’ aside and stick with ‘Baby.’” Nelly Stands by ‘Baby’—Choosing Love Over Hits The matchup eventually pitted “Baby” against Ashanti’s high-profile collaborations with Ja Rule, including “Always on Time” and “Mesmerize.” Still, Nelly stood firm. “All of these are fantastic tracks, but ‘Baby’ is my ride-or-die, so I’m going to stick with ‘Baby,’” he said. His pick took on deeper meaning in light of their recent journey as parents. “Being a Scorpio man, I stay true to what I love, and that’s ‘Baby,’” Nelly added with a smile. Originally released on Ashanti’s self-titled debut, “Baby” was produced by Irv Gotti and Chink Santana, sampling Scarface’s “Mary Jane.” The track peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains beloved, partly due to a standout music video that featured actress Nia Long. Now airing on Peacock, We Belong Together offers a more intimate look at the couple’s life, blending their shared history in music with a renewed chapter of love, parenting, and partnership. The series premiered on June 26.