NBA YoungBoy is pulling back the curtain on the thinking behind MASA, his latest project, during a recent interview with Complex. The title—short for Make America Slime Again—signals a philosophy rooted more in authority and allegiance than traditional politics. Asked to explain it, the Baton Rouge rapper put it plainly: “Follow whatever Trump applying. Enforce whatever Trump’s applying.” At just 26, and coming off a year where he was widely hailed as Best Rapper Alive, NBA YoungBoy continues to position himself as both a musical force and a cultural lightning rod. Pressed further about any personal ties to President Donald Trump, he chose not to go there. Still, the sentiment has appeared before in his music, and it functions more as symbolism than policy. Earlier this year, on the track “XXX,” he rapped, “Whatever Trump doin’, b*tch it’s good for the youngins (All Hail Trump).” The lyric fits within a broader pattern in his work. Therefore, power, loyalty, and survival are recurring themes rather than ideological endorsements. NBA YoungBoy explains his “Make America Slime Again” album title: “Follow whatever Trump applying… In every way… Enforce whatever Trump’s applying. That’s it.” (via @jrosethereturn / @ComplexMusic) pic.twitter.com/5Y9PnLzcm1 — Kurrco (@Kurrco) January 20, 2026 NBA YoungBoy Expands Into Film with Documentary Debut The conversation arrives as NBA YoungBoy widens his creative footprint beyond music. He recently launched a production company, 38 Films, marking a deliberate move into film and long-form storytelling. The company’s first project is a documentary developed with Foundation Media Partners that will chronicle his life and career. It is directed by Nico Ballesteros, who is known for In Whose Name?. The film aims to capture the artist outside the confines of headlines and chart positions. Patrick Hughes, the chief executive of Foundation Media Partners, framed the project succinctly: “NBA YoungBoy is not just an artist; he’s a cultural force.” The documentary, Hughes said, is intended to present an unfiltered look at that influence. The film follows the release of Slime Cry, YoungBoy’s ninth studio album, which kept his momentum firmly intact. With new ventures taking shape, his next chapter appears poised to extend well beyond music alone.

Stefon Diggs delivered a timely performance that helped carry the New England Patriots into the AFC Championship, finishing with four catches, 40 yards, and a touchdown in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The numbers were modest, but the moment was not. Diggs’ presence steadied the offense during critical stretches, offering the kind of reliability teams lean on deep into January. By the end of the night, the victory resonated well beyond the stadium. Cardi B made sure of that. Shortly after the game, she took to social media in visible celebration, appearing in a video shared by No Jumper where she shouted, “TD Jakes. Let’s go right now. I’m not f*cking playing. What’s up? Walk them down in the name of Jesus!” Her enthusiasm carried over to X, where she addressed analysts who had favored Houston, including Mina Kimes and Ryan Clark. “THEY DIDN’T BELIEVE IN US!!! I LIKE US!!!!! WE ALL WE GOT!!!!! WE ALL WE NEED !!!!” she wrote, leaning fully into the moment. On the field, Diggs’ most impactful contribution came in the second quarter, when he secured a touchdown amid tight coverage. The catch shifted momentum and reinforced his value as a dependable target in high-pressure situations. While New England spread the ball effectively, Diggs’ awareness and timing stood out. It was the kind of play that rarely dominates highlight reels but often defines playoff outcomes. View this post on Instagram Spotlight Beyond the Sidelines Off the field, Diggs’ relationship with Cardi B has drawn increasing attention. The two became public after her separation from Offset in 2024, later confirming their relationship and announcing they were expecting a child. Cardi welcomed their baby in November, adding a personal milestone to an already eventful year. Throughout the postseason, she has remained an outspoken supporter of both Diggs and the Patriots. With the Texans eliminated, New England now turns to a looming AFC Championship matchup against the Denver Broncos. A Super Bowl berth is on the line, with either the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks waiting on the other side. For Diggs, the opportunity represents another chance to shape a defining postseason run. For Cardi B, it’s yet another reason to celebrate loudly—and publicly—as the stakes rise.

Over the weekend, social media lit up with unsubstantiated claims accusing Pooh Shiesty of robbing and attempting to kidnap Gucci Mane. No police filings, court records, or verified reports have backed up the story. Yet, the allegation spread rapidly across blogs and comment sections. The moment illustrated how quickly speculation can eclipse fact in the digital age. For many observers, the episode felt less like breaking news and more like a familiar cycle of online rumor-making. Gucci Mane appeared to respond without addressing the claims directly. On Monday evening, he posted a photo on Instagram displaying his jewelry. It was a visual reminder of calm and control amid the chatter. In the caption, he wrote, “We only roll Diamond Splits,” tagging the LooseLeaf brand. The comments quickly filled with fans reacting to the rumors. One fan warned, “Wake up. They talking crazy about you on these blogs!” Another questioned the post’s timing, adding, “This pic old wop & where is that watch at…. I expect the truth part 2 by next week.” View this post on Instagram Examining the Claims Around Pooh Shiesty Despite the volume of online discussion, there has been no credible evidence connecting Pooh Shiesty to any incident involving Gucci Mane. The allegations were debated on the No Jumper podcast. There, hosts Adam 22 and Wack 100 openly doubted their legitimacy. Wack 100 dismissed the story outright, calling it “bullsht.” He went further, arguing that given Shiesty’s existing legal situation, “It’s gotta be some bullsht unless he’s that damn stupid.” Pooh Shiesty has recently been entangled in other waves of misinformation. Earlier this month, DJ Akademiks incorrectly reported that the rapper had returned to jail with a release date set for April. However, his legal team later clarified that Shiesty is on home confinement. This is a condition tied to his prior firearm case rather than any new arrest or violation.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been stripped of his World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title following the issuance of an arrest warrant tied to an alleged domestic violence incident, according to multiple reports. The WBA announced that Davis has been removed from his status as active champion and reclassified as “Champion in Recess” after authorities in Miami Gardens, Florida, issued a warrant for his arrest. The decision effectively vacates the title as the boxing organization assesses next steps, which could include ordering a fight between top contenders to crown a new champion. The arrest warrant stems from allegations made by a woman identified in court filings as Davis’s former girlfriend. She accused the undefeated boxer of assaulting her during an incident at a Miami-area venue in October 2025. The charges listed in the warrant reportedly include battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping. Law enforcement officials have stated that efforts are ongoing to locate Davis. Davis has not publicly addressed the warrant or the allegations as of this writing. His legal team has also not issued a formal statement. The legal developments have already had significant ramifications for Davis’s boxing career. A high-profile exhibition bout scheduled for later this year was reportedly canceled following the emergence of the allegations and subsequent criminal investigation. Widely regarded as one of boxing’s most explosive stars, Davis has held multiple world titles across different weight classes and entered the situation with an unblemished professional record. However, the uncertainty surrounding his legal status now places his future in the sport in question. The WBA stated that further action regarding the lightweight division will be determined as the case progresses.

On Monday (Jan. 19), Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer and founder of the Valentino brand, passed away at the age of 93. TMZ reports the news was confirmed by the designer’s foundation, which shared an official statement via Instagram. According to the post, Garavani died, surrounded by family in his residence in Rome, Italy. A formal “lying in state” or viewing will take place at the PM23 on both Wednesday, Jan. 21st, and Thursday, Jan. 22nd, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, at 11 a.m. Born in the Italian province of Pavia in 1932, Garavani’s interest in fashion began early. His love only grew after he became an apprentice for his aunt, a local designer. He would go on to found one of the most prominent fashion houses in Italy and later the world in 1960. View this post on Instagram “Since I was a child, I loved the way a dress looks,” Garavani said in an interview During an interview, he spoke about being a young designer in Paris and revealed that while he thought his designs were “quite good,” he never thought he’d reach the level of stardom he did. “My dear, when you start it’s quite difficult to dream for everybody. But of course you have aspirations. I did a very important collection in 1968 and I realized that I was quite good. All the magazines and everybody came to visit me. I became quite well known for my glamour and my femininity and women started to love my clothes.” He also spoke about how much “beauty” inspired him as a creator. “Beauty is the most important. Since I was a child I loved the way a dress looks, I admired a great face, a lovely body. I enjoy the beauty in a woman, in a man, in a child, in a painting. Beautiful things are important and make life important. Since I was a kid I’ve been encouraging myself to appreciate beauty.”

Rihanna has joined the chat and wants to let people know she’s riding behind her man, A$AP Rocky. The FENTY Beauty founder recently commented under a post of the rapper performing his new song, “STOLE YA FLOW,” where he supposedly takes shots at Drake. Rocky had recently headlined Amazon Music’s new live docu-performance series, Songline. Judging by Ri’s comment, she is in full support of the track. “I meaaaannnn….!!!!” she wrote. “First you stole my flow, so I stole yo’ b*tch,” Rocky raps. “I can’t trust a soul, just my pole and my kids/Swear to never lie, cross my heart, hope to die, uh/Then I sold the switch, then I hit it with a kiss, mwah.” Following the release of his long-awaited album Don’t Be Dumb, fans quickly zeroed in on the track, with many interpreting certain lyrics as a possible shot at the Toronto rapper. However, Rocky has now made it clear that the song was not intended as a diss. In a recent interview, the Harlem rapper explained that “Stole Ya Flow” isn’t about Drake specifically. When asked if it can be confirmed he was dissing Drake, Rocky explained, “It’s for whoever feels like it’s about them.” Rihanna post a comment on A$AP Rocky’s diss track “STOLE YA FLOW” “I meaaaannnn….!!!!” pic.twitter.com/2ie13n1Bgs — DailyRapFacts (@DailyRapFacts) January 17, 2026 A$AP Rocky Calls Himself Rihanna’s Husband; Fans Can’t Get Enough In other news, during a recent interview with Perfect, Rocky details where his happiness lies these days. “I think peace really makes me happy. Being a father and a partner and a loving husband in my family is what makes me really, really happy. I hope this doesn’t sound cliché, and I would hate if it does, because that’s what honestly does get me going.” He continues, “Being able to express myself creatively, being able to be a family man, and being able to be an artisan. It doesn’t matter what hat I wear that day, it’s just about being able to give it my all and do these things.” This isn’t the first time Rocky hinted at potential wedding bells between the two. During a previous interview with Elle Magazine, Rocky asked the reporter, “How do you know I’m not already a husband? I’m still not gonna confirm it,” which left fans wondering.

Nicki Minaj had some choice words for Don Lemon, following his reporting on an anti-ICE protest in a Minnesota church. On Sunday (Jan.18), protestors stormed a Minnesota church after it was revealed that its pastor had alleged ties to the federal agency. Don Lemon, who had been reporting via his livestream, confronted that pastor about his connections to the group. Not long after the clip began to circulate online, it somehow reached Nicki Minaj’s timeline, and she slammed the long-time journalist. Minaj called Lemon a disgusting “c*cksucker” and demanded he be thrown in jail. “DON ‘COCK SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU?” she wrote in an X post. I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!” Lemon told TMZ he’s not “surprised” about Nicki’s actions. “[She] does not understand journalism and is weighing in on matters that are above her capacity.” DON ‘COCK SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!! pic.twitter.com/xoQBl9KDJY — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 19, 2026 Nicki Minaj Slams Gavin Newsom At Turning Point Event This isn’t the first time Nicki Minaj has used her platform to defend her beliefs. The rapper recently slammed Gov.Gavin Newsom during her appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest. Throughout her conversation with Erica Kirk, the wife of late right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, Nicki Minaj discussed her ongoing beef with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Minaj specifically commented on Newsom’s support for gender affirming care for transgender youth. Not long ago, during an appearance on The Ezra Klein Show, Newsom said, “I want to see trans kids…I have a trans godson. There’s no governor who has signed more pro-trans legislation than I have. No one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ community.” During the event, Minaj decided to re-read one of her X posts where she criticized Newsom. “Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids, haha, not even a trans adult would run on that,” she read. “Normal adults wake up and think they want to see healthy, safe, happy kids — not Gav.”

Ski Mask The Slump God promises always to remember his late best friend and fellow Members Only rapper XXXTentacion’s legacy, whether fans like it or not. On Jan. 17, 2026, the Florida rapper took to his Instagram Story to address criticism from fans who claim he leans too heavily on XXXTentacion’s music during his live shows. The comments struck a nerve, prompting Ski to clarify his setlists, defend his performance record, and explain why honoring his late friend remains central to his shows. “N***as talking about I only play X at my shows,” Ski wrote, opening with a blunt rebuttal. Ski Mask the Slump God goes off on fans complaining that he only plays XXXTENTACION’s music at his shows “N****s talking about I only play X at my shows n***a if you was informed you would know I play 100 of my songs before that, my bad my best friend who I made the most music… pic.twitter.com/V9dBkghSA3 — Wost (@mosthiphop) January 19, 2026 He quickly challenged that perception. “If you was informed you would known I play 100 of my songs before that,” he added, suggesting critics were speaking without firsthand knowledge. According to Ski, the narrative ignores the breadth of his catalog and the structure of his performances. Ski Mask The Slump God has released two full-length studio albums. The most emotional moment came when he addressed XXXTentacion’s death. “My bad my best friend who I made the most music with passed and I want to keep his name alive,” Ski wrote. Ski Mask The Slump God Rips Fans Complaining About His Members Only Friend XXXTentacion Tribute Before His Shows The statement underscored the bond between the two artists, who rose together as core members of the Members Only collective. For Ski, performing X’s music functions as tribute, not dependence, and reflects a shared history that shaped both careers. Ski also responded to claims questioning his live show credibility. “I also seen someone say someone saved me from performing at Rolling Loud,” he wrote, before firing back, “show me one Rolling Loud set that I don’t have the whole crowd jumping.” He framed crowd reaction as the real metric, not online chatter. XXXTentacion and Ski Mask The Slump God frequently toured together early in their career. He further rejected claims that his popularity has declined. “I sell out all my solo tours 3 to 4k people buddy,” Ski said, dismissing talk of smaller venues. “They said I probably do 500 people venues,” he added, calling the idea disconnected from reality. Ski closed with a wider point about taste and respect. “Music is subjective,” he wrote, comparing fan bias to dismissing artists like Taylor Swift despite clear success. His final line, “When I drop all year. I don’t want to hear you cop pleas either,” signaled confidence going forward. The message blended frustration with loyalty, showing Ski Mask defending his present while preserving XXXTentacion’s legacy.

T.I. has made his official (and final) return to music with his latest single, “LET EM KNOW.” It features production from Pharrell Williams and is the first single off the rapper’s upcoming album, Kill The King. The track begins with Williams’ iconic four-count start as T.I. reminds folks he’s still the King Of The South, tapping back into his Trap Muzik roots. “Big dog, all we get is bread, I ain’t never scared/Big flex on a n***a head,” he raps. “What I’m standing on? Business, big check, we done did that/Pushing whips back, better give me respect and some more.” The rapper’s last project, The L.I.B.R.A., was released in October 2020. Guest appearances on the project ranged from 21 Savage and Benny the Butcher to Killer Mike and comedian Ms. Pat. Following its release, it landed in the top 20 of the Billboard 200 at No.18. It also cracked the top 10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at No.9. The new single, “Let Em’ Know,” is expected to appear on his upcoming album, Kill the King, which is expected to drop later this year. T.I. LET EM KNOW PRODUCED BY PHARRELL FIRST SINGLE OFF HIS NEW ALBUM OUT NOW pic.twitter.com/m04LbEcb6I — Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) January 18, 2026 T.I. Claims Mistaken Identity With Balding Hat Video: ‘The Devil Is A Lie’ In other news, before chopping off his locs, T.I. addressed rumors he was rocking a bald spot following a TikTok video circulating online. Last month, he stopped by Yung Joc & The Streetz Morning Takeover and confirmed that, in fact, things were not as they appear. According to T.I., he was not the man in that TikTok. “The devil is a lie,” the ATL actor said. During one moment in the discussion, one of the hosts even proposed that the footage could have been digitally altered, to which T.I. agreed. That said, the rapper appears to be taking the onslaught of jokes online in good fun. “It’s comedy, so I laugh,” he says. “It wouldn’t be funny if it were true.” Overall, the “Live Your Life” rapper believes people online need more “discernment” to tell what’s true or not. “In this age of technology where everyone keeps their phone in their hand,” he says. “… You have to use discernment, ya know, the word says, ‘use discernment.’” Discernment would say that the person that I’ve grown to know over these 25 years—the person I have grown to know as TIP—I can’t see him moving around in the house, let alone on stage like this.”