In a business where rivalries often seize the spotlight, DJ Khaled is working to push a different storyline—one built on connection and shared growth. Throughout his career, the producer has cast himself as a bridge-builder, even when tensions flare among hip-hop’s most recognizable names. That role came back into focus during a recent conversation with Fat Joe and Jadakiss, when Khaled weighed in on disputes involving Drake, Rick Ross, and Future. Earlier this year, Drake found himself caught in public friction with both Future and Rick Ross. Khaled acknowledged the rift but chose not to fan the flames, instead emphasizing the need for unity. “I’m the one out of the crew that always says ‘Yo, we don’t need that.’ We need to come together, we need love… concurrently, we must ensure that financial opportunities are not hindered.” He added, “Those are my brothers; my friendships are unquestionable,” underscoring his loyalty to all three artists. The clip quickly spread on Instagram, drawing a mix of reactions. Many praised Khaled for promoting peace, but others accused him of sidestepping weightier issues. Some pointed to his silence on global conflicts such as the war in Gaza, with one commenter joking that Khaled appeared wary of being challenged on subjects beyond music. A Longstanding Partnership with Drak Khaled’s creative bond with Drake has been one of the defining threads of his catalog. Together, they’ve produced radio fixtures like I’m On One, No New Friends, and For Free, collaborations that helped cement their chemistry. Recently, Khaled revealed that Drake would appear on two songs from his forthcoming album, Aalam of God. But after Drake responded playfully on Instagram, Khaled deleted the post—leaving fans intrigued and the details deliberately vague. That ambiguity has only fueled anticipation. In August, Khaled dropped two singles from the project: “Brother,” featuring NBA Youngboy and Post Malone, and “You Remind Me,” a dancehall-inspired track with Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Mavado, RoryStoneLove, and Kaylan Arnold. The album will be Khaled’s first since 2022’s God Did, a release he has framed as one of his most ambitious undertakings yet. DJ Khaled speaks on remaining neutral during rap beefs, instead focusing on unity and positivity: “I’m the one out of the crew that always says ‘Yo, we don’t need that.’ We need to come together, we need love… At the same time, we don’t wanna slow up the money.” “I love… pic.twitter.com/sWeDGa1r45 — HotNewHipHop (@HotNewHipHop) September 11, 2025

A recent viral clip has reopened a conversation about how celebrity can shape the boundaries of self-expression. In a video reposted by The Neighborhood Talk, Kenny Storey (@kstorey222) argued that Chris Brown occupies an unusual cultural space—one where he can experiment freely with style and identity without having his masculinity questioned. Few male performers, Storey suggested, are granted that kind of freedom. Storey pointed to Brown’s visible choices—bright hair colors, bold piercings, and layered jewelry—as examples of an artist able to sidestep the criticism often directed at others. “Chris Brown be getting a lot of passes, bro,” Storey said, framing the singer’s career as a case study in how public perception bends for certain figures. His remarks touch on broader questions of gender, performance, and the cultural leeway afforded by fame. Brown himself brushed off the discussion with humor. “It’s just me twin,” he wrote, a response that underscored both his ease with the narrative and his comfort in identity. In doing so, he seemed to validate Storey’s point: confidence, wielded with self-possession, can turn scrutiny into part of one’s brand. Fans Rally Behind Him The debate struck a chord with fans, many of whom praised Brown’s unapologetic stance. “Anyone can do what they want when they’re secure with themselves,” one wrote. Comparisons to artists like Prince—who blurred lines of gender and style decades earlier—surfaced repeatedly, situating Brown within a lineage of performers who challenge convention. At the same time, Brown is adjusting to the realities of his first global stadium run, the “Breezy Bowl” XX tour, alongside Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller. The shows have been warmly received, but he has also fielded complaints about logistical snags, from parking to seating delays. “Hope y’all understand this is my first stadium tour,” he told fans on Instagram, stressing his commitment to ironing out the issues. He also addressed the cancellation of several meet-and-greets, citing security concerns and the need for rest. “Hope y’all understand,” he repeated, the note carrying both candor and fatigue. The exchange reflects a broader cultural tension: the balance between masculinity and self-expression, and the extent to which celebrity status reshapes those boundaries. For Brown, leaning into authenticity—and speaking directly to fans—has helped solidify his place not just as an artist, but as a figure in the ongoing debate over individuality and image in contemporary culture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Meek Mill is using his platform to call out what he sees as a dangerous misunderstanding of violence in America. On Wednesday, September 10th, the rapper turned to X after seeing a video of a fatal shooting in Philadelphia’s City Center just five days earlier. The incident involved John Kelly. He allegedly opened fire on a woman after a dispute, leaving her dead in a busy downtown area. It’s a mental health crisis going on and they making it about race or color… this woman was killed downtown center city by a bum in Philly …Why is the white woman getting stabbed by a black man the only story running heavily .. violence is violence! Rip to them too! https://t.co/GPYoIvzgmN — MeekMill (@MeekMill) September 10, 2025 Meek reacted strongly to the tragedy while pointing to a larger issue that, in his eyes, often gets overlooked. “It’s a mental health crisis going on and they making it about race or color… this woman was killed downtown center city by a bum in Philly,” he wrote, stressing that mental health struggles are at the root of much of the violence happening across the country. He then turned his attention to how news stories gain traction, questioning why certain crimes dominate the narrative. “Why is the white woman getting stabbed by a black man the only story running heavily .. violence is violence! Rip to them too!” Meek continued. His post referenced the August 22nd stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Authorities say 32-year-old Decarlos Brown is responsible for that attack and now faces a first-degree murder charge. By putting both tragedies side by side, Meek Mill made it clear. He believes coverage should not hinge on the races of the victim or suspect. Emphasizing that the same compassion and outrage should apply no matter who is involved. He added that the real crisis is the lack of resources and awareness around mental health. “Mental health awareness is very important amongst us from seeing so much on these phones,” he later added. “Stay strong chin up chest out!”

A Los Angeles judge has ordered Kanye West to appear in person for a deposition in a lawsuit filed by a former Donda Academy employee. The court set a strict 30-day deadline for West to answer questions under oath, following repeated delays in the process. The case, brought by Trevor Phillips in April 2024, alleges serious misconduct at the school. Phillips claims he was employed by West and witnessed him frequently sharing antisemitic views with staff. He also says West once talked about shaving students’ heads and had plans to construct a jail on school grounds. Phillips further asserts that West regularly berated and bullied Black employees, including himself. The lawsuit lists harassment, discrimination, and the creation of a hostile work environment among its claims, and Phillips is seeking monetary compensation for the alleged mistreatment. According to TMZ, court documents state that Phillips has made multiple attempts to get West to sit for a deposition, but each effort has been unsuccessful. The judge’s order is an attempt to force West to comply and provide testimony directly to Phillips’ legal team. West’s attorney, Eduardo Martorell, was contacted for comment but declined to respond. The upcoming deposition could mark a critical point in the lawsuit, giving Phillips the chance to question West under oath for the first time since filing the case.

A clash between two prominent rap figures has erupted across social media, pulling fans into a heated debate and adding fresh tension to hip-hop’s ever-churning landscape. Sukihana publicly challenged Tekashi 6ix9ine over disparaging remarks he directed at Young Thug, a dispute that escalated when 6ix9ine invoked the name of his late friend, Ariela La Langosta, drawing the controversy into even more personal terrain. La Langosta was found dead in her car this past August, her death still under investigation, according to People. At the time, 6ix9ine shared his grief online, writing, “NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you.” His decision to bring her into a public feud has since sparked backlash from those who say her memory should remain untouched by online sparring. On Instagram, Sukihana urged the rapper to redirect his focus. “Six9ine stop talking bout thug and talk bout home girl that just died,” she wrote. The remark drew an immediate and pointed response from 6ix9ine: “The girl was one of my best friends who I met while being a girl in my music videos. She was killed because HER BOYFRIEND owed money. What does that have to do with ya man tellin @sukihanagoat I know ya PH balance off stank treesh.” 6ix9ine taunts as Young Thug faces scrutiny The exchange ricocheted through hip-hop media after DJ Akademiks shared the posts with his audience. Reactions were mixed: one commenter praised 6ix9ine’s sharp retorts, while another noted, “His plan is starting to work. Attention by any means necessary.” Amid the uproar, 6ix9ine has leaned into the spectacle by teasing a new diss track aimed squarely at Young Thug. Previewing it on Instagram, he wrote, “Seen a snake turn spider turn rat don’t tell the world just please let me out man watchaht.” The track, which borrows from the nursery rhyme “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” is in keeping with his penchant for provocation. For Young Thug, the timing is fraught. He is already under scrutiny after a resurfaced interrogation video fueled speculation about whether he cooperated with authorities—a claim he has denied, backed by Peewee Roscoe, the man referenced in the clip. Separate leaked phone calls from prison have only added to the chatter, leaving Thug navigating both legal challenges and the relentless gaze of the public. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

A complaint filed this week against Philadelphia judge Scott DiClaudio has drawn the attention of Pennsylvania’s Judicial Conduct Board, which alleges he acted improperly in connection with a sensitive criminal case. At the center of the controversy is Dwayne Jones, a longtime friend of Meek Mill, who faces charges in a fatal shooting. Allegations Against Judge DiClaudio The complaint stems from an encounter in June, when Judge Zachary Shaffer and his law clerk visited a restaurant owned by DiClaudio’s wife. After their purchase, DiClaudio is said to have slipped Shaffer a note bearing Jones’ name and courtroom number. He allegedly remarked, “I’ve heard you might do the right thing anyway,” before destroying the note. That brief exchange has raised sharp ethical concerns, particularly since Jones was awaiting sentencing at the time. Shaffer reported the incident to court administrators, leading to the misconduct complaint. The Court of Judicial Discipline is expected to weigh the matter in the coming weeks. Meek Mill’s History With the Courts Although not tied to Jones’ case, Meek Mill’s own experience with Philadelphia’s justice system runs deep. At 19, he was arrested in North Philadelphia on gun and drug charges. A decade later, in 2019, he reached a plea deal that resolved the case with a single firearms conviction, clearing the rest of the charges. Following his release, Mill expressed gratitude for the support he had received and recommitted himself to criminal justice reform. In recent months, Mill has turned to creative pursuits, announcing on social media plans to raise $5 million for a new album, a book, and a short film. The move reflects both artistic ambition and a determination to shape his narrative beyond the courtroom. Conclusion As the DiClaudio case unfolds, it places renewed focus on the boundaries of judicial conduct and the weight of personal ties in the legal system. In contrast, Meek Mill’s trajectory underscores resilience and the possibility of reinvention after legal hardship. Together, they offer a window into the uneasy overlap of justice, influence, and redemption.

In a recent Instagram livestream that quickly ricocheted across social media, Kodak Black appeared to sip lean while driving on I-95. The reckless moment has deepened concerns about his well-being, unsettling fans who have long followed both his talent and turmoil. The clip, first shared by Live Bitez, drew an immediate outpouring online. One user wrote, “What type of high they be trying to chase? Heavenly Father please protect and watch over our ppl [praying emoji].” Another commented, “A rich junkie literally smh. I feel so bad for bro, but we don’t even know what he’s going through.” A third reflected on what they saw as a cry for help: “Ppl don’t see it. He been crying out for help for years. He’s very talented and having a gift like his… Dat Lean ain’t it, praying for you yak.” More than 300 comments followed, nearly all pleading for the rapper to seek help. A Pattern of Troubling Moments The livestream adds to a series of recent incidents that have left fans uneasy. Last October, Kodak appeared on Drink Champs in a disoriented state that prompted sharp criticism, with guest Joe Budden remarking he “looked like pure s**t.” Months later, during a freestyle on On The Radar, Kodak alluded to drug struggles, even hinting at a possible “meth habit.” In response to backlash over the Drink Champs appearance, host NORE defended airing the full episode. While many argued the interview should have been cut short, he said Kodak appeared much as he always does—a remark that underscored the ongoing nature of the artist’s struggles. For Kodak Black, the tension between his artistry and his addictions has never been more stark. His music continues to draw attention, yet the cloud of substance abuse threatens to overshadow his career. Fans and peers alike hope he finds the strength—and support—to confront his struggles and step toward recovery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)

GloRilla is asking a federal court in Louisiana to dismiss a copyright lawsuit that claims she borrowed a viral phrase for her song “Never Find.” The motion, filed alongside UMG Recordings, Warner Chappell Music, and BMG Rights Management, argues that the phrase “no BBL” is too short and common to be legally protected. The suit was brought by Natalie Henderson, also known as Slimdabodylast. Henderson’s complaint centers on her song “All Natural,” which features the lyrics “all naturale, no BBL.” She says her track gained traction on social media in early 2024 for celebrating natural bodies. Henderson contends that GloRilla’s lyric—“Natural, no BBL, but I’m still gon’ give them hell”—is strikingly similar and that the rapper and her collaborators have profited from her original work. GloRilla’s legal team challenges the lawsuit on multiple fronts. They argue Henderson cannot prove that GloRilla had access to her song. Posting a track online, they say, does not meet the legal standard for establishing access. Courts typically require evidence that a work has been widely distributed or commercially successful, which they claim Henderson’s song does not satisfy. The defense also disputes any substantial similarity between the two tracks. Henderson’s phrase appears repeatedly as a hook, while GloRilla’s line is used once in a different context with a distinct rhyme. The lawyers point out that expressions like “give them hell” are common across music and do not constitute copying. Additionally, GloRilla’s team questions whether Henderson can claim both statutory and actual damages and says she has not demonstrated infringement sufficient to warrant an injunction. They also argue that phrases celebrating natural bodies are common in other recent songs and do not meet the originality required for copyright protection. The motion asks the court to dismiss the case entirely, stating that viral expressions, even popular ones, cannot automatically be treated as intellectual property.

Saweetie stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her new EP Hella Pressure, which dropped in August. She opened up about why she chose that title, how the project mixes rapping and singing, and whether she feels the industry has allowed her to grow at her own pace. She also reflected on going nearly a decade without releasing her debut album and what being in “album mode” really means. Saweetie didn’t shy away from addressing critics either, including the viral “1% battery” comment, and spoke about how she handles trolls online and who she turns to when it gets overwhelming. She also talked about her Afrobeat-inspired track “I Need Some Inspo” and shared how she finds motivation in life and music. Beyond music, Saweetie talks about how she’d want a biopic on her to look, her plans to launch a beauty brand and what’s next. Nessa asked about sacrifices she’s made for her career, how she navigates fame compared to when “ICY GRL” blew up, and the advice she’d give her younger self. Saweetie also reflected on the legacy she wants to leave behind and how she wants to be remembered. Stream Hella Pressure now!

The legal saga surrounding YNW Melly continues to shift as new developments unfold in the case of his co-defendant, Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry. Bortlen, implicated in the alleged 2018 murders of Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams, struck a plea deal just a day before his jury selection was set to begin. Bortlen, originally facing two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of accessory after the fact, was also navigating a separate 2023 witness-tampering case. Under the agreement, he will serve 10 years in prison, followed by six years of probation. He pleaded no contest to the accessory after the fact charges and the tampering counts, leading to the dismissal of the more serious murder allegations. The deal also obliges him to assist prosecutors, providing testimony that could prove pivotal in ongoing investigations. Bortlen Plea Shakes Up Melly Case John M. Phillips, the attorney representing YNW Sakchaser’s family, weighed in on the implications. “As predicted, YNW Bortlen took the plea deal. He also agreed to a proffer—which means he’s talking,” Phillips noted on social media, signaling potential ripple effects for related civil proceedings. Meanwhile, Melly remains behind bars as he prepares for a retrial after a 2023 jury deadlock ended in a mistrial. The second trial, scheduled for January 2027, will revisit two counts of first-degree murder. Known for his 2018 track “Murder on My Mind,” Melly has requested new legal counsel, bringing on seasoned attorneys Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout amid concerns over his current representation. Adding another layer to the case, Melly has alleged inhumane treatment while in Broward County Jail, fueling public scrutiny and debate. Together, these developments highlight the intricate and often unpredictable nature of high-profile criminal proceedings, where plea deals, retrials, and new allegations continuously reshape both legal outcomes and public perception.