As Hispanic Heritage Month shines a spotlight on Latin voices shaping culture today, rising star Honey Bxby stands out as one of the most authentic and fearless. Blending R&B, soul, and Latin rhythm, the New Jersey native channels her heritage into every note — turning personal stories into universal anthems. In an exclusive conversation with HOT 97, Honey Bxby opens up about how her upbringing influences her sound, the importance of representation in music, and what it truly means to celebrate her roots while paving her own lane in the industry. How does your Hispanic heritage influence your sound and artistry?My heritage shows up in everything I do. I grew up surrounded by so much energy and that naturally finds its way into my music. Whether it’s the way I sing certain melodies or the attitude I bring to a record, that influence is always in there. It’s part of my DNA, so even when I’m not thinking about it, it comes through. Are there any traditions or cultural values from your background that shape the way you create or perform?Family and community are huge in my culture, and that plays a big part in how I move. Everything I do isn’t just for me, it’s for my family. I wanna be able to give them the world one day so it makes me wanna work harder. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Honey Bxby (@itshoneybxby) What does Hispanic Heritage Month personally mean to you?It’s a reminder to celebrate who we are. For me, it’s about honoring my roots and showing love to the people who made it possible for artists like me to have a voice. How do you see Latin culture shaping the future of music right now?Latin culture is everywhere in music right now. Like, Bad Bunny is literally doing the Super Bowl! it’s influencing every genre. Is there a song in your catalog that feels the most personal to you? Why?“Broken Mirrors” feels really personal to me. It came from a real place and how it feels dealing with my own personal struggles in silence. It’s the first time I opened up like that on a record that has been released. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Honey Bxby (@itshoneybxby) Do you think there’s enough representation of Afro-Latin or diverse Latin identities in mainstream media?I think we’re making progress, as I said before a Latin artist, one of the biggest artist in the world is doing the Super Bowl! That says so much in itself. What message do you hope young Hispanic fans take away from seeing you succeed?That they can do anything and I want them to see that you don’t have to change who you are to shine. Who you are is your power. If your culture had a “sound,” what would it be?It would sound like love, rhythm, and attitude all mixed together. How do you use your platform to celebrate your roots?I try to keep my culture present in everything from how I speak, to the visuals I create, to the music itself. I love showing pride in my background in ways that feel natural to me, even if it’s through little details. One word to describe how you feel during Hispanic Heritage Month? Proud. What’s next for Honey Bxby?More music, more stories, more growth. I’m in a space where I want to push myself creatively and keep giving people the real me. I’ve got a lot to say, & I’m ready for the world to hear it. As Honey Bxby continues to carve her own space in music, she stands as a reminder of how culture, confidence, and creativity can coexist beautifully. Her journey reflects the power of embracing one’s roots while pushing boundaries — a message that resonates deeply during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Honey Bxby (@itshoneybxby)

Rod Wave has formally challenged Grizzly Touring, claiming the company is attempting to force him into renegotiating their partnership after a series of canceled performances. The dispute revolves around his “Last Lap” tour, originally slated for late last year but now postponed into 2025. Grizzly Touring maintains that contractual obligations require Rod to continue working with them, despite mounting tensions from the delays. In a counter-filing on October 12, Rod Wave’s legal team asserted that Grizzly management applied undue pressure for him to fulfill tour obligations. Rod cited logistical hurdles, production setbacks, and routing conflicts. These made the original tour plan untenable. He is now petitioning the courts to allow him to self-promote his upcoming “The Redemption Experience” tour. It is tied to a new album, and he seeks to have his contract with Grizzly declared void. James Sammataro, Rod’s attorney, described the demand to perform under the existing contract as akin to “indentured servitude.” Sammataro added that Rod no longer trusts Grizzly to manage his music. He is unwilling to participate in any further promotional work with the company. Grizzly Touring’s Response Grizzly Touring, in turn, contends that Rod Wave’s canceled performances constitute a breach of contract. The company is seeking $27 million in reimbursements for advance payments. Grizzly argues that Rod’s claims—labeling its booking decisions as “unilateral and onerous”—do not exempt him from financial responsibility. Their countersuit notes that only 12 of the originally scheduled 35 shows occurred as planned. Additionally, many were rescheduled without Rod’s prior knowledge. Rod Wave is pursuing compensation not just for canceled dates but also for reputational harm caused by the disruptions. As both sides dig in, the outcome of this dispute could significantly influence his upcoming tours. It may also set broader precedents for how promoters engage with high-profile artists. The clash between Rod Wave and Grizzly Touring highlights the delicate balance between artist independence and contractual obligation in the music industry. Its resolution may reshape touring practices. It could also redefine expectations for the relationships between performers and promoters across the broader entertainment landscape.

“A lot of this case is about [the] principle for me,” Los Angeles Lakers Fan Andrew Garcia told ABC7 Los Angeles. In court documents obtained by the outlet, on October 8th, Garcia filed a claim in small claims court, accusing LeBron James of “fraud, deception, and misrepresentation.” According to Garcia, he spent over $800 on tickets after James announced he’d reveal “the decision of all decisions” in a social media post earlier this week. Similar to many other sports fans, Garcia assumed that James was making a retirement announcement. However, that was not the case. It turns out the “announcement” James had made was part of a new brand partnership with popular cognac brand Hennessy. The advertisement took inspiration from his controversial decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010 for the Miami Heat. Coincidentally, James’ post came weeks ahead of a highly anticipated game between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game is currently scheduled for the end of this month, on October 30. Lakers fan who is suing LeBron James for alleged fraud and deception over his Decision 2.0 Hennessy commercial speaks out “This case is about principle to me; it’s not so much about the money. I am only suing to recover what I paid” pic.twitter.com/Yo528AkCtH — FearBuck (@FearedBuck) October 10, 2025 “He should have known this would happen,” Garcia Said That said, Garcia had sincerely believed that James intended to make a similar farewell tour move like Kobe did in 2015, but that ended up not being the case. “Right away, I thought back to when Kobe Bryant announced his farewell tour about nine or ten years ago, and I saw that as an opportunity that I didn’t want to miss out on,” Garcia told ABC7. “He should know that fans are gonna go spend their hard-earned money thinking that this is something meaningful.” Garcia added, “For him to do something like that, he should know— or should have known—that this was gonna happen.” Garcia stated he’s only suing to “recover” what he paid for the tickets—which totals to around $865.66—and is not seeking any “emotional relief.” So far, neither LeBron nor one of his representatives has commented on the matter.

Footage has recirculated of Kamala Harris addressing a group of pro-Palestine activists. Harris, at the time, was on her first stop for her multi-city book tour for her new memoir, 107 Days. The activist group accused her of having “blood on her hands” regarding her stance on the war conflict in Gaza. “People in our administration can tell you what my voice was in those rooms – in those closed rooms – in the Oval Office,” Harris told the protestors in a packed New York City venue. “I was not [the] president. I couldn’t make the decisions, but I made my position clear.” USA Today reported that the demonstrators were quickly booed by the crowd and escorted out of the venue. Not long after, a dozen more protesters arrived, causing police enforcement to be involved. Back in September, Harris dropped off a memoir, 107 Days, chronicling her history campaign for the 2024 Presidential Election. She also discussed her thoughts after losing to Donald Trump, as well as the challenges she faced with Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Kamala Harris Won’t Return To ‘Broken’ Political System, She Says Back in August, Kamala Harris stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for a special extended interview. She revealed to the host her decision to step away from politics. She noted that while she loves being a public servant, the political system is too “broken.” Harris had been in talks to run for Governor of California in 2026. However, she later announced that she would not take part in the race. Colbert jokingly hinted that she had her eyes on something bigger — possibly the 2028 Presidential Election. Despite sharing a brief laugh with Colbert and the audience, Harris declared at this point in her life, she “doesn’t wanna go back” into politics. She added, “I always believed that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think right now that they’re not as strong as they need to be. For now, I don’t want to go back into that system.”

Despite all the controversy surrounding singer d4vd, Meek Mill is a fan of the promotion his music is getting and wants to replicate it for himself. On October 11, in a now-deleted Instagram Story post, the Philadelphia native reposted a story from TMZ about the singer transferring two of his Texas residences. “I need his promo for my album rollout…who do I call?” he wrote in the post’s caption. It’s unclear if Meek is familiar with the controversy surrounding the up-and-coming singer. If Meek Mill knew the details about the conversation surrounding the singer, one might assume he wouldn’t be so eager to attract the attention that d4vd has been getting. Back in September, it was reported that the singer had been linked to a LAPD investigation regarding a missing 15-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas. The teen was later found butchered in a Tesla vehicle registered in his name. Meek Mill says he needs D4vd’s “promo” for his album rollout: “I need his promo for my album … who do I call?” pic.twitter.com/9Gp75iQEcW — Kurrco (@Kurrco) October 12, 2025 Meek Mill Says He’ll Be ‘Blackballed’ Without $5 Million for Upcoming Album Meek Mill is mapping out the next chapter of his career with unusual candor. His vision includes a new album, a book, and a short film—projects he says cannot move forward without outside investment. To get there, he has made a public appeal for $5 million. He casts the request as both a personal necessity and a broader indictment of the music industry’s financial structures. On X, Meek Mill vented frustration at record labels he argues have stifled innovation. “I need 5 million in funding for a book, album, and short film,” he wrote. “These label deals are not looking fair at all… they essentially ruined the game… but I have the potential to reboot everything!” The post doubled as a critique of entrenched industry practices. It also served as a call for alternative financing models. He went further, questioning why artists—despite generating billions for the business—struggle to secure straightforward bank loans for their projects.

Earlier this week, Rolling Stone dropped its “The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far” list. According to the outlet, Missy Elliott’s iconic track, “Get Your Freak On,” is the No.1 song of the 21st century. “…It was a challenge, a dare, the sound of Miss E and Timbaland defying everyone else to keep up with the future or get left behind,” the outlet wrote. The outlet continued: “And after more than two decades, ‘Get Ur Freak On’ still sounds like the future — everything vibrant and inventive and cool about 21st-century pop is in here somewhere.” The track, which dropped in 2001 and featured on the rapper’s third studio album Miss E… So Addictive. Upon its release, the track landed at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. That said, Miss E… So Addictive debuted at No.2 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 250,000 copies in its first week. It’s also been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2002, at the 44th Grammy Awards, Missy Elliott walked away with a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Get Ur Freak On.” Missy Elliott Reaches Settlement In Long-Running Lawsuit In other news, back in August, Missy Elliott finally put an end to a lawsuit that followed her for years. On August 22nd, just as jury selection was about to begin in a Philadelphia courtroom, she and producer Terry Williams agreed to settle their dispute, closing a chapter that had been active for seven years. The conflict stemmed from Williams’ claims that he helped write several songs during Elliott’s early career. He pointed to four tracks from her group Sista’s 1994 project 4 All the Sistas Around Da World and argued that Elliott went on to publish the material without giving him the credit or payment he believed he deserved. He later tried to connect his argument to Aaliyah’s 1996 single “Heartbroken,” but in August 2024, U.S. District Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro ruled that the attempt came too late after more than two decades had already passed.

On Friday (Oct.10), which is also known as Mental Health Day, Megan Thee Stallion was bestowed The Trevor Project’s Mental Health Champion Of The Year. “I’m honored to receive this year’s Mental Health Champion award from The Trevor Project,” Megan Thee Stallion wrote in a statement. “My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations.” Previous award recipients include Janelle Monae and Lil Nas X. According to its website, The Trevor Project is a non-profit suicide prevention organization that provides crisis support services, research, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. The rapper added, “Mental health impacts all of us, so it’s important to lead with love and empathy. I’m grateful for organizations like The Trevor Project that are committed to spreading awareness and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth in powerful ways.” Megan Thee Stallion Wins Court Sanction Against Milagro Gramz In other news, Megan Thee Stallion’s legal battle with blogger Milagro Gramz took another turn in her favor. On Thursday, October 9th, Judge Lisette M. Reid ruled against Gramz after finding that she had deleted crucial evidence tied to the case. The judge’s order stated that Gramz erased “thousands of text messages” from her phone even after being told to keep all relevant communications intact. Court documents reveal that Megan’s legal team had notified Gramz, whose real name is Milagro Elizabeth Cooper, to hold onto both physical and digital records the day before the lawsuit was filed. Still, Gramz deleted messages and even removed the WhatsApp application from her phone, which likely held key conversations. Since the content of those messages can never be recovered, the court said jurors can assume they would have harmed Gramz’s defense.

Hispanic Heritage Month is all about celebrating culture, community, and the people shaping the future through their creativity and passion, and Healthy As A Motha embodies all of that. The restaurant fuses traditional Latin flavors with a modern, health-forward twist, honoring cultural roots while nourishing the next generation. We caught up with the owner and founder, Yesenia Ramdass, to talk about how she’s redefining what it means to eat well, stay true to your roots, and uplift the community through food that feeds both the soul and the body. Can you tell us the story behind Healthy As A Motha — how did it start and what inspired the name? Healthy As A Motha (HAAM) was born out of both personal transformation and profound loss. When I was 17, I read a book that fundamentally changed the way I thought about food. Coming from a community where vegetarianism and veganism weren’t even part of the conversation, it was like being handed a map to a world I never knew existed. I stopped eating meat and, over time, dove deep into food, health, and ancestral wellness. Years later, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Her passing in 2018 lit a fire in me. I was angry, not just from grief but from the realization that my community lacked access to critical health education. I felt compelled to bridge that gap. So I started a blog with titles like “The influence of the white coat” or “Shame in Aspartame”. I started a YouTube channel with recipes that reimagined the foods we grew up with but in healthier ways. When the pandemic hit, I was home cooking for my three kids and sharing everything on Instagram. People kept commenting, “I wish I could try your food!” and “That looks amazing!” My husband encouraged me to go for it. I bought a tent and table off Amazon and did my first pop-up. I sold out. Complete strangers were eating my food and loving it. That moment changed everything. Weeks later, I was laid off from my job, and instead of scrambling to find another one, I took a chance on myself. I started doing pop-ups all over NYC, at street markets, selling my food and building Healthy As A Motha.  As for the name Healthy As A Motha I wanted something with NYC swag, something that would make people laugh, spark curiosity, and most importantly, pay homage to the women who taught me how to cook: my mom and my mother in law. Everything I know started in their kitchens, and now I get to carry that forward through my own lens. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Your Vegan Bestie (@shesheretoeat) What was your journey like from concept to opening your first location? I never sat down and said, “I want to be a chef” or “I want to open a restaurant.” The concept grew organically, driven by the needs and desires of my community. I listened closely and what I heard over and over again was that there was no place to get plant based food that felt culturally relevant, that had our flavors, our soul, our seasoning. After I was laid off, I took a leap and rented a commercial kitchen to learn the ropes, from health inspections and order fulfillment to plating and packaging. That phase of relearning everything was humbling and intense. I’ve never worked harder in my life than I did in those first three years. There were moments I doubted myself, moments I questioned everything, but my passion and my purpose and my mom pulled me through. When it came time to open a brick and mortar, I knew exactly what I wanted: a space that felt elevated, sexy, and sophisticated. Something that presented Caribbean cuisine in a way people are not used to seeing. So many assumed I’d go the fast casual route. It would’ve been easier, sure. But I wasn’t interested in “easy.” I wanted to build a vibe. Permits, contractors, design, equipment, hiring, I faced every possible challenge, but I did it. And now HAAM is more than just a restaurant  it feels to me like a movement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by H A A M (@healthyasamotha) Did your cultural background play a role in shaping the restaurant’s vision or recipes? Absolutely, 100%. When I first became conscious on the impact of food, I felt like I had unlocked something powerful. But it was heartbreaking to realize how disconnected my community was from that conversation. In Caribbean and Latinx households, if there’s no meat on the plate, it’s not a meal. So when I started HAAM, I didn’t cater to people already eating plant-based. I focused on those who weren’t because that’s where change starts. I took traditional recipes and reimagined them using familiar ingredients and flavors. Texture and spice were everything. I needed each dish to taste like home just without the animal products. Did your cultural background play a role in shaping the restaurant’s vision or recipes? In every single way. The HAAM experience is rooted in cultural celebration from the music to the menu. When you walk through our doors, you’re met with the sounds of soca, bachata, reggae, and merengue. It’s loud. It’s alive. It’s unapologetically us. We serve elevated Caribbean plant cuisine, but the energy is still rooted in joy, rhythm, and warmth. During the day, it might be a lunch break; by evening, the candles are lit and the vibe is pure fuego! The goal is to make people feel like waving their flags, dancing in their chairs, and savoring food that feels both nostalgic and revolutionary. It’s a space where culture and community collide in the best way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by H A A M (@healthyasamotha) Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates diversity within the community — what does this month personally mean to you? Representation is everything. I never imagined myself in this

Earlier this week, TMZ reported that d4vd —the up-and-coming alternative R&B artist, who blew up on TikTok and is now the target of a murder investigation—recently made an interesting real estate move. According to legal documents obtained by the outlet, d4vd transferred the deed to two residences he owns in the Houston area. TMZ reported that the change took place between September 18 and 22. The 18th had been the same day that cops executed a search warrant on one of his Texas homes. Upon the police’s arrival, it was discovered that the singer’s parents and siblings had already been occupying that space. The visit had been prompted by a false report that there was a shooting incident. According to reports, the caller had allegedly used a device to mask their voice. Interscope Halts D4vd’s Deluxe Album Amid Murder Investigation Back in September, it was reported that Interscope Records shelved the singer’s deluxe album, Withered, and halted all promotional material. Sources close to the situation confirmed with TMZ that Interscope’s parent company, Universal Music Group, has hit the pause button on all promotional materials. The deluxe project was slated to release on September 19. Earlier that month, it was reported that the singer had been linked to a LAPD investigation, regarding a missing 15-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas; she had been found butchered in a Tesla vehicle registered in his name. Resurfaced tweets, leaked music, and social media speculation have added layers to the story, complicating his ongoing collaborative projects. Kali Uchis, for example, announced she would step away from a joint effort with d4vd, citing uncertainty surrounding the case. Amid these developments, allegations of grooming and inappropriate contact have surfaced. This intensifies scrutiny. d4vd has remained largely silent, aside from brief statements from his representatives and limited fan interactions.

Sean “Diddy” Combs had an emotional phone call with his 2-year-old daughter, Love, after learning he would spend the next 50 months in federal prison. Following his sentencing, the hip-hop mogul spoke with the child’s mother, Dana Tran, who then let their daughter speak with him. According to TMZ, Love asked her father when she could see him again and wanted to know where he was. Diddy, who is currently being held at MDC Brooklyn, became emotional during the call. When Love said, “I miss you, Daddy,” he responded, “I miss you and love you very much, Love.” He then gently told her, “Daddy’s away for a little while,” and promised she would see him soon. Those close to the situation say the exchange was deeply emotional, as Diddy struggled to find the right words to comfort his daughter. Dana and Love recently flew from Los Angeles to New York to attend Diddy’s sentencing. Dana went to court, while Love stayed at the hotel with a babysitter. The judge’s decision left Diddy devastated, realizing he would not be returning home as soon as he hoped. Sources say the last time Diddy saw his daughter outside of prison was in August 2024, when the family spent the day together at the Miami Children’s Museum. That outing now stands as one of their final memories together before his arrest the following month. Love turns three this Wednesday, and it will be her second birthday celebrated without her father present. Those familiar with Diddy’s situation say missing these key family moments has been especially hard on him. While he continues to adjust to life behind bars, his focus remains on his family, and he hopes to reunite with his daughter once his time is served.