Kid Cudi’s set at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival carried an unexpected weight. Just days later, the rapper announced on X that he would be stepping back from music for an indefinite period. He chose to focus on ambitions outside the studio. The news landed heavily among longtime fans, many of whom have followed his career through its constant reinvention. As a parting gesture, Cudi released “Once,” a reflective single he called a “temporary goodbye.” Produced with his longtime collaborator Sebastian, the song leans into the moody introspection that has defined much of his work. On SoundCloud, he framed the track as a gift to listeners: “This is a goodbye for now song.” While pausing his solo output, he reassured fans that he would still take part in collaborations. “I need to retreat into the shadows and concentrate on my other dreams,” he wrote, leaving the door open for new creative paths. The announcement had been foreshadowed. His last project, Free, was a turning point—an independent release after years under major labels. “Free was my last album on a major label; therefore, I named it Free,” he explained. He described the pride he felt in charting his own course. In recent months, he has spoken increasingly about directing, acting, painting, and fashion—projects he sees as integral to his future. Cudi Rejects Kanye Claims, Fans Wait The timing also intersected with controversy. Cudi’s name surfaced in the Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) documentary In Whose Name?, which suggested he influenced Ye’s relationship with Drake. It touched on questions surrounding Ye’s mental health. He dismissed the claims outright: “Let me be clear; I had nothing to do with Kanye not doing that collab album with Drake.” It was a firm effort to distance himself from a narrative he never asked to be part of. For listeners, the moment feels both conclusive and unfinished. There is no timetable for his return. However, “Once” underscores the deep bond Cudi has built with his audience—a reminder of what he leaves behind and what many hope he will eventually reclaim. ANNOUNCEMENT pic.twitter.com/J9JH4wIadb — The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) September 29, 2025

Ice Cube’s “Truth To Power” tour has been moving across North America, but a troubling incident occurred during the Portland stop. One of the buses used by his crew was discovered on fire outside a hotel. The flames were put out quickly and, fortunately, nobody was harmed. None of the group’s equipment was destroyed either. Authorities have not confirmed what started the blaze, though investigators are reviewing security footage. Speaking with KGW, Ice Cube made it clear that he sees the act as deliberate. “I’m not taking this incident as a personal attack,” he said. “A coward like that would burn anybody’s property that was out there at the time.” The rapper later turned to X to address speculation about what happened. He clarified that the vehicle involved was not his own. “Wasn’t my bus,” he posted. “It was a crew bus. Parked in front of the hotel. Everybody was upstairs sleeping. Nobody hurt. No equipment damaged. A coward set fire to the bus. My bus was actually in Oakland getting serviced.” Some online chatter has suggested the fire may have been connected to mistaken identity. Rumors claim the bus could have been confused with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle, although no official evidence supports this theory. The talk of ICE resonates because of Cube’s past comments on the agency. In August, he strongly criticized federal officers for their handling of raids in Los Angeles. “To see people disrespected like that, and the federal government being too heavy-handed, going to churches and weddings and grabbing people out of schools—it’s like, ‘Come on, man, y’all just overdoing it,’” he said at the time. As of now, no arrests have been made. The tour continues while the investigation works to determine who set the fire and why.

Bad Bunny has officially been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, set to take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The news was confirmed by the NFL in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation, marking another milestone in Bad Bunny’s career as one of the most influential artists in the world. The Puerto Rican hitmaker will become the first reggaetón and Latin trap artist to lead the iconic halftime performance on his own, further cementing his role in bringing Latin music to the global stage. Bad Bunny previously appeared on the Super Bowl stage in 2020 as a guest performer alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in Miami. That show received widespread acclaim for spotlighting Latin culture on one of the world’s biggest stages. Now, six years later, he will return as the main act, carrying the halftime spotlight solo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ebro (@oldmanebro) Since 2019, Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, has helped curate Super Bowl halftime shows. The partnership has brought a wide range of performers, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Rihanna, and Usher. Bad Bunny’s selection continues that trend of spotlighting culturally significant artists who reflect both music’s diversity and global reach. With chart-topping hits such as “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Dakiti,” and “Moscow Mule,” fans are already buzzing about what songs might make the setlist. Known for his high-energy performances, innovative visuals, and genre-bending style, Bad Bunny’s halftime show is expected to deliver a memorable blend of music, culture, and spectacle.

Young Thug recently made his stance clear on whether engaging in therapy could actually help confront trauma. According to an X (formerly Twitter) post he made on Saturday (Sept.27), therapy “can’t heal sh*t.” Following the post, Thug was met with an onslaught of criticism. “Talking to your boi ain’t therapy bro. Therapist doesn’t heal, they allow and give you tools to better handle your emotions, ” one person commented. “Therapist don’t heal, they help you walk through to better understand and approach it in a way you might have not thought about,” another X user wrote. Whereas, another poster, who claimed to be a mental health professional, tried to offer Young Thug a different perspective. “Respectfully THUGGER, it’s not about what we can do but rather what YOU can do in that SPACE. it’s always up to the client to seek healing & change. We are only the guiding force to help you get there. P.s – don’t knock something you haven’t tried.” A therapist can’t heal this shit. — Young Thug ひ (@youngthug) September 28, 2025 Young Thug Claims He’d Feel ‘Less Of A Man’ If His Partner Sought Therapy The rapper’s post came after an interview he did with The Pivot podcast. Throughout the discussion, they touched on mental health, masculinity, and interpersonal relationship struggles. In Thug’s opinion, he doesn’t see the value in seeking professional help during a mental health crisis. The “Hercules” rapper would rather lean on friends and family verses a stranger. “My big sister, my big brother, my dad, my mom, my OGs… I listen to y’all,” he said. Thug—who’s been dating Mariah The Scientist for almost four years—made a shocking claim that he would feel “less of a man” if his partner sought out therapy. “It’s like damn, you’ll actually call somebody and listen to what they have to say over me? Instead of listen to what I’m telling you,” he said.

In a video posted to Eric Adams’ X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday (Sept.28), he announced that he was suspending his campaign for the New York City mayoral race. According to ABC News, the decision came after a federal judge’s court order, which required the city’s Campaign Finance Board to review his case before offering matching funds to his campaign. In September 2024, Eric Adams was indicted on five counts of conspiracy related to an alleged long-standing scheme to which prosecutors said led to “improper benefits, illegal campaign contributions and an attempted cover-up.” That said, despite withdrawing his bid, he’ll never stop fighting for this city, he says. “When I was elected to serve as your mayor, I said these words: This campaign was never about me. It was about the people of this city — from every neighborhood and background — who had been left behind and believed they would never catch up,” he began. Only in America. Only in New York.Thank you for making my story a reality. pic.twitter.com/efHuyBnITJ — Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) September 28, 2025 “It has been my honor to be your mayor,” Adams said in the video The outlet reports that the charges against Adams—which included counts of wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery, and solicitation of a contribution from a foreign entity—were subsequently dropped in April. “This campaign was for the underserved, the marginalized, the abandoned and betrayed by government,” Adams continued. “Since then, it has been my honor to be your mayor. And I am proud to say that we took that victory four years ago and turned it into action — making this city better for those who had been failed by government.” Adams added, “Although this is the end of my reelection campaign, it is not the end of my public service. I will continue to fight for this city — as I have for 40 years, since the day I joined the NYPD to make our streets safer and our systems fairer.”

Despite critics doubting whether Cardi B can balance her career and motherhood, she defied all expectations — baby bump in tow— with an electrifying performance at the Global Citizen Festival. The annual festival was held at Central Park’s Great Lawn in New York City on Saturday, Sept. 27. The rapper had been tapped as a co-headliner alongside Shakira. Cardi B was more than comfortable on the stage; she completely took it over. The crowd roared as she performed some of her biggest hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It.” The rapper also bumped some new tracks from her latest album, Am I The Drama? like “Outside and” “ErrTime.” The project was released on Sept.19, following an almost decade-long hiatus. Am I The Drama? serves as a follow-up to her 2018 debut project, Invasion of Privacy. On its first day of release, the album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Cardi B’s “Errtime” performance at Global Citizen Festival. pic.twitter.com/kA8XwbgO2i — ໊ (@cardibnet) September 28, 2025 Cardi B’s Little Miss Drama Tour set to kick off in February 2026 “Central Park, I’m coming for you!!! I can’t wait to be home in New York, and to bring my new songs and all the DRAMA to the Global Citizen Festival,” said Cardi B in a statement before the show. “This one’s not like other music festivals – this one is about coming together to help children around the world, and I’m so proud to support such an important cause. New York City – see you Saturday. Let’s get it!!!” In conjunction with her new album, Cardi B is also set to headline her first tour. The rapper will trek through 34 cities, with stops in major cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Washington D.C., Toronto, and her hometown of New York. The Little Miss Drama tour is set to kick off in February 2026. Cardi recently sat down with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, saying she felt “excited” and “happy” to balance work and her ever-growing family. “I feel like I’m in a good space…I feel very strong…I feel very powerful that I’m doing all this work. But I’m doing all this work while I’m creating a baby, me and my man, we’re very supportive of each other,” she said.

On Thursday (Sept.25), in a New York federal courtroom, Diddy’s attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, claimed prostitution should “only be applied to pimping.” Back in July, following his highly publicized RICO trial, Diddy’s more serious charges—which included sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy— were dismissed. Now his lawyers are fighting to overturn the prostitution-related charges in his case. The move comes only a week before his sentencing, which is set to take place on Friday, Oct.3. ABC News reports that Shapiro argued that his conviction should be overturned because “prostitution does not include commercial voyeurism.” On the other hand, federal prosecutors claim Diddy (real name Sean Combs) was more than a “voyer” and that he had a propensity for violence. “Regulating prostitution is important because it can include discouraging violence against women,” Said federal prosecutors LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 15: Sean “Diddy” Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) Lead prosecutor Christy Slavik referenced the jaw-dropping footage of Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. “Ms. Ventura was getting punched in the face,” Slavik said. “Regulating prostitution is important because it can include discouraging violence against women.” Despite strong arguments from both parties, Judge Arun Subramanian wasn’t able to offer an immediate ruling on the matter. That said, he did note that they wouldn’t have to wait too long for his answer. On Nov. 16, 2023, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit that accused him of physical abuse, sex trafficking, and rape. Social media was set ablaze following the news that the pair settled for $20,000,000 just one day later. Not long after, a bevy of other civil lawsuits followed. By September 2024, Diddy had been arrested and indicted by the Southern District of New York. At the time, he was facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution.

Rumors are circulating that Kim Kardashian and Drake met up in Italy following speculation on a Kanye West Reddit forum. According to the Ye supporter, the “new couple” spent time at the same luxury mansion in Italy. The US Sun reports the fan followed up their post with several screenshots to support their theory. One of the screengrabs came from a recent photo dump Kim shared on Instagram. “ITALY 2025,” the caption read. The reality star had been in Venice, Italy, in preparation to attend the Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) Awards ceremony. The SKIMS founder was being awarded the coveted DVF Award. Kim is seen posing alongside stone pillars with an eye-catching view of a lake behind her. The view was familiar to another post from an Instagram account named Billionairehouse. The page often highlights luxury residences rented or owned by celebrities. The post had given an “inside look” at one recently rented by Drake in Lake Como, Italy. Drake Recently Rented Out A Luxury Mansion In Lake Como, Italy View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luxury Real Estate (@billionairehouse) The post contained a photo dump that appeared to show the same stone pillars and lake where the mother of four was spotted.”Drake is living out his Italian getaway at Villa Pliniana, a Renaissance masterpiece built in 1573 that has hosted legends like Byron, Stendhal, and even Napoleon,” the caption read. “Now one of the most exclusive estates on Lake Como, this architectural jewel is the perfect backdrop for Drake’s Milan concert run—and a fitting retreat for Champagne Papi himself.” The post continued: “Perched in a private cove with no neighbors and surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky cliffs, this legendary villa blends Renaissance elegance with modern sophistication. It features 17 refined bedrooms, direct lake access via a private boat dock, a heli-pad for dramatic arrivals, a tranquil spa, and sweeping gardens that seem to float above Como’s turquoise waters.”

Mariah Carey stopped by HOT 97 to sit down with Nessa and talk about her long-awaited new album Here For It All, her first in seven years. She shared which track is her personal favorite on the project and opened up about why Nessa was the reason she decided to work with Anderson.Paak. Mariah also talked about her admiration for SZA and an upcoming collab, and revealed whether or not Jermaine Dupri brought her to Magic City. The two also discussed Mariah’s favorite Tupac song, what it was like working on a special collaboration, and how she feels about being back with new music after such a long break. Here For It All arrives September 26, 2025 — a date fans won’t want to miss. Stream her album Here For It All September 26, 2025!

Young Thug addresses rumors surrounding his sexuality. During a recent interview, Thug makes it clear that he don’t have no problem with gay men, however, he’s straight. “I’m straight women. Ain’t nothing going down with no man.” This isn’t the first time Thug addressed those speculations. In a 2019 interview with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, he made it clear that assumptions about him being gay were inaccurate. “People judge me and say ‘gay,’” he explained. “If people think that I’m gay, they’ve already misjudged. I’m the straightest man in the world. I’ve been with way more women than a lot of other straight guys.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked) Young Thug dropped his highly anticipated project “UY SCUTI.” The project is Thug’s first full-length body of work since his release from jail in late 2024, marking a major comeback moment for the Atlanta rap star. Originally set to arrive on September 19, the album was delayed by a week out of respect for Cardi B’s release, Am I the Drama?. Thug revealed that he named the album after UY Scuti, a red supergiant star considered one of the largest known in the universe. The title, he explained, symbolizes the scale of his return and his enduring impact on hip-hop. UY SCUTI features 20 tracks and boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Future, Cardi B, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, T.I., Ken Carson, Sexyy Red, and Mariah The Scientist.