Timbaland has doubled down on his plan to launch an AI artist through his company Stage Zero to bring forth a new music genre known as artificial pop, or A-pop. Now he is facing backlash. Taking to Instagram on Friday (June 6), the iconic producer addressed the controversy swirling around the announcement of his first AI-generated artist, TaTa. “I know I’m trolling, but let’s have a real conversation,” Timbaland wrote in his post. “I love my independent artists. This doesn’t mean I’m not working with real artists anymore.”  “And nah, I don’t train ai off y’all music,” he explained. “This just means more creativity for creators.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Timbo the King (@timbaland) Tim also posted a video of music executive Ray Daniels saying AI artists will be the new wave in the record industry.  “Why the fuck wouldn’t you?” Daniels said in the video. “Mickey Mouse is an AI character. Donald Dunk is an AI character. Bugs Bunny is an AI character.” “You guys are looking at it wrong,” Daniels continued. “He’s gonna make a character that he can have sing songs and sell products. That’s all these cartoonists and young kid TV shows are doing anyway, so why are y’all mad at him?” In the comments section, many disagreed with Timbaland and Daniel’s views on AI-generated music. “You call it trolling, but the moves you are making are not jokes,” British DJ Shy FX wrote in the comments. “They are choices, and they come at the cost of real artists who are already fighting to be seen and heard.” “You showed your colours when you attempted to make a song using Biggie’s AI-generated voice,” he added. “You made it even clearer by partnering with Suno, whose founder has been very vocal about wanting to replace musicians, not support them. And now this? This isn’t disruption. It’s a cash-in.” Rob Markman, a noted hip-hop journalist, took issue with Daniels’ point about the creation of the beloved Disney character.  “Mickey Mouse was created by a human, drawn by a human, written by a human, voiced by a human… not the same,” Markman wrote. “None of those things the guy mentioned (Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny) are AI characters; those are characters created, written, and animated by PEOPLE. Do you not see the resounding rejection you’re facing for this?” Markman added.

Ryan Coogler has called Spike Lee one of his biggest inspirations and recently declared that his classic film Malcolm X, released in 1992, is the most important American film in history. During an interview on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn show, Coogler shared how Lee’s epic film greatly influenced his cinematic vision and showed the possibilities of filmmaking. “I think that Malcolm X is the most important American film ever made. No question,” Coogler said, emphasizing its cultural weight over widely regarded classics like The Godfather and Citizen Kane. “I don’t think they were as important Americans as Malcolm X was.” Coogler lauded Lee for his direction and for curating an incredible cast that included Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Giancarlo Esposito, and Lee himself. The film for Coogler brought “Malcolm X’s legacy to life.” “The fact that they made that movie when they did, that it opens like it opens—nothing lights you on fire like that,” he continued. When it comes to his own film Sinners, Lee praised Coogler’s work, saying he created a brand new genre. Coogler shared that the Oscar winner’s words meant the world to him so much that he shed tear.s “So for me to give Spike [Lee] a cinematic experience. I’m just paying him back with interest, bro,” Coogler said. “ It meant the world to me to hear him say that. I cried, bro– I had to hide my–he was jumping around like–I was wiping tears out of my eyes, bro. I’m sh*tting in the IMAX theater showing Spike Lee the movie. He likes it?”

Cam’ron recently revealed that he wrote “I Really Mean It” the classic Dipset hit, for Lil Kim. During the latest episode of his sports talk show, It Is What It Is, Cam said he wrote the song with “Queen B” in mind, but she wasn’t feeling it.  “I did write a song for Lil’ Kim and she didn’t want it, and the lyrics changed, and I ended up keeping it for myself,” Cam shared. Thankfully for Cam it worked out because the “I Really Mean It” became a hood classic with the production Just Blaze and of the group’s his signature songs. “It was one of my biggest records, but I wrote ‘I Really Mean It’ for Lil’ Kim. Same format, and she didn’t like it,” the Harlem rapper said. “That’s one of the best things, ’cause that’s one of my close-out songs, to be totally honest with you, and she didn’t want the song. I’m happy she didn’t.” Cam and Kim’s creative relationship goes back to 1996 when he wrote “Crush On You” featuring Lil Cease.  As the the secondKim’s debut album Hard Core and produced by Andreao “Fanatic” Heard, “Crush On You” was Cam’s first ghostwriting credit. Elsewhere in the episode, Cam also revealed that he was behind 3LW’s biggest hit “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)”. The song reached number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2000. “I wrote for 3 Little Women. The single, I’m in the credits, I wrote that. ‘Promises, promises’? That’s me,” Cam explained. “I penned that joint. We’re real creative, just tap in, man.”

Amerie made a triumphant return to the stage this Black Music Month, honoring the 20th anniversary of her beloved sophomore album Touch with a special Tiny Desk concert. The performance, which premiered June 6th, was a soulful celebration of her timeless sound and a reminder of the magic she brings to R&B. Backed by D.C.’s own Backyard Band, Amerie delivered a vibrant, live set that pulled from both All I Have and Touch. Her setlist included “Talkin’ to Me,” “Why Don’t We Fall in Love,” “Mine,” “I Just Died,” “Rolling Down My Face,” “Talkin’ About,” and of course, “1 Thing.” The mini-concert captured the essence of her signature style—blending go-go beats, jazzy horns, and silky vocals into something that still feels like summer. The performance was part of NPR’s month-long tribute to Black music, spotlighting albums that have reached milestone anniversaries. “This year feels like the perfect time to stop and revere some of the greatest albums in Black music,” said Tiny Desk host and producer Bobby Carter. “These artists might not be the first you hear in the pop culture conversation, but they are crown jewels in Black culture. These are our icons.” Carter credited last year’s Chaka Khan performance as the inspiration. “She reminded us that she’s been making music for 50 years,” he said. Amerie’s return comes after a seven-year hiatus. In March, she dropped her single “Mine,” produced by Grammy-winner Troy Taylor, and announced a 2025 album in the works. Fans can also catch her on the road with Keyshia Cole for The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour. With fresh music, a tour on the horizon, and a legacy worth celebrating, Amerie is showing the world her impact is far from over.

Halle Bailey has broken her silence amid her ongoing custody battle with DDG over their one-year-old son, Halo. As tensions rise, she’s now responding directly to his claims that her past mental health struggles made her a danger to their child. According to Billboard, Halle is denying DDG’s allegations that she posed a risk due to past threats of self-harm. In a new court declaration, she reportedly told the judge that DDG’s statements are misleading and distorted. “His declaration has exaggerated, lied and misconstrued for the court, not only the history of our relationship, but our parenting and my mental health,” she said. The court previously granted Halle full temporary custody and a restraining order ahead of a June 4th hearing. That hearing was postponed after DDG filed a competing case, bringing up her past mental health history. Halle, however, says she’s been open about her mental health journey and has taken steps to prioritize her well-being. “I have been very vocal about my anxiety, depression, and previous thoughts of suicide,” Halle wrote. “Without waiving the psychotherapist-patient privilege and physician-patient privilege, I have reached out to my doctor and received treatment to address these issues. I have been and remain 100% available and capable as a parent to our son, Halo.” She also said most of the incidents DDG referenced took place in 2022 and 2023—when she claims she was left “emotionally devastated” by his behavior. “Had Darryl really been concerned about my parenting, he would have taken action prior to this time. This is cold retribution to embarrass, humiliate and caused me additional emotional distress,” she added. DDG recently filed an emergency motion to block Halle from traveling to Italy with Halo, but the judge denied it. A partial restraining order on abuse allegations was granted.

Remy Ma and Papoose have now separated, but their dedication to their daughter remains unshaken. Recently, they came together to honor Reminisce’s kindergarten graduation, sharing touching highlights from the special day online. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Remy Ma (@remyma) Remy Ma shared several photos of their daughter glowing in a white dress, full of joy and confidence. In her caption, she lovingly referred to Reminisce as her “twin” and shared a funny behind-the-scenes moment from their photo shoot, highlighting her daughter’s growing personality. She also pointed out that Reminisce picks her own looks, from hair to accessories, giving the celebration an extra personal touch. Papoose also posted about her graduation with a heartfelt Instagram post. He praised his daughter, calling her “The most charismatic amazing kid in the world,” and included both recent snapshots and throwbacks, reflecting on his journey as a father. The public reunion came in the midst of ongoing tension between the exes. Their split has been anything but quiet. Papoose previously accused Remy of cheating, claiming she spent Christmas with battle rapper Eazy The Block Captain while he stayed home with their daughter. Remy fired back by leaking private messages between Papoose and his new girlfriend, professional boxer Claressa Shields, accusing them of trying to ruin her name. The drama didn’t stop there. Papoose later called Remy a “narcissist” and accused her of repeated infidelity. Claressa chimed in too, slamming Remy with, “This can’t be serious. You have 2 boyfriends,” and calling her “bitter and mad”, even challenging her to a boxing match. But despite the social media fireworks, Remy and Papoose set their differences aside to celebrate their daughter’s big day, proving that, for Reminisce, they’ll always show up.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour kicked off with a bang, and a brief wardrobe fail, on opening night in London, but in true Queen Bey fashion, she handled it with flawless grace. While performing “I’m That Girl” at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 5, Beyoncé experienced a slip-up when her gold, fringed chaps dropped down to her ankles mid-dance move. The viral moment, caught on fan footage, could’ve been a disaster for most, but not for Bey. Without flinching, she held her pose like a pro, then casually crouched down to pull the pants back up. A backup dancer stepped in to help secure the chaps around her waist, and Beyoncé carried on like nothing ever happened. By the time she reached the song’s sultry bridge, the malfunction was a thing of the past, and the choreography kept flowing effortlessly. The Beyhive was quick to chime in online, applauding her poise and finding humor in the timing of the fall. “The pants did their own choreography matched with the beat,” one fan joked. Another added, “The song was so appropriate for the pants drop ‘these pants ain’t stopping me, deadass,’” complete with laughing emojis. For many, it would’ve been a nightmare moment—but for Beyoncé, it became just another example of why she’s in a league of her own. Unshaken, unbothered, and completely in control. The London show marks the first of six U.K. stops, with Beyoncé scheduled to perform across the region through June 16th. She’ll then head to Paris for a three-night stay at Stade de France, before bringing Cowboy Carter stateside on June 28th, beginning with back-to-back shows in her hometown of Houston. Malfunction or not, Beyoncé proves once again: nothing can throw her off.

GloRilla is turning up the heat in her new video for “Typa,” and she brought an NFL star along for the ride. Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette plays her love interest in the steamy three-minute visual, and the chemistry is impossible to ignore. Legette, shirtless and fully in character, shares intimate moments with the rapper, who appears in lingerie as the two get cozy in the bedroom. At one point, he leans in for a kiss, taking his role seriously alongside Glo, who clearly knew what she was doing with this casting. The song’s lyrics spell it out, “Typa” is about GloRilla’s love for a country man with some, let’s say, specific qualities. And if you know anything about Legette, you’ll understand why he fits the bill. The 24-year-old receiver, who signed a four-year contract with the Panthers in 2024, went viral for admitting he enjoys eating raccoons, common in the South, and fans can’t get enough of his thick Southern accent. As Glo tells it through the visuals, this is her type. The video also features a cameo from R&B icon Keyshia Cole, which is fitting since the song samples her beloved 2000s hit, “Love.” Naturally, fans are buzzing about a possible off-screen connection, but it’s worth remembering: GloRilla tried to shoot her shot at Damian Lillard before. “What coulda been for you, Damian Lillard — Glo was only gonna shoot her shot so many times before moving on.” When she announced the track’s release, she shared the cover art—Legette sitting behind her while she counts stacks of cash, making it clear this wasn’t just a music drop. With a bold storyline, a viral NFL cameo, and major R&B nostalgia, “Typa” is everything GloRilla fans love and then some.

Jurors in the ongoing federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs heard another day of searing testimony, as witnesses painted conflicting portraits of the music mogul’s private world. Allegations of abuse, manipulation, and transactional relationships have emerged, offering a deeper look into the lifestyle prosecutors describe as exploitative and predatory. Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, a designer and friend of Cassie Ventura, testified that in 2016, Diddy allegedly lifted her over a hotel balcony and later threw her against a coffee table. She recalled feeling disoriented and fearful, stating the mogul told her, “I’m the devil, and I could kill you.” The jury was shown photos of the bruises she claims were caused by the incident. Another woman, using the pseudonym Jane, testified to what she described as a slow descent into a controlling relationship with Diddy that began on a Miami trip in 2020. While she initially welcomed the attention and luxury—jewelry, vacations, and cash—she said the dynamic shifted when she was pressured into sexual acts with other men, often under the guise of what they referred to as “hotel nights” or “debauchery.” Coercion Claims and Defense Disputes Fuel Courtroom Tensions Prosecutors argue that Diddy used his influence and resources to lure women into relationships under false pretenses, only to entrap them in a cycle of control and abuse. Jane testified that she feared her rent and financial support would be cut off if she refused his demands. At one point, she claimed 90% of their sexual encounters involved coercion. The defense has challenged the credibility of the witnesses, questioning the timing of their accusations and highlighting inconsistencies in their statements. During cross-examination, Diddy’s attorneys pointed to Bongolan’s previous civil suit and implied ulterior motives behind her testimony. Bongolan maintained that she is testifying “to seek justice” and said she was subpoenaed to appear. Tensions in the courtroom escalated when the judge warned Diddy against making suggestive gestures toward the jury—behavior that could result in his removal from the room. The trial, which remains under intense public scrutiny, continues to unravel a tangled web of testimony, power, and contested truth.

SiR recently claimed that he was caught in the middle of Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s beef, which caused a scheduled concert in Toronto last year to be cancelled. While on stage at a live show in Canada, SIR spoke to his fans about the cancellation and how he was caught in the crosshairs of one of the most epic rap battles of all time.  “So the venue in Toronto, which was partially owned by Drake, cancelled the show completely,” SiR revealed to the crowd. “Then when we tried to switch venues, the next venue was like, ‘Nah we ain’t f**cking with it, I ain’t taking no motherf**cking chance.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks) At the time of cancellation of the show, SiR took to Instagram to apologize to fans for the unfortunate situation. “So sorry to my Toronto fans. The show has been cancelled. We’re working on rescheduling for a later date,” he wrote on social media. “For those wondering, we sold that show out. It was cancelled by the venue. Not sure why. My apologies again to those that came just to see me.” But SiR wasn’t the only Top Dawg Entertainment artist to have trouble keeping shows in Canada. Last year, ScHoolboy Q had one of his shows in Toronto at the height of K-Dot and the 6 God’s war of words. “They just cancelled my show in TORONTO,” followed by a laughing emoji. “CANADIAN POLICE DON’T WANT NOBODY FROM TDE PERFORMING.”