Busta Rhymes’ eccentric style and fiery bars have made him an icon with a career that spans over four decades. According to Variety, the executive board of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce is helping preserve his legacy by presenting him with the “Hip Hop Icon Award.” The outlet reports that the board is hosting the presentation as a final event to close out Harlem Week, which is a “series of free, local community events for residents and NYC residents.” The ceremony will take place at St. Nicholas Park on Sunday (Aug.17). Just last month, Busta was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was honored with a star in the Recording category. Some of his guest speakers for the ceremony included Chris Rock, LL Cool J, Chuck D., and Big Boy. “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will be adding Busta Rhymes, one of Hip-Hop’s most enduring and electrifying voices, as a new member of Hollywood’s iconic sidewalk, “ said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in a press release around that time. “His talent and influence are undeniable. His star on the Walk of Fame will stand as a testament to his lasting impact on hip-hop music and how important it is to American culture.” On a more sour note, Busta Rhymes is being sued by his former assistant, Dashiel Gables, who claims the rapper assaulted him and failed to pay him properly during his time of employment. Gables is expected to detail the accusations during a press conference in Brooklyn’s Columbus Park on Thursday, where he’ll allege emotional harm, wage theft, and physical abuse. The situation stems from an altercation earlier this year. Back in January, police questioned Busta after a reported dispute between the two men, though no charges were filed at the time.

The Weeknd’s native’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour has grossed over $600,000,000 and sold nearly five million tickets, according to Billboard. The outlet reports the singer-songwriter’s tour broke a Boxscore record, earning the title of “the biggest R&B tour in history.” Since kicking off nearly three years ago in July 2022, the After Hours Til Dawn tour has raked in $635.5 million. The outlet reports that this is the “ninth tour to hit this benchmark, and the only one by an R&B artist or a Black artist.” With that, now The “Star Boy” singer’s tour has eclipsed Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, which grossed $579.8 million, “over 56 shows in 2023.” He’s also surpassed Bruno Mars’ 3.6 million on his 2017-18’s 24K Magic World Tour. DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 24: The Weeknd performs onstage during After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour at Ford Field on May 24, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) Just last week, The Weeknd reached another record-breaking milestone by setting the record for most performances by a Canadian artist at one of Toronto’s biggest stadiums — the Rogers Centre, which also houses the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Billboard Canada, the singer performed four shows on his After Hours Til Dawn Tour at the Rogers Centre, which began on Thursday, August 7. The outlet also reported that he set the record for “most shows at the venue by a male solo artist on the same tour.” This trek would count as The Weeknd’s seventh concert tour. The stadium tour was in support of his fourth, fifth, and sixth studio albums: After Hours (2020), Dawn FM (2022), and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025). This tour serves as a victory lap for the “Timeless” singer and marks the end of his Weeknd era. The good news doesn’t end there. Last month, The Weeknd was awarded the ultimate honor from his hometown of Toronto by receiving the Key to the City and a citywide proclamation of “The Weeknd Weekend” from July 26-27. 

Beyoncé is not only a skilled vocalist and performer, but she’s also ranked as the sixth top producer of the 21st Century, says Billboard. Earlier this week, the outlet released its “Top Producers of the 21st Century on the Hot 100” list. According to the publication,” before Beyoncé became a solo juggernaut, she was already helping shape the Destiny’s Child sound away from the mic.” Billboard reports that out of the 25 producers “who can claim credit for helping shape the sound of hit music since the turn of the century,” Queen Bey found herself among the top 10, with the likes of Jack Antonoff and Dr. Luke. Beyoncé earned her first No.1 as a producer on Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Woman Part I” in 2000. A year later, the group released “Bootylicious,” which gave the singer her second No.1 Hit, with her credited as a producer. “When she went solo, she continued to maintain control over the texture of her music, coproducing six more of her No. 1s: “Crazy in Love,” featuring Jay-Z; “Baby Boy,” featuring Sean Paul (both in 2003); “Check On It,” featuring Slim Thug (2006); “Irreplaceable” (2006-07), “Break My Soul” (2022); and “Texas Hold ‘Em” (2024),” the outlet wrote. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Beyoncé accepts the Innovator Award onstage during the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on April 01, 2024. Broadcasted live on FOX. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartRadio) “Her work behind the board proves that she’s not just the face of her music but also a creative force behind the whole enterprise,” Billboard continued. The criteria had been based on the “top 300-plus producers who led the Hot 100 from charts dated Jan. 1, 2000, through Dec. 28, 2024.” To help avoid any ties, the outlet reports it “ranked which producers had the most Hot 100 top 10s in the tracking period, followed by the most overall entries on the chart.” Beyoncé wasn’t the only industry heavyweight to crack the list. Atlanta native and So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri landed at No.9. Timbaland followed right behind at No.10; however Kanye West dipped slightly below the iconic producer, landing at No.14. Below Ye sits The Weeknd at No.19 with Mariah Carey trailing behind at No.15. Boi-1da, the sound behind Rihanna’s smash hit, “Work,” which features Drake, earned a spot at No. 23. Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am ran closely behind at No.24.

For the first time in the history Vans, the brand has named an artistic director and its SZA! On Thursday (August 14), Vans made the announcement about SZA’s brand new role with company. “SZA is a revolutionary artist shaping the emotional tone of a generation. Through her genre-defying sound, she brings authenticity to the forefront, creating space for both softness and powerful expression,” the company’s statement read.  “She challenges fashion norms and cultural expectations that empower youth to own their story. In her, we see the essence of Off the Wall, an artist who leads with creative intention and self-acceptance, while encouraging others to do the same,” the statement continued View this post on Instagram A post shared by SZA (@sza) “In Vans, I feel free!” says SZA. “I’ve been wearing Knu Skools and other styles for years, they’ve always had an ethos I connect with. As Artistic Director, my mission is to show that joy, community, creativity, and fashion are all still intersectional.” “That humanity, culture, and connection are still the access points. I’ve learned that bravery and curiosity are the cures for uncertainty, it’s a lifestyle and Vans champions that spirit,” SZA continued. “They stand where I stand, and I’m honored to invite a whole bunch of people to stand Off the Wall with us. “ SZA also shared the news of her new role to all of her followers on Instagram. “Clocking in for Side quest 367889654591.. IM THE NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AT @vans YALL… we finna have a f**king ball,” her post read. During recent Vogue interview, SZA shared her love of Vans.  “If you think about Vans and me, it makes so much sense,” SZA expalined “I’ve always been about comfort and self-expression. I love feeling stable, sturdy—and also cute as f**k.” “Skate culture is so paramount [to Vans], but the ethos of skate culture is what I think is beautiful,” she added. “There is a lot of perseverance, trying and failing—a community that loves to take risks.”

Offset recently opened up about the dissolution of his marriage with Cardi B, telling The Ebro Show‘s host Ebro Darden that he “f*cked up” his relationship with the former reality star. Cardi B and Offset’s very public, on-again-off-again relationship officially came to a close after the “I Like It” rapper filed for divorce in July 2024. Offset had been accused of cheating multiple times, which allegedly led to the couple’s constant separations over the years. Their behind-the-scenes tension would eventually boil over into social media. Amid the interview, Darden had noted that he would reach out to Offset, telling him point-blank, “You’re f*cking up,” to which the rapper nodded in acknowledgement, saying, “I f*cked up…just being real.” That said, Offset believes that he has learned from the situation and is looking toward the future. “I gotta acknowledge that and get back on the journey,” he added. Since the split, Cardi B has gone public with her new beau, NFL star Stephon Diggs. Whereas, Offset has been linked to a model and Instagram personality, Melanie Jayda. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ebro (@oldmanebro) During another segment of the interview, the rapper discussed the possibility of creating new music with Quavo. Specifically, he considered a tribute album for Takeoff — an idea which isn’t completely off the table for the rapper. “It’s possible,” Offset tells Ebro. “It’s [definitely] possible. No conversations about that tho’, but it’s possible.” That said, according to Offset, the pair are focused on solo projects. They are also making sure to check in with one another. “We just building us first, [and] like checking in with each other and see each other world, like, ‘You good?, ‘You good?” Despite Offset and Quavo’s past tension, the rapper makes it clear that their familial bond remains unbroken. “That’s family at the end of the day,” he tells the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast in their latest episode. “You’re gonna bump heads with your family sometime,” he added. “In the day, a n*gga ain’t finna play with him, or a n*gga ain’t finna play with me.”

Offset recently caught up with The Ebro Show on Apple Music 1. This was ahead of the release of his upcoming album, Kiari. While there, the rapper discussed the possibility of creating new music with Quavo. Specifically, he considered a tribute album for Takeoff — an idea which isn’t completely off the table for the rapper. “It’s possible,” Offset tells Ebro. “It’s [definitely] possible. No conversations about that tho’, but it’s possible.” That said, according to Offset, the pair are focused on solo projects. They are also making sure to check in with one another. “We just building us first, [and] like checking in with each other and see each other world, like, ‘You good?, ‘You good?” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apple Music (@applemusic) Despite Offset and Quavo’s past tension, the rapper makes it clear that their familial bond remains unbroken. “That’s family at the end of the day,” he tells the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast in their latest episode. “You’re gonna bump heads with your family sometime,” he added. “In the day, a n*gga ain’t finna play with him, or a n*gga ain’t finna play with me.” The pair’s tension started around 2022 after rumors swirled that Offset had slept with Quavo’s then-girlfriend, Saweetie. This had also been what allegedly led to the disbandment of the Migos. However, after Takeoff was shot and killed in November 2022, the pair only became further estranged. Eventually, things came to a head at the 2023 Grammys. There, the two reportedly got into a brief scuffle over the direction of Takeoff’s tribute. Luckily, Offset and Quavo were eventually able to settle their beef. Set revealed that he and Quavo talk at least once a week. He said, “It be the internet trying to do some old sh*t, but with us, it ain’t about that. Like, we holla at each other.”

Not long ago, Fat Joe made claims that “gentrification” was behind the cancellation of the BET Hip Hop Awards; however, Benzino disagrees. Benzino was enjoying some relaxation and was on Instagram Live, seemingly in a hot tub. He shared his thoughts on the situation there. According to the former Source magazine co-owner, there’s only one reason why the iconic live show was removed from the air: low ratings. In fact, Benzino believes that Fat Joe’s stint as the award show’s host significantly contributed to the show’s low ratings in recent years. Benzino argues that if gentrification were the true cause, the “Lean Back” rapper would have been part of the gentrification he claims the network is responsible for. “Why Fat Joe said it’s gentrification, after they let his a** host the awards two years earlier?” Benzino said in the IG Live video. “The ratings were the worst ever after he hosted it. Was it gentrification when you was hosting it, Joey? Stop, man. Joe, you’re putting out too much misinformation on the internet, bro. You gotta do better, man.” Benzino blames Fat Joe’s hosting of the BET Hip-Hop Awards for tanking ratings and causing the show’s suspension. : livebitez/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/LXMEsA119c — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 11, 2025 Fat Joe Calls BET Cuts ‘Gentrification’ Of Black Culture On a recent episode of Joe and Jada, the two legends discussed the cancellation of the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. They also questioned what it means for Black culture in entertainment. Fat Joe described the situation bluntly, “This is a form of gentrification, what’s going on. I don’t know if you really want to ask me about this s**t,” he said. Reflecting on BET’s history, he noted that it began as a space dedicated to Black audiences. It was later sold by founder Bob Johnson to Viacom Paramount. According to him, the shift in ownership brought quiet but consistent staff cuts, especially targeting those who voiced concerns. The Bronx rapper recalled working on the BET Hip-Hop Awards for three years and watching the event’s resources dwindle. “S**t was like the budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting chopped and chopped and chopped.”

The press tour for Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is in full swing; most recently, the director and film star, A$AP Rocky, stopped by the Track Star music show. When asked about the research he put into the role, Rocky said that he was already well-equipped because he’d been an avid fan of the director in his youth. According to the rapper, he “grew up” on Spike Lee. “I didn’t have to do research,” the rapper-actor said. Shortly after that, the rapper proceeded to share a few of his favorite films from the Brooklyn native. With over four decades of work to pick from, you think the “Praise The Lord” rapper might have trouble deciding; however, for Rocky, it was simple. “It’s between Mo’ Better Blues, Malcom X, He Got Game, Inside Man, [and] Crooklyn…” The rapper also acknowledged how much Red Hook Summer taught him to “use different mediums at a time when everyone wanted these big movie production cameras…” Lee had shot the 2012 film with a small digital camera. Spike Lee and A$AP Rocky have become quite chummy over the past few months as the rollout for Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest continues. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lee lauded Rocky’s performance in the film. “Yeah, don’t sleep on A$AP,” Lee said. “In this film, Denzel and A$AP go toe to toe.” “What’s interesting is, even before I got involved with this film, I always thought that A$AP looked like he could be Denzel’s son. There’s a big resemblance. So when you see it on the screen, it adds an element of father and son. Don’t sleep on A$AP. Don’t sleep on A$AP,” he added. Lee also said that Rocky was not overwhelmed by Washington’s aura like he had seen with other actors. “I’ve done five films with Denzel, and when he’s in a scene with somebody, they just get overwhelmed. He’s one of the world’s greatest living actors. But A$AP wasn’t having that,” Lee explained. “Toe to toe. I mean, they were going at it.” 

Black Ink Crew star Ceaser Emanuel opens up about he learned he was having a stroke. In a candid conversation with Carlos King, Ceaser recalls the exact moment he knew he was experiencing a stroke. He described the sensation bluntly, saying it “felt like a bad headache.” Ceasar shared a message via his Instagram thanking God for his health. “God, I can’t thank you enough for bringing me this far in LIFE.Thank you for blessing me with life, good health, happiness and peace of mind. I’ll forever be grateful.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Jasmine Brand (@the.jasmine.brand)

Killer Mike is jumping into the podcast game. On August 13, he debuted with Conversate with Killer Mike. Co-hosted by his partner and former Outkast DJ Cutmaster Swiff, the show will feature his takes on the latesttopics of the day that “hit like your favorite mixtape.” “I created the show because I think that people need to converse more,” Mike said. “People need to sit with people that don’t look like them, that aren’t from the same background, that don’t even see the world in the same way and just simply have conversation. I think it grows our perspective.” Tje tongue-in-cheek name makes it clear that Conversate with Killer Mike will not be your everyday podcast. With a “roundtable-style dialogue with an opinionated cast and crew that’s part bars and business, part books and barbershop banter, but across the board authentic.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Conversate with Killer Mike (@conversatewithkillermike) “I hope listeners walk away from every episode of Conversate with a slightly different understanding of perspectives that may not be like their own,” the Grammy Award winner said.  “Having a former Atlanta mayor tell you that essentially power and politics comes down to what the fuck are you gonna do about it? Either you’re bullying, saying that, or you’re refusing to be bullied and you’re doing something about it,” Mike continued.  “I think that’s an amazing thing to be said in this day and time. It gets us back to a time where we watched All in the Family and The Jeffersons and our feelings weren’t catered to like babies.” Conversate with Killer Mike is available on all podcasts. Follow @conversatewithkillermike for updates, exclusive clips and the ride of a lifetime.