Jeezy said his grandmother would always tell him, “Don’t ask anybody for anything without giving them something first.”  This wisdom helped to launch his iconic rap career. In a recent interview with Billboard, Jeezy is talking about the 20th  anniversary of his classic album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, which was released on July 26th, 2005. During the process, he developed polyps in his throat and required surgery. With no insurance, he had to pay out of a brown paper bag of cash and took months to recover. “It humbled me and I remember not having insurance at the time,” he recalls to Billboard with a laugh. “Imagine that, I had insurance on my Ferrari and not [medical] insurance!” After all his hard work, the album leaked before its official release. Instead of looking at it as a setback, Jeezy saw it as a blessing in disguise “I knew that was designed to hurt me,” Jeezy explained. “That took the pressure off, because the world had heard the music. That was the promo.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by @jeezy When Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 finally dropped, the LP peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 172,000 units in the first week. Standout tracks include “And Then What” featuring Mannie Fresh, “Soul Survivor” featuring Akon, “Go Crazy” and “My Hood.” Looking back, he’s amazed that 20 years have passed by so fast. “If there was nothing else in the world, no book or other mixtapes and albums to represent me, I think people can see who I am and my character, my moral compass, my integrity and everything I’m about in that one body of work,” he reflects. “That’s why I call it ‘the blueprint.’ That’s him, Jay ‘Jeezy’ Jenkins.”

Ebro Darden is known for making bold statements about Hip-Hop, a fact that is well-documented.In the latest episode of Ebro in the Morning, the media personality recognized the contributions of legendary recording artist Nas in an unexpected hot take, stating that Nas has done more for Hip-Hop than any other rapper in history. Ebro’s mentions of Nas are related to the rapper’s company, Mass Appeal, which is preparing to release the highly anticipated sequel to Ghostface Killah’s album, Supreme Clientele 2. “New Ghostface,” said Ebro, following Peter Rosenberg’s announcement of the sequel album. “Shout out to Mass Appeal.” Ebro says Nas has done more for Hip Hop than any other rapper in history pic.twitter.com/ZmpDVpW172 — Navjosh (@Navjosh) June 25, 2025 Ebro’s hot take came after co-hosts Laura Styles and Peter Rosenberg acknowledged the excellent work being done at Mass Appeal right now. Abruptly, he says, “Hot take: Nas has done more for hip hop than any rapper in history.” Rosenberg followed Ebro’s claim, welcoming the debate. “That’s in the convo, right there,” Rosenberg replies. Ebro elaborated further, stating: “He has given back more to hip-hop than any rapper in history.” Nas, arguably one of the greatest lyricists of all time, created a classic catalog of timeless hits throughout the 90s and 2000s, including “If I Ruled The World,” “Street Dreams,” and “One Mic.” By the 2010s, he flipped the script from mic to millions, investing early in tech giants like Coinbase and Ring through QueensBridge Ventures. From bars to boardrooms, he turned hip-hop clout into Silicon Valley cash, building a legacy off equity and vision. In 2013, Nas joined Mass Appeal as investor and creative force, helping relaunch the former hip-hop mag into a multimedia brand. He expanded its reach with a record label and documentaries like Rapture, turning it into a platform that bridges hip-hop roots with bold, future-focused storytelling. Ghostface Killah’s upcoming sequel is a part of a highly publicized music series, titled “Legends Has It.” The Mass Appeal series will drop seven albums in 2025 from icons such as DJ Premier, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, De La Soul, Big L, Mobb Deep, and Nas himself. Honoring hip-hop’s roots and legends, the series celebrates New York’s legacy while spotlighting rap’s most influential voices and timeless impact. Ebro’s Nas claim would receive attention on social media, ranging from fans agreeing with the statement to disagreeing regarding other artists and their contributions. An X user tweeted, “True in the context of championing hiphop globally too. As a rapper, yes, but even more so as an entrepreneur.” Ebro’s comment sparks an ongoing debate that seems never-ending.

Jim Jones is once again talking about Nas. Appearing on the latest episode of Nightcap, co-hosted by NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, the former Dipset members had some more words to share about Nas. “Were you smoking when you said you were better than Nas?” Sharpe asked, During the heated exchange, Jones acknowledged that the Queensbridge legend’s skills but downplayed the reach of his influence. “Nas was nice when I was in high school. Nas was dope. We appreciate him. He had a little bit of a run,” Jones explained. “But Nas always came up second to [Jay-Z] and DMX and all these other people. He never had that type of influence on us, except for his first album.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nightcap (@nightcapshow_) “I used to want to dress like Nas… He had one of the illest albums of all time. I’m a real fan of Nas. But he kind of lost me after the movie Belly and s**t like that,” Jones continued. Sharpe strongly disagreed with Jones’ assessment of Nas’ accomplishments. “You can’t eff with Nas lyrically,” Sharpe told Jones. “I know you on that good stuff, but you not seeing Nas. Let’s be real.” Jones then went on to challenge Nas to meet him in the booth. “Let Nas stick up for himself and meet me in the booth or something if he wants to do something historical,” Jones challenged “I would run circles around Nas rapping right now, bro. Right now, 2025, I’m in the game still rapping at a high capacity,” Jones responded. “If Nas wants the smoke, come in the booth.” “I’m not mad, it’s about the sportsmanship of the game,” he continued.  I’m a very aggressive person. I seem to get misconstrued when I’m talking my sh*t. I’m just talking my sh*t, you heard?” Jones added: “Let me talk my sh*t, ’cause I am on the field. If anybody got a problem with that, they can meet me on the field. That is the booth. Anybody from that era.” This isn’t the first time that Jones has taken shots at Nas. As HOT97 previously reported, appearing on Fat Joe and Jadakiss’ podcast, Joe and Jada, Joey Crack spoke about a viral clip where a 22-year-old compared Capo and Nas, suggesting Jones has more influence than the Queensbridge legend. “I was a superior Nas fan, but when you get into the game, you realize your idols become rivals,” Jones said. “Not to take anything away from that. I developed my own style and my own lane that these kids started to gravitate towards, the same way I gravitated towards Nas when I was younger.”

Is there anything that Queen Bey can’t do? Whether it’s sparking online debates or shattering Grammy records, Beyoncé has more than proven herself worthy of all her accolades. So it’s no surprise that when Billboard released its “The 75 Best R&B Artists of All Time” list, Beyoncé ranked high among her peers. Landing at No. 4 on the list, the Renaissance singer follows behind icons like Michael Jackson (No. 3), Aretha Franklin (No. 2), and Stevie Wonder (No. 1). The late, legendary, singer and diva, Whitney Houston, rounded out the group at No.5. The criteria for ranking included “vocal prowess, body of work, career longevity, industry achievements, game-changing influence, and enduring generational/cultural impact.” “Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century also happens to be one of the Best R&B Artists of All Time. In fact, it’s her dedication to her R&B foundation that has helped her become one of music’s most innovative, impactful, and impressive artists,” the outlet wrote. “The 35-time Grammy-winning Houstonian first hit the Billboard charts as the lead vocalist of Destiny’s Child, the girl group in which she honed her now-signature staccato rap-singing, a vocal approach that can be heard in virtually every contemporary R&B song today.” Beyoncé has been named the #4 ‘Best R&B Singer of All-Time’ by Billboard staff. pic.twitter.com/bFcg8myACW — Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) June 19, 2025 Other notable artists included in the list include: James Brown (No.6), Prince (No.7), Mariah Carey (No.8), R.Kelly (No.9), and Marvin Gaye (No.10). Last December, Billboard crowned Queen Bey as the greatest pop star of the 21st century. The publication said she’s “the century’s biggest pop star based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution, and impact.” “The reasons why Beyoncé captured the top spot on our list were beyond numerous. Ranging from her 25 years of timeless albums and singles to her incalculable industry impact and influence on other artists, to her peerless raw talents as a singer and performer.” Billboard said. “Few artists this period can match her in any of the most critical basic categories of pop stardom. Commercial success, performance abilities, critical acclaim and accolades, industry influence, iconic cultural moments – and absolutely no one can equal her in all of them,” Billboard continued.

Lil Wayne has always been credited for launching Drake’s career, but now his son is stirring up conversation with a bold statement. In a recent livestream, Lil Novi, Wayne’s son, claimed his father deserves all the credit, not only for discovering Drake but also for writing much of his lyrics. When asked to pick between his dad and Drake, Novi made his choice clear: “My dad wrote most of [Drake’s] sh*t,” he said. “If it wasn’t for my pops, there wouldn’t be no Drake.” This comment quickly caught attention, sparking debates online about whether Novi’s claim holds any truth or is just hype. The remarks also revived memories of the ghostwriting controversy from 2015, when Meek Mill accused Drake of using Quentin Miller to write parts of If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. But Novi pushed the narrative further, insisting Lil Wayne was the creative force behind albums like Take Care and Views. It’s important to note that Novi wasn’t even born when Drake’s breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone dropped in 2009. This fact has led many to doubt whether Novi truly knows the full story or is just seeking attention online. Regardless, Novi’s claim adds fuel to the ongoing debate about authorship in hip-hop. Drake and Lil Wayne have shared a close working relationship for over a decade, but these comments have reignited conversations about ghostwriting and authenticity in the rap world. So far, neither Drake nor Lil Wayne has publicly addressed the statement, but fans are eager to see if this will spark a bigger discussion.

The RZA recently shared that he would take GZA over any MC in a rap battle. Appearing on the latest episode of the Drink Champs podcast, Prince Rakeem was asked to choose between GZA and Nas, a close colleague and friend. Without hesitation, he picked The Genius. “For MC-ing, my favorite, best MC is the GZA,” RZA said. “I don’t think no MC could beat the GZA. I think what GZA has written for Hip-Hop, no other MC can compare.” The RZA went on to include Rakim as one of the greatest ever, but no one can touch his fellow Wu-Tang Clan member. “Even if you go look at Rakim, who is one of the greatest, to most people, one of the greatest. Nas is one of the greatest. If you go look at what GZA offered to hip hop, look at what he spawned.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by REVOLT (@revolttv) “He spawned me, Meth (Method Man), Rae (Raekwon), Ghost (Ghostface Killah) — these are all from GZA, the enlightener,” he continued. According to RZA, what the GZA has brought to hip-hop will last forever, and no one has yet to surpass it.   “What the Wu offered lyrically is what no one has mastered yet,” Bobby Digital boasted. In 1991, GZA released his debut, Words from the Genius, on Cold Chillin Records. He would depart from the after soon afterwards. In 1995, he released his sophomore album, Liquid Swords, which was hailed as an instant classic. Along with being a part of the Wu projects, GZA has released several more acclaimed albums and LPs.

Just in time for summer, Drake shows off his toned-up body in a recent post that’s been circulating online. On June 14, Drake shared a photo to his Instagram Story of him hitting the gym, flexing off his big guns, while rocking an all-black Nike outfit with white Nike sneakers — which shouldn’t be surprising since he’s been collaborating with the brand since 2013. The rapper also shared a post on his story of attending a friend’s wedding, writing “Congratulations” as he stood next to a picture of the couple. Instagram.com/champagnepapi Drake Becomes First Artist With 10 Diamond Singles Last month, Drake just hit another milestone, and this one puts him in a league of his own after the RIAA officially confirmed that the Toronto superstar has earned his 10th Diamond certification, more than any other artist in history. “Drake has the most RIAA Diamond Certifications of any artist, ever,” the organization shared on social media, alongside a graphic displaying all 10 of his Diamond plaques. Two of his fan favorites, “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and his breakout hit “Best I Ever Had,” are the latest tracks to reach Diamond status, meaning they’ve sold over 10 million units each in the U.S. Drake’s elite Diamond collection also includes “God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling,” “One Dance,” “Life Is Good” with Future, “No Guidance” with Chris Brown, “Love Me” with Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE.” And he’s not done yet. “Nice for What,” from his 2018 album Scorpion, is already 9x Platinum and inching closer to Diamond. This puts Drizzy ahead of country legend Garth Brooks and Post Malone, who each hold nine Diamond certifications. Drake is the first artist to reach double digits across both singles and albums.

Sly Stone, the legendary funk musician who was regarded as one of the most renowned artists of all time, has passed away, Variety reported. He was 82.  Sly’s passing was confirmed by his family, who released an offcial statement. “After a prolonged battle with COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” a statement from his family reads. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.” “Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.” Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943. The family relocated to California.  Sly found his love while singing in the church choir from the age of 4, alongside his siblings. Soon, he would gain local fame as a member of bands in high school before goint to study music theory at Solano Community College. After leaving school, he worked as a DJ for San Francisco’s KSOL. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) By the late 60s, Sly and the Family Stone was formed with his brother Freddie Stone, sister Rose Stone, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Greg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham. The trailblazing group was the first multi-gender, interracial band to hit the mainstream. Combining funk, rock, and psychedelic soul, they released their debut album, A Whole New Thing, in 1967. “Dance to the Music,” their first single, was also released in 1967  their album of the same name the next year. In 1969, Stand became their biggest success, featuring classics such as  “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”/”Everybody Is a Star.”  The same year, the band gave a legendary performance at Woodstock. Although the band would have some more hit songs and albums, such as the highly influential Greatest Hits in 1970 and There’s a Riot Goin’ On in 1971, Sly’s drug use caused the group to fracture. He became notorious for missing concert dates. They officially broke up in 1975. For their immense accomplishments, in 1993, Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Over the years, Sly stayed out of the public eye, rarely performing due to battling addiction. In 2023, he released his memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), named after the band’s classic 1970 single. Earlier this year by Grammy and Oscar-winning director Questlove documented his life and career in  Sly Lives: aka the Burden of Black Genius. The doc features commentary from various Black artists about how they cope with challenges with success.  We at HOT97 extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sly Stone.

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.