J. Cole has suggested that his forthcoming album, The Fall-Off, may represent a turning point in his career rather than a continuation of it. As the project approaches release, the rapper has indicated that his interests are moving away from releasing solo albums. Instead, he has expressed a growing focus on producing and contributing behind the scenes. The comments have prompted discussion about what the next phase of his work may look like. During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session with fans, Cole addressed his outlook directly. “I appreciate all the support. My love for music is authentic, and what’s truly exciting about this album is the immense inspiration I feel right now,” he said. “While I don’t foresee myself creating more albums under the ‘J. Cole’ name, my enthusiasm lies in music production.” He added, “I will continue to write and record music whenever the inspiration strikes, and I may release new tracks if I feel compelled to do so. However, The Fall-Off stands as a significant work that I won’t seek to surpass.” Cole expanded on that idea by describing a long-standing interest in collaboration. “I aspire to make beats and assist in producing for other artists, even if my input doesn’t entail creating the actual track,” he said. “Shaping someone else’s vision is a passion of mine that I haven’t fully explored, given that my focus for years has predominantly revolved around my own narrative.” He added that he believes his strengths may be better realized in a supporting role. A Pivotal Release The Fall-Off will be Cole’s seventh studio album and is scheduled for release on February 6. The project includes collaborations with Burna Boy, Erykah Badu, Future, Morray, Petey Pablo, PJ, and Tems. Industry projections cited by Talk of the Charts estimate first-week sales between 260,000 and 300,000 album-equivalent units. That performance would make it his strongest debut since KOD in 2018. Following the album’s release, Cole marked the moment with a low-key promotional effort. He traveled to North Carolina A&T University, where he sold copies of The Fall-Off directly from his car. The effort, which he referred to as a “Trunk Sale Tour,” echoed earlier moments in his career. It also reinforced his emphasis on accessibility and direct connection with listeners.

On a recent episode of the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game podcast, Lizzo reflected on the roots of hip-hop. She highlighted the genre’s struggle for recognition within a music industry long dominated by established players. Her comments offered insight into the challenges faced by Black artists, particularly around sampling—a practice central to hip-hop’s identity and creative innovation. Speaking with hosts Gillie and Wallo, Lizzo explored hip-hop’s complicated relationship with sampling. By borrowing sounds, rhythms, and melodies from existing recordings, artists have built the foundation of the genre. Yet she emphasized that copyright laws have often constrained Black creativity rather than safeguarding it. Recalling Biz Markie’s legal battles over “Alone Again,” Lizzo noted how disputes like his led to albums being pulled from stores. These actions reveal the broader consequences of restrictive sampling rules on Black musicians. Tracing the earliest pioneers of sampling to Black rappers of the 1980s and ’90s, Lizzo highlighted the ingenuity behind the practice. “They were sampling records because they didn’t have access to big studios,” she said. Many repurposed their parents’ vinyl to forge new sounds, often without formal musical training. “They were just outside, just like, ‘OK, this is just what it is.’ And then hip-hop was born, and it was this beautiful thing,” she added. This underscored the genre’s organic and innovative beginnings. Policing Black Creativity Reflecting on contemporary perceptions, Lizzo criticized the framing of sampling as theft. “The theft of it all, putting theft on Black culture, that’s the part that kind of turns me off,” she said. For her, sampling is a legitimate and essential creative practice, embedded in hip-hop’s DNA. Yet, it is often mischaracterized as criminal. She suggested that these restrictions may have racial undertones, functioning as a means to limit Black artistic expression. Fans can also expect Lizzo’s involvement on Cardi B’s forthcoming album, Am I The Drama?, set for September 19. The collaboration hints at further explorations across hip-hop, pop, and R&B. It signals the evolution of her artistry while honoring the foundational roots of the genre.

According to Billboard Canada, The Weeknd has set 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. 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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NFR Podcast (@nfrpodcast) 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.  Complex reported that the City of Toronto recognized” the pop star actor for his accomplishments as a singer-songwriter and producer, his enduring humanitarian efforts, and his dedication to giving back to his city.” During the private ceremony, The Weeknd was presented by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who was attended by youth from West Scarborough and The Weeknd’s alma mater, Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home,” The Weeknd said. “Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs. That’s why I’m proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and my former high school, Birchmount Park, providing youth with the means to unlock their full potential.”

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.

Fetty Wap sits down with Mornings With Mero for his first major interview since coming home. The diamond-selling artist gets real about serving time, writing an entire album in his head while in solitary confinement, finishing “Zavier” in just 13 days, earning his GED for his kids, and why he loaded the album with nothing but Jersey artists. In this conversation, Fetty talks about: Coming home January 7th and finishing “Zavier” by January 20th Writing “White Roses” entirely in his head during 6.5 months in solitary confinement How his voice and artistry matured — influenced by Chris Brown, Joe & The-Dream Keeping his circle small and the honey bun story that changed his perspective Getting his GED to set an example for his kids Repping Jersey — featuring Honey Babe, Monty, Albie Al, Hard Luck, O Scam & more His sister holding him down every single day while he was locked up Re-adjusting to the outside world and performing live again Business ventures beyond music — HVAC, commercial leasing & food and beverage His kids, fatherhood, and raising the next generation “Zavier” — out March 27th Tour dates: Montclair, Hartford, Albany & Stroudsburg (April 2025)

A new digital piracy study places Amber Rose and rapper Cardi B at the center of a growing problem surrounding stolen celebrity content on OnlyFans. The research shows how fame, large audiences, and viral attention make high-profile creators prime targets for piracy networks. View this post on Instagram The report examined how often celebrity subscription videos appear on unauthorized adult websites. Investigators tracked stolen uploads across several platforms known for reposting paywalled material. Their findings point to a sharp increase in leaked content tied to major public figures. Amber Rose stands as the most heavily pirated celebrity in the study. Researchers uncovered more than 1,700 stolen videos connected to her OnlyFans account circulating online. The volume highlights how quickly exclusive content spreads once it escapes a paywall. Rose built her brand through modeling, television appearances and outspoken cultural commentary. Her popularity also fuels demand for exclusive content. That attention, however, creates an opening for piracy communities that repost subscription material without permission. New Study Shows Amber Rose & Rapper Cardi B’s OnlyFans Content Most Pirated Hip-hop superstar Cardi B also appears prominently in the findings. Analysts identified nearly 500 unauthorized videos linked to Cardi B circulating across adult platforms. The Bronx rapper’s massive social media reach makes her content especially vulnerable. Cardi B commands an Instagram following of roughly 164 million users. That enormous digital footprint increases visibility for both legitimate subscribers and piracy groups hunting viral material. Once stolen clips surface online, they often spread quickly through file-sharing networks. Researchers say the problem reflects a larger challenge facing OnlyFans creators. The platform relies on paywalls to protect artists and influencers who monetize exclusive material. Still, piracy groups regularly bypass those safeguards and distribute the content for free. The study relied on tracking tools developed by digital protection firm BranditScan. Analysts counted unauthorized uploads across three major adult video sites. They then combined those numbers to measure the total volume of stolen material tied to each celebrity. The results highlight a difficult reality for public figures. The larger the audience, the greater the risk of piracy. For stars like Amber Rose and Cardi B, digital fame can also invite widespread content theft.

Atlanta rap veteran T.I. is turning the camera toward trap music’s origins with a new documentary spotlighting the genre’s early architects and cultural impact. The Grammy-winning rapper partnered with producer Drumma Boy to create The Birth of Trap Music, a documentary short set to premiere April 25 at the Atlanta Film Festival. The film explores how trap music emerged from Atlanta’s streets and grew into a dominant force in hip-hop. View this post on Instagram T.I., real name Clifford Harris Jr., remains one of the genre’s central figures. His early 2000s releases helped define trap’s sound and carried the movement beyond the South. Now the rapper is helping document that history through firsthand voices from the culture’s pioneers. The project traces how artists turned harsh realities into music that resonated across communities. According to the film’s description, the documentary examines how trap’s creators transformed local stories into a worldwide movement. Rapper T.I. & Drumma Boy Set To Produce “The Birth Of Trap Music” Documentary For T.I., the subject hits close to home. “Look, man, before it was just a pop culture buzzword, the trap was our reality,” T.I. told Variety. “It was survival.” The Atlanta rapper explained how life during the crack era shaped the music’s tone and urgency. Producers built the sound with church organs, sharp snares, fast hi-hats, synthesizers, and heavy 808 drums. “We took the struggle of life beneath the poverty line in the Crack Era,” T.I. said. “We set it over organs, snares, synths, hi-hats and heavy 808s.” He believes the genre created space for voices rarely heard in mainstream culture. “The Birth of Trap Music ain’t just a documentary,” T.I. added. “It’s our history. Period.” T.I. and Drumma Boy both appear in the film while serving as executive producers. The documentary also features appearances from hip-hop figures Don Cannon, Young Dro and veteran producer DJ Toomp. Drumma Boy views the project as a historic record of trap music’s roots. “The Birth of Trap Music is bigger than a documentary series,” he said. “It’s a cultural time capsule.” “I wanted the architects and innovators together,” Drumma Boy added. “They tell how trap was born and how it changed music forever.” Director Christopher Scholar leads the film, with several producers contributing to preserve trap music’s lasting legacy.

Fans are showing love to Latto after the Atlanta star revealed she’s expecting — and alleged boyfriend, 21 Savage is right there with them. Shortly after the pregnancy news began circulating online, 21 Savage made it clear he’s supportive, reacting with love and positivity. While he kept things low-key, his response didn’t go unnoticed by fans, many of whom have long followed the rumored connection between the two artists.”Big Mama not the little 1..” he shared via Instagram. View this post on Instagram Latto, known for her confident persona and chart-topping hits, has yet to share extensive details about her pregnancy, but the announcement alone was enough to send social media into a frenzy. As previously reported, during a recent interview with Paper Magazine, the Atlanta rapped addressed the curiosity surrounding her romance, and emphasized that her decision to keep things private is intentional.  “I have nothing to prove to anyone. I have no rumor to clear up,” she says. “I’ve been with my man for years now, and it ain’t going nowhere. To me, that’s clearly a result of me moving and operating how I do.” Latto says, reinforcing her confidence in both herself and her relationship. The two artists have been linked since around 2020, with fans often speculating about their connection based on subtle clues and social media moments. Over time, Latto has acknowledged the relationship in her own way, referring to her partner as “my man” in interviews without diving into specifics.

Latto is setting the record straight when it comes to her personal life. Amid ongoing speculation about her relationship, the artist made it clear that she’s not interested in proving anything to the public. In a recent interview with Paper Magazine, Latto addressed the curiosity surrounding her romance—widely believed to be with fellow rapper 21 Savage—and emphasized that her decision to keep things private is intentional. “I have nothing to prove to anyone. I have no rumor to clear up,” she says. “I’ve been with my man for years now, and it ain’t going nowhere. To me, that’s clearly a result of me moving and operating how I do.” Latto says, reinforcing her confidence in both herself and her relationship. The two artists have been linked since around 2020, with fans often speculating about their connection based on subtle clues and social media moments. Over time, Latto has acknowledged the relationship in her own way, referring to her partner as “my man” in interviews without diving into specifics. “too many cooks in the kitchen” “When it comes to female rappers, female artists — we’re told that we have to put so much of our life out there, and then it becomes too much about our personal life and not enough of the music,” Latto explains. “That’s how stuff just ends up crashing and burning, because you got too many cooks in the kitchen. I’m my own person outside of my relationship as well. I don’t want to make that the forefront of my existence, my career. I got a man at home, I’m happy and I’m well taken care of, and that’s about all anyone needs to know.” View this post on Instagram As previously reported, Latto announced her upcoming album, Big Mama, with a huge reveal that she is pregnant. “BIG MAMA (the album) 5/29. Business & Personal (Intro) song & video out now. Thank you God” she wrote via Instagram. View this post on Instagram