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.

In 2025, music producers are no longer confined to studios, cities, or even genres. The modern producer is global, independent, tech-savvy, and culturally fluent- shaping sounds that move effortlessly from TikTok to radio to international charts. As music as a whole continues to evolve, Producer WorldWideFresh is calling attention to the 2025 trends that drove the culture forward. Photo Credit: WorldWideFresh Akil King, professionally known as WorldWideFresh—or simply Fresh—is a 16-time Grammy-nominated, four-time Grammy-winning songwriter and producer whose impact reaches far beyond his Brooklyn roots. Raised in Brownsville, Fresh turned humble beginnings into a global career, amassing over 100 million records sold, more than 5 billion streams, and 944 songwriting and production credits to date. View this post on Instagram Fresh has contributed to No. 1 albums and singles across nearly every major global genre, including R&B, pop, hip-hop, Afrobeats, reggae, K-pop, country, and Latin music. His pen and production have shaped defining moments in modern culture—from Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning “Black Parade” to Coi Leray’s global hit “Players,” and Doechii’s viral smash “What It Is.” Fresh talks 2025 music trends: How would you describe the sound of 2025?  The sound of 2025 can be summed up in one word: R&B. It was the year the genre fully re-centered itself as the emotional and creative backbone of music again. What textures, rhythms, or creative approaches defined this year for you?  This year was about getting back to the core of music authenticity, originality, and intention. Creating from the heart, for the art, rather than chasing money, metrics, or popularity. The focus shifted back to feeling. What was the biggest production trend you noticed in 2025, and how did it influence your own work? Music returning to the core root of the late 90s early to mid 2000s feel. It’s like music went ahead just to come back again. Pretty much history repeating itself.  Did you see any unexpected sonic shifts this year sounds, genres, or techniques that suddenly took off?  The unexpected sonic shifts that I noticed this year was the ability to blend edgy hip hop drums over melodic R&B rhythms. Which leads to the genre that took off unexpectedly, R&B music. The 2 main acts the helped restore & rebirth that was Leon Thomas and Kehlani. Which artist or project did you work on this year that best represents where music is headed?  There were a number of projects I worked on that best represented where Music is headed today wine, Honey Bxby’s “Raw Honey”, 2. Elmiene “Heat the Streets” 3. 4batz “Still Shining” 4. Josh Levy “Hydraulic” which is showing that there was going to be a huge explosion in R&B music in 2026. And these four artists are all young R&B trailblazers in their own right, that are setting the stage for a huge explosion in R&B music in 2026.  View this post on Instagram 
How did regional sounds—NY drill, Jersey club, Afro-fusion, ATL trap, West Coast bounce—evolve in your opinion?  I believe New York drill has evolved since Cash Cobain has put his spin on it and develop sexy drill. I think jersey club music has evolved since the birth of Zeddy Will he makes Jersey club music fun again and makes people wanna dance and enjoy themselves carefree like they used to.  Afro fusion has evolved because now different genres of artist are putting their spin on afro beat music. Which is making it more popular to the masses.  Atl trap music has evolved since Metro Boomin. Who’s one of my favorite producers has returned ATL trap music back to its regional space. Helping new acts break to top 40 heights such as YKNiece With record like “take me through there”.  West Coast bounce has evolved since the return of Kendrick Lamar helping to not just evolve the music but evolve, new artist and producers simultaneously.  View this post on Instagram Has AI-assisted production or new plugins change your workflow? If so, how? Yes, AI production and plugins helped with workflow when I was able to go to the studio create a song for an artist that I love and instead of waiting for the particular artist to record the record use an AI plug-in to take the likeness of that artist and allow me to hear what it would sounds like with The Artists voice.  Were there any creative risks you took this year that felt different from previous years? The creative risk I took this year was not chasing the more established artist and investing my time in artist developing and helping to build and break new acts such as Honey Bxby, Zeddy Will, and Wesley Franklin.  How have TikTok, Reels, or short-form platforms influenced how producers approach making records in 2025?  I believe it has influenced producers on their approach of making music in 2025. It is simply the the greatest tool to measure & gauge what the kids are into. I believe it’s a direct indicator to what children love the most about music and most times believe it or not TikTok actually trends with great music that people like and not just trendy music sound bites or click bait.  What sounds or trends do you think will dominate and re-emerge in 2026? The sounds that will dominate in 2026 is R&B music and hip-hop music will make a comeback. K-pop music is going to get bigger and I believe we are going to see more boy and girl bands in 2026. I also believe Hip Hop is going to make a come back because it is in the reset phase. I think we’ll see the return of Drake dominating, more great music from future, 21 savage and also new acts like JID & BIG Xthe plug.  Heading into 2026, my focus is on creative dominance and legacy. WorldwideFresh is positioned to become one of the top five leading producers in the industry, with a strong presence across radio and streaming platforms. At the same time, I’m building Money Well Spent Records alongside

Akademiks believes that the rap industry’s fixation with high streaming numbers has given way to the internet streamer boom. During a recent stream, the podcaster shared his views on why he thinks “rappers are competing with streamers.” Streamers such as Kai Cenat, Adin Ross, and N3on, have all had rappers on their platforms. “Rappers made a huge mistake in the last two years,” Akademiks said. “When they were chasing numbers, they all went to streamers. You’ve got to understand, the rapper collab with the streamers is what got these guys to record levels of clout.” Akademiks went on to say that Tory Lanez appeared on Adin Ross’ livestream in 2021, two years before he was sentenced to a decade in prison. “These streamers on their way to whatever clout level they get to. They collaborate with rappers, but overall the end result is that it helped the streamers more than they help the rappers,” he continued. Ak also believes that hip-hop artists have “handed their audience over to discover these streamers.” “I do believe that streamers have done a great job to extract the attention of potential fans away from the rappers,” Ak said. “Now to the fact that the rapper have to show up to the streamers’ bedroom to try to get the attention back, expect, fans are making a hard choice.” “We’re buying into personality over this coolness factor and music that is hit-or-miss,” he concluded.

North West didn’t just celebrate Christmas this year. She set the internet off. The 12-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West shared photos and video showing off custom diamond grillz, instantly pulling hip-hop culture, celebrity parenting, and youth expression into the same frame. The top-row grillz came courtesy of Houston legend Johnny Dang, the jeweler whose work has long defined rap luxury aesthetics. #NorthWest got a iced out grill by Johnny Dang for Christmas pic.twitter.com/lD7HzgAHT3 — TeaWithTia (@RealTeaWithTia) December 26, 2025 In the images, North posed with teal-dyed hair, long acrylic nails, and the kind of confidence usually reserved for artists twice her age. A short dancing clip put the diamonds front and center, letting them catch the light as the post traveled fast across social media. Fans flooded the comments praising her self-assurance, creativity, and fearless visual identity. Supporters framed the moment as a young star experimenting with style while growing up inside one of the most famous families on the planet. Many described the look as playful and expressive. Others pointed out that North has spent her entire life in public view, making performance feel second nature. Not everyone was on board. Critics questioned whether diamond grillz were appropriate for a 12-year-old. North West Receives New Grill By Johnny Dang For Christmas Some comments shifted focus toward Kardashian and West’s parenting choices. Others raised concerns about dental health, citing potential gum irritation and enamel damage. Several voices called for more privacy for celebrity kids navigating adulthood in real time. The reaction echoed familiar debates around North’s public image. Previous appearances featuring temporary grillz, bleached eyebrows, and fake tattoos sparked similar conversations. Each moment split audiences between admiration and discomfort. Creativity versus exposure remains the core tension. Kim Kardashian has addressed those criticisms in the past, describing North’s fashion experiments as harmless self-expression. She has repeatedly said creativity is encouraged at home, with parental supervision and boundaries in place. Still, the court of public opinion stays loud. Johnny Dang’s involvement amplified the conversation. Known as the “King of Bling,” Dang has crafted grillz for hip-hop’s biggest names. His work carries cultural weight, rooted in Southern rap history. Seeing his designs on a celebrity child pushed the moment beyond aesthetics. For some, North’s grillz honored that lineage. For others, age overshadowed cultural context. That tension is unavoidable when fame arrives before adolescence. North West continues to grow up under a global microscope. Holiday moments become cultural debates. Style choices become statements. Her Christmas post proved that once again. Whether viewed as bold expression or premature spectacle, the image stuck. It wasn’t just about diamonds. It was about how hip-hop culture, fame, and youth collide in real time.

Rap star Blueface is expected to return to celebrity boxing after serving a two-year sentence — according to a new report by AllHipHop. The Los Angeles rapper is set to compete in a sanctioned bout slated for spring 2026. The fight is already funded, meaning this matchup has moved past talk and into motion. The opponent has not yet been revealed, though the bout will feature another celebrity fighter. Ticket sales are expected to launch well ahead of the event. With deposits secured, promotion and logistics are already underway, signaling a full-scale rollout rather than a last-minute exhibition. Blueface has quietly carved out a space in the growing world of celebrity boxing. He has appeared in multiple sanctioned fights and taken training seriously. This is not a publicity stunt. Each appearance shows preparation, conditioning, and a willingness to absorb punishment. He is not chasing elite professional boxers. Instead, Blueface understands his lane. He competes against opponents within his weight, experience, and profile. That focus has helped him earn respect within the crossover boxing circuit. Fans know he enters the ring prepared to fight. Outside boxing, Blueface’s reputation for confrontation has followed him since before his rap career took off. That history fuels interest in his bouts. It also heightens unpredictability. Supporters and critics alike tune in because anything can happen. The upcoming fight is being managed by veteran industry figure Wack 100. His involvement carries weight in hip-hop and combat sports spaces. Blueface Set To Make Celebrity Boxing Comeback When Wack cosigns a deal, contracts are usually finalized. Promoters tend to move quickly once he is involved. Exclusive video confirmation backing the bout is expected to surface soon. Once released, the footage is likely to amplify anticipation. Planning has already advanced behind the scenes. Venues, dates, and broadcast discussions are reportedly in progress. Blueface continues to juggle music, controversy, and combat sports. Boxing offers another platform to extend his visibility. It also creates revenue outside streaming and touring. For many artists, the ring has become a new proving ground. Spring 2026 sets the stage for a loud Los Angeles spectacle. Celebrity boxing has found a home in the city. Blueface fits naturally within that scene. His presence guarantees debate, attention, and strong ticket demand. This fight will not redefine boxing. It will reinforce Blueface’s image. Fans expect confidence, chaos, and confrontation. He has built his brand on delivering all three. With Blueface’s return to the ring, it remains unknown when he will return to rap with an official single.

Singer Lizzo has entered the conversation surrounding Nicki Minaj’s recent political visibility, offering pointed commentary as debate continues across music, celebrity, and political spaces. Minaj, the rap superstar behind “Barbie World,” has faced growing criticism following her public support of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The scrutiny intensified after Minaj appeared at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she was seen alongside Erika Kirk, a celebrity figure tied to conservative political circles. The appearance sparked widespread reaction online and renewed questions about Minaj’s political alignment. Lizzo addressed the issue during a TikTok exchange that later circulated via PopBase on X. Responding to a fan question about Minaj, Lizzo expanded the discussion beyond one artist. She framed the moment as part of a larger shift among celebrities navigating politics, profit, and public image. According to Lizzo, audiences should expect more unexpected political moves from high-profile figures. She suggested the trend reflects calculation rather than coincidence. “You’re about to see an influx of people who see that it is more profitable and more beneficial to join that side,” Lizzo said. “You’re going to see it. It already started and it’s going to continue.” Lizzo responds to comment asking her thoughts on Nicki Minaj. pic.twitter.com/AyHSLUjHYU — Pop Base (@PopBase) December 25, 2025 She connected the moment to the current political landscape, cautioning fans against assuming the trend will fade quickly. “This is Trump’s first year as president,” Lizzo added. “We got three more years of people who are going to surprise you and it’s going to hurt your feelings. It’s gonna disappoint you.” Lizzo emphasized that wealth, access, and influence often shape public decisions. She encouraged fans to view celebrity politics through that lens. Lizzo Reacts To Nicki Minaj’s Turning Point USA AmericaFest Appearance With Erika Kirk “And you have to know that there’s money behind everything,” she said. “There are privileges behind every move people in these positions make. I’m not surprised.” While Lizzo did not repeatedly mention Minaj by name, the context was unmistakable. Her remarks landed as a critique of celebrity accountability and political branding, particularly when artists engage with organizations like Turning Point USA. The moment highlights ongoing tension within music culture, where artists often build careers rooted in shared identity and values. Political associations can complicate those relationships, especially as fans demand clarity. Lizzo’s comments arrived shortly after she shared news of a personal legal victory, reinforcing a moment of confidence and directness. Rather than expressing outrage, she positioned herself as a realist observing a shifting landscape. As scrutiny around Nicki Minaj, Erika Kirk, and AmericaFest continues, Lizzo’s remarks underscore a broader reckoning. For many fans, separating art from politics may become unavoidable. Lizzo’s message was blunt. More surprises are coming, and disappointment may follow.

Lil’ Kim reminded the internet exactly who she is on December 23, firing back at critics who accused her of photoshopping recent images. The Brooklyn rap legend took to Instagram Stories with a short but deliberate video that mixed performance, proof, and pure attitude. Facing the camera, Kim paused several times, shifting her angles and freezing like a posed selfie. The visual setup felt intentional. Then she spoke. “Y’all want me to be ugly and insecure so bad,” she said. “But then you would be out of work. Stupid bitch. Yeah, you thought it was photoshopped, bitch.” View this post on Instagram The comments landed after social media users questioned the authenticity of her photos, claiming digital enhancement. Instead of typing out a response, Kim chose motion. She let the camera roll in real time, lingering on her face, daring skeptics to keep talking. The pauses mattered. They mimicked the stillness of edited photos while dismantling the accusation. Kim’s words reframed the backlash as obsession. By saying critics “want” her to feel insecure, she suggested projection. The follow-up line cut deeper. “But then you would be out of work” framed her haters as dependents, people whose relevance relies on tearing her down. In Kim’s view, criticism isn’t commentary. It’s currency. Lil Kim Addresses Haters’ Photoshopped Claims The insult that followed wasn’t random. It was punctuation. Lil’ Kim has always used blunt language as a shield. From her Hardcore era to now, she has survived scrutiny over her body, fashion, and choices. This moment carried that same survival instinct, sharpened by decades in the spotlight. Her final line addressed the rumor head-on. “Yeah, you thought it was photoshopped.” The tone suggested triumph, not defense. By choosing video, Kim positioned movement as truth. Filters can freeze images. Video doesn’t lie. She made that distinction clear. The clip also tapped into a larger cultural conversation. Women in hip-hop, especially legacy artists, face relentless judgment over aging and appearance. Kim has endured that microscope longer than most. Her Story rejected the idea that she owes anyone softness, explanations, or reassurance. Without saying it outright, Lil’ Kim reaffirmed her status as the Queen of Rap. The video wasn’t about convincing critics. It was about control. She reminded viewers that attention follows her, not the other way around. Lil’ Kim didn’t debate. She performed. She paused. Then she spoke. And once again, the message was loud and clear.

Nicki Minaj is confronting a backlash that many fans once thought would never touch her. Over the past week, speculation has circulated through hip-hop circles, nightlife spaces, and social media timelines, focusing on her politics and their implications. For a portion of her longtime audience, the break now feels real. Minaj rose as a rap superstar whose early career resonated strongly with queer listeners. Her music projected rebellion, self-expression, and freedom at a time when hip-hop often resisted those themes. That relationship, once central to her cultural power, now appears under strain. Rumors of a growing disconnect between Minaj and parts of her fan base remain unconfirmed, but the reaction has been loud. The tension escalated as Minaj became more publicly aligned with Donald Trump and right-leaning voices. For some fans, that shift erased any benefit of the doubt. The scrutiny intensified after her recent sit-down with the ex-wife of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a figure long criticized in hip-hop and progressive spaces. Soon after, online users resurfaced past clips of Kirk disparaging Minaj. The contrast fueled confusion and anger. Many questioned why Minaj would engage with figures who once dismissed her. The optics alone unsettled listeners who believed her values aligned with theirs. Is Nicki Minaj Banned From LGBTQ Clubs After Turning Point USA? Online chatter suggests some DJs have quietly pulled back on spinning her records in clubs. Others argue her recent releases have struggled to cut through culturally. Those critiques now blend with speculation about a broader pivot in her public strategy. Several LGBTQ-owned venues are said to be responding quietly, avoiding public statements while making internal changes. For many fans, the issue runs deeper than playlists. Some describe a sense of betrayal, arguing Minaj once used coded language, imagery, and alliances that suggested solidarity with queer communities. That history makes her current positioning feel sharper by contrast. Critics have also accused Minaj of antagonism toward Black women, immigrants, and queer people. Those claims dominate online discourse. Comparisons have surfaced to artists like Kid Rock, who faced similar accusations of benefiting from hip-hop culture before embracing politics seen as hostile to it. Minaj has not publicly addressed the criticism. Few observers expect an apology tour. Many believe she understands the stakes and is choosing her lane. In hip-hop, loyalty carries weight. When that bond breaks, it is hard to rebuild. Nicki Minaj once stood as a symbol of fearlessness for millions. Now, her legacy faces competing narratives. How she navigates this moment may shape the future of her career.