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.

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.

Eager to retire at 35, Ice Spice has her sights set on making mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money in 2026, according to her latest interview. On Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, host Andy Cohen asked the Bronx rap star to share a New Year’s resolution, and the Bronx rapper offered a blunt response. “Just make more money,” she said. In 2026 Kate Hudson wants to read, and Ice Spice wants to make more money! #WWHL pic.twitter.com/nOSRwqBIu0 — Watch What Happens Live! (@BravoWWHL) December 23, 2025 The remark drew laughter from her fellow guest, actor Kate Hudson, and from Cohen. “That is real,” Cohen replied. Ice Spice did not retreat. “No, I’m deadass,” she said, addressing the seriousness behind the joke. At 25, Ice Spice has already established herself as one of rap’s most visible new figures, with chart success and a sharply defined public persona. Now, she is extending her ambitions beyond music. Acting has become a central focus, marking a deliberate expansion of her creative footprint. Earlier this year, Ice Spice made her film debut in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, appearing as Marisol Cepeda. The role introduced her to a wider cinematic audience and placed her within a lineage of artists Lee has used to reflect contemporary culture. The performance suggested a growing ease on screen, even in her first major role. Ice Spice Wants To Make More Money In 2026 That expansion continued through voice acting. Ice Spice voiced a character in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, which opened in theaters last week. She also contributed an original song, “Big Guy,” to the film’s soundtrack. At the premiere, she arrived in a sheer white lace dress and a bright pink wig, an ensemble that matched both the franchise’s whimsy and her own visual brand. Speaking later on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Ice Spice described the lengthy process behind the song. “This was probably the hundredth draft,” she said. She explained that the film’s narrative required discipline. “The whole premise of the film is about SpongeBob becoming a ‘big guy,’” she said. The revisions, she said, were worth the effort. The final version became her favorite, shaped by repetition and restraint. Together, Ice Spice’s remarks and recent projects reflect a carefully managed ascent. Financial ambition remains explicit, but so does creative curiosity. Music launched her career. Film and animation now offer a wider horizon, one she appears intent on claiming, directly and on her own terms.

Tory Lanez has officially added his 2021 project “P. Family” to major music streaming platforms. The release marks the first time the project has been widely available for digital streaming. Fans previously accessed the project through limited releases and unofficial uploads. Lanez announced the update through a brief statement shared with fans earlier this week. “This project was always about loyalty, pain and independence,” Lanez said. “I wanted it released the right way, on my own terms,” he added. The move arrives during a period of continued legal and public scrutiny for the Toronto-born artist. Despite that backdrop, Lanez has continued releasing music at a steady pace. His recent strategy has focused on expanding access to older work. A Project With Personal Meaning “P. Family” was first introduced as a tightly curated project reflecting Lanez’s inner circle. The title references a chosen family rather than blood relations. Several tracks explore isolation, ambition and trust. “This was never meant to be a mainstream rollout,” Lanez said in a past interview. “It was for the people who stuck with me when things got quiet,” he said. The project features stripped-down production and emotional delivery.Critics noted its introspective tone when it initially surfaced. Songs like “Hurt From Mercury” and “In For It” gained quiet attention online. Fans responded quickly after the project appeared on streaming services.Social media posts praised the sound and long-awaited availability. Industry observers see the release as part of a broader catalog strategy. Artists increasingly revisit past projects to maintain engagement. Streaming platforms reward consistency and deep catalogs. Lanez acknowledged that shift in his statement. “Music lives longer when it’s easy to find,” he said. “I want every chapter available.” The release does not include new tracks or remixes. However, fans speculate more catalog updates could follow. Lanez has not confirmed future plans. “P. Family” is now available across all major streaming platforms.

Atlanta’s hip-hop scene is once again confronting questions of loyalty, forgiveness, and public accountability as familiar relationships come under renewed scrutiny. Signals from Young Thug and 21 Savage have reopened conversations about unity, even as Gunna’s position remains uncertain following his plea deal connected to the YSL RICO case. The mood across the city’s rap community is measured, balancing optimism with restraint. For many fans, this feels less like resolution and more like a pause before difficult decisions are made. That tension sharpened when Young Thug addressed 21 Savage directly on social media, writing, “Fk the streets @21savage.” The remark came after 21 Savage publicly urged reconciliation between Thug and Gunna, challenging the rigid codes that have long governed hip-hop disputes. In a separate post, 21 Savage made his stance unmistakable: “@gunna @youngthug Y’all n*as fix that s**t… you know he wasn’t tryna leave you to hang.” The exchange quickly rippled through the industry, drawing sharp reactions from supporters and skeptics alike. Despite the sharp language, Young Thug’s response to 21 Savage carried warmth, if not clarity. There has been no public indication that he has reached out to Gunna or that a broader reconciliation is underway. Instead, the silence between the two artists continues to fuel debate. In Atlanta hip-hop, absence often speaks as loudly as confrontation. View this post on Instagram Loyalty, Accountability, and a Public Divide Young Thug and 21 Savage now sit at the center of a wider argument about consistency and credibility in rap culture. Critics question whether calls for unity can hold weight without reckoning with past choices and alliances. Supporters counter that growth requires abandoning cycles of punishment and retaliation that have defined too many chapters of the genre. The divide reflects a culture wrestling with its own maturation. For many observers, any meaningful path forward hinges on whether Young Thug and Gunna can resolve their rift directly. Without that step, skepticism is likely to persist, regardless of gestures made elsewhere. Even reconciliation, should it arrive, may invite continued criticism in a genre trained to interrogate motive as much as outcome. Elsewhere, 21 Savage has modeled a different approach. After a brief online clash with Future, the two artists quickly diffused tensions with an apology and a FaceTime call. The moment offered a reminder that conflict in hip-hop does not have to calcify. Repair, when pursued earnestly, can still happen in real time.