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.

Kay Flock, the Bronx rapper born Kevin Perez, was sentenced this week to 30 years in federal prison. He was convicted on charges tied to racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and firearms offenses. The sentence, which also includes five years of supervised release, follows a March verdict. Prosecutors said this verdict linked Kay Flock to a pattern of gang-related violence. He is 22 years old. Federal authorities framed the case as a necessary intervention in a cycle of retaliatory shootings. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said Kay Flock used both violence and visibility to project fear across the Bronx. “Kevin Perez employed violence and his celebrity status to instill fear throughout the Bronx,” Clayton said. He added that the conduct put bystanders at risk and contributed to instability in the neighborhood. Clayton also pointed to Kay Flock’s rise in music as amplifying the impact of his actions. He said lyrics tied to Kay Flock were used to demonstrate intent and affiliation. The artist’s growing platform, he argued, intensified his notoriety. Law enforcement officials praised the outcome as a step toward curbing organized violence. Kay Flock responded to the sentence with a brief public statement, thanking supporters and members of the court. “I want to thank everyone who stood by me and kept me in their prayers,” he said. He also acknowledged the judge and his attorney, Michael Ashley. “Even though we are still fighting because it ain’t over until Allah says it’s over.” Defense disputes sentence and evidence, plans appeal Michael Ashley, Kay Flock’s defense lawyer, challenged both the length of the sentence and the government’s legal approach. He said Kay Flock had previously been offered a 30-year term tied to a murder charge for which he was later acquitted. He called the current punishment excessive by comparison. Ashley argued that seeking a decade or more in prison for a shooting in which no one was injured pushed beyond what the facts supported. He also objected to the prosecution’s use of rap lyrics in court, describing the practice as inappropriate and misleading. Ashley said the government relied not only on Kay Flock’s music but also on lyrics from other artists to construct its narrative. He said this tactic blurred the line between creative expression and criminal evidence. According to Ashley, such arguments risked distorting artistic work into proof of intent. Looking ahead, Ashley confirmed that the defense plans to continue fighting the case. He said his team has reviewed the record for potential legal issues and intends to file an appeal. For now, Kay Flock remains in federal custody as the case moves into its next phase.

In a recent discussion with Joe Budden, Nas reflected on his work following the release of “Light-Years,” his collaborative project with DJ Premier. The conversation touched on creative decisions. It included a notable moment involving Eminem, who declined Nas’s request to feature on the track “Daughters.” Nas explained that Eminem had reached a point of saturation with songs about his relationship with his daughter, Hailie. “Not every record I create is a competition,” Nas said, giving context to the exchange, as reported by Hip-Hop-N-More. He emphasized how personal and deliberate artists are when exploring intimate themes in their work. He elaborated, “I forwarded the track ‘Daughters’ to Eminem. At that moment, he had invested significant thought into the theme of fatherhood in his music. He acknowledged my effort but clarified, ‘I told my daughter I’m not making any more songs specifically about daughters right now. It’s a delicate topic given all the music I’ve released.’” The interaction underscores the care prominent artists apply when navigating personal subject matter. Nas Reveals How Eminem Welcomed His ‘Daughters’ Feature Request Nas also highlighted Eminem’s appreciation for the gesture: “He expressed thanks because many artists aim to craft songs that position themselves against him. I found this response refreshing as it diverged from the usual competitive atmosphere.” The exchange demonstrates that respect and professional courtesy can guide collaboration. This holds true even among high-profile figures. The track “Daughters,” from Nas’ tenth studio album “Life is Good” (2012), delves into the complexities of fatherhood through candid lyrics. “Took her from private school so she can find balance / To public school; they nurture teen talents too / They grow quickly; one day she’s your little princess / The next day she’s discussing boy matters – what is this?” he raps. This reflects the rapid shifts and challenges inherent in parenting. The conversation coincided with the release of “Light-Years,” which highlights Nas’ enduring chemistry with DJ Premier. The album includes standout tracks such as “My Story Your Story,” featuring AZ. It also introduces a third installment of the classic “N.Y. State of Mind.” The project blends timeless storytelling with contemporary beats, reaffirming the duo’s influential presence in hip-hop.

The entertainment world is grappling with the shocking deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Their bodies were discovered Sunday at their Los Angeles residence. Authorities have classified the incident as an apparent homicide. Moreover, their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested and is being held without bail, according to police. Early reports indicated a bail amount of $4 million. In a statement shared with the media, the family expressed their grief: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. This sudden loss has left us heartbroken, and we kindly request privacy during this unimaginably difficult period.” Rob Reiner was 78, and Michele Singer Reiner was 68. Emergency responders arrived at the Brentwood home Sunday afternoon, where two bodies were discovered. Their daughter, Romy, reportedly found the scene first. Multiple sources indicate that both suffered multiple stab wounds. “We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the Reiners during this tragic incident,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell at a press briefing. Investigation Underway The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division is leading the investigation. Authorities are interviewing family members and other relevant witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events. “Our experts will strive to gather all necessary facts regarding this tragic situation,” said Deputy Chief Allen Hamilton. A Legacy in Film and the Arts Rob Reiner, the son of comedian Carl Reiner, rose to fame as Michael Stivic—“Meathead”—on CBS’s All in the Family. He earned two Emmy Awards for his performance. He went on to direct films that have become cultural landmarks, including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, A Few Good Men, Stand By Me, and This Is Spinal Tap. The film Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is a recent sequel. Michele Singer Reiner was a distinguished photographer. She captured notable works such as the cover image of President Trump for The Art of the Deal. The couple, married in 1989, had three children: Nick, Jake, and Romy. Rob Reiner was previously married to director Penny Marshall and is the adoptive father of her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner. Following the recent passing of television pioneer Norman Lear at 101, his family paid tribute to Rob Reiner, saying, “Norman often viewed Rob as a son. Both Rob and Michele dedicated their lives to making the world a better place. They passionately advocated for social justice through their work and philanthropy.” Rob’s mother, Estelle, made a memorable cameo in When Harry Met Sally…. She delivered the line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” During production, Reiner met Michele, who encouraged him to alter the ending to reflect their real-life romance. Community and Public Reactions Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the deaths a profound loss. “Rob Reiner’s contributions resonate deeply within American culture. His artistic endeavors and advocacy work have touched countless lives,” she said. California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed the sentiment, recognizing Reiner’s impact on storytelling and social consciousness. “Rob’s deep capacity for empathy has crafted timeless narratives that inspire us all,” he said. Former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also offered condolences. They highlighted the couple’s influence on culture and society. Biden noted the enduring legacy of their work. Meanwhile, Obama praised Rob Reiner’s commitment to civic engagement and advocacy. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described the Reiners as “remarkable” individuals whose partnership left a lasting mark. Actor Sean Astin, newly elected president of the Screen Actors Guild, emphasized Reiner’s transformative contributions to film and television. He called his cultural impact “immeasurable.” As the investigation continues, the legacies of Rob and Michele Singer Reiner—as artists, advocates, and family members—remain a central part of public memory.

Famous Dex’s latest appearance online has shifted the tone surrounding his name, offering fans a glimpse of hope after years of worry. Once one of the most talked-about rising artists of the late 2010s, with hits like “PICK IT UP,” “JAPAN,” and his involvement with Rich Forever alongside Rich The Kid and Jay Critch, Dex’s momentum was overshadowed throughout the 2020s by ongoing concerns about his health and well-being. View this post on Instagram The first major sign that Dex was trying to regain control came in late 2020, when he voluntarily entered rehab. He remained there until January 2021, but the progress was short-lived. Legal trouble, a prison sentence, and repeated battles with addiction made it difficult for him to move forward. In 2023, he briefly resurfaced looking healthier, only for 2024 to bring more alarming posts that left fans feeling helpless and unsure if improvement was possible. New footage posted by Live Bitez reveals a completely renewed version of Famous Dex. He looks noticeably clearer, more energized, and genuinely positive as he lets viewers know he’s back on his sobriety journey. In the clips, he even walks fans through his new mansion, closing the video with a warm message to everyone watching. The response online was overwhelmingly supportive. Fans pointed out how much more coherent and healthy he seemed compared to past appearances. Others celebrated how good it was to see him alert and present, especially given how difficult recent years have been for him. Many praised his continued fight against addiction, sending love and encouragement as he appears to step into a more stable chapter of his life. Despite the optimism surrounding his recovery, Dex is still vocal about a lingering issue involving past collaborators. Last month, he accused Rich The Kid of failing to pay him for his contributions to Rich Forever 5, saying, “I never thought I would make a video like this… Where my money from Rich Forever 5? Where, where is my money at?” He emphasized how unfair the situation felt and reminded fans, “Me and you and Jay Critch. We was the sh*t.” For now, fans are hoping this new chapter marks lasting stability for Dex after years of turbulence.

The ongoing rivalry between 21 Savage and Tekashi 6ix9ine has once again drawn attention within the hip-hop world. The most recent exchange unfolded during 21 Savage’s conversation on Perspektives With Bank. He discussed his new album, What Happened To The Streets?, and offered pointed commentary on 6ix9ine. 21 Savage framed 6ix9ine as an example of how social media can rapidly elevate and diminish careers. “The rat boy who was wearing lace fronts and st,” he said, referencing 6ix9ine’s controversial persona. He added that 6ix9ine’s trajectory—from prominence to near-obscurity—illustrates how public perception can shift quickly. “Ain’t no gas in the car, n*a, what you mean he just stopped?” 6ix9ine responded on Instagram with a comedic skit shared by Kurrco, portraying himself as the “King of England.” The skit parodied 21 Savage’s UK background while engaging with past comments on immigration. In the video, the 21 Savage impersonator jokes, “I know Jay-Z. I can call Jay-Z. I’m begging you, I’ll do anything. You can have my chain,” highlighting the pressures artists face to assert influence and maintain credibility. 6ix9ine responds to 21 Savage dissing him on Big Bank’s podcast: “next time you say the ‘mexican’ justsay my name because the Mexicans would smack the f*ck out u @/21savage you bloody wanker ” pic.twitter.com/sB9rE8SY5d — Kurrco (@Kurrco) December 12, 2025 The Feud’s Context As the sketch progresses, 6ix9ine declares that 21 Savage will never obtain U.S. citizenship. He mixes humor with pointed commentary on cultural identity. The exchange demonstrates 6ix9ine’s use of parody to reassert his public persona, even as it fuels the ongoing public feud. The tension between the two artists has been building for years. There are repeated barbs about personal histories and professional trajectories. Lately, 6ix9ine has directed criticism toward 21 Savage’s Atlanta roots. This reflects a broader pattern in which he challenges artists linked to the city’s hip-hop scene. In a recent interview with DJ Vlad, 6ix9ine joked about plans to “marry Latto” to secure a green card. This reinforces his reputation for provocative statements. Combined with the ongoing back-and-forth with 21 Savage, it is clear that this public feud is far from resolved.

The release of Sean Combs: The Reckoning, the Netflix docuseries executive produced by 50 Cent, has set off a new round of scrutiny and reopened long-standing tensions across the hip-hop world. Though Jay-Z has not commented publicly on the series or on 50 Cent directly, the documentary’s arrival has stirred broader speculation about old rivalries resurfacing. For 50 Cent, whose career has often played out under the glare of public conflict, the renewed attention feels like another chapter in a well-worn saga. The project has also pushed his fractured history with Ja Rule back into the spotlight. Online speculation accelerated after Ja Rule appeared to follow 50 Cent’s former partner on Instagram—a seemingly small gesture that fueled theories about shifting alliances. One circulating comment warned that Ja Rule, Jay-Z, and Roc Nation were preparing to “attack,” a claim 50 Cent dismissed with a deadpan quip: “My momentum makes them all get together. LOL.” Whether the revived chatter signals a meaningful escalation or simply another flare-up in an era of performative online feuds remains uncertain. Still, 50 Cent’s steady stream of pointed posts has kept the conversation alive, ensuring that the disputes surrounding the documentary continue to orbit him. View this post on Instagram 50 Cent Faces Accusations Amid Intensifying Feuds Even as he maintains a posture of sharp criticism toward fellow artists—including calling Jay-Z “competitive” in a past interview—50 Cent is confronting new allegations of his own. Ja Rule has accused him of mistreating women, referencing claims previously made by the rapper’s former partner Daphne Joy. 50 Cent has yet to offer a full public response, leaving the accusations to circulate alongside the broader frictions that have shaped this latest moment in his public battles.

Miguel’s return to the spotlight with his new album Caos marks the end of an eight-year stretch without a full-length release, but he’s already setting his sights on what comes next. The singer revealed in a recent Genius interview that another completed album is sitting in the vault, and he believes it surpasses the one he just dropped. When asked whether fans should expect another long pause between albums, he responded immediately: “No.” He went on to share that the unreleased music is “better” than Caos, and that if he had the power to move freely, fans would already have a release date. “If it was up to me, I’d put another album out before the tour starts,” he explained. However, Miguel says label restrictions are holding everything up. Because of contractual terms with RCA Records, he isn’t allowed to release new music until late next year. Although he acknowledges there are people at RCA who “understand and want to do the right thing,” he believes the structure of his current deal is fundamentally flawed. “I would sooner release it independently than to allow them to pick up the deal without it being a fair deal,” he said. “And it’s not a fair deal, and I’m happy to go on record about that.” For Miguel, the conflict is part of a broader industry pattern he no longer wants to accommodate. He has ownership of his intellectual property, and the next phase of his career, he says, needs to be centered on independence. “There’s absolutely things that need to happen that I would prefer to happen as an independent artist,” he added. Looking ahead, he hopes to use the next decade to uplift other creatives. “My next 10 [years] is me really taking what I’ve learned and hopefully educating and stewarding other artists,” he said. Releasing Caos after so many years stirred emotions he hadn’t expected. “It’s been such a long time since I put music out that I forgot how you can never explain or expect all of the emotion,” he shared. The response from his peers has been overwhelming. “I’ve gotten more notes about this album … than I’ve ever gotten for any of my projects,” he said. “It’s been really, really dope, and it’s a really endearing and reassuring thing.”