Wu-Tang Clan rapper Clifford “Method Man” Smith is taking his talents back to television. This time, he’s stepping into the AI music debate. The rapper and actor will guest star in CBS’ upcoming legal drama “Cupertino,” where he plays Yungwood, a rapper fighting an artificial intelligence music studio over his shrinking streaming revenue. Yungwood’s battle hits close to home for musicians navigating an industry increasingly shaped by technology. His lawsuit challenges a company he believes is profiting while hurting his music career. View this post on Instagram “Cupertino” premieres Oct. 8 on CBS and airs Thursdays. The series follows lawyers taking on powerful Silicon Valley companies accused of exploiting people. Mike Colter stars as a lawyer whose former employer withholds his stock options. After losing his job, he teams with another fired attorney, played by Rachel Keller. Together, they represent clients challenging the tech industry’s most powerful figures. Method Man of The Wu-Tang Clan Set To Appear On CBS’s Cupertino As A Rapper Suing AI Music Studio Method Man’s appearance comes as AI continues reshaping music. Artists have raised concerns about AI-generated recordings, digital replicas, unauthorized voices and compensation. Smith knows both sides of the entertainment business. He built his reputation as a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan before expanding into film and television. He starred as attorney David MacLean in all four seasons of Starz’s “Power Book II: Ghost.” His performance opposite Mary J. Blige earned four consecutive NAACP Image Awards. Earlier this year, Smith appeared alongside Kelly Rowland in Amazon MGM Studios’ romantic comedy “Relationship Goals.” His acting résumé also includes “How High,” “Garden State” and “Soul Plane.” He reunited with longtime collaborator Redman for Fox’s “Method & Red,” where they played fictional versions of themselves. “Cupertino” comes from Robert and Michelle King, the creators behind “The Good Wife,” “The Good Fight,” “Evil” and “Elsbeth.” The cast also includes Ella Stiller, Busy Philipps, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Nik Dodani. Now, Method Man is bringing his hip-hop perspective to another fight. In “Cupertino,” the stakes involve artists, artificial intelligence and who gets paid when technology changes the game.

Quavo stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about his new album “QRÖME LIFE,” out October 2, and working with Pharrell to produce the entire project. He talks about how Pharrell challenged him creatively, their trip to Disneyland with Justin Timberlake, his new song “Backwards” with T.I., Jermaine Dupri’s involvement and who he would put on a “Welcome to Atlanta” remake in 2026. He also discusses Drake sampling old Migos ad-libs on “Shabang,” Drake giving Migos equal splits early in their career, and how “Versace” changed everything for the group. Quavo also opens up about reuniting with Offset in the studio, whether another Migos album and “Unc & Phew 2” are coming, and whether Migos has received enough credit for changing the sound of hip-hop. He talks about Young Thug wanting him to join YSL, his thoughts on artists using AI to make music, possibly stepping into a WWE ring, and ranks some of Migos’ most famous ad-libs. Plus, Quavo reveals why he sometimes ghosts people instead of telling them no and plays “Quavo or Pharrell?” with Nessa.

Music icon Beyoncé gifts the world with historic new music for her B-Day, but emerging artists like Iris Stryx, Boganz & Olakira, and Glizzy Glow are aligning the stars this week. The first Friday of September delivered a strong slate of hip-hop and R&B releases, led by Beyoncé and Erykah Badu. After long anticipation, Erykah Badu and The Alchemist joined forces for Before the World Blows. The 16-track album merges Badu’s neo-soul sensibilities with the producer’s signature hip-hop sound. Earl Sweatshirt, Westside Gunn, Thundercat, and Steve Lacy contribute to the project. Elsewhere, Mykki Blanco delivered CAFE PARADISO, a genre-blending release incorporating rap, rock, disco, and art-pop. Wisin expanded the broader urban-music landscape with La Universidad del Perreo. The 12-track reggaetón project draws from Puerto Rico’s underground scene. From Beyoncé historic collaborations to Iris Stryx’s arrival to Bognz & Olakira becoming superstars, here’s a complete list of new music you might have missed this week. Memphis Bleek, Iris Stryx, Boganz + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week Shenseea & DJ Frass Come With The “Tightness” The dancehall princess hits the summer with a red-hot collaboration that will have fans rushing to the dance floor immediately. The producer-led single returns the international superstar to the sound that made us fall in love with her in the first place. It’s vibrant, exciting, and ready to take over the world. 414JungleBaby Lives Life Like It’s a “Movie” For Everybody Watching EP, the cinematic single showcases the new star’s lavish lifestyle as they impress with magnetic rhymes over catchy production. With all eyes on them, the Milwaukee rap star proves that today’s brightest superstars aren’t coming from the City of Angels, the A, or the Big Apple anymore. The song and album are must-hear and must-see attractions for any newfound fan discovering their next favorite artist. Memphis Bleek Knows The “Difference” In Greatness After “No More,” the Brooklyn legend’s latest release explores loyalty, betrayal, trust, and the lessons that come with personal growth.  The track captures Blizzle’s signature streetwise lyricism as he celebrates the lifestyle, relationships, and hard-earned position that come with decades of experience in the game. The single takes it back to where it all began in apartment 3D. Cupid Can’t Stop Making Hits But Ask “Why You Hatin’ On Me” The “Cupid Shuffle” hitmaker addresses the haters in his new Gospel-meets-R&B hit. Blending soulful R&B melodies with an uplifting gospel message, the song delivers a powerful reminder that obstacles and opinions don’t define your purpose. The crown is placed comfortably on his head, and he has no plans to leave the throne as the Linedance King anytime soon. 414JungleBaby, Cupid, Boganz + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week Iris Stryx Has “No Regrets” The rising star’s latest single is about perseverance on her journey to greatness. With her sweet vocals, the Bahamian-born singer sings about the climb that took her far beyond the rejection she once experienced. The song helps others deal with personal struggles. Her forthcoming album represents the culmination of years of training, persistence, and personal growth. More importantly, her success shows that her greatest achievement isn’t measured by streaming numbers or chart positions, but by the transformation of a voice others once dismissed. Boganz & Olakira Shine Bright With “Abena” Continuing the global takeover of African sounds, Zambian Star teamed up with Nigerian Afrobeats hitmaker for the release of their new cross-border collaboration. The track is a high-energy Afro-fusion record that perfectly blends authentic Zambian percussion with a heavy West African bounce. Thematically, the new collaboration is an unapologetic tribute to African royalty, with two African Kings uniting their sounds to celebrate a “Ghanaian goddess of gold.” Driven by a highly infectious, club-ready pre-chorus—”Figure 8 oh / You carry back carry front oh.” To set the visual tone, Boganz and Olakira have released behind-the-scenes footage showcasing a dark, cinematic aesthetic dripping in cultural attire with the goddess dipped in gold. Beyoncé Taps Selena & More As Guests For New B-Day Queen Bey has been very generous lately. After dropping a new track featuring a Jay-Z remix, she’s celebrating her 20th anniversary of B-Day with some legendary additions. She remembers her Texas history with a new collaboration featuring late legendary Chicano singer Selena. They collaborate on a Spanish version of her hit “Irreplaceable.” The deluxe version proves that the album is timeless.

R&B singer Mary J. Blige has found herself at the center of an unexpected AI controversy after appearing in an advertisement for music technology company Suno. The 85-second clip shows the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul inside a recording studio. Blige appears to listen to an AI-generated track inspired by the sonic world she helped define. View this post on Instagram The song recalls elements of Blige’s influential 1990s and 2000s R&B sound. In the footage, she appears to praise the technology and suggest adding strings and a beat. The ad quickly sparked backlash online. Fans and music industry observers questioned whether Blige had agreed to promote an artificial intelligence platform. According to reports, she had not. Suno later acknowledged that Blige’s team did not authorize the campaign. The company said it entered a business arrangement with someone who claimed to represent the singer. “We entered into a business deal with someone who presented themselves as Ms. Blige’s official representative,” Suno said in a statement to Variety. The company said it ended the campaign after learning that the person lacked proper authorization. “As soon as we learned this was not the case, and that Ms. Blige was uncomfortable, we terminated the advertising campaign,” Suno added. Suno Admits Unauthorized Deal For R&B Singer Mary J. Blige AI Campaign The controversy arrives during an increasingly heated fight over AI and music. Artists and major record companies have challenged AI firms over copyright and creative rights. Suno has faced legal scrutiny over how its technology generates music. Critics have raised concerns about AI systems reproducing elements of artists’ work without permission. The Blige controversy adds another concern: who gets to authorize an artist’s likeness and creative identity? For an artist with Blige’s cultural footprint, that question carries particular weight. Her voice and sound have influenced generations of R&B and hip-hop artists. Neither Blige nor her representatives has publicly addressed the controversy. Suno’s statement, however, makes clear the company no longer stands behind the campaign. The incident highlights a growing challenge for musicians navigating AI. Their names, images and artistic identities can now enter digital campaigns with startling speed. For Blige, the episode offers a pointed reminder. In the AI era, artistic consent matters as much as the technology itself.

More than two decades after their Reebok collab, hip-hop mogul 50 Cent is still collecting favors from hip-hop billionaire Jay-Z, now JAŸ-Z. The Queens rapper and entertainment mogul revisited a 2003 Reebok commercial Thursday, recalling a behind-the-scenes clash over the first G-Unit sneaker. According to 50 Cent, JAŸ-Z was furious when he decided to wear his own shoes during the campaign. 50 Cent said the first G-Unit sneaker sample arrived while the pair filmed the Reebok spot. Rather than wear the footwear provided for the commercial, he chose the unreleased G-Unit model. View this post on Instagram That reportedly created tension with JAŸ-Z, whose business partner John McNeilly allegedly worried his reaction could cost him his job. “See Jay still owe me a favor for doing this shit,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram. “They brought me the first G-Unit sample while we was recording this.” “I said I’m wearing my shoe in this,” he continued. “Jay got so mad John McNeilly said I’m gonna get fired. LOL. True story!” Hip-Hop Mogul 50 Cent Remembers Jay-Z (Now JAŸ-Z) Still Owes Him A Favor After Reebok Commercial The anecdote resurfaced as Reebok revived the red, white and blue G-Unit G6 in 2026. The reissue reportedly sold out within two hours, underscoring the sneaker’s enduring place in hip-hop history. 50 Cent celebrated the demand while taking another jab at longtime rival Rick Ross, who had mocked the G6’s return. “Sold out, fat boy,” 50 Cent wrote. For 50 Cent, the G6 represented more than merchandise. It helped establish a blueprint for rappers seeking influence beyond music. “Reebok took a chance on me early, and it paid off in a big way for us both,” he recently told Complex. “The G6 created a whole new category in sneaker culture and opened up new opportunities in the music space,” he said. “It gave hip-hop artists a platform to go beyond being just artists. It wasn’t the norm back then.” The sneaker’s revival now gives 50 Cent another opportunity to revisit a moment when hip-hop, fashion and corporate culture were becoming inseparable.

Hip-Hop has had a phenomenal summer, and it’s only getting better, with new music from established and emerging stars such as Jay Fizzle, AZ Chike, and JhonnieDamnD. Last week, The Game had all of hip-hop talking with his new album, The Documentary 3, which resurfaced the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. While the West Coast deals with inner turmoil, the South has been flourishing with viral hits by Dallas artists Dolly Babe (“Pink Blush”) and JhonnieDamnD (“Murda Bend”). The summer tours are still going strong with superstars like Don Toliver, Loe Shimmy, and Doechii, creating some of the season’s biggest moments yet. As we head into September, new tours from Ken Carson, Isaiah Rashad, and Chief Keef are kicking off. In music, Cardi B’s new track is quickly becoming unstoppable, with an 2immediate impact on the Billboard charts. However, many rising stars are flooding the charts with fresh energy and undeniable fan bases, pushing them to the top. All this while, we await new albums from the biggest names in hip-hop, like Drake, Travis Scott, Quavo, and Stove God Cooks. And here we are again, new week, new surprises. From JhonnieDamnD calling on Dallas to hop on the remix to AZ Chike and Tyler, The Creator’s first collaboration to Jay Fizzle’s new era, here’s a list of new music you might have missed this week. Jay Fizzle Is Ready To “Smash” On The Competition The Paper Route Empire’s shining star returns with a promising track that serves up boisterous bars in his trademark tumbling flow, boasting about his luxurious lifestyle. The new track serves as a launching pad for new music coming in the rest of 2026. “Smash” is refreshing, attention-grabbing, and the perfect origin for any newfound fan. Jay Fizzle, Mo3, TheRealSkitso, J French + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week JhonnieDamnD Keeps It Dallas Swag For “Murda Bend (Remix)” With one of the biggest songs in the world right now, you can call the biggest names to hop on the remix. But the Fort Worth rap star remembers where he came from and draws on North Texas’s legacy to inject it with new energy. The legacy acts remind the world how much swag they had, have, and still have to come. Mo3 Rises Again To Proclaim, “I’m Pac” The late rapper releases the visual to his 2019 fan favorite after the verdict in the hip-hop icon’s murder case is settled. The visual reminds fans of the generational impact that Pac had on everyone. The song is living proof that Shakur’s legacy will continue to influence the biggest names in hip-hop forever. AZ Chike & Tyler, The Creator Relive Their Favorite Movies As They “Look Like My Mama” The West Coast’s hottest new star gets a look from the region’s favorite superstar to help deliver a blockbuster debut. While their bars are unique, they blend perfectly together, and the visuals amplify the song’s popularity. T’s involvement adds to others like Pharrell and K-Dot, who will assist in making the new artist’s debut legendary. Mike Will Made-It & OJ Da Juiceman Are Ready To Cook So The “Stov3 Lit” Taking us back to the early days of trap rap, the longtime collaborators deliver a refreshing track and thank their fans for their unwavering support. The legendary Atlanta trapper keeps us entertained with his signature ad-libs, colorful wordplay, and well-known swag over the hard-hitting production. Reunited and it feels so good. TheRealSkitso, Curren$y, Tyler The Creator, OJ Da Juiceman + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week TheRealSkitso Takes It Back With Styles P, M.O.P., & Kokane To Show No “Mercy” The Buffalo producer makes a grand entrance with a couple of the East Coast’s roughest and toughest emcees for the main event. One-third of The Lox brings the grit; the Brownsville boys bring the ruckus, as the pure white makes you addicted after the first listen. The track really shows no mercy, literally. J French & Curren$y Get Us In The Right “Mood” A collaboration no one expected, the Oklahoma City native hits up a New Orleans favorite to make a bold statement for his forthcoming album. “This album came to me during a dark place that I had to fight my way out of,” says French. “With everything happening in Hip Hop, from the tensions between some of our biggest artists to the racial issues and political views that continue to divide people, I felt it was necessary to give the world something with no beef, no war, and only solidarity. That is the only way I can make art, from a place of love.” “Bro hit me up and sent the track over, and I saw it was titled ‘Mood,’” says Curren$y. “I was in the middle of The Winner’s Circle tour. I put it on, vibed with it, and matched his energy. FaceTimed J French, played it for him, and he loved it. I Don’t Believe in Bad Days is how I live my life every day. I have been rocking with the homie J French for a minute.” Boosie Badazz & C-Murder Tell More ‘Hood Stories’ Together, they represent distinct chapters of Louisiana rap history. The album’s title suggests an unfiltered look at those experiences. Its songs explore relationships, violence, grief, and resilience. The 15-track album reunites the former cellmates-turned-longtime friends.

Silkk the Shocker stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about the Cash Money & No Limit Reunion Tour and what it took to finally bring the two legendary New Orleans movements together. He talks about whether there was ever real beef between Cash Money and No Limit, the competition between the two camps, the possibility of Lil Wayne popping out on select tour dates, and his upcoming collaboration with Juvenile. Silkk also takes us back to No Limit’s historic run, working with Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, Tupac showing him love early in his career, and what it was like when Snoop Dogg joined No Limit. Silkk also opens up about the criticism of his unique rap flow and the artists who have since shown him love for influencing their style, the story behind his collaborations with Mýa, and his brother C-Murder’s incarceration. Plus, he confirms the story that the Houston Rockets offered him a $75,000 contract—and explains why he chose music when he was making $120,000 a night on tour.

Mariah Carey has already given fans a reason to look toward 2027. The legendary singer recently hinted that new music is on the way. Carey made the revelation while meeting fan Jack Banana in Beverly Hills. During the encounter, she was asked about her next musical chapter. Her answer was brief, but it carried plenty of weight. “Next year,” Carey said when asked about new material. View this post on Instagram That would put her next release in 2027, giving Lambs another project to anticipate from one of pop and R&B’s defining voices. Carey’s announcement arrives after the 2025 release of “Here For It All,” her 16th studio album. The project debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread praise. The album also appeared to have more material waiting in the wings. Carey previously teased a deluxe edition, though that expanded project has yet to arrive. Mariah Carey Hints At New Music In 2027 Now, the singer’s latest comment suggests her focus could be moving toward an entirely new body of work. Carey has not revealed a title, release date or track list. She also has not shared details about the sound or collaborators attached to the project. Still, anticipation comes naturally with Carey. Few artists have maintained such a distinctive presence across multiple generations. Her influence stretches from pop and R&B to contemporary vocal performance and songwriting. Her catalog remains a cornerstone of modern music. Her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become an annual cultural phenomenon. Her signature ballads and vocal runs remain equally influential. For the Lambs, however, the immediate question is what Carey has planned next. With only two words, she supplied an answer. “Next year.” Now, 2027 looms as a potential new era for Carey. The details remain under wraps, but the anticipation has already begun.

Vic Mensa opened “The Vic Mensa Show” with a guest whose history with him reaches back to adolescence: Chance the Rapper. The Chicago rappers used the premiere to revisit a friendship that began when they were about 14. That relationship eventually helped shape Save Money, the collective that influenced Chicago hip-hop. Mensa said he first encountered Chance at Jones College Prep during an open mic. Mensa had traveled from Whitney Young Magnet High School to perform. He spotted Chance in the school lunchroom. At the time, Mensa admitted his microphone skills had not caught up with his ambitions. Still, the meeting marked the start of a friendship that would span decades. The two later became prominent figures within Chicago’s independent rap scene. Mensa recalled one of their earliest recording sessions. They worked on a song called “Lord Release,” with Mensa’s father paying for studio time. Their loyalty also faced an early test. Mensa said older students had threatened Chance at school. According to Mensa, he responded by bringing roughly 25 people from Whitney Young. The confrontation became physical. Save Money’s Vic Mensa & Chance The Rapper Discuss Their Friendship On The Debut Episode Of The Vic Mensa Show Mensa previously described the episode during an appearance on “All the Smoke.” “Long story short, you know, found them, beat they ass, for fucking with Chance,” Mensa said. “It was just like, so we’ve been locked in since childhood.” Chance later captured that bond on his 2013 mixtape “Acid Rap.” On “Acid Rain,” he referenced the competitive edge between the two friends. “But if you touch my brother,” Chance rapped, “all that anti-violence shit goes out the window.” The friendship became part of the foundation for Save Money. The collective brought together Chicago artists who helped define a new generation of local hip-hop. “The Vic Mensa Show” now gives Mensa another platform to explore those relationships. The 24-episode series expands on his Orange Tree video series. Mensa said Orange Tree showed him the power of conversation. He described that potential through “radical ideas, humor, honesty and vulnerability.” Chance’s appearance established the tone. It also placed one of Chicago hip-hop’s most enduring friendships at the center of Mensa’s new chapter.

Beyoncé joined a global chorus of mourners Tuesday to honor the late country music legend Dolly Parton, describing the cultural icon as a “north star” who paved the way for artists to remain authentic in a demanding industry. Parton, whose career spanned seven decades and redefined the boundaries of country music, died Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The “Cowboy Carter” singer published an emotional tribute on her official website, highlighting Parton’s multifaceted legacy as a musician, businesswoman and philanthropist. Beyoncé expressed deep gratitude for the singer’s influence, noting that Parton served as a “barometer” for excellence and individuality. “You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” Beyoncé wrote in the post. The two superstars recently solidified their professional bond with the release of Beyoncé’s 2024 country-inspired album, “Cowboy Carter.” Parton provided a spoken-word introduction for Beyoncé’s reimagined cover of the 1973 hit “Jolene,” a gesture seen by many as a symbolic passing of the torch. Beyoncé reflected on this collaboration in her tribute, stating she would always treasure the opportunity to work alongside the “9 to 5” singer. Parton passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville surrounded by her family and close friends, according to her representatives. Known for her quick wit and signature style, the singer had been privately battling the disease before her death. Beyond her musical achievements, Parton was celebrated for her extensive charity work, most notably her Imagination Library, which has gifted more than 200 million books to children worldwide. Beyoncé recognized this spirit of giving in her final remarks, writing that Parton’s impact on the world was truly “one of one.” The tribute concluded with a simple wish for the icon to rest peacefully. View this post on Instagram