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

Pierre “P” Thomas, the Co-CEO of Quality Control Music, is showing signs of improvement as he continues to recover from a heart attack that led to his hospitalization last week. According to reports, close to the music executive confirmed Monday that while Thomas remains in the hospital, his condition is progressing in a positive direction following a period of time spent in the intensive care unit. The music industry was hit with a wave of concern last week when news first broke that Thomas had suffered a cardiac event. The situation was briefly complicated by a surge of misinformation on social media, where false reports erroneously claimed that the mogul had passed away. Those rumors were swiftly debunked by family members and associates who maintained that Thomas was alive and fighting for his health. In a recent message shared on social media, Thomas’ mother addressed the public to clarify her son’s status and express her frustration with the rumor mill. She confirmed that although Thomas was currently incapacitated and in a state of healing, the reports of his death were entirely fabricated. She described his recovery process as a gradual one, stating that he is “rising up” as he receives medical care. “Let me straighten y’all all out,” she said in her public statement. “First of all, my son is not dead. My son is not dead. I don’t know who gave that story, but cut the lie. He’s healing. He’s recovering.” Her emotional address also touched on her belief that the heart attack was unexpected given his medical history, suggesting she is seeking further answers regarding the cause of the sudden health crisis. Thomas is a towering figure in the modern music landscape, having co-founded Quality Control Music in 2013. Under his leadership, the Atlanta-based label became a powerhouse, launching the careers of global superstars such as Migos, Lil Baby, City Girls and Lil Yachty. His influence extends beyond music into sports management and various philanthropic efforts within the Atlanta community. As news of his improvement spreads, peers and artists from across the hip-hop community have continued to share messages of support. The label head is reportedly taking his recovery one day at a time. Medical staff have not yet provided a specific timeline for his release from the hospital, but the latest updates suggest the most critical danger has passed. The situation remains a developing story as the industry waits for more news on the executive’s return to health. For now, the focus remains on his stabilization and the long-term rehabilitation process required after such a serious medical emergency. View this post on Instagram

Kehlani is opening up about her journey with mental health, revealing a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder and the rigorous wellness routine she utilizes to navigate the pressures of the music industry. In a candid discussion regarding the industry’s demanding environment, the singer emphasized that maintaining her mental stability is a matter of survival. The “Folded” singer detailed a multifaceted approach to her health that includes medication, consistent exercise, and spiritual grounding. Kehlani noted that the unconventional nature of her career, which often involves working in recording studios until dawn and skipping regular meals, necessitates a strict daily structure to remain balanced. “I am clinically diagnosed as bipolar. I take medicine,” Kehlani said in a recent interview. She explained that activities like yoga, walking, and spending time in nature are non-negotiable parts of her life. She also highlighted the importance of her faith, stating that she must build a relationship with God and engage in regular prayer to manage the stresses of her profession. The revelation follows a significant year for the artist, who spent 12 months in treatment to find the right combination of therapy and medication. She previously told interviewers that this period of focused care has fundamentally changed how she reacts to emotional triggers and high-pressure situations that used to be overwhelming. Kehlani also views her creative process as a therapeutic tool. While performing provides a physical outlet for her energy, she described songwriting as a “personal conversation” that allows her to process complex emotions. This vulnerability has resonated with fans, helping her secure her first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and two Grammy awards recently. The singer’s transparency comes at a time when the music industry is facing increased scrutiny over its treatment of artists’ well-being. By sharing her diagnosis and her reliance on a wellness routine, Kehlani said she hopes to highlight how the industry can better support the people behind the hits. Currently, Kehlani is balancing her mental health needs with a high-profile career that includes a chart-topping R&B album and a grueling 44-date world tour. She maintained that without her specific routine of gym sessions and time spent outdoors, she would not be able to sustain the energy required for such a demanding schedule. .

Pierre “P” Thomas, the influential cofounder of Quality Control Music, has been hospitalized in Las Vegas after suffering a heart attack, according to TMZ. Thomas is currently being treated in the intensive care unit as medical professionals monitor his condition and evaluate his recovery options. Family members have reportedly traveled to Nevada to be by his side. The music executive remains under the close supervision of doctors who are consulting with his inner circle regarding the next steps in his treatment. Thomas is widely recognized as a titan in the modern music industry, having cofounded Quality Control Music alongside Kevin “Coach K” Lee in 2013. Based in Atlanta, the label rose to prominence by identifying and developing some of the most successful acts in hip-hop, effectively reshaping the sound of the genre over the last decade. Under his leadership, Quality Control became a powerhouse synonymous with the “Atlanta sound.” The label’s roster has featured global superstars including the Migos, Lil Baby, and the City Girls. Thomas has been credited by industry peers for his keen eye for talent and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of independent and major label partnerships. News of the medical emergency sparked an immediate outpouring of concern from the entertainment community. Thomas is viewed not only as a business leader but as a mentor to dozens of young artists who have found commercial success under his guidance. The situation remains fluid as Thomas continues his stay in the ICU. View this post on Instagram Representatives for Quality Control Music have not yet released a formal statement regarding his long-term prognosis or the impact his absence may have on the label’s immediate operations. Quality Control’s influence extends beyond music into sports management and film, a testament to the expansion Thomas helped lead. The label was recently acquired in a high-profile deal by HYBE America, further cementing Thomas’s status as a top-tier executive in the global market. This story is developing, and further updates are expected as more information regarding his health becomes available.

The latest installment of the Verzuz series turned into a celebration of late-1990s and early-2000s R&B as veterans Joe and Donell Jones faced off in a nostalgia-heavy hits battle. While the event was framed as a tribute to two storied careers, Joe emerged as the night’s standout performer following a high-energy surprise appearance by rapper 50 Cent. The evening began with a warm-up set by Estelle before the two headliners took the stage to trade their most iconic tracks. Donell Jones, who expressed prior to the event that he viewed the night as a celebration rather than a rigid competition, brought early momentum by inviting the group 702 to the stage. The trio performed their 1996 classic “Get It Together,” a track Jones famously wrote and produced. Joe responded to the challenge by leaning into a catalog that social media users and live voters found increasingly difficult to beat. After performing staples such as “Don’t Wanna Be a Player” and his contribution to Big Pun’s “Still Not a Player,” Joe shifted the atmosphere by bringing out 50 Cent. The Queens rapper, joined by G-Unit associates Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, performed the 2003 collaboration “Wanna Get to Know You.” View this post on Instagram The collaborative energy continued as Joe and 50 Cent performed “Big Rich Town,” the widely recognized theme song for the television series “Power.” The surprise guest appearance appeared to tilt the scales in Joe’s favor, as fans on social media noted the singer’s vocal consistency and stage presence throughout the later rounds of the matchup. Despite the competitive nature of the event, both artists emphasized the importance of the era they represented. The battle served as a reminder of the deep influence both singers held during the peak of the hip-hop soul movement. While Jones was praised for his songwriting legacy and the 702 reunion, the general consensus among viewers was that Joe’s deep catalog and surprise guests secured him the win for the night. View this post on Instagram

Kendrick Lamar’s inner circle is pushing back on speculation surrounding The Game’s The Documentary 3 track, “No Brakes,” featuring Drake. The song appears on The Game’s The Documentary 3, released Friday (Aug. 21). Its lyrics immediately sparked discussion because The Game references Kendrick, Drake and the West Coast’s complicated rap politics. On “LA Monster,” The Game raps about having “no problem with the boogeyman,” an apparent nod to Kendrick’s fearsome rap reputation. He also references a GNX, connecting the bar to Kendrick’s 2024 album GNX and its West Coast identity. The Game gets more pointed on “Geezus,” the album’s opening track. He calls Drake “the homie” while rejecting pressure for West Coast artists to choose between Drake and Kendrick. He later references “the GNX” while delivering a violent threat. Then comes “No Brakes,” where The Game raps, “Me, Drake and Drake, we the three amigos.” He follows by saying, “If I have to pick a side, I’m choosing homicide.” Given Kendrick and Drake’s highly publicized feud, the lyrics quickly fueled theories about where The Game stands. Kendrick not just A Rapper that’s like game dissin another Compton Legend #NotHappening — Hitta J3 (@Hittaj3tml) August 21, 2026 Kendrick’s longtime associates, however, are arguing against that interpretation. Top Dawg Entertainment executive Punch reacted after “No Brakes” surfaced, writing, “The World’s really Gone Crazy,” followed by laughing emojis. Hitta J3, a longtime Kendrick friend, was more direct. He said the Game and Drake song “is not new” and “it’s not no diss to Dot.” He later added, “Game still A homie regardless what you hear he not gonna diss Kendrick.” Kendrick Lamar’s Friends React To The Game’s New Album The Documentary 3 and “No Brakes” Hitta also questioned the online reaction, writing, “Just because Drake on the song it’s automatically A Diss.” He teased an upcoming collaboration with The Game, saying it would “clear up all this fake beef.” “Kendrick not just A Rapper,” Hitta added, calling Kendrick’s potential conflict with another Compton legend “Not Happening.” MackWop, another longtime Kendrick associate, also criticized the speculation. “Yall Want The Homie To Make Another Example Out A Nigga Bad!!!” he wrote, adding that he did not know whether “The Internet Dweebs Or These Rappers” were more desperate. Yall Want The Homie To Make Another Example Out A Nigga Bad!!! Lmaooo Ion Know Who More Desperate The Internet Dweebs Or These Rappers — MackWop (@MackWop) August 21, 2026 Wack 100, The Game’s manager, offered the strongest indication that no serious feud exists. During a Thursday livestream with DJ Akademiks, he said Kendrick “is gonna be in the studio with Game in 3 days.” For now, Kendrick’s camp appears to view “No Brakes” as provocative West Coast rap—not a declaration of war. Kendrick Lamar nor PG Lang has not reacted to The Game’s Documentary 3 album or the Drake-featured “No Brakes” as this time.