SZA has fans talking after speculation surfaced linking her to rising artist Shaboozey. The rumors began when Shaboozey shared a new Instagram carousel captioned “Goodbye Horses,” which included a short clip of a woman seen from behind. Observant fans noticed her outfit resembled ones SZA has recently worn, sparking chatter that the two may be romantically involved. While nothing has been confirmed, excitement online is already high. SZA and Shaboozey? She definitely not dating Kendrick like some hypothesized pic.twitter.com/3XA44v29HP — Ashley (@realeyezone) September 2, 2025 Some fans are urging caution, suggesting that the two could simply be collaborating on music or filming a video. One user wrote, “But why do we always assume dating? They’re literally both musicians, it could be anything.” Others are fully on board with the idea of a romance, sharing comments like, “I love that for him, absolutely SZA, they are so chocolate together,” and “I’m so ready to be a HUSBAND and FATHER [green heart emoji wedding ring emoji].” Shaboozey has become one of the most in-demand artists over the past year, earning praise for his crossover appeal and collaborations with major acts like Beyoncé on COWBOY CARTER and rappers such as BigXthaPlug, who call on him to add a country influence to their tracks. Meanwhile, SZA recently wrapped her contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National tour in Sweden on August 9th, reflecting on the experience, “This tour was the craziest most once in a lifetime experience I’ve ever had. Like all my childhood thoughts in one bang.. WHAT WAS THAT? Lmao not a lotta words.. thank you to every single person involved that made this happen. Especially @kendricklamar [praying hands emoji].” Neither artist has confirmed the rumors, but fans are eagerly watching to see whether this potential pairing will become official.

Young Thug is once again under pressure, caught in a swirl of scrutiny that has spilled from social media into the wider hip-hop world. On Wednesday, the Atlanta rapper took to X, formerly Twitter, with a pointed warning for his critics. “Criticizing me will only damage the rap community further; I’m the truth in this fake industry,” he wrote, casting the uproar not only as an attack on himself but as a threat to rap culture more broadly. The reaction online was swift and split. Some fans questioned his credibility outright. One user wrote, “You were bullying Gunna behind the scenes, though. You know what needs to be done to resolve things, but do you possess the emotional awareness to execute it?” Another added, “You’re calling others out for actions you’ve taken, yet expect to be free from backlash?” Others, however, urged him to tune out the noise and focus on what they are waiting for most: the release of his upcoming album, UY Scutti. Rumors spread, Thug stands firm The latest controversy was sparked by the leak of an interrogation clip in which Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, appeared to reference fellow rapper Peewee Roscoe. The brief mention ignited accusations of cooperating with police—a charge that carries particular weight in a genre where loyalty is sacred. Thug has rejected the suggestion outright, and Roscoe himself stepped in to defend him. “That’s what one is supposed to do. In the interrogation room, you tell them ‘We sold Dwayne Carter weed.’ What’s wrong with you? A statement is simply this… He acted as a responsible citizen should, a genuine street individual. He kept it real and tried to help me,” Roscoe said in a video. Still, the rumors have lingered, eroding confidence in Thug’s standing inside rap’s unwritten code. Complicating matters further are leaked jailhouse calls connected to the YSL RICO case, in which Thug allegedly disparaged other artists, including Gunna and Kendrick Lamar. His post on Wednesday was not his only defense this week. A day earlier, he shared a line from actor Denzel Washington on Instagram, a simple dismissal of cancel culture that read, “Who Cares?” Bashing me only goin fuck that rap community up more, I’m the blue to this fake ass game — Young Thug ひ (@youngthug) September 3, 2025

As excitement builds for his upcoming album, Iceman, Drake is addressing the media attention that often shadows his releases. In a recent interview with Bobbi Althoff that has gone viral online, the Toronto artist suggested that critics may coordinate their responses to ensure negative coverage surrounds his projects. Drake elaborated on his perspective: “It appears that the first critics to respond are not necessarily offering genuine reactions to my albums. Instead, it seems there are strategic discussions taking place among media members, determining their individual stances—often negative—before my project even has a chance to be fully heard.” He added, “These discussions happen in a collective setting, where different critics decide their narratives to ensure there’s no overlap. Someone might declare, ‘I dislike the album,’ even before they have fully engaged with it, aiming for comments that generate the most interaction.” Drake on Media and ‘Iceman’ The remarks, shared widely by DJ Akademiks on social media, sparked a range of reactions. Some fans praised Drake for his candor and defense of his work, while others questioned his critique, pointing to his long-standing navigation of media cycles. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between artists and critics in an era where social media magnifies every opinion and reaction. Beyond discussing the press, Drake delved into more personal topics, including his approach to relationships and the continuing conversation around his authenticity and public image. These reflections, paired with his critique of media behavior, portray an artist both guarded and self-aware as he prepares for one of the year’s most anticipated releases. While an official release date for Iceman has yet to be confirmed, Drake’s comments provide fans a window into the mindset he hopes will frame the album. As anticipation grows, his observations about perception and criticism offer context for how the work may be received when it finally arrives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Drake and Bobbi Althoff have reunited for another conversation, this time turning to one of the more persistent criticisms of his career. The Toronto rapper has built his global influence on a willingness to bend genres, moving fluidly between rap, R&B, dancehall, U.K. grime, Afrobeats, and pop. That chameleon-like range has expanded his reach—but also sparked debate over cultural appropriation. The charge is familiar. Detractors have often labeled him a “culture vulture,” accusing him of profiting from scenes he did not create. Drake has bristled at that characterization, insisting his collaborations are about connection, not exploitation. “I hate that people think that me being into music from these kids that are trying to make it… is some culture vulture behavior,” he said in a past exchange, pointing to what he sees as a double standard. From Rift to Reunion, Drake and Althoff Reset In his latest discussion with Althoff, recorded for the NFR Podcast, Drake revisited the criticism with blunt honesty. “I experience a lot of guilt tripping in my life where people are like, ‘No, this is your fault,’ essentially… My intentions are pure,” he said. What he finds disheartening, he added, is the suggestion that championing younger artists could be mistaken for self-interest. Their reunion comes months after a viral interview in July 2023, a deadpan back-and-forth that dominated social feeds before disappearing without explanation. That vanishing act fueled speculation about a rift, though Althoff has since dismissed the chatter. “Drake flew me to Manchester, then Belgium, and finally Switzerland, where this episode was filmed, to make amends,” she recalled. The new installment, pointedly titled Not This Again, is intended as the start of a recurring monthly series. Unlike their first meeting, this one is here to stay. For Drake, the return offers more than a viral clip—it provides a stage to reframe how his eclectic career, and the cultural borrowing that defines it, is understood.

Young Thug is back in the headlines—and not for his music. In recent weeks, the Atlanta rapper has become the target of intensifying criticism after the leak of an interrogation tape revived long-simmering accusations of betrayal in hip-hop. Through it all, his partner, singer Mariah the Scientist, had remained silent, until a brief but pointed gesture at a recent performance cut through the noise. The controversy stems from audio of Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, allegedly naming fellow rapper Peewee Roscoe during questioning by police. What could have been seen as a routine exchange was quickly branded “snitching,” a charge that carries particular weight in a culture where loyalty is prized and public perception can define a career. The clip spread fast, transforming what might have been a footnote into a full-fledged storm, stoked by rivals and critics alike. The backlash has pulled in some of the industry’s most prominent voices. Quality Control executive Pierre “P” Thomas and rapper Ralo have openly distanced themselves, while commentators like Wack 100 and Joe Budden added their disapproval to the chorus. Thug has tried to push back online, but the steady stream of criticism has left his image under siege. Mariah Stays Calm as Fans Debate Loyalty and Drama Mariah the Scientist, by contrast, has opted for quiet defiance. During a recent set, a concertgoer lifted a phone screen that read, “Tell thug he’s a [rat emoji].” She simply flashed a thumbs-up. The small act ricocheted across social media, with some praising her composure and others questioning why she should be dragged into her partner’s battles. Reactions piled up in the comments section of DJ Akademiks’ posts. Some fans warned about the dangers of provoking artists in public settings, while others lamented the theatrics. A few framed the YSL case as something larger: a flashpoint in hip-hop history that could one day be remembered as a cautionary tale about loyalty, downfall, and spectacle. Meanwhile, the feud shows no signs of cooling. Thomas recently mocked Thug with an Instagram post teasing a faux documentary titled The Rat That Just Keep On Tellin’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Montell Jordan’s music defined a generation. His 1995 debut single, “This Is How We Do It,” stormed the Billboard Hot 100 and became an anthem of celebration, still played nearly 30 years later. With follow-up hits such as “Somethin’ 4 da Honeyz” and “Let’s Ride,” Jordan secured his place in 1990s R&B. Though he later stepped away from mainstream stardom, his voice and songs never faded from memory. Now, Jordan’s story carries new significance. The singer recently revealed he battled cancer in private and has been cancer-free for one year. The announcement came not from a publicist, but during an intimate live performance at rapper LaRussell’s home in Vallejo, Calif. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Flavor Fest (@flavorfest) What began as a nostalgic evening of R&B turned into a testimony of endurance. Fans who once celebrated milestones with his music now witnessed his revelation as a declaration of faith and survival. Jordan explained that he chose to wait until the one-year mark to share his diagnosis. The decision reflected both caution and conviction. By speaking from a position of recovery, he sought to inspire hope rather than worry. His message underscored a painful truth: cancer affects nearly every family, whether through personal illness or the struggles of loved ones. Jordan’s disclosure resonated because it reflected the collective experience of resilience in the face of disease. The news sparked immediate reaction online. Fans praised his transparency, calling his survival a “testament to perseverance.” In recent years, more artists have chosen to open up about serious health challenges once kept private. Jordan’s story falls within this larger cultural shift toward vulnerability, breaking down barriers between artist and audience. His openness created a connection, reminding listeners that even music icons are not insulated from life’s harshest trials. With his recovery intact, Jordan now enters a new chapter that expands beyond his chart-topping success. His concerts and appearances carry a deeper weight, uniting his artistry with his testimony. His journey affirms that illness does not erase identity—it refines it. For Montell Jordan, the story has moved beyond 1990s nostalgia. It continues as a powerful narrative of survival, faith and renewal.

Young Thug’s jail call leaks have just revealed that he paid for fake streams, also known as “bots,” for his album and his YSL artist Gunna’s album to reach the top of the charts. The conversation, reportedly with a close associate, begins with Thug’s frustrations over Business Is Business, his 2023 album recorded while incarcerated. The project opened with 88,000 units, but failed to debut at No. 1, blocked by Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time, which sold 108,000. Thug allegedly laments the missed opportunity, questioning why no one considered pairing him with Wallen to bridge audiences. Young Thug says he spent $50K on fake streams aka (K-BOTS) on Gunna’s ‘DS4EVER’ for it to debut at #1 over The Weeknd’s ‘Dawn FM’ pic.twitter.com/bRlrNofeLq — DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) August 31, 2025 The discussion then shifts to Gunna’s breakthrough moment. According to the leaked recording, Thug claims he spent $50,000 on artificial streams to push Gunna’s DS4EVER past The Weeknd’s Dawn FM in January 2022. “You didn’t honestly earn a number one album over The Weeknd,” Thug is heard saying. “I paid for that.” The audio also captures Thug expressing disappointment with Gunna’s actions since that milestone. He accuses Gunna of charging young, aspiring rappers thousands for features, despite the support Thug says he provided without ever taking a cut. Young Thug finds out ‘Business Is Business’ is at risk of not debuting at #1 and tells his team to contact their fake streams “plug” “You still got that plug, right? That sh*t that we did with Gunna and them?”pic.twitter.com/7L3UwtSrfT — Kurrco (@Kurrco) August 31, 2025 The tone suggests a deep sense of betrayal. “I protected you,” Thug implies, painting a portrait of loyalty met with disloyalty. The leaked remarks add turbulence to an already complicated chapter. Business Is Business was marketed as a triumphant statement from behind bars, but the specter of bot allegations and fractured relationships now colors its legacy. The tape also references Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape, which broke hip-hop’s long absence from the top of the Billboard 200 in July 2023, underscoring how fragile rap dominance was that year. This is not the first time private calls have been made public. Previous leaks captured conversations with 21 Savage and Lil Baby, as well as claims of behind-the-scenes conflicts involving Quality Control. Neither Gunna nor The Weeknd has responded to the latest allegations. Whether verified or not, the recordings reveal how Thug’s incarceration has become a spectacle, reshaping narratives around loyalty, success, and survival in hip-hop.

Young Thug and the YSL crew are once again making headlines after an old police interrogation clip resurfaced online. The recording, which is around two years old, shows Young Thug mentioning Peewee Roscoe during a lengthy questioning session. Social media quickly exploded, with many fans accusing him of snitching. The controversy centers on Roscoe’s alleged role in a 2015 shooting on Lil Wayne’s tour bus. Despite the backlash, Young Thug defended himself on Twitter, writing, “They didn’t play my interrogation video in court cause I helped my brada #Ratwhere?” His statement fueled even more discussion among fans and hip-hop observers. Other YSL members have also weighed in. Woody, Ralo, Peewee, and Duke have all shared opinions, and outside voices such as Charleston White and Wack 100 joined the conversation. Many believe Young Thug betrayed Peewee, though Roscoe has stepped forward to clear him. Roscoe explained the situation and defended Young Thug’s actions. “That’s what you’re supposed to do. When you go in the interrogation room, that’s what you do. You tell ’em ‘We sold Dwayne Carter weed.’ What the fck is wrong with you? A statement is this right here…. He did what a tax-paying citizen do, a real street n***. He kept it silent, kept it overly real. Really, tried to pull me out the hole.” Despite Roscoe’s defense, accusations continue to circulate. Young Thug has shifted attention toward other members of the collective, naming Gunna, Ralo, and Duke as the ones he considers the real informants. The situation highlights how quickly past events can resurface and spark debate in hip-hop. Old footage, especially involving legal matters, can reignite tensions and put artists back under the public microscope, even years after the fact.

Two decades ago, a teenage Rihanna left her home in Barbados with a dream. At just 17 years old, she released her debut album Music of the Sun on August 29, 2005. Now, twenty years later, Rihanna is celebrating the milestone with gratitude, nostalgia, and fresh surprises for fans. To mark the anniversary, Rihanna shared a moving message on Instagram, reflecting on the moment that changed her life forever.“20 years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music… Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) Her words not only honored the album but also highlighted the personal sacrifices she made in pursuit of her career—a journey that has since made her one of the most influential artists and entrepreneurs of her generation. As part of the celebration, Rihanna launched a campaign branded R20, updating her X (formerly Twitter) profile with visuals spotlighting all of her albums. The sleek campaign is both a nod to her roots and a reminder of the powerful discography she’s built since Music of the Sun. Rihanna also teamed up with Roc Nation to release exclusive merchandise inspired by her debut album. The limited-edition drop, arriving on August 29, gives fans a chance to relive her early era through fashion, while celebrating the record that introduced her Caribbean-infused sound to the world. When it was first released, Music of the Sun stood out for its unique blend of dancehall, Caribbean rhythms, R&B, and pop. Its breakout single, “Pon de Replay,” became a worldwide hit, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing Rihanna’s place in the global music conversation. The album itself debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified Platinum by the RIAA. While critics noted the unevenness of a debut project, many praised the cultural authenticity Rihanna infused into her music—a quality that would continue to define her artistry. Twenty years later, Rihanna is not just a music icon but also a fashion mogul, beauty entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Still, her anniversary celebration reminds fans of where it all began: a young artist with a vision, unafraid to carry the sound of Barbados into the global mainstream.

42 Dugg is coming to the defense of Drake. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday afternoon, the Detroit rapper showed his support for the “6 God,” noting that people will quickly switch up on hip-hop artists. He also pointed out how many artists Drake has helped. “Man GET THE MONEY. Eventually they gone tear you down could be something you did or didn’t do eventually they get tired of your ass no matter who you is. THATS Why MY ADVICE IS ALWAYS GET ENOUGH MONEY TILL YOU CAN LEAVE THIS SH*T ALONE FOR GOOD,” he wrote in one post. Man GET THE MONEY ,Eventually they gone tear you down could be something you did or didn’t do eventually they get tired of your ass no matter who you is. THATS Why MY ADVICE IS ALWAYS GET ENOUGH MONEY TILL YOU CAN LEAVE THIS SHIT ALONE FOR GOOD — 42Dugg (@42_Dugg) August 28, 2025 “I knew our ass was out when these muf*ckas turned on Drake, Drake put on 400 rappers an counting if they can say f*ck him ah street n***a got zero chances,” he wrote in follow-up post. In other Drake news, the “What I Miss” rapper appears in a new trailer for the upcoming documentary, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes. The doc “will take an in-depth look at the iconic TV series.”  “I didn’t have a great time in high school. I just didn’t really fit in,” Drake admits, “ Drake says in trailer. In a statement to Deadline, director Lisa Rideout said: “Degrassi changed the landscape of television with real, unvarnished storytelling and did it unapologetically from a teenage perspective,” Rideout said.  “I was inspired by how fearless the series was in tackling issues that others wouldn’t touch,” the statement continued.m “This documentary celebrates the iconic Canadian franchise while revealing the impact it had on the people who made it and the audiences who loved it.”