Vic Mensa recently opened up about the emotional weight artists carry in today’s streaming-driven music industry. On June 3rd, the Chicago rapper shared a vulnerable moment on social media, describing how the devaluation of music impacts mental health. “I just broke down in the shower. I was thinking about the weight of being an artist in a time when work is so devalued and appreciated,” he said, tears visible in his video. Vic discussed James Blake’s Vault platform, which allows artists to sell unreleased tracks directly to fans. He recalled reading a comment questioning why anyone would pay $10 for a single artist’s music when they could get access to “all artists ever” for the same price on streaming services. “At the time, I was like, you know, that’s so fried of a mentality,” he explained. But later, he realized how deeply that attitude hurts artists. “People feel like that s**t not worth $10. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s hilarious at the same time.” He was candid about the mental health challenges many artists face. “Artists are already people that are predisposed to suicide,” Vic said. The financial struggles only add another layer. “It’s not funny, but that’s real. To add into that a dimension of economic inequity so profound that not even the record labels know what to do about this. Like, they don’t even know how to get the money right now.” In his caption, Vic admitted he was nervous about sharing his feelings but felt it was necessary. “I was just feeling this way today, and I felt like, I’m feeling this way, and I’m blessed to have touched millions of people with my art. I have a wonderful life. If I’m feeling this way, then I know there are many smaller artists and larger dealing with the same things, man.” His message sheds light on the harsh realities behind the music industry’s glittering surface.

Questlove has offered an apology following a plethora of logistical issues and muddy conditions because of constant rain at the 18th annual Roots Picnic over the weekend. Taking to Instagram, Quest explained how the weather in his hometown of Philadelphia was the cause of an array of problems for the festival “Good People & The Attendees Of The Roots Picnic 2025. Aight— I know today wasn’t “ideal” for The Roots Picnic in this 18th year of 2025. This year has been particularly challenging to say the least,” his post began. “Transforming the Mann Center into our event takes about two weeks, but as many of you experienced, heavy rain from May 30th into the morning of the 31st caused significant damage (midnight to 7 am). We nearly canceled The Picnic because conditions were unsafe for everyone involved,” the post continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Questlove (@questlove) Quest then explained how he and the organizers sought to make the venue safe despite the inclement weather, which caused several delays and ticket holders to wait in lines for hours. “Ultimately, we chose to take extra time to repair the site to ensure safety for all ticket holders, which is why there was a 3-hour delay (Yes, I got numerous messages from attendees, family, everyone in the tristate). But we prioritized caution above all else,” Quest wrote. “After working hard to improve the site—factoring in the challenge of finding mulch to absorb excess water—we managed to revise the schedule so that all artists, including headliners Maxwell (whom we ALL owe an incredible amount of gratitude for doing us a solid with seconds on the clock) and Latto, could perform without violating city noise curfews.” Quest then expressed his appreciation to the staff who helped ensure the safety of concertgoers under difficult circumstances. “I’m personally thanking all the Live Nation Staff —led by Shawn Gee for moving at lightning speed in solving the many obstacles and puzzles it took to even make today happen.” This year’s Roots Picnic was headlined by Latto, GloRilla, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, Miguel, Tems, KAYTRANADA, and Jeezy.

Mase recently revealed that he sent Cam’ron to approach Diddy over his publishing. During a recent episode of It Is What It Is, Mase asked what took place between Cam and Diddy when they were together on the boat. According to Cam, Diddy wanted to buy their podcast, and Mase was open to hearing the offer. But the “Feel So Good” rapper wanted to get to the bottom of his publisher, which had been an ongoing issue. “Word to everything I love you said, tell the n***a I want my publishing,” said Cam. “Puff wanted to make an offer for It Is What It Is and you told me to go see how much he was talking about […] Then when I tell the n***a I’m on the boat, he pull up on his boat, ‘Listen, what’s the business, what’s happening,’ this that and the third […] but you sent me to do something and I did it and that was that. Got your publishing back, though; I ain’t taking credit or nothing.” Several years ago, Mase claimed Diddy “offered him only $20,000 for his publishing rights” although he generated millions for Bad Boy Records. Mase has since demanded the release of his publishing and criticized Diddy for preaching about empowering Black artists while allegedly taking advantage of them. In September 2023, Diddy returned the publishing rights to Mase along with Faith Evans, 112, The Lox, and the estate of The Notorious B.I.G.  Taking to Instagram, Cam’ron expressed his excitement about the news at the time in a post on Instagram. “My n***a murder had to sit this one out,” Cam wrote. “He just got his publishing back from Puff. Just finished the paperwork for that yesterday,” he wrote in the caption. “Congrats @rsvpmasewhile he getting his music back in order, I’m dumping my hard drive pause. The lost files vol 1. Sept 8.”

After trying to keep pace with a hectic touring schedule, Tyler, the Creator recently admitted that he’s mentally drained due to constant live performing. During a conversation with Converse in London on Wednesday (May 28), Tyler shared a glimpse of reality as touring artists. “The unfamiliarity, a different bed every night, the food—I’m not from this side of the world, so as much time as I spend on thinking about where I’m going to eat, bro it’s draining,” Tyler said. He added that it’s “so much stuff outside the clothes that you bring and, hopefully, the people around you.” “It’s just brand new every day, and after a while it gets a bit stressful. My temperament is Los Angeles, so wide streets, low buildings, you see the sky all the time,” Tyler explained. “A lot of places out here in Europe … it feels claustrophobic. It’s people on the street all the time, it’s a lot. And it feels heavy; I can’t go anywhere without a bunch of security.” As he continued, Tyler said that the “stress” impacts his body, and it is difficult to find “solitude.” “What makes up for it is that these shows are incredible, and the people are excited,” he explained. Tyler also shared that it takes a bit of delusion to be a successful artist. “To make stuff, you gotta be delusional,” he said around the 26-minute mark. “And when you’re delusional, you need people around you that trust you. Because what the f–k they gon’ trust? You say some normal stuff like, ‘The sky is blue.’ Yeah, you don’t need people to trust you to say that. I’m delusional, but I knew what I wanted to do since I was five years old.” Currently, Tyler is headlining his Chromakopia World Tour that wraps up in September.

If male artists want to work with Latto, they must respect her relationship with her man. During a conversation on Speedy Morman’s 360 With Speedy, the  Atlanta rapper spoke highly about her man, whose identity is a mystery to her fans. “They gon’ test the water, but for the most part, everybody respect what I got going on,” she told Speedy. “They know don’t play with me. Don’t play with him. They respect that belt.” Latto also said that because she’s a Capricorn, her boyfriend is constantly on her mind. Even when she’s had to use the bathroom. View this post on Instagram A post shared by speedy (@speedymorman) “Eat, my man. Shit, my man. Bathe, my man. Sleep, my man,” she said. Elsewhere in the interview, Latto said it was  “a blessing to have somebody that you just want to just devour,” noting that she still gets “butterflies” after five years of being together. “I think it’s just meant to be for real. And then I think because we don’t got everybody in our business, like, y’all want to know so bad,” Latto explained. “You’re not.” The “Somebody” rapper said that by taking care of herself, she “attracted that energy” to make a connection with her secret lover. “I made myself a boss, then I got with a boss,” she added. Along with loving her relationships, Latto is preparing to hit the road on her Big Mama Takes Europe tour. Latto will be performing at festivals “DLT Malta in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, Tinderbox in Odense, Denmark, Yardland Festival in Paris, France, and Les Ardentes in Liège, Belgium, as well as shows in London, Berlin, and Amsterdam.”

As the war on women’s reproductive rights continues, Planned Parenthood with the support of over 250 high-profile celebrities —with one being Grammy-Award winning rapper, Megan Thee Stallion— is fighting back. The Houston native was just one of the hundreds of celebrities, activists, and entertainers who signed their names to a statement that reads, “I’m for Planned Parenthood,” in a letter published as a full-page ad in The New York Times and shared on the nonprofit’s website. “Over 250 artists, activists, athletes, and business leaders support Planned Parenthood’s mission. All across the country, nearly 600 nonprofit health centers provide the care communities need and deserve,” the statement reads. Other high-profile signees included Lin-Manuel Miranda, Billy Porter, Danielle Brooks, Gabrielle Union, George Lopez, Jack Antonoff, Jimmy Kimmel, Kerry Washington, Roxane Gay, Shonda Rhimes, and Tatyana Ali. NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2024 Planned Parenthood Gala on April 16, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Marleen Moise/WireImage) Megan Thee Stallion Teams Up With Walmart For Swimwear Brand In other news, Megan Thee Stallion isn’t just an award-winning rapper she’s also a savvy businesswoman. A few weeks back, the rapper unveiled her latest business endeavor, Hot Girl Swim. In partnership with Walmart, Megan is bringing the hotties some pool-side attire complete with a bright and colorful assortment of bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, and more. “Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand,” the rapper said in a press release. The initial collection became available on May 19 and is being sold at nearly 500 Walmart stores across the U.S. The collection includes 18 unique, size-inclusive pieces ranging from $16 to $28. The swimwear line will also be available on Walmart.com and the rapper’s website. Hot Girl Swim is just one of the rapper’s latest business ventures. Back in February, Megan Thee Stallion launched a tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas. “As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties,” Megan told PEOPLE. “Smooth, sultry, and premium. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur and launch this brand.”

Detroit rapper Skilla Baby, born Trevon Gardner, was reportedly shot multiple times on Thursday evening, May 22, 2025, while traveling eastbound on 8 Mile Road near Telegraph Road in Detroit.  According to reports, he sustained a graze wound to the head and a gunshot injury to the leg. Following the shooting, the vehicle he was in crashed into a building. Photos circulating online show a bullet-riddled black car allegedly connected to the incident. Despite the severity of the attack, Skilla Baby is expected to survive his injuries. Authorities have not yet released information about any suspects or a possible motive, and the investigation is ongoing. Skilla Baby is known for his contributions to the Detroit rap scene, with notable projects like We Eat The Most (2022) and The Coldest (2024). He has a significant following on social media and streaming platforms, and in April 2024, he was named BET’s Amplified Artist. Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to express their support and wishes for his speedy recovery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) We are praying for a speedy recovery for Skilla Baby. Story still developing.

DDG is living out a dream moment after receiving praise from one of his biggest influences, Drake. The Michigan rapper and content creator just released his latest album Blame the Chat, and despite its low sales, he admitted it only moved 1,203 units in its first week, he’s stayed optimistic. On X, he posted messages like “It’s all about the growth fr” and “let’s focus on week 2,” showing he’s focused on the long game, not just the first-week stats. Drake, known for giving props to artists on all levels, didn’t hesitate to support him. During a livestream with Adin Ross, DDG joined the chat, and the timing lined up for a surprise FaceTime with Drake. Their conversation was positive and lighthearted. “Congrats on your album!” Drake told him. DDG responded with a simple, “Appreciate it brother.” Things got even more entertaining when Drake teased Adin Ross for not checking out the album, even though he’s often around DDG on stream. DDG jokingly asked Drake if all his friends listen to his music. Drake answered, “yeah,” leaving Adin to laugh awkwardly and try to defend himself. The two rappers also mentioned their previous basketball matchup, agreeing they needed to run it back. DDG once shared that he got beat badly by Drake at The Embassy, the rapper’s private court. Toward the end of the call, Drake dropped a subtle update on his next solo project. He said he’s currently in the “countryside” working on the album, which fans believe will be called Iceman. Drake had first mentioned it on his Anita Max Wynn tour, promising that when the time is right, he’ll return with “a one-on-one conversation” fans “need to hear.” The album remains a mystery, but anticipation is clearly building.

Lizzo recently opened up about why she’s had trouble making friends since breaking into the industry in a new interview with comedian and host Ziwe. “I used to have so many friends, but when you get famous, it gets really [sic] weird [sic],” the Grammy winner says. “Everyone makes it weird for famous people.” Lizzo continued, “I’m still a normal person…You’re still you. Everything around you changes. It’s heartbreaking.” According to Lizzo, there’s a difference between being rich and being [sic] famous. “Rich and famous are not the same thing… if you’re an artist, do your art, but don’t just be famous. You can’t leave. It never ends.” YouTube.com/Ziwe Lizzo Calls The Bible Is A ‘Historical Document,’ Fans Erupt Lizzo is no stranger to standing on her opinions, which recently landed her in hot water. According to the singer, the Bible is a “historical document.” During a spontaneous Q&A, a fan asked about her faith. Lizzo responded candidly: “The Bible is a historical document, but it’s lacking factual accuracy in many ways.” Her words spread quickly, stirring both admiration and outrage across the internet. Lizzo clarified that she sees the Bible not as a literal account, but as a collection of stories and moral lessons. To her, it offers spiritual insight, not empirical truth. The Bible’s significance extends far beyond the church. Its influence permeates Western law, literature, and ethics. Composed over centuries in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, its content ranges from myth to moral code. While many believers view it as divinely inspired, scholars continue to debate its historical veracity. Lizzo’s view, though divisive, echoes the scholarly tension between faith and fact. Her words didn’t emerge in isolation—they reflect a broader generational shift. Across music and media, young artists are reimagining their relationship with religion. Kanye West’s Yeezus II tour fuses gospel with spectacle. Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album mines Christian symbolism while questioning power and redemption.

Swizz Beatz, the legendary producer, is debuting his latest jewelry collection, ARA x MR DEAN—a striking assortment of pieces that includes brooches, cufflinks, necklaces, chain bracelets, and bold two-finger rings. In collaboration with renowned Brazilian jeweler Ara Vartanian, the collection is described as “an exploration of structure, boldness, and a shared creative language.” Crafted for everyday wear, it seamlessly blends sophistication with practicality. With a vibrant mix of rubellites and emeralds, the collection reflects Swizz Beatz’s signature style, fusing luxury with contemporary flair. As reported by Something About Rocks, the inaugural collection will center on men’s jewelry, with plans to eventually explore designs that defy traditional gender norms. Ara Vartanian expressed his excitement about the collaboration, remarking, “Swizz possesses an extraordinary creative presence. From the beginning, he engaged deeply in the process—offering ideas, references, and artistic insights. His capacity for attentive listening, combined with clear proposals, made the collaboration both dynamic and intense. It’s rare to find someone so committed to their craft—someone who views jewelry as a form of communication and cultural representation.” The ARA x MR DEAN collection is now available for online purchase, with exclusive editions set to release later this month at Ara Vartanian’s flagship store and select retail locations. In a related update, Swizz Beatz teased the return of Verzuz, the music battle series he co-founded with Timbaland. Following a divisive partnership with Elon Musk’s platform X last summer, Beatz sparked excitement on Instagram with a mysterious post showcasing new Verzuz merchandise, captioned: “2025 Loading.” Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s Verzuz Partners with X, Sparking Mixed Reactions In June, the partnership was revealed through a joint social media post, where Swizz expressed his excitement about teaming up with X. “We are extremely excited to have found the ideal partner for Verzuz,” he said. “Not only are we eager to bring Verzuz to X, but we also look forward to helping X become the largest entertainment company in the world. I am grateful to Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith, and the entire X team for their faith in the Verzuz vision. We are ready to embark on this journey.” Timbaland expressed his excitement, emphasizing the potential of the groundbreaking platform. “We are delighted to partner with X, the most groundbreaking platform globally. Our goal has always been to elevate Verzuz to new heights, which we can now achieve.” Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, shared her thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “X is proud to collaborate with pioneering creators, artists, and entrepreneurs like Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. Our platform leads in innovation, and Verzuz exemplifies an engaging content experience.” While the partnership has generated significant attention, some fans have questioned its authenticity, labeling it a “sellout” and suggesting other platforms might be more suited to the duo.