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 YouTube.com/Ziwe Lizzo Calls The Bible Is A ‘Historical Document,’ Fans Erupt Lizzo is no stranger to standing on her opinions, which recently landed her in hot water.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.

Vic Mensa is throwing his support behind Kehlani for her stance on the war on Gaze. Taking to Instagram, Mensa lauded Kehlani for her bold support of Palestine following two of her shows being cancelled. “Few artists, and even fewer at your level of success, have chosen to center humanity and courage as boldly and uncompromisingly as you have, let alone at the peak of their popularity,” Mensa wrote in an open letter to Kehlani. “Although newer to religion, I have a deep-seated belief that god, or the universe, or however you categorize the all-powerful presence of the divine, is taking note of every selfless action, of every sacrifice, of every time we [jeopardize] our security to do what’s right. I toe the line with you.” Mensa went on to say that he remained silent on the issue because of financial concerns and his growing family. In February,  he announced the birth of his son Mansa Musa Mensa. “I’ve been awe-inspired by the way you’ve stood up,” he wrote. “Especially at a time when I fell back. and I asked myself, ‘although I need to feed my son, what kind of man do I want to inspire him to be?’” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vic Mensa (@vicmensa) In April, Kehlani was slated to perform today at the annual Slope Day concert at Cornell University, but the show was canceled because Michael I. Kotlikoff, the university’s president, said the decision to have her perform “injected division and discord.” In the aftermath of the cancellation at Cornell, Kehlani released a statement clarifying that her views are not antisemitic. “I’m not antisemitic or anti-Jew,” the singer said. “I’m anti-genocide, anti-actions of the Israeli government, anti-extermination of entire people, anti-bombing of innocent children, men, and women. That’s what I’m anti.” On Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams announced that Kehlani’s SummerStage concert has been canceled because of security concerns, due to her pro-Palestine views.

BET is gearing up to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its iconic music video countdown show, 106 & Park. Former hosts AJ & Free, Terrence J, Rocsi, Julissa, Bow Wow, and Keshia Chanté are all returning for a 25th anniversary celebration. Also, Amerie, B2K, Bow Wow, Mya, T.I., and more will be performing live. In a statement, Scott Mills, President and CEO at BET, expressed his excitement about paying tribute to the show. “106 & Park was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade,” stated Scott Mills, President and CEO at BET. “From Freestyle Friday to unforgettable live performances, it launched careers, influenced fashion, and became a platform where voices, style, and sound converged,” Mills continued. “106 & Park both celebrated and fueled many of the most important musical and cultural evolutions that occurred during its two-and-a-half-decade tenure.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Quintessential Gentleman (@theqgentleman) “106 & Park served as a cultural touchstone, embodying the energy, creativity, and authenticity of a generation,” stated Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “It provided artists a direct connection to their fans, transforming everyday moments into lasting memories. The show’s legacy continues to influence how we engage with music, connect with talent, and celebrate Black creativity. We are thrilled to commemorate 25 years of this iconic series at this year’s BET Awards.” Two days before the main show hosted by Kevin Hart, the 25th 106 & Park anniversary will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center as a part of the BET Experience (BETX) Fan Fest Live.

Rumors are once again swirling that Rihanna is with child after a recent social media post. On Thursday (May 1), the “Diamonds” singer shared a photo rocking a black two-piece from her Savage x Fenty line. While fans love it when Ri bears it all, this time it’s what she’s not showing that caught fans’ attention. The singer’s comment section was flooded with questions from fans, wondering if the singer was covering her midriff because she and A$AP Rocky were preparing for baby No.3. “Rihanna and I have been pregnant at the same time every time so yeah she’s gonna announce soon,” one fan joked on X(formerly Twitter). Another X user wrote, “She got that pregnancy nose. Lawd A$AP gotta get off of her.” “I’LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, A$AP RRRRRRRROCKY!!! IT SHOULDA BEEN ME!!!!!!!!!!” one fan commented. Other fans predicted that if Rihanna were, in fact, pregnant it would be announced at the annual Met Gala. “Baby bump debut at the met – u heard it here first,” someone else wrote. softNsavage pic.twitter.com/T6xSiNfGv8 — Rihanna (@rihanna) May 1, 2025 Rihanna Named #2 Billboard’s Top 100 Women Artists Of 21st Century When she’s not on mommy duty, Rihanna is making music history. The singer recently secured the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century. Second only to Taylor Swift, her influence extends far beyond music, shaping fashion, business, and culture. With an unparalleled ability to evolve, Rihanna has redefined what it means to be a global icon. Her impact on music is undeniable. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, she has delivered hit after hit, crafting a discography that spans genres. From the moody intensity of Rated R (2009) to the vibrant energy of Loud (2010), Rihanna has never been afraid to reinvent herself. Songs like Only Girl (In the World) and What’s My Name? became instant classics, showcasing her ability to dominate both pop and R&B.

Kid Cudi has listed his Calabasas estate for $8.5 million—an uptick from the $7.7 million he paid in 2021, signaling a quiet play for profit. Built in 2001, this opulent estate features six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with various upscale amenities. Residents can enjoy a private movie theater, a fully equipped gym complete with an adjoining bathroom, a cozy fire pit, a sports court, and a putting green. The backyard is designed for leisure and entertaining, showcasing a lagoon-style pool with a spa and scenic waterfalls. Earlier this month, Kid Cudi gained media attention for his involvement in Pharrell Williams’ digital auction, where he successfully sold a range of personal items for a remarkable total of $857,439. This auction, conducted by Joopiter, Pharrell’s auction house, highlighted an array of sought-after collectibles, including jewelry, apparel, sneakers, and artwork. Cudi’s Auction Blends Rarity, Legacy, and Luxury Among the notable items sold was a custom 14-karat N.E.R.D. pendant created by Jacob & Co., which fetched $243,750, significantly exceeding its estimated value, and a distinctive Ben Baller x Takashi Murakami x Kid Cudi chain that sold for $187,500. Additionally, a pair of coveted Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers, crafted by the late Virgil Abloh, commanded $82,500. Cudi also sold an eye-catching 18-karat gold chain resembling his likeness, embellished with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, which received a bid of $43,750. Collectors had the opportunity to acquire a selection of vintage music T-shirts featuring legendary artists like Eminem, Michael Jackson, and Nirvana, further boosting the auction’s attractiveness. In an interview with GQ, Cudi provided insights into his auction experience, stating, “Joopiter has been wanting to do something with me for a while, so I recently reached out to the team and let them know I had some items I was ready to sell, things I’ve gathered throughout my career.” Reflecting on his treasured Michael Jackson T-shirt, he noted, “Anyone who goes vintage shopping in the best spots knows there are countless fantastic Michael Jackson shirts. If you’re a collector, you’re likely to have more than one. It’s quite rare to find them, as they tend to get snapped up quickly, so it took me a while to truly consider parting with this one.”

Ja Rule is an unquestioned legend in hip-hop. The Queens native holds the distinction of being one most successful artists of the 90s and 2000s. Launching his rap career in 1994 with the group Cash Money Click, Ja linked up with Irv Gotti, an up-and-coming producer and mogul at the time, who signed him to Def Jam Records. He made his first solo appearance on Mic Geronimo’s “Time to Build” in 1995, alongside future fellow icons, Jay-Z and DMX. In 1999, Ja released “Holla Holla,” his first hit from his platinum-selling album Venni Vetti Vecci, which was a sign of things to come. His sophomore project, Rule 3:36, debuted at the number of the US Billboard 200, selling more than 276,000 copies in its first week of release as the flagship artist of Murder Inc. Records. Eventually, the album went triple platinum. The smash hits on the album were “Between Me & You” featuring Christina Milian, “Put It on Me” featuring Vita and Lil Mo, and “I Cry” featuring Lil Mo. In 2001, Ja appeared on Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real (Murder Remix)”  which held the number one spot on the Billboard 100 for five consecutive weeks. Throughout the 2000s, Ja would release several more chart-topping songs such as  “Living It Up,” “Thug Lovin’,” “Always on Time,” and “Mesmerize,” making him a global superstar. Almost 30 years after his debut in the game, Ja is still in demand all over the world, playing sold-out concerts and festivals. A veteran of the Summer Jam stage, Ja played one of the biggest shows in the history of the event in 2001 and several other shows throughout the years. At Summer Jam 2025, “Ja and Friends” will honor the life and legacy of Irv Gotti, who passed away in February. To catch “Ja on Friends” on stage, make sure you get your tickets to Summer Jam 2025, which will be returning to Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center on Friday, June 20.