Earlier this week, Bas came to Drake’s defense against Ebro Darden’s comments on the latest episode of Apple Music’s Rap Life Review. According to Darden, he’d been pondering attending an event in Toronto, where the “Nokia” rapper was scheduled to appear. However, he feels his critics of him in the past could cause some issues. In his opinion, a lot of artists — specifically Drake—and their fan groups “don’t even love hip-hop like that.” He added, “You’re just fans of an individual. We are having hip-hop conversations about something that has literally saved our lives, put food on people’s plates, and a culture that has been [an] inclusive culture of all different types of ideas, and music, and expression, and all of these things for f*cking 50 years.” Darden later shared a clip of the conversation on his Instagram. Not long after, Bas fired back in the comments, writing, “My two cents, Ebro. Drake is among the most, if not the most, inclusive of artists [in] our culture.” Drake is “among the most, if not the most, inclusive of artists our culture has put forth”, says Dreamville’s Bas in a response to Ebro “I don’t get this “culture” narrative that’s persisted since the battle. If it’s the Canadian thing, Toronto a hour flight from NYC lol.”… pic.twitter.com/fbUkUYsSSK — Kurrco (@Kurrco) August 1, 2025 The Dreamville rapper believes that Drake has “pushed countless rappers to the forefront, dancehall artists, afrobeats artists, R&B artists, reggaeton, older artists, [and] newer artists.” He continued, “I don’t get this ‘culture’ narrative that’s persisted since the battle. If it’s the Canadian thing, Toronto [an] hour flight from NYC lol.” Bas added, “I’d argue their culture and ethnic makeup is more akin to NYC than pretty much any city in the States. NYC, Toronto, [and] London are a triumvirate culturally. Surely it’s not his pen? He’s arguably the greatest writer of a generation. So what is it?” Judging by the replies under Bas’ post, a lot of folks seem to agree with him. “@bas bro they hate the man and that’s a fact. They need him to push narratives so they gon keep talking about him, but that just shows how much of an influence he is to the culture. And now they’re downplaying what he has done for the culture by calling him a “Culture Vulture, “ like wtf did he steal?? Drake, the greatest of his generation period!!!” one person wrote.

CNN reported that Donald Trump’s recent claim that Beyoncé had been paid almost $11,000,000 to endorse Kamala Harris for president was false. According to the outlet, campaign spending records did indeed reveal that a payment of $165,000 was paid to the singer’s production company, Parkwood Entertainment. However, this amount was significantly lower than what the President had claimed. The expense had been listed as a “campaign event production.” Last week, Trump took to his Truth Social platform and accused Beyoncé, along with a few others, of being paid to endorse Kamala Harris’ presidential election campaign. He revealed he’d concluded this after examining the “large amount of money” owned by the Democratic Party. According to Trump, Beyoncé’s endorsement of Harris was pointless. He mentioned that she “never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!” HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 25: Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris embraces singer Beyoncé at a campaign rally on October 25, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Harris is campaigning in Texas, holding a rally supporting reproductive rights with recording artists Beyoncé and Willie Nelson. (Photo by Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images) Last October, with Kelly Rowland by her side, Beyoncé joined Kamala Harris at a campaign rally in her hometown of Houston, Texas. Freedom was the main topic that night, especially regarding the freedom of women and young girls. “Imagine our daughters growing up and seeing what’s possible with no ceilings. No limitations.” She continued: “Imagine our grandmothers. Imagine what they must feel right now…those who have lived to see this historic day. Even those who are no longer physically with us. Imagine all their sacrifice. The sacrifices made so we can witness the strength of a woman.” The mother of three also urged those present at the rally and her fans across the U.S. to hit the polls. “For the men and women in this room and watching around the country, we need you. Your voice has power and magnitude…Your vote is one of the most valuable tools, and we need you. Your freedom is your God-given right…” Queen Bey also showed love to Houston’s “third ward,” and other neighboring communities. “We all have a role to play to make this a reality.”

ONE Musicfest, “the nation’s largest Black-owned, open-air, multi-stage music festival,” will make its highly anticipated return to Atlanta’s Piedmont Park on Oct. 25 and 26.  Presented by P&G and co-produced by Live Nation, Urban festival is known as “the South’s biggest cultural celebration.” In alphabetical order, this year’s performers include, 803 Fresh, Ari Lennox, Bankroll Ni, Bobby V, Boosie, Busta Rhymes, Carl Thomas, Case, Chief Keef, Clipse, Cupid, DJ Smooth, Flippa T, FLO, Greg Street & Friends (Plies, Project Pat, Rich Kidz, Trinidad James, Trick Daddy), Havoc of Mobb Deep, Jagged Edge, Jazmine Sullivan, KenTheMan, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Lloyd, Marvin Sapp, Mike Clark Jr., Odeal,  Organized Noize, Pleasure P, Rasheeda, Ray J, Ray Vaughn, Sammie, Tonio Armani, Trick Daddy, Trinidad James, Tweet, Wale, Yakiyn. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ONE Musicfest (@onemusicfest) Jason “J.” Carter, Founder of ONE Musicfest, released a statement about this year’s extravaganza. “Atlanta is our home, and this year we’re celebrating it in the biggest way possible — with Future, Ludacris, and a historic Dungeon Family Reunion honoring the life and legacy of Rico Wade, a true giant in hip hop,” Carter said. “ONE Musicfest has always been about uniting legends, elevating new voices, and creating unforgettable cultural moments. While we’re paying tribute to Atlanta’s legacy, this year’s lineup reflects the richness and diversity of Black music and culture from across the globe.” Since its launch, the One Music Festival has had a significant annual economic impact of more than $61 million and employs more than  5,000 people annually, comprising event staff, production crews, security personnel, hospitality staff, vendors, and artists. OMF powers Atlanta’s creative economy, supports Black-owned businesses, and fosters partnerships that last beyond festival weekend. It’s more than a festival — it’s a cultural engine for Atlanta and the global community.” For more information, check out www.onemusicfest.com.

 The Weeknd was awarded the ultimate honor from his hometown of Toronto. On Saturday (July 26), the “Save Your Tears” received the Key to the City and a citywide proclamation of “The Weeknd Weekend” from July 26-27.  Complex reported that the City of Toronto recognized” the pop star actor for his accomplishments as a singer-songwriter and producer, his enduring humanitarian efforts, and his dedication to giving back to his city.” During the private ceremony, The Weeknd was presented by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who was attended by youth from West Scarborough and The Weeknd’s alma mater, Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute. The honor was given just before the second leg of the singer’s After Hours Til Dawn 2025 Tour, which will run in Toronto from July 27–28 and August 7–8. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home,” The Weeknd said. “Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs. That’s why I’m proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and my former high school, Birchmount Park, providing youth with the means to unlock their full potential.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Weeknd News | Martin (@abelspost) To pay tribute to The Weeknd Weekend and his mission to help the Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute and the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough, the CN Tower will be illuminated in honor of The Weeknd. In his remarkable career, The Weeknd has won multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Juno Awards. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, he has sold over 75 million records and has earned seven diamond certifications from the RIAA. 

Clipse and Travis Scott’s Jackboys took over the hip-hop scene last weekend, while established and emerging artists such as Awich, Abrina, Dorrough, and Fordo weathered the storm. As the “Song of the Summer” race heats up, more of hip hop’s biggest stars prepare to join the battle royal. Summer 2025 is quickly becoming the season of seasoned artists. The legends and established acts continually prove how to create impactful music, while new artists struggle to maintain their relevance or find their unique sound. However, there are numerous new artists establishing their cult followings with unique new music. As the debates begin, blockbuster tours continue, and anticipated albums arrive, there’s still a lot of amazing new music that has gone overlooked this week. From Awich’s continued takeover to Tay Money and Rob 49’s surprise collab to Fordo doubling up, here’s all the new music you might have missed this week. Awich Proves Her Skills With FERG & Lupe Fiasco In “Wax On Wax” The rising female rhymeslayer sharpens her skills against credible master craftsmen such as the Trap Lord and Fiasco. The song is a sensual, confident anthem blending Japanese and English lyrics to explore empowerment through intimacy. She asserts control in both romantic and artistic expression. Abrina & DCMBR Show Us That “Good Love Forever” Inspired by San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs, a place in her hometown for clarity, reflection, and personal growth, the “Actin Up” hitmaker transforms her favorite escape into a bold, musical state of mind. The collaboration delivers undeniable chemistry and sensual energy. It re-enters the singer and her amazing talent into today’s music, while reuniting her with loyal fans who have been supporting her through all the ups and downs. Tay Money & Rob49 On The Search For A “Snow Bunny” More “Baddie Music” from the popular Dallas rap star. Linking with Rob for the infectious new party anthem, Big Tay brands herself the baddest with obligations of being dripped with the finer things and nothing less. The single promises an exciting new album from the “Assignment” hitmaker later this year. Dorrough Music Takes Us On A Wild Night Through “Uptown” The Legendary Dallas rapper blends swagger and Southern charm, contrasting past struggle with hard-earned rewards. It’s not just a party track—it’s a reflection of perseverance, elevated living, and the triumph of Southern rap resilience. Fordo Makes Moves To The Top Like “Nobody’s Watching” From his debut album, 2001, the Milwaukee rap star addresses public appearances and how the world perceives you. It is an anthem for anyone ready to drop the masks and be unapologetically themselves. Young Dro & K Carbon On “I Go” Bonding the past with the present in a bold anthem of confidence, hustle, and Southern bravado. Over a hard-hitting beat, both artists trade verses packed with swagger, flexing street credibility and lyrical dominance. The track celebrates relentless ambition, fast living, and unshakable self-assurance in the face of doubt. Kaash Paige Got “2BadBitches” The bona fide hit takes fans into Kaash Paige’s life after-dark. Surrounded by a crew of alluring women, the Dallas recording artist embraces her “toxic alter ego” in full form. It marks her return with a big bounce back to the top of music on the way. Da’Ville Is Ready For “Sunshine Days” Making a triumphant return after over a decade’s absence, the Reggae superstar picks up where he left off with the high-energy single. “This is the most personal and spiritual chapter of my journey,” he said. “Sunshine Days is about gratitude, love, and walking through life with your head up. The world needs that energy right now, and I’m here to give it.” Da Deputy & Big A Show Off Their Wheelpower The Fort Worth, Texas rapper takes us on a ride in his vibrant, quick tape that connects his love for car culture with his love for hip-hop. The tricked-out wordplay blends perfectly with Big A’s bass-driven production. It’s a go-to soundtrack for those long rides or meet-ups.

Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians of all time and at 75 years old, he has no plans to retire anytime soon. During a new interview with BBC’s Sidetracked podcast on Monday, July 21, the Motown legend revealed that he will keep performing as long as he can. “For as long as you breathe, for as long as your heart beats, there’s more for you to do,” Wonder told host Annie Mac. “I’m not gonna stop the gift that keeps pouring through my body.” He went on to explain that “an artist doesn’t stop drawing just because.” Instead, “you keep on. So as long as you can imagine, as long as you are going to be creative, and as long as you let your mind work, you don’t have to retire.”  The 25-time Grammy Award winner said he still gets excited about music just like he did when he released his first album at 12. “I love playing music, that’s like my mantra. I think I can do all the stuff I want to do – still have fun and do what I need to do – but I’m not going to stop the gift that keeps pouring through my body,” he said. “I love doing what I’m doing,” Wonder added. While some artists may have an issue playing their hits, Wonder loves to play the hits from his enormous catalog. “Songs are like children, they’re with you forever,” he said. ‘They are statements from the spirit within you, and singing those songs is like me taking another breath.”  Recently, Wonder answered all the conspiracy theories about him not being blind. “I must say to all of you, something that I was thinking, ‘When did I want to let the world know this?’ But I wanted to say it right now,” Wonder said at tour stop in Wales. “You know there have been rumors about me seeing and all that? But seriously, you know the truth.” “Truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind,” Wonder continued. “Now, that was a blessing because it’s allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight. See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. Not what color they are, but what color is their spirit?” Currently, Wonder is performing on the “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart Tour,” with shows in Pittsburgh, New York City, and Atlanta. 

Chuck D stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about his new album Radio Armageddon and what it means to be a true voice in hip hop today. He shared what led him to work with Def Jam again after decades, why he believes the genre needs more depth, and how he views his role as an OG in the culture now. Chuck opened up about his early days with Rick Rubin, producing Ice Cube’s first album, and how artists like J. Cole, Kendrick, and Drake fit into today’s landscape. He also reflected on 35 years of Fear of a Black Planet, how “Fight the Power” came to life with Spike Lee, and what that message means in 2025. He also talked about AI’s impact on the world, his support of Colin Kaepernick, and the lessons he’s learned over 45 years in hip hop. Chuck talked about longevity, legacy, and how he hopes Public Enemy is remembered—and gave some powerful advice for the next generation along the way.

Ty Dolla $ign has proclaimed Leon Thomas the new “King of R&B.” After Thomas’ set at the  Wireless Festival in London, Ty spoke glowingly about his artist and mentee. “We started our record company EZMNY — me and Shawn Barron — and signed Leon Thomas, who is now the new king of this sh*t. He’s the easiest artist I’ve worked with — ever in life,” Ty told Billboard.“He’s the new example of what an artist should be, in my eyes.” Ty went on to recall a meeting where Thomas used a PowerPoint presentation in front of the executives at Capitol and Motown Records. “We were in a label meeting. EZMNY, Motown and Capitol. When we go into this meeting, this man pulls out his laptop and asks for it to be hooked up to the TV so we can talk about what’s going to happen with this new album. He pulls up a f**king PowerPoint display,” Ty Dolla $ign said. “These are the colors I want to use. This is the stage. These are videos, and the people I want to work with for the videos. And these are the people who I want to style me. And this is the work.” While his talent is obvious, Ty is most impressed with Thomas’ creative process and work ethic. “A lot of people need to give them ideas. You have to make it for them, and he showed me there are people who know the whole thing,” Ty explained. “You go years and years of f**king with different artists and them blaming you for the way their success went when it’s really on you, just like how it was all on me.” In September 2024, Thomas released MUTT, his critically acclaimed sophomore album. The project was named the #1 R&B Album of 2024 by Billboard and VIBE, and has been recognized on several other “Best of 2024” lists.

Buffalo rap star Benny The Butcher is back with his latest project Summertime Butch 2. Benny is never short on material. In 2024, he inked a deal with Def Jam Recording and released Everybody Can’t Go  followed by the the first instalment of Summertime Butch. Back in May of this year, Benny impressed with his muscular ‘Excelsior’, which featured collaborations with Boldy James, Styles P, Harry Fraud, Daringer, and his BSF family.   Keeping up he rapid pace of music, Summertime Butch 2 has contributions from Benny The Butcher takes charge, joined in the studio by Westside Gunn, Bun B, Mike Will Made It, G Herbo, Bruiser Wolf, Daringer, Bink, OT The Real, ElCamino & Duckman. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐵𝑒𝓃𝓃𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝓊𝓉𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇 (@getbenny) In an interview with Complex last year, Benny explained his creative process. “I don’t think so [people care enough about the artistry]. I don’t think so because people see—I’ve been talking lately about the critiquing of hip-hop, right? So the people whose critiquing and really level of respect went down for the outer street is the people who want to be artists,” Benny explneed.  “So they don’t got respect for the guys they’re critiquing,” continued. “They feel they can do it better. So know what I mean? It’s no respect for the art. Everybody wants to do it, and they not in a position to do it.  Check out the tracklist for Summertime Butch 2 below: Summer Feelin’ (Intro) Jasmine’s FEAT Westside Gunn Hood On Fire FEAT Bruiser Wolf Told You So Where’s Butch (Skit) Summer ‘25 Why Would I FEAT G Herbo 77 Club Gold Plated Leica FEAT OT The Real In The Wall FEAT Bun B Pandoras FEAT ElCamino & Duckman Lo Lo’s

21 Savage and Young Thug sparked laughs across social media this weekend after getting into a playful roast session on Instagram. The two rappers traded jabs by sharing unflattering and hilarious pictures of each other, keeping fans entertained with their friendly rivalry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by No Jumper (@nojumper) Young Thug kicked things off by uploading a snapshot of 21 Savage standing beside Taylor Swift, along with another image showing him proudly posing in front of a sneaker wall. Not one to back down, 21 fired back with an old photo of Thug—set to the emotional soundtrack of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”—which quickly became the standout moment of their digital roast battle. Once their posts started circulating, fans flooded the comments with reactions. “If I was Thug, 21 would’ve had to see me wit these fists after that picture,” one user joked. Another chimed in, “That’s the type of pic that turns a play fight into a real one.” After the jokes, 21 Savage shifted the focus back to music by sharing footage from his high-energy performance at London’s Wireless Festival. He joined Drake onstage as one of several surprise guests during the rapper’s headlining set. Other artists making appearances included Skepta, Central Cee, Latto, and Sexyy Redd. Drake set the tone for the night with a bold statement: “All that sweetheart, singing sht? That sht is over tonight. This is for my motherf*cking dogs. I see my dogs came out tonight.” While 21 has been lighting up stages, Young Thug is in album mode. He’s prepping for the release of UY Scutti, his first full-length project since taking a plea deal in the YSL RICO case. The album’s lead single, “Money on Money,” dropped in April, but no official release date has been confirmed yet.