BigXthaPlug’s album rollout hit a serious snag after the Dallas rapper, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was arrested late Thursday in North Texas. The 27-year-old was booked into the Dallas County Jail on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana under two ounces. Police reports say the arrest stemmed from a traffic stop just before 9 p.m. when officers noticed his pickup truck driving without a front license plate near South Great Trinity Forest Way and US 175. Officers questioned Landum about weapons, and he admitted to having one in the vehicle, pointing them to its location. Authorities later said a criminal database flagged him as having gang ties in Arlington, which prevents him from legally owning a firearm. A small quantity of marijuana was also recovered during the stop. This is not the first run-in the rapper has had with police this year. Back in February, he faced marijuana charges in Arlington. The arrest created chaos around his scheduled celebrations for I Hope You’re Happy, his new album featuring Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Shaboozey, and Jelly Roll. Landum was supposed to attend a release party Thursday night at a Deep Ellum nightclub, followed by another event Friday at a Dallas Wingstop. He never made it to the stage, as he was already behind bars before the first party even started. Despite the setback, BigXthaPlug had just marked a major career achievement. His 2024 project Take Care reached platinum certification, signifying more than one million copies sold. So far, his team has not commented on the arrest or whether his planned events will be rescheduled, leaving fans wondering what comes next.

Ice Spice has kept a low profile on the music side lately, but she is signaling that something new is coming. The Bronx star first delivered her EP Like..? before stepping fully into the spotlight with her debut album Y2K! last summer. That record included features from Travis Scott, Gunna, and Central Cee and marked a major milestone in her career. Her latest move suggests a new wave is about to start. On Instagram, she previewed a track that flips M.I.A.’s 2012 anthem “Bad Girls.” Along with the snippet, she wrote, “Baddie Baddie im feelin nasty .” The song does not yet have a release date, but her followers quickly reacted. “She’s back ,” one person commented. Another wrote, “Oh you have a hit on your hands,” while someone else added, “And the haters were saying YOU FLOPPED .” Fans are already debating whether this could be part of a larger project in the works. Even while the music has slowed, Ice Spice has remained a topic of conversation. Earlier this year, she was spotted shopping with professional football player Sauce Gardner, which sparked dating rumors. The two have since been seen at public events together and occasionally interact online, though neither has confirmed anything directly. In April, they were photographed at Adin Ross’ boxing event, further fueling speculation. When Gardner was asked about the situation by TMZ Sports in June, he chose to keep things vague but still offered praise. “It’s still the same, for real. I ain’t trying to speak too much on it,” he said. “We just be having a good time … Two young individuals. She’s from New York, I play in New York. She’s talented, real talented at what she do. Same for me. Two people that get hated on that’s really good at what we do, so we’ve got a lot in common.”

JAY-Z could soon make a return to music. The rap mogul has not delivered a studio album since 2017’s 4:44, but longtime collaborator Memphis Bleek recently revealed that something might be in the works. On Drink Champs, Bleek shared, “I just was with him in Vegas. He just came out on the show, like, yo, my n-gga, they went stupid.” He recalled asking Jay for a spot on whatever he was creating. “I said, ‘Listen, I know you working. Save me a verse.’ He’s like, ‘Alright, I got you.’ So if it happens, it happens.” While fans are eager for new music, Jay has been contending with legal challenges. Earlier this year, a woman accused him and Diddy of sexually assaulting her as a teenager. The story quickly collapsed under scrutiny, and the accuser eventually withdrew her case. Following that dismissal, Jay filed a defamation lawsuit against the woman and her attorney, Tony Buzbee. In his suit, Jay stated that the accusations caused serious financial damage. He alleged he “lost other contracts in the sports and entertainment space that would have generated revenues of, at least, $20 million.” The complaint also detailed that a $55 million credit line was denied and Roc Nation was turned down for a $115 million loan after the allegations surfaced. His filing continued, “We have agreements to produce entertainment programs for certain sporting events. After Mr. Buzbee filed the lawsuit, the media reported that other businesses could end their deals with Roc Nation, and forced one to speak out and address whether these false allegations would end our business relationship.” Buzbee sought to have the case thrown out and claimed there was an agreement between both sides. Jay’s legal team strongly denied that assertion, stating, “Total lie. He brought a false case, lost badly and was forced to dismiss quickly. End of story.”

Lil Nas X was arrested early Thursday morning (Aug. 21) in Los Angeles after a bizarre and troubling series of events that ended with the rapper allegedly assaulting a police officer. According to reports, the 25-year-old star was spotted around 4 a.m. walking along Ventura Boulevard wearing only white underwear, cowboy boots, and at one point a traffic cone on his head. Witnesses say he told a passerby he was heading to a party. By 5:50 a.m., police responded to multiple 911 calls about a naked man roaming the street. When officers arrived, Lil Nas X allegedly charged at them, striking one officer in the face twice before being subdued and taken into custody. Authorities, concerned about a possible overdose or other health issues, first transported him to a hospital for evaluation. Later that morning, at 11:22 a.m., he was officially booked on a misdemeanor charge of battery on a peace officer at Van Nuys/Valley Jail, where he is being held without bail. Neither Lil Nas X nor his representatives have released an official statement on the arrest. The arrest comes just days after reports that the Grammy-winning artist had been hospitalized for a possible overdose, raising further concerns about his well-being. As of now, no court date has been announced, and the Los Angeles Police Department has not provided additional details. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TMZ (@tmz_tv)

Busta Rhymes’ eccentric style and fiery bars have made him an icon with a career that spans over four decades. According to Variety, the executive board of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce is helping preserve his legacy by presenting him with the “Hip Hop Icon Award.” The outlet reports that the board is hosting the presentation as a final event to close out Harlem Week, which is a “series of free, local community events for residents and NYC residents.” The ceremony will take place at St. Nicholas Park on Sunday (Aug.17). Just last month, Busta was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was honored with a star in the Recording category. Some of his guest speakers for the ceremony included Chris Rock, LL Cool J, Chuck D., and Big Boy. “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will be adding Busta Rhymes, one of Hip-Hop’s most enduring and electrifying voices, as a new member of Hollywood’s iconic sidewalk, “ said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in a press release around that time. “His talent and influence are undeniable. His star on the Walk of Fame will stand as a testament to his lasting impact on hip-hop music and how important it is to American culture.” On a more sour note, Busta Rhymes is being sued by his former assistant, Dashiel Gables, who claims the rapper assaulted him and failed to pay him properly during his time of employment. Gables is expected to detail the accusations during a press conference in Brooklyn’s Columbus Park on Thursday, where he’ll allege emotional harm, wage theft, and physical abuse. The situation stems from an altercation earlier this year. Back in January, police questioned Busta after a reported dispute between the two men, though no charges were filed at the time.

Paramount Skydance has officially ended talks to sell BET Networks, putting an end to months of speculation surrounding the network’s fate. The announcement came on Wednesday during an extensive press Q&A, just days after Skydance CEO David Ellison closed his acquisition of the studio. View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Ellison (@davidellisonskydance) Ellison affirmed that BET will remain a core pillar of the company’s streaming vision, positioning the brand and its extensive content catalog as vital to future growth. His approach marks a departure from Paramount Global’s recent trend of selling assets to generate quick capital, instead committing to strengthening and retaining existing brands. In recent years, BET drew interest from private equity firms and prominent Black investors, including Tyler Perry. The potential sale was seen as a major turning point for Black-owned media, sparking debates on the cultural and economic impact such a deal might have. By halting negotiations, Ellison signaled his intent to keep BET firmly under Paramount Skydance’s control, anchoring it as a flagship within the company’s streaming ecosystem. Ellison revealed that this philosophy was present from his earliest conversations with former Paramount Global chair and majority shareholder Shari Redstone. Their initial meeting, he said, centered on maintaining the integrity of the company’s portfolio — which includes Paramount Pictures, CBS, and BET — and investing in its long-term potential. “We had this conversation with Shari when we first met about the company,” Ellison told reporters. “It is our intention to keep the company together and invest in that lens.” The decision comes amid a rapidly evolving media landscape, where legacy networks face fierce competition from tech-driven streaming platforms. BET remains a cultural force, especially in music, film, and television programming for Black audiences. Its high-profile events, scripted shows, and reality series maintain strong engagement across platforms, making it a critical driver of audience loyalty. With BET’s position secured, Ellison’s strategy reflects a broader industry shift toward consolidation over liquidation. For audiences and industry insiders, the move offers a rare sense of stability — and the promise of expanded cultural influence for one of television’s most enduring brands.

Fat Joe and Jadakiss are voicing their frustrations after BET confirmed major changes to two of its most recognizable events. During an episode of their Joe and Jada podcast, the longtime friends discussed the network’s choice to pause the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards, questioning what it means for Black culture in entertainment. Fat Joe described the situation bluntly. “This is a form of gentrification, what’s going on. I don’t know if you really want to ask me about this s**t,” he said. Reflecting on BET’s history, he noted that it began as a space dedicated to Black audiences before being sold by founder Bob Johnson to Viacom Paramount. According to him, the shift in ownership brought quiet but consistent staff cuts, especially targeting those who voiced concerns. The Bronx rapper recalled working on the BET Hip-Hop Awards for three years and watching the event’s resources dwindle. “S**t was like the budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting chopped and chopped and chopped.” He contrasted that with the production levels at the Video Music Awards. “Last year, I debuted my single with [DJ] Khaled at the VMAs, and Katy Perry still flying through the air… They still got all the tricks. They still got the budgets. They got the s**t… They kept underfunding them… They ain’t had no bread.” Jadakiss added, “They have bread for what they wanna have bread for,” suggesting the issue lies in priorities rather than capability. Earlier this week, BET CEO Scott Mills addressed the changes, stating the awards are not canceled but could shift to a new home as the media environment changes. He emphasized that other programs like the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards will continue, while a team explores the best future for the Hip-Hop and Soul Train brands.

Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion’s relationship is still going strong, and their latest appearance together put them in the middle of a baseball field instead of a basketball court. The Dallas Mavericks guard took part in the first-ever Sandlot Classic on August 7th, trading hoops for a bat and glove. Surrounded by family and friends, Thompson spent the day playing ball while Megan supported him from the dugout. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Klay Thompson (@klaythompson) Photos from the event appeared on Thompson’s Instagram, showing him mid-game and later posing in uniform with his arm around Megan. The post also included a celebration of the win, with Thompson proudly noting the championship title and giving recognition to his cousin AJ for his performance during the game. Supporters of the pair quickly noticed Megan’s presence in the pictures and expressed excitement over seeing them together again. Observers also pointed out that Thompson was representing her business during the outing, as Chicas Divertidas Tequila, Megan’s own brand, served as one of the event’s sponsors. The partnership blended her entrepreneurial work with their public time as a couple. Their appearance at the Sandlot Classic comes only weeks after stepping onto the red carpet together for the first time. On July 16th, they attended the inaugural Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City, hosted by Megan. The event served as the first official confirmation of their relationship after months of speculation. During the gala, Megan spoke warmly about Thompson, praising his character and kindness. From charity events to sports games, the two continue to share moments that reflect both their personal bond and their willingness to support each other’s endeavors. Whether on a baseball diamond or a formal gala, Thompson and Megan appear to be building a relationship that thrives in every setting they step into together.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is facing serious legal trouble after being indicted in connection with an illegal gambling ring based in Southern California. According to federal prosecutors, Arenas and several others allegedly ran underground poker games out of his Encino mansion, turning the property into a high-end venue for high-stakes gambling between late 2021 and mid-2022. Authorities say the operation went far beyond casual games. Arenas is accused of working with others to organize and profit from the events, which reportedly featured hired staff, including servers, chefs, valets, and security. Prosecutors also claim that Arenas brought in a 51-year-old associate to help manage the setup and collect rent from the players. The alleged gambling ring was discovered during a raid in 2022, when LAPD officers and federal agents found more than two dozen players and a dozen staff members at Arenas’ home. Officials believe the group was earning money by taking a portion from each pot played during the games. “Gilbert Arenas was arrested in Southern California on Wednesday after authorities say he ran an illegal gambling business,” according to court records obtained by NBC. In total, Arenas and five other individuals are facing two charges each: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Each charge carries a possible five-year prison sentence. In addition, Arenas has been hit with a separate charge for allegedly lying to federal investigators during the probe. The 43-year-old former Washington Wizards player is currently in custody and was scheduled to appear in court later on Wednesday. The case is still developing, with more information expected to emerge in the coming days as the investigation continues.

Live Nation Urban officially unveiled the Live Nation Urban Creator Network. Built in partnership with Breakr, “the creator marketing and payments platform behind some of the biggest creator-led campaigns in music and media, this national network brings together the infrastructure, creators, and cultural strategy to help brands authentically show up — whether on stage, online, or in real life.” The Creator Network boasts a collective of thousands of top Black creators and Breakr’s broader database of 75,000+ creators and 55 million data points. With the new partnership, Live Nation Urban can now offer “brands a new kind of media channel: culturally-embedded, locally relevant, and instantly scalable.” “Creators have long been an integral part of how we market our tours and festivals,” says Live Nation Urban President Shawn Gee. “But the demand from our brand partners pushed us to think bigger—to move beyond treating creator marketing as an internal tool and instead build a business model around it.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Nation Urban (@livenationurban) “As brands increasingly looked to us to help them connect authentically with Black audiences, even outside the context of our events, it became clear there was an opportunity to create something larger,” Gee continued. “With the Live Nation Urban Creator Network, we’re building the largest network of Black creators in the industry—powered by our platform, driven by culture.” “In just five years, creators have gone from supporting cast to the headliners of our growth story,” Live Nation Urban’s Vice President of Marketing Malcolm Gray added. “Today, we’re opening the doors to an exclusive creator network—pairing brands with unrivaled cultural capital and turning influence into record-breaking results.” To learn more or apply for the 2025 Creator Class, visit:https://creators.livenationurban.com.