Connie Diiamond stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her album Underdogg Szn 2. She discussed her song “Breathe”, the Missy Elliott influence behind it, and whether they’ve connected yet. Connie also talked about working with Busta Rhymes, why she wanted to shift into more records for the girls, and how the Jodeci Remix with Cash Cobain came together. She reflected on reading comments, staying connected to her fans, and how she felt when she heard Remy Ma’s verse on their song Head Tap and if she feels she needs to critique artistry on her songs. She talked about how she handles outside opinions, the hardest lessons she’s learned in the industry, and moments when she’s questioned continuing. Connie also got into her Bronx Mount Rushmore, the Joe Budden clip that became part of her song, and the dream collaborations she wants next. She opened up about her personal evolution, her goals, and how she balances gratitude with wanting more. Stream Underdogg Szn 2 out now.

Jimmy Cliff, one of reggae’s most transformative figures, has died at 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news on his official Instagram page. She said he passed away after complications from a seizure and pneumonia. Her announcement marked the end of a career that helped carry Jamaican music from Kingston dancehalls to stages across the world. Chambers thanked fans, family, and colleagues who supported Cliff throughout his life. “I want to thank everyone who has shared in his legacy. To his fans across the globe, your unwavering support was a source of strength throughout his entire career,” she wrote alongside a photo of the artist. She also expressed gratitude for the medical team who cared for him. Additionally, she asked for privacy as the family mourns. Cliff’s work shaped reggae’s evolution and global reach. With songs like “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “The Harder They Come,” he helped define a sound that resonated far beyond Jamaica. His achievements earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. He also received the Jamaican Order of Merit, one of the country’s highest honors. Tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and beyond. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness wrote, “Jimmy Cliff was a true cultural giant whose music echoed the spirit of our nation around the world.” He credited Cliff with bringing joy during difficult moments. Additionally, he inspired national pride through the force of his work. Fans responded with their own memories online. One message read, “An absolute legend, the soundtrack to my childhood. Big love, Jimmy!” Another added, “Honorable. Greatness personified. Rest in Powa. Sun Power.” View this post on Instagram The Artist Behind the Music Cliff’s influence extended into film, most notably through his role in the 1972 classic The Harder They Come, which introduced international audiences to both reggae and Jamaican storytelling. The film became a touchstone for artists exploring the connection between music, identity, and social change. Born in rural Jamaica, Cliff began singing and writing songs as a teenager. He channeled themes of perseverance and determination into his music. His catalog became an anthem book for generations looking for hope, resolve, and a sense of belonging. Though he is no longer here, his voice remains—still circulating through speakers, still shaping new artists. He continues carrying the energy of a man who believed music could move people toward something better. As his family reflects on his life, they invite fans to celebrate the work he left behind. They remember an artist whose songs bridged continents and lifted spirits across decades.

Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson, a founding member of the legendary funk band The Time, has passed away. He was 69. According to an official statement from his family, Johnson passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov.21. “The family of Jellybean Johnson is deeply saddened by the passing of their beloved husband and father,” the family’s statement read. “Passing just shortly after his 69th birthday this past Wednesday, November 19, on the evening of Friday, November 21, 2025.  “Jellybean was an innovator of what became known across the world as the Minneapolis Sound. The only drummer the Time ever had from inception to the current day, the statement continued. “Jellybean loved his family, his friends and the city of Minneapolis.” View this post on Instagram Born in Chicago,  Johnson relocated to north Minneapolis with his mother at 19. To keep him out of trouble, she bought him a real drum kit. He honed his skills by listening to the radio.  “When I moved here, Black radio was only on for four hours from 1 to 5 in the afternoon,” Jellybean said. “That forced me to listen to a lot of white rock stations. That’s how I got into Three Dog Night and Black Sabbath and Red Earth and all those kinds of people and stuff, and that changed me too musically.” Johnson would eventually meet other teenage musicians such as Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Morris Day. “We had to be 14, 15,16 years old. Oh yeah, we started early, honey. Yes, we did,” said Johnson. His love of music kept him busy. “That kept us off the streets; we had a place where we could go and practice our craft,” said Johnson. Johnsons would go on to form The Time with Jam, Lewis, Monte Moir, Jesse Johnson, and Jerome Benton. They would go on to record several albums and classic songs, including  “Get It Up”, “The Bird”, “Cool”, “777-9311”, “Jungle Love” and “Jerk Out”. Outside of his work with The Time, Johnson produced Janet Jackson’s 1990 No. 1 single ‘Black Cat’. He also produced and served as a drummer for Patti LaBelle, Human League, New Edition, Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal. Johnson performed with Rihanna at the 50th Grammy Awards and was the frontman of the Jellybean Johnson Experience. The group spotlighted emerging musicians from Minneapolis. Johnson also founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum in 2022. The vision was to “educate, celebrate and create, while also providing an environment to learn, gather and showcase artistry that preserves and fosters the Minneapolis Sound genre.”

Summer Walker became the center of an unexpected online feud after Celina Powell repeatedly mentioned her while throwing shade at Lil Meech. Over the past month, Celina has inserted Summer’s name into conversations about Meech at least twice, but this latest round finally prompted Summer to respond. When Summer pointed out that Celina is a “fan,” Powell did not dispute it. Instead, she boasted about allegedly being involved with several of Summer’s former partners, from Lil Meech to Rico Recklezz. Summer answered by posting screenshots of messages Celina had previously sent her along with a fiery note about men who settle for “loser” women. Celina Powell claimed that she’s been with all three of Summer Walker’s exes in her latest story posts. (:@gettyimages):#TSRStaffJR pic.twitter.com/dRUH8DA1O2 — TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) November 18, 2025 The tension traces back to Summer’s interview with Speedy, where she revisited the viral moment from 2023 involving Meech entering a woman’s apartment and calling them “cousins and groceries.” Summer told Speedy that Meech’s life is “terrible now.” Celina chimed in afterward on Instagram, calling Meech a “weirdo.” At that time, Summer stayed silent. The situation resurfaced when Celina posted a video of herself singing one of Summer’s new tracks and tagging her with the caption, “When y’all crying over the same man but she can actually sing.” Summer reposted the clip and added, “Lmao tried to tell y’all these b*tches really fans of me.” Celina followed up with a lengthy message naming men they allegedly shared and wrote, “I use to smash Meech to ur songs playing in hte background…I never gave af. I like yo music girly pop @summerwalker. Oh and I had [London On Da Track] before u and [Rico Recklezz] and Meech ALLL BEFORE U so please stfu and just sing.” Celina continued with more posts, including one where she said, “Sure am, now get back to the studio and make some more music about the man I took from ya.” Summer did not go back and forth. Instead, she promoted her album and shared a screenshot of Celina apologizing privately on November 10, saying, “Congrats on ur album and I apologize fr if I ever caused any drama.” Rico Recklezz later responded to Celina’s claims, admitting to oral sex once but saying it “don’t count.” Celina insisted he still belongs to her “collection.” Amid all of the online back and forth, Summer posted a final message about women who accept men with no standards, writing, “I truly understand.”

Drake is clearing the air once and for all about a rumor that has followed him for years. After a podcast revisited the old claim that T.I.’s late friend, Cap, allegedly urinated on the rapper during an incident at a movie theater, Drake decided to jump into the comment section and put the whole thing to rest. The story first gained traction after T.I. referenced it in a track, and Meek Mill echoed the claim during their feud. But according to Drake, the entire situation was fabricated. View this post on Instagram In the podcast clip posted online, the hosts brought up the rumor as if it were fact, pointing back to the moment it first surfaced in hip hop conversations. That’s when Drake appeared in the comments and firmly denied it ever happened, saying the tale was nothing but an exaggerated piece of rap folklore. While the moment has been mentioned in records and debated across social media for years, Drake’s response leaves no question about where he stands. Fans quickly filled the comment section reacting to his clarification, with many expressing surprise that he chose to address it publicly after so long. Others noted that his decision to respond directly shows how far these narratives can spiral once they become embedded in hip hop culture. Despite the rumor being repeated in songs by both Tip and Meek Mill, Drake made it clear he wanted to shut it down at the source. The conversation sparked renewed interest in the origin of the claim, but Drake’s correction underscores that not every lyric or industry story should be taken at face value. As he put it plainly, the story was “made up,” reinforcing that some long-standing rumors were built on nothing more than hearsay.

The hip-hop world is abuzz as Big L and Mac Miller come together on a track from Big L’s forthcoming album, Harlem’s Finest: Return Of The King. Scheduled for release on October 31, 2025, via Nas’ Mass Appeal label, the song—titled “Forever”—has stirred both excitement and debate. It blends reverence for the past with anticipation for the future. Social media lit up after the announcement, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with fans expressing admiration and some hesitation. One wrote, “Pale Jay and Mac?? They really dialed this up from my dreams, this is incredible!” Another emphasized respect for both artists: “Now this is the type of content I like to see on my feed. I know it’ll be done in a tasteful, respectful way too (RIP to both legends).” Yet not all reactions were positive. Some questioned the pairing, comparing it to “putting Vanilla Ice with Tupac,” while another commented, “I love Mac. He shouldn’t be on this song.” The range of responses underscores the boldness of the collaboration and the high expectations of fans. BIG L, MAC MILLER & PALE JAY FOREVER TBA pic.twitter.com/FwftYgSt6w — OnThinIce (@OnThinlce) October 27, 2025 Honoring Big L’s Legacy The collaboration highlights Big L’s lasting influence and his longstanding connection to Nas. This connection dates back to their Columbia Records days in 1992. His family framed the release as a full-circle moment, promising fans a comprehensive tribute that includes remastered tracks and rare freestyles. “As many of you may have noticed, numerous Big L songs have been pulled from streaming platforms over the years due to reasons such as unmixed tracks, uncredited samples, and issues concerning payment to producers. Thanks to the team at Mass Appeal, we will be rereleasing not only the best versions of these tracks but also some surprises that honor Big L’s impact in the hip-hop world.” Mac Miller’s estate has kept his musical legacy alive with posthumous releases like Circles (2020) and Balloonerism (2025). “Forever” serves as a testament to his lasting impact. It offers fans a new way to connect with his artistry while bridging generational divides in hip-hop. More than a single song, this collaboration acts as a cultural bridge, uniting fans old and new. As the October 31 release approaches, anticipation grows. The track aims to pay homage to both Big L and Mac Miller while reaffirming their enduring influence on the genre.

As Drake approaches his 39th birthday, the Canadian rapper continues to dominate the music industry with a string of record-breaking achievements. His upcoming album, ICEMAN, slated for release before 2025, adds to a discography that has consistently set benchmarks for both sales and cultural influence. On October 24, coinciding with his birthday, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that Drake now holds the record for the most diamond-certified songs by any artist. This is a reflection of his enduring appeal. Diamond certification requires 10 million equivalent units sold. His newest additions include hits like “Passionfruit,” “The Motto” featuring Lil Wayne, “Nonstop,” “Headlines,” and “Nice For What.” In addition, Drake’s seminal album Take Care also earned diamond status. This brings his total to 15 diamond singles and 16 overall diamond-certified records. Previous chart-toppers such as “Best I Ever Had,” “God’s Plan,” and “SICKO MODE” with Travis Scott contributed to this unparalleled achievement. All of Drake’s new RIAA certifications, updated on his birthday: Take Care (Diamond) Views (9x Platinum) Nothing Was the Same (7x Platinum) If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late (5x Platinum) For All The Dogs (3x Platinum) Nonstop (Diamond) Passionfruit… pic.twitter.com/UCLy1GcDf7 — Kurrco (@Kurrco) October 24, 2025 Drake’s Multi-Platinum Reign Continues Drake’s commercial impact extends well beyond diamond certifications. Albums like Views have achieved nine-times platinum status. Nothing Was the Same reached seven-times platinum. Meanwhile, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late earned five-times platinum. His most recent release, For All The Dogs, has already been certified three times platinum. His singles continue to perform strongly. Collaborations such as “Rich Flex” with 21 Savage reached five-times platinum. “Chicago Freestyle” with GIVĒON and “Rich Baby Daddy” with Sexyy Red and SZA have been certified five-times and three-times platinum, respectively. Furthermore, tracks like “Hours In Silence” and “Virginia Beach,” also with 21 Savage, each earned two-times platinum recognition. As excitement builds for ICEMAN, Drake’s milestone achievements highlight both his artistic growth and the loyalty of his fan base. Each record-breaking moment underscores his lasting influence. It sets the stage for what promises to be another defining chapter in his career.

In the early 2010s, Chris Brown and Kevin McCall seemed inseparable—two rising forces whose creative chemistry produced hits like “Deuces.” Yet what began as a promising collaboration gradually dissolved into public friction and lingering disputes over money and credit. That tension has resurfaced in recent days. Brown appeared to reference McCall’s financial struggles in an Instagram Story shortly after a clip from McCall’s appearance on the Back On Figg podcast went viral. During the interview, McCall spoke candidly about his financial hardships, revealing that he relies on an EBT card and expressing frustration toward Brown. Holding the card up to the camera, he asked, “Why do I have an EBT card?” and followed with, “Can I get $25K for those four songs I owe you?” His tone wavered between humor and exhaustion, offering a raw glimpse into the reality of an artist facing difficult times. Brown’s Feud and Loyalty Play Out Amid Tour Brown later replied on social media with a tone as pointed as ever. Against a black background, he wrote: “Remember this: you can’t walk across a burnt bridge. And what’s funnier than a troll? A BROKE ONE.” The remark reignited speculation about unresolved royalty disputes between the two that trace back nearly a decade, reflecting a rift that never quite healed. In the midst of the exchange, fellow artist Young Thug weighed in—this time with an offer of support. “Kevin McCall hit me my n*a; I’ll give u the 25k u need. I know CB would give it too; he’s a real one. N**s are busy sometimes brada,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. His message underscored the complex bonds within hip-hop—where rivalries, loyalty, and empathy often intertwine in unpredictable ways. Despite the resurfaced drama, Brown’s attention remains fixed on his Breezy Bowl XX Tour, which kicked off in Europe this summer before heading across North America. Sharing the stage with Summer Walker, Bryson Tiller, and Jhené Aiko, Brown closed the tour in Seattle with a high-energy performance, reaffirming his continued presence as one of R&B’s most enduring figures.

Brandy and Monica ran into some issues during a recent tour stop in Chicago on Saturday (Oct.18), where fans claim the show ended without warning. Footage has circulated on social media from the pair’s concert, where Brandy is spotted performing hit 1994 hit track, “Baby.” However, mid-performance, she began experiencing audio issues and quickly exited stage left. Before heading offstage, she told the crowd, “Give me one second, y’all, I gotta get my…” and then her microphone cut off. However, Brandy never returned to the stage. According to fan reports, Monica was left to perform the rest of the setlist by herself. Unfortunately, due to Brandy’s absence, the pair was not able to perform their tour’s namesake and 1998 hit single, “The Boy Is Mine.” Fans were left shocked last night in #Chicago when #Brandy abruptly walked off stage during the final segment of #TheBoyIsMine tour and never returned. Concert goers say it appeared she was experiencing sound issues before leaving.Take a look! #Bigorecap #Bigolive… pic.twitter.com/SOX3NpQaKk — BIGO RECAP (@bigorecap) October 19, 2025 Monica Faced Paralysis In Vocal Chord Just Weeks Before ‘Boy Is Mine’ Tour In other news, Monica recently revealed she faced a frightening diagnosis just two weeks before the tour kicked off. According to an Instagram Live from the singer’s account obtained by TheShadeRoom, Monica was diagnosed with temporary paralysis in her right vocal chord. That said, she took things in stride and was proud that she was to “get the songs out” without missing a beat. “I thank God for where I am because we found out what…two weeks before tour, that my right chord has temporary paralysis,” she said, looking to Brandy, who had joined her on the live. Brandy added that she couldn’t even begin to understand what Monica was “going through vocally.” According to MayoClinic, Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice. It happens when the nerve impulses to the voice box, also called the larynx, are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles.” 

Earlier this week, Monica and Brandy kicked off their highly anticipated Boy Is Mine tour. However, Monica recently revealed she faced a frightening diagnosis just two weeks prior. According to an Instagram Live from the singer’s account obtained by TheShadeRoom, Monica was diagnosed with temporary paralysis in her right vocal chord. That said, she took things in stride and was proud that she was to “get the songs out” without missing a beat. “I thank God for where I am because we found out what…two weeks before tour, that my right chord has temporary paralysis,” she said, looking to Brandy, who had joined her on the live. Brandy added that she couldn’t even begin to understand what Monica was “going through vocally.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice,” according to MayoClinic According to MayoClinic, Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice. It happens when the nerve impulses to the voice box, also called the larynx, are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles.” The condition can cause difficulty with speaking and breathing. “The vocal cords, also called vocal folds, do more than just produce sound. They also protect the airway. They prevent food, drink, and even saliva from entering the windpipe and causing a person to choke,” MayoClinic says. Back in June, Brandy and Monica announced they were co-headlining their first tour, aptly titled The Boy Is Mine Tour. The 24-city arena tour is an homage to their era-defining duet “The Boy Is Mine,” which ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks straight. Produced by the Black Promoters Collective, the event is a “cultural homecoming” of two of R&B’s greatest stars, said President Shelby Joyner. The tour is expected to conclude on December 7 in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.