It appears that rapper Sauce Walka is developing a new hip-hop-based fighting video game. The Houston rap star revealed the video game in a new interview with XXL. He hopes to give fans the chance to see some of the biggest names in rap fight each other, like in the 2000s classic Def Jam Vendetta. “The name of the game is Only Hands,” Sauce Walka tells the interviewer. @xxl Sauce Walka will release a new hip-hop fighting video game this year called Only Hands, featuring Kodak Black, Lil Durk, Key Glock, and more rappers. Hit @xxl link in bio for full interview. Powered by @distrokid ♬ original sound – XXL – XXL “It’s been 20 years since the last hip-hop-based fighting game, with actual artists, real artists, in real time, that we really listen to, love, know, and pay attention to right then, right now,” he said. He highlighted a gap since the Def Jam fighting games of the early 2000s, noting fans haven’t seen a game featuring contemporary stars in their prime. Sauce Walka Reveals He’s Developing A Hip-Hop Fighting Game Called “Only Hands” With 50 Favorite Rappers The title’s roster, he says, includes “50 signed, licensed… I would like to say all A-level artists.” Names he shared include NLE Choppa, Kodak Black, That Mexican OT, Boosie Badazz and Key Glock. He also added, “Free Lil Durk, Lil Durk on the game,” confirming the Chicago rapper will appear despite legal challenges. By describing the roster as “big dogs,” Sauce Walka signals that Only Hands will spotlight influential, commercially relevant figures in hip-hop. He also stressed the artists are “signed, licensed,” indicating that their likenesses and brands are officially cleared for use. Sauce Walka’s venture positions Only Hands as a modern fusion of hip-hop culture and competitive gaming. With real-time battles, current chart-toppers, and a nod to the genre’s history in gaming. The title aims to capture the energy of today’s rap scene while giving fans a new way to engage with their favorite artists.

Thanks to a female fan, hip-hop mogul 50 Cent turned a routine Miami club booking into another viral jab at incarcerated executive Sean “Diddy” Combs this week. The moment unfolded March 3 inside a packed Miami nightclub. Purple lights washed over the crowd as 50 worked the room, tossing cash and pacing the stage. Then a woman near the front lifted her phone high above her head. Across the screen, in bold white letters, were four words: “I HATE DIDDY TOO.” @samanthalamoree @50 Cent did we just become best friends? #50cent #Diddy #Miami ♬ P.I.M.P. – 50 Cent A 12-second clip captured the mogul’s reaction. At first, 50 scanned the audience with a neutral stare. He squinted as he read the message. Recognition hit instantly. His face cracked into a wide grin. He pointed straight at the woman, nodding with approval. Without missing a beat, he flung a handful of bills in her direction. The crowd erupted. Cheers bounced off the walls as 50 kept smiling, clearly amused by the public co-sign. 50 Cent Throws Money At Female Fan With “I Hate Diddy Too” Sign In Miami The footage, first shared by @mymixtapez on X, racked up more than 1.9 million views within 24 hours. It drew tens of thousands of likes and reposts before spreading across Instagram and TikTok. Comment sections lit up with fans celebrating the petty precision. “This man will troll Diddy until he dies,” one top reply read. Another user added, “He knows how to play the ‘power’ game.” The reactions framed the exchange as calculated entertainment rather than impulse. The tension between 50 Cent and Sean Combs stretches back more than 20 years. Diss records, interviews and social media taunts have fueled one of rap’s longest-running rivalries. In 2023, 50 even labeled Diddy his “favorite villain,” a quote fans resurfaced after the Miami clip went viral. Inside the nightclub, the exchange lasted seconds. Online, it reignited decades of animosity. A grin. A pointed finger. Cash in the air. Even as his music releases slow, 50’s cultural grip remains firm. He understands spectacle. He understands timing. And when it comes to Diddy, he rarely misses a chance to press the issue.

Grammy-winning producer Swizz Beatz is facing more than $5.7 million in alleged unpaid federal income taxes, according to public finance records — Page Six reports. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed a $1,242,984 lien in January related to Dean’s 2024 personal income taxes. That claim adds to prior liens totaling $4,482,273 for the 2022 and 2023 tax years. In aggregate, the filings indicate $5,725,257 in outstanding federal liabilities. View this post on Instagram The liens are civil claims that secure the government’s interest in a taxpayer’s property when debts go unpaid. They do not constitute criminal charges. Representatives for Swizz Beatz, born Kasseem Dean, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Swizz Beatz Reportedly Owes $5.7 Million To The IRS Dean built his career producing chart-topping records for leading hip-hop artists before expanding into brand partnerships and fine art collecting. His diversified income streams reflect the broader financial complexity of top-tier music executives, whose earnings often span royalties, touring, licensing, and private investments. Notably, the filings do not name his wife, Alicia Keys. The liens apply solely to Dean’s personal income taxes. A representative for Keys declined to comment. This is not Dean’s first tax dispute. Beginning in 2008, he and former spouse Mashonda Tifrere faced multiple federal and state tax liens across New York, Georgia and California. By 2012, those claims reportedly totaled about $2.6 million, in addition to nearly $100,000 in unpaid New York State taxes. At the time, representatives said the obligations had been resolved. Keys, a 17-time Grammy Award winner, has maintained an independent business portfolio since her 2001 debut album Songs in A Minor. She has expanded into Broadway production and philanthropy, including work with Keep a Child Alive. Tax attorneys note that liens are frequently resolved through negotiated payment agreements or settlements. Whether Dean intends to pursue such an arrangement remains unclear.

Justin Timberlake is heading back to court — but this time, it’s not about guilt. It’s about the tape. The pop superstar has filed legal action to block the release of body camera footage from his June 2024 DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, multiple sources reports. The footage, which reportedly runs close to eight hours, was requested under New York’s Freedom of Information Law. According to court filings, Timberlake’s legal team was notified that local officials planned to release the video with certain redactions for “medical and security reasons.” However, the singer argues the material shows him in a “highly vulnerable condition” during field sobriety testing, arrest processing, and the hours that followed. His attorneys contend the footage is not necessary for public understanding of police conduct. Instead, they suggest its release would serve little purpose beyond public spectacle. Justin Timberlake Sues To Stop 2024 DWI Arrest Video From Coming Out Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor in June 2024 after being pulled over by local police. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired. As part of the agreement, he completed community service and delivered a public statement addressing the incident. At the time, Timberlake struck a remorseful tone. “Even if you think you’re fine, you’re not,” he said, urging fans not to get behind the wheel after drinking. The case appeared resolved. Now, the focus has shifted to whether the bodycam footage will become public record. Freedom of Information laws are designed to promote transparency. Still, public figures often push back when personal moments risk going viral. For Timberlake, the legal fight is clear: keep the footage sealed before it fuels a second wave of headlines. A judge will ultimately decide whether the video remains private — or becomes the internet’s next replay button.

Atlanta rapper Quavo is facing a multimillion-dollar federal tax lien, according to newly filed government records. TMZ broke the news on Wednesday. Documents submitted in January show the Internal Revenue Service placed a lien against the artist, whose legal name is Quavious Keyate Marshall, alleging he failed to pay federal income taxes for three consecutive years. View this post on Instagram The IRS claims Quavo owes $915,660 for 2021, $887,486 for 2022 and $1,109,497.79 for 2023. The total alleged debt amounts to $2,912,644.33. A federal tax lien is a legal claim against a person’s property when tax debt goes unpaid. It can affect credit standing and future financial transactions. The IRS generally files such liens after repeated notices and attempts to collect outstanding balances. As of Tuesday, there was no public response from Quavo or his representatives. Migos’ Rapper Quavo Owes $3 Million To The IRS Quavo rose to prominence as a member of the Atlanta-based rap group Migos, known for chart-topping hits and Grammy nominations. In addition to his group success, he has built a solo career through albums, touring and endorsement deals. The filing comes months after fellow Migos member Offset resolved his own tax dispute. In December 2025, the IRS released a previous lien against Offset after alleging he owed $1,575,266.73 for the 2022 tax year. A lien release typically indicates the debt has been satisfied or otherwise resolved. Tax liens are civil actions and do not constitute criminal charges. However, unpaid balances can lead to further enforcement measures, including payment plans or asset seizure, if left unresolved. The IRS declined to comment on individual taxpayer matters, citing privacy laws. For now, the lien remains a public record. It is unclear whether Quavo plans to contest the claim or arrange payment.

The death of Lil Poppa, born Janarious Wheeler, continues to send shockwaves through his family and fans. On March 3, Toie Roberts — the mother of his child and daughter of rap heavyweight Rick Ross — delivered a raw and unfiltered tribute that doubled as a warning to critics. In her first Instagram post, Roberts addressed Wheeler by his middle name, writing, “MYKEL..what’s understood don’t ever have to explained especially to the internet.” View this post on Instagram The message unfolded like an open letter to the Jacksonville rapper, who passed away on Feb. 18. “Nothing could EVER describe the pain,” she continued, describing their “reality changing before my eyes.” She questioned why he seemed “in a rush to leave us,” before acknowledging, “deep down, I know you didn’t mean to.” Her grief centered on their young son. “ESPECIALLY NOT KOFI,” she wrote. “23 what I’m supposed to tell our bayboy?” Toie Roberts, Lil Poppa’s BM & Rick Ross’s Daughter, Shares Emotional Instagram Posts To The Late Rapper Calling them “2 peas in a pod that turned into the BIGGG 3,” Roberts reflected on their evolution from young parents to a tight-knit family. “What’s the big 3 without you P???” she asked. Though their relationship faced public turbulence, she stressed that “the ‘beef’ was never bigger than what we shared.” She closed with faith and resolve: “Janarious, I got J’nar. You go on & get your rest… we’ll be fine.” Her Instagram Stories struck a sharper tone. Acknowledging Wheeler’s stance that “it’s the internet, you can’t beat it,” Roberts still confronted online critics. “Y’ALL DON’T KNOW SHIT,” she wrote, blasting those who blamed her for his death as “psychotic & insensitive.” Referencing a 2023 diss track, she claimed she was “lied on” and that Wheeler “apologized… right after he dropped it,” adding, “we BEEN moved on from that.” In a final post, over a black-and-white photo of Lil Poppa with their son, Roberts returned to heartbreak. “My baby lost his daddy, protector & bestfriend,” she wrote. Their son wants to show his father a new puppy and still talks about homework help from “3 damn weeks ago.” Through it all, Roberts made one point clear: Lil Poppa’s legacy is personal, and grief isn’t up for public debate.

West Coast rapper Kurupt is finally home. In an exclusive update from TMZ, Kurupt was discharged from the hospital after several weeks of battling a condition that was not revealed to the public. According to Kurupt’s wife and manager Lisa “LeeLee” Brown, the rapper is in better spirits. Brown posted a picture of herself alongside her husband with the caption “Home is where the heart is… Life is not about the rough roads…it’s about the resilience.” View this post on Instagram When Kurupt was severely ill,  producer and rapper Daz Dillinger sent well wishes to the “We Can Freak It” artist in an Instagram carousel on Monday (Jan. 12). “GOD SAID WE SHALL LIVE & NOT DIE … Want to send a big shout out to my big brother @official_kurupt,” Daz captioned the post. “Get well speedy recovery need all FANZ to send kurupt a get well message flood his Instagram tell him how much we love him.” “Rest in peace to my cousin Joe, cool Nate Dogg and others that we lost so I need everybody to hit kurupt and let them know that we love HIM from his little brother Daz life is serious shout out to @leelee_calinanita for holding it down, Dogg Pound gangstaZ 4 LIFE GOD 1st.” “We all have an addiction to something” Kurupt has had battles with his health in recent years. In 2019, he was rushed to the hospital following an alcohol relapse on the set of the reality TV series Marriage Boot Camp. In a 2022 interview with DJ VLAD. he revealed that his alcoholism issues began in the 90s when he was introduced to Hennessy. “[I would drink] every day, all year. I’d wake up and have a shot or a beer and watch me some TV … [That was] my breakfast,” he admitted. “I’m talking about since I was 24. I used to drink before but when ‘Pac brought that Hennessy to the table it was over! … Hennessy was my thing and that was every day, all day.” Kurupt added: “My pancreas, my liver and my kidneys were just all messed up. I had this sharp pain in my abdomen, I could barely walk. I had to hunch over and I still had to perform and do shows … [I had two seizures] back to back, and that was when I went to my doctor in Utah.” “We all have an addiction to something, whether it’s alchohol or drugs. These are demons that you have to fight, and hopefully you can do it before you [die],” he reflected

Legendary underground hip-hop architect Roc Marciano sits down with Mornings with Mero for an in-depth conversation about his journey from Hempstead, Long Island to becoming one of the most influential producers and MCs in modern hip-hop. In This Interview: The rich hip-hop legacy of Long Island (Rakim, EPMD, Prodigy, Method Man & more)Creating his signature sound and producing his new album “656” from front to backLessons learned from working with Busta Rhymes and Flipmode SquadHow he survived the music industry collapse by going direct-to-consumerBuilding an ecosystem that inspired a new generation of artistsWorking with legendary producers like The Alchemist, DJ Premier, and Pete RockThe blueprint for independent success in hip-hop Key Topics:✓ Long Island’s underrated hip-hop history✓ Production techniques and influences (Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-Tip)✓ The evolution from Marcberg to 656✓ Creating the “Roc Marciano sound” that shaped underground hip-hop✓ Work ethic lessons from Busta Rhymes✓ Cutting out the middleman and building direct fan relationships✓ Inspiring the next generation of MCs and producers Roc Marciano’s influence on modern hip-hop cannot be overstated. From his soulful production to his intricate wordplay, he’s created a blueprint that countless artists follow today. Representing: Hempstead, Long Island Latest Project: 656

On a stretch of South Los Angeles pavement long associated with Nipsey Hussle’s life and work, the city unveiled a new name: Nipsey Hussle Square. The renaming of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard formalizes what many residents have felt for years—that the intersection already carried his imprint. Family members, city officials, and supporters gathered for the dedication, turning a familiar corner into a site of reflection. For Lauren London, the moment was both public and deeply personal. Speaking with The Fader, she described the ceremony as a milestone for her children. “This is a proud moment for me,” she said. “This is also an important and proud moment for the kids, as they now fully understand their father’s legacy. Nip continues to inspire and motivate his community, which is a true realization of his dreams.” Her words suggested that the renaming offered something steady and visible for a family still living with absence. Hussle’s son, Kameron Carter, and his mother, Angelique Smith, addressed the crowd, recalling his commitment to the neighborhood. City Council member Heather Hutt framed that commitment as deliberate. “His love for Los Angeles was insurmountable,” she said. “He could have invested his money anywhere. Somewhere that cost less, somewhere with less issues, but he determined that L.A. is where he wanted to be.” The intersection, in that sense, reflects a choice he made repeatedly. View this post on Instagram A Legacy Lives On The weekend also included the opening of a new Marathon Burger restaurant in Long Beach, led by Hussle’s brother, Blacc Sam. Musicians and community members attended, treating it as both a business launch and a continuation of Hussle’s local investments. Later, a separate shooting occurred nearby, leaving one person dead and others injured. Representatives for Marathon Burger told CBS News, “The opening was a huge success with strong community support. There was an incident nearby, but it was not connected to the event. The opening itself proceeded safely and without issue.” Street signs rarely settle grief, but they can anchor memory. At Slauson and Crenshaw, the city has fixed Hussle’s name to the landscape he sought to uplift, ensuring that his presence remains part of the neighborhood’s daily rhythm.

Will Smith and Chris Rock are quietly exploring the possibility of sitting down together for a televised conversation with ABC News, according to people familiar with the discussions. If it comes together, the interview would be their first shared public appearance since the confrontation at the Academy Awards that unsettled Hollywood and rippled far beyond it. Representatives for both men have declined to comment, and the network has not announced details. Still, the prospect of seeing them across from each other again has stirred immediate interest. The 2022 Oscars broadcast veered off script when Smith walked onto the stage and struck Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. The moment landed with a thud inside the Dolby Theatre and traveled instantly across television screens and smartphones. Not long after, Smith returned to his seat and later accepted the Academy Award for Best Actor for “King Richard,” delivering remarks that competed with the shock still hanging in the room. View this post on Instagram A First Direct Conversation Since the Oscars Incident In the hours and days that followed, Smith issued a public apology to Rock and the Academy, describing his actions as “unacceptable and inexcusable.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences subsequently barred him from its events for 10 years. Rock addressed the episode sparingly during stand-up performances, including a 2023 Netflix special, where he offered his perspective without speaking directly to Smith. A joint interview, if finalized, would offer something neither man has yet attempted: a direct exchange in real time. It could provide clarity about how they have processed a moment that became cultural shorthand for the volatility of live television. ABC News has not announced an air date.