Rapper BigXThaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was arrested in Dallas on Friday on DWI, drug, and firearm charges, authorities said. The 28-year-old “The Largest” hitmaker was booked into the Collin County Jail on three misdemeanor counts: driving while intoxicated, marijuana possession under two ounces and unlawful firearm possession. An Allen Police Department spokesperson confirmed the arrest. View this post on Instagram Authorities have not publicly disclosed details surrounding the traffic stop or circumstances leading to Landum’s detention. The arrest occurred the same day BigXThaPlug was scheduled to headline Winnipeg’s Country Rising Festival in Canada. Festival organizers canceled his appearance, saying the rapper could “no longer be able to perform” because of a “personal emergency.” BigXThaPlug was released from custody in time to perform Saturday at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Rapper BigXThaPlug Arrested In Dallas With DWI, Drugs, & Gun Charges Before taking the stage, he posted a video saying, “Des Moines, Iowa, I’m on my way.” During the performance, he addressed his recent detention. “They didn’t think I was coming,” he told the crowd, according to footage posted to social media. He later described praying while held in Collin County and hoping to make the performance. “When I was in Collin County, I was praying hard,” BigXThaPlug said. “I was like, ‘Please let me make it to Des Moines, Iowa.’” The rapper also appeared to reference the arrest while promoting new music on Instagram. His post featured his booking photo and read, “THAT SHIT LITE … ALBUM OTW…” View this post on Instagram The arrest marks the second similar case involving BigXThaPlug in the Dallas area within a year. He was arrested in August 2025 following an album-release party on marijuana and firearm allegations. He also faced a marijuana possession case in Arlington, Texas, in February 2025. BigXThaPlug’s representatives had not publicly commented on Friday’s arrest as of Sunday.

Pierre “P” Thomas, the influential cofounder of Quality Control Music, has been hospitalized in Las Vegas after suffering a heart attack, according to TMZ. Thomas is currently being treated in the intensive care unit as medical professionals monitor his condition and evaluate his recovery options. Family members have reportedly traveled to Nevada to be by his side. The music executive remains under the close supervision of doctors who are consulting with his inner circle regarding the next steps in his treatment. Thomas is widely recognized as a titan in the modern music industry, having cofounded Quality Control Music alongside Kevin “Coach K” Lee in 2013. Based in Atlanta, the label rose to prominence by identifying and developing some of the most successful acts in hip-hop, effectively reshaping the sound of the genre over the last decade. Under his leadership, Quality Control became a powerhouse synonymous with the “Atlanta sound.” The label’s roster has featured global superstars including the Migos, Lil Baby, and the City Girls. Thomas has been credited by industry peers for his keen eye for talent and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of independent and major label partnerships. News of the medical emergency sparked an immediate outpouring of concern from the entertainment community. Thomas is viewed not only as a business leader but as a mentor to dozens of young artists who have found commercial success under his guidance. The situation remains fluid as Thomas continues his stay in the ICU. View this post on Instagram Representatives for Quality Control Music have not yet released a formal statement regarding his long-term prognosis or the impact his absence may have on the label’s immediate operations. Quality Control’s influence extends beyond music into sports management and film, a testament to the expansion Thomas helped lead. The label was recently acquired in a high-profile deal by HYBE America, further cementing Thomas’s status as a top-tier executive in the global market. This story is developing, and further updates are expected as more information regarding his health becomes available.

The latest installment of the Verzuz series turned into a celebration of late-1990s and early-2000s R&B as veterans Joe and Donell Jones faced off in a nostalgia-heavy hits battle. While the event was framed as a tribute to two storied careers, Joe emerged as the night’s standout performer following a high-energy surprise appearance by rapper 50 Cent. The evening began with a warm-up set by Estelle before the two headliners took the stage to trade their most iconic tracks. Donell Jones, who expressed prior to the event that he viewed the night as a celebration rather than a rigid competition, brought early momentum by inviting the group 702 to the stage. The trio performed their 1996 classic “Get It Together,” a track Jones famously wrote and produced. Joe responded to the challenge by leaning into a catalog that social media users and live voters found increasingly difficult to beat. After performing staples such as “Don’t Wanna Be a Player” and his contribution to Big Pun’s “Still Not a Player,” Joe shifted the atmosphere by bringing out 50 Cent. The Queens rapper, joined by G-Unit associates Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, performed the 2003 collaboration “Wanna Get to Know You.” View this post on Instagram The collaborative energy continued as Joe and 50 Cent performed “Big Rich Town,” the widely recognized theme song for the television series “Power.” The surprise guest appearance appeared to tilt the scales in Joe’s favor, as fans on social media noted the singer’s vocal consistency and stage presence throughout the later rounds of the matchup. Despite the competitive nature of the event, both artists emphasized the importance of the era they represented. The battle served as a reminder of the deep influence both singers held during the peak of the hip-hop soul movement. While Jones was praised for his songwriting legacy and the 702 reunion, the general consensus among viewers was that Joe’s deep catalog and surprise guests secured him the win for the night. View this post on Instagram

James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers have come to terms on a three-year, $97 million contract. The deal that will keep the former in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season, according to ESPN. By the end of his current deal, James Harden will eclipse $500 million in career earnings. He’s now just the eighth player in NBA history to hit that incredible mark. He joins LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, and Joel Embiid.  Turning 37 next week,  Harden joined the Cavaliers before last season’s trade deadline and helped propel Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals. By opting out of his player option for next season, Harden aims to secure a final multi-year contract at a lower annual salary, giving the Cavaliers the financial flexibility needed to target wing upgrades this summer.  Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in his 26 regular-season appearances with the Cavs last season. In the playoffs, he posted 19.2 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in the playoffs. Cleveland  reached the conference finals, but was swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks. HARDEN’S REMARKABLE CAREER Regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive guards in basketball history, Harden began as an explosive second-unit scoring option. He won the 2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Houston Rockets. Harden earned the 2017–18 NBA Most Valuable Player award, three consecutive scoring titles (2018–2020), and two assist titles (2017, 2023). Beyond individual hardware, Harden revolutionized the game with foul-drawing, isolation efficiency, and signature step-back three-pointer. Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, “The Beard” boasts 11 NBA All-Star selections and eight All-NBA Team honors (including six First Team selections).  Along with Harden, the Cavaliers traded for Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets where he inked a four-year, $88 million deal.  

Hip-Hop mogul Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is heading to Russia this fall for two sold-out concerts in St. Petersburg. The shows come as Russia’s war against Ukraine enters its fifth year. AllHipHop broke the news on Wednesday (August 19). Ye is scheduled to perform Oct. 10 and 11 at Gazprom Arena. Tickets reportedly sold rapidly, including seats priced above $1,850. The cheapest tickets, costing about $105, also sold out, according to The Guardian. View this post on Instagram The performances would make Ye the biggest Western artist to appear in Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. His arrival carries significance beyond the concert stage. Russia remains under extensive Western sanctions and faces continued diplomatic isolation. Ye’s decision to perform there also comes after several European countries rejected his appearances. The United Kingdom barred Ye from entering the country. Italy canceled planned shows over public safety concerns. France, Poland and Switzerland also scrapped performances. Those decisions followed controversies surrounding Ye’s antisemitic statements and Nazi imagery. The fallout has sharply altered his standing across Europe. Ye (Kanye West)’s Upcoming Russia Concert Could Be Canceled Depending On The Hip-Hop Mogul’s Involvement In The Ukraine War In January, Ye published a full-page apology in The Wall Street Journal. He wrote that he was not a Nazi and said he loved Jewish people. The apology did not restore his access to several European markets. Elsewhere, Ye has continued attracting large international audiences. His May concert in Istanbul drew 118,000 people. About 70,000 attended his June performance in Tbilisi, Georgia. He also performed to a sold-out crowd in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Aug. 14. Russia, however, presents a distinct political challenge. Russian politician Nikolay Novichkov has called for an investigation into Ye’s previous praise of Adolf Hitler. He also demanded the St. Petersburg concerts be canceled unless Ye publicly supports Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. The demand adds another layer of controversy to Ye’s Russian concerts. His appearance could help Moscow project cultural relevance despite continued isolation. For Ye, meanwhile, Russia offers a major market without the restrictions confronting him elsewhere. The St. Petersburg shows therefore carry implications beyond ticket sales. They place Ye at the intersection of hip-hop, geopolitics and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

Kendrick Lamar’s inner circle is pushing back on speculation surrounding The Game’s The Documentary 3 track, “No Brakes,” featuring Drake. The song appears on The Game’s The Documentary 3, released Friday (Aug. 21). Its lyrics immediately sparked discussion because The Game references Kendrick, Drake and the West Coast’s complicated rap politics. On “LA Monster,” The Game raps about having “no problem with the boogeyman,” an apparent nod to Kendrick’s fearsome rap reputation. He also references a GNX, connecting the bar to Kendrick’s 2024 album GNX and its West Coast identity. The Game gets more pointed on “Geezus,” the album’s opening track. He calls Drake “the homie” while rejecting pressure for West Coast artists to choose between Drake and Kendrick. He later references “the GNX” while delivering a violent threat. Then comes “No Brakes,” where The Game raps, “Me, Drake and Drake, we the three amigos.” He follows by saying, “If I have to pick a side, I’m choosing homicide.” Given Kendrick and Drake’s highly publicized feud, the lyrics quickly fueled theories about where The Game stands. Kendrick not just A Rapper that’s like game dissin another Compton Legend #NotHappening — Hitta J3 (@Hittaj3tml) August 21, 2026 Kendrick’s longtime associates, however, are arguing against that interpretation. Top Dawg Entertainment executive Punch reacted after “No Brakes” surfaced, writing, “The World’s really Gone Crazy,” followed by laughing emojis. Hitta J3, a longtime Kendrick friend, was more direct. He said the Game and Drake song “is not new” and “it’s not no diss to Dot.” He later added, “Game still A homie regardless what you hear he not gonna diss Kendrick.” Kendrick Lamar’s Friends React To The Game’s New Album The Documentary 3 and “No Brakes” Hitta also questioned the online reaction, writing, “Just because Drake on the song it’s automatically A Diss.” He teased an upcoming collaboration with The Game, saying it would “clear up all this fake beef.” “Kendrick not just A Rapper,” Hitta added, calling Kendrick’s potential conflict with another Compton legend “Not Happening.” MackWop, another longtime Kendrick associate, also criticized the speculation. “Yall Want The Homie To Make Another Example Out A Nigga Bad!!!” he wrote, adding that he did not know whether “The Internet Dweebs Or These Rappers” were more desperate. Yall Want The Homie To Make Another Example Out A Nigga Bad!!! Lmaooo Ion Know Who More Desperate The Internet Dweebs Or These Rappers — MackWop (@MackWop) August 21, 2026 Wack 100, The Game’s manager, offered the strongest indication that no serious feud exists. During a Thursday livestream with DJ Akademiks, he said Kendrick “is gonna be in the studio with Game in 3 days.” For now, Kendrick’s camp appears to view “No Brakes” as provocative West Coast rap—not a declaration of war. Kendrick Lamar nor PG Lang has not reacted to The Game’s Documentary 3 album or the Drake-featured “No Brakes” as this time.

The Game and Drake reunite after years to release “No Brakes,” a new collaboration from The Game’s upcoming album, The Documentary 3, and TDE Punch reacts. Released Thursday, August 20, the track adds another major feature to Drake’s recent run of appearances. It also puts The Game’s loyalty to Drake under renewed scrutiny. Drake handles the song’s hook, repeatedly delivering, “No Brakes, no brakes, no brakes, no brakes.” The Game takes the verses, bringing his signature West Coast perspective to the record. His lyrics leave little ambiguity about where he stands. “Me, Drake and Drake, we the three amigos,” The Game raps. “Circles got smaller than a peephole.” He follows with another pointed declaration: “If I have to pick a side, I’m choosing homicide.” The song arrives amid continued discussion about alliances in West Coast hip-hop. Those conversations intensified after Drake’s 2024 feud with Kendrick Lamar. TDE Punch Reacts To The Game & Drake’s New Track “No Brakes” From The Documentary 3 The Game has addressed his relationship with both rappers. During his July 23 Verzuz battle against YG in Los Angeles, he publicly saluted Drake. “Shout out to the boy,” The Game told the crowd before performing their 2015 collaboration, “100.” “I don’t give a fuck how a n**** feel about it.” The Game has also expressed respect for Kendrick while emphasizing his bond with Drake. He has previously called Drizzy a brother and credited him with supporting his career. Their relationship stretches back more than a decade. “No Brakes” now adds another chapter to their collaborative history. The 6 God’s influence surfaced during the Verzuz battle as well. The Game performed “100,” while YG performed his Drake-assisted hit “Who Do You Love?” Reaction to “No Brakes” has been divided. Some listeners welcomed the reunion, while others criticized the track. TDE president Punch added another layer to the conversation after the song’s release. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, “The World’s really Gone Crazy. ” The World’s really Gone Crazy. — Punch TDE (@iamstillpunch) August 20, 2026 For The Game, “No Brakes” reinforces a longstanding alliance while placing his position within rap’s shifting landscape back under the spotlight.

Netflix is bringing a rare chapter of legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan’s history to screens with “The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable.” Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Joanna Natasegara, the documentary explores the making of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” The 31-track project challenged the traditional rules of hip-hop releases. View this post on Instagram Only one physical copy of the album was produced. In 2015, that copy sold at auction for $2 million. The buyer was controversial entrepreneur Martin Shkreli. He later faced a securities fraud conviction, adding another layer to the album’s already unusual story. “The Disciple” follows Dutch-Moroccan rapper and producer Cilvaringz, born Tarik Azzougarh. His relationship with Wu-Tang Clan began as a teenage fan. That passion eventually led him into the group’s inner circle. Cilvaringz later developed a close creative relationship with RZA, who became his mentor. The documentary examines how their collaboration helped shape “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” It also explores the ideas surrounding scarcity, ownership and artistic control. Netflix Acquires Hip-Hop Group Wu-Tang Clan’s Secret ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ Album, “The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable” For Natasegara, the project represented a long-term passion. She spent five years bringing the story to the screen. “For the last five years making this film has been a labour of love and discovery for me,” Natasegara said. The filmmaker said her connection to Wu-Tang Clan began during her teenage years. The mystery surrounding the secret album eventually drew her deeper into the story. “Initially I was inspired by a teenhood love of Wu-Tang,” she said. “A story about the secret album too intriguing to miss.” RZA serves as an executive producer on the documentary. His involvement further connects the film to the creative force behind Wu-Tang’s legacy. “The Disciple” also examines community, determination, creativity and innovation within hip-hop. The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Netflix will release “The Disciple” on Oct. 16. For Wu-Tang Clan, the film revisits an experiment that challenged how music could be created, owned and experienced.

Last weekend, Hip-Hop had a lot to celebrate with new releases by Nipsey Hussle and Hit-Boy, but the week also gave us surprises from Mariah Carey, Dolly Babe, and more music. Emerging stars rose while superstars prepared for the Fall. From beefs to rivalries, the music is just as competitive as it has ever been in 2026. Over the week, Pooh Shiesty and his gangster-minded new album soared to the top of Billboard and NBA Youngboy, one of the biggest artists in music, announced he’s on hiatus to focus on his heart condition. Meanwhile, new viral songs by emerging artists such as Akeem Ali, Mike Clark Jr, and Nine Vicious. And through it, there was many surprises that flew under the radar this week. From Mariah Carey celebrating Glitters’ 25th anniversary to Montez Ford flexing his talents outside the ring to Princess Dolly Babe’s viral wave, here’s a complete list of new music you might have missed this week. Key Glock Pulls Up To “BIG 5” The Memphis rap star continues to push his Project X album with the latest single showcasing his 007-meets-John Wick skills. The displayed diversity proves the artist’s evolution. He’s smarter, more creative, and resourceful. Dolly Babe Shows The World Her “Pink Blush” The viral song has thrust the Dallas native into the mainstream spotlight over night. A song for all ages, the princess is quickly becoming the South’s hottest new star. And the song isn’t anywhere near reaching it’s peak. Expect it to reach the top of the Billboard tracks by the end of the year. Mariah Carey, Dolly Babe, Pastor Charles A.R. + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week Headhuncho Amir & Luh Tyler Real “Confidential” In New Collab The new release follows a summer of non-stop momentum for the East Dallas rap star. The collaboration delivers dynamic energy that highlights both artists’ effortless charisma and rising stardom. The new song prepares fans for the Dallas rapper’s forthcoming project set for late 2026. Mariah Carey Remembers Glitter With Rochelle Jordan Remix “Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” Celebrating the 25th anniversary, the icon gifts her fans a remix that will take them back to 2001. The collaboration delivers a fresh look at the biggest singer in music and builds anticipation for something new. Until then, fans will cherish the nostalgia. Brent Faiyaz Flies Out Like “peter pan.” Another release ICON bonus. Shot in Milan, the release offers another glimpse into the world the DMV superstar has been building around his recent music. The latest visual continues to expand the project’s creative universe. This is his best work yet. Tez (WWE’s Montez Ford) Rises AFTERTHETIDE Taking his talents outside the ring, the superstar takes the opportunity to get a few things off his chest. He addresses his opps, rivals, and fans with over-the-top rope bars, hard-hitting hooks, and stylish tracks. It gives fans the opportunity to learn about the superstar outside the ring. Pastor Charles A.R. Shines Bright With DOXA Each song represents a different chapter of the journey. From enduring storms and overcoming emotional pain to embracing grace, discovering identity in Christ, and celebrating God’s goodness. The result is a body of work that feels both personal and pastoral, serving as encouragement for anyone seeking to trust God more deeply.

Reginae Carter is sending a clear message to her social media followers that she is an independent adult capable of making her own choices, despite any potential disapproval from her father, rap icon Lil Wayne. The 27-year-old media personality recently took to Instagram to defend herself after a video of her pole dancing sparked a wave of criticism and threats from fans claiming they would notify her father. The controversy began when Carter, who hosts the popular podcast “Heir Time,” shared a clip of herself returning to a pole dancing class for recreation. While many supporters cheered her athleticism, a vocal segment of her audience suggested that Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., would be unhappy with the display. Carter wasted no time in shutting down the narrative that she is still under parental supervision. “Wayne can’t stop nothing!” Carter wrote in a sharp retort to the commenters. She emphasized her autonomy, reminding her five million followers that she is nearly 30 years old and was fully clothed during the workout session. The social media influencer urged her critics to mind their own business and let her “live my grown a** life” without unnecessary interference. Lil Wayne has not publicly commented on the video or his daughter’s response. View this post on Instagram