Hip-hop star Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, broke his public silence Saturday after a federal jury acquitted him on all five murder-for-hire charges. Banks posted his first statement on Instagram one day after jurors rejected the government’s case following three days of deliberations. “Against all odds, we’re stronger together,” Banks wrote. “Allah doesn’t make mistakes. I feel all the love and positive energy.” View this post on Instagram Banks faced federal charges over an alleged plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo. Prosecutors tied the alleged scheme to the 2022 killing of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, in Los Angeles. The government argued Banks sought retaliation after his friend, Chicago rapper Dayvon “King Von” Bennett, was killed outside an Atlanta nightclub in 2020. Banks denied the allegations. His defense team, including attorneys Drew Findling and Brian Steele, challenged the prosecution’s theory and presented an alternative account of the shooting. Jurors ultimately found Banks not guilty on all five counts, delivering a major victory for the Chicago rapper. Hip-Hop Star Lil Durk Thanks Attorneys Drew Findling & Brian Steele In First Post After Acquittal On Federal Murder-For-Hire Charges Banks focused on faith, family and community in his first public comments following the verdict. He also said he wanted to use his freedom to help young people. “Now let me be free to help save our kids and bring unity back to our communities,” Banks wrote. He credited his family, attorneys and supporters for helping him through the prosecution. “I couldn’t have made it this far without my family, my lawyers, and supporters,” Banks wrote. “ Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.” The Instagram post did not address the government’s allegations in detail. Instead, Banks framed the acquittal as an opportunity to move forward and serve his community. The case became one of hip-hop’s most closely watched federal prosecutions. The allegations also threatened to overshadow Banks’ career as a prominent Chicago rap artist. His acquittal now clears a significant legal hurdle. Banks’ repeated reference to “freedom” underscored the personal significance of the verdict. “Freedom.”

Popular Los Angeles DJ and correspondent Aaron “DJ Hed” Drake Jr. and radio host Gina Views will be bringing their Effective Immediately radio show to Revolt this month. According to a press release, the buzzing West Coast broadcast will fill an evening programming slot. Launched in 2024, the show has produced viral interviews with West Coast hip-hop’s biggest names, including Blueface, Ice Cube, and LaRussell. “The West Coast has something to say,” said Revolt in an Instagram post about Effective Immediately headed to the network. View this post on Instagram For Gina Views, partnering with Revolt will elevate the West Coast’s voice to new heights, something she has always emphasized. “Everything I’ve built has been about elevating West Coast voices and telling our stories authentically,” she said. “Partnering with REVOLT lets us bring our voice to a bigger audience without losing what made it real in the first place.” Over 100 episodes, Effective Immediately has developed its own identity, with a unique, unfiltered perspective and West Coast vibes. DJ Hed and Gina Views’ magnetic chemistry has attracted a steadily growing audience worldwide. Hip-Hop Radio Show Effective Immediately, Hosted By DJ Hed & Gina Views, Premieres On Revolt TV Sept. 23 For DJ Hed, Effective Immediately is a testament to his 20 years as a legitimate voice in West Coast Hip-Hop. “Effective Immediately is a product of 20 years of me trying to provide an authentic voice in our culture,” DJ Hed said. “It’s the platform that I have always strived to create.” Effective Immediately’s jump from national syndication to television is part of Offscript Worldwide, and Revolt is the company’s flagship brand. Deon Graham, the CCO of Offscript Worldwide and Revolt, said DJ Hed and Gina Views’ show is the right fit for Revolt television, as the brand focuses on developing regional voices for the network. “Gina Views and DJ Hed are two authentic West Coast voices who have built something people trust, Graham explained. “We don’t want to change that. Effective Immediately’ is exactly where it belongs.” Effective Immediately, hosted by DJ Hed and Gina Views, premieres on September 23 on Revolt at 9 p.m. ET

A federal jury acquitted hip-hop star Durk Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, on all five charges tied to a Los Angeles murder-for-hire case. The jury returned its verdict after three days of deliberations. Banks, however, has not been released from federal custody following the acquittal. Prosecutors accused Banks of orchestrating a 2022 shooting targeting rapper Quando Rondo. The attack instead killed Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, near the Beverly Center. The government alleged that shooters fired 18 rounds at Rondo’s black Escalade. Robinson was struck during the gunfire and later died. Prosecutors alleged that Banks ordered the attack as retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close associate, Dayvon “King Von” Bennett. Banks’ defense disputed that theory. His attorneys argued that former assistant Kavon Grant arranged the shooting independently. The defense contended that Grant sought to impress Banks. Attorneys maintained that Banks neither ordered nor financed the attack. Hip-Hop Star Lil Durk Acquitted On All Charges In Murder-For-Hire Trial Jurors found Banks not guilty of conspiracy. They also acquitted him of stalking involving a dangerous weapon and stalking resulting in death. The jury further returned not-guilty verdicts on two murder-for-hire counts. The acquittal means the government failed to prove the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not, however, mean Banks has immediately walked free. Banks remains in federal custody despite the verdict, according to the case information provided. The prosecution’s case centered on an alleged revenge motive connected to King Von’s killing. Prosecutors sought to establish that Banks directed an effort against Rondo. The defense instead placed Grant at the center of the alleged plot. That competing account became a critical issue before the jury. The case attracted significant attention because of Banks’ prominence in hip-hop and the allegations involving King Von and Rondo. View this post on Instagram Banks’ acquittal resolves the federal criminal charges arising from the Los Angeles shooting. His continued detention means the verdict has not yet translated into his release from custody. The precise basis for his continued detention was not provided in the supplied case information. For Banks, the verdict eliminates the immediate risk of conviction on the five federal charges. His legal status, however, remains subject to the court’s custody proceedings.

A federal jury acquitted hip-hop star Durk Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, on all five charges tied to a Los Angeles murder-for-hire case. The jury returned its verdict after three days of deliberations. Banks, however, has not been released from federal custody following the acquittal. Prosecutors accused Banks of orchestrating a 2022 shooting targeting rapper Quando Rondo. The attack instead killed Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, near the Beverly Center. Lil Durk was acquitted on all charges He started crying as he heard the second “not guilty” His wife India Royale, wrapped her arms around his mother in the second row His mom was crying too — Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) September 12, 2026 The government alleged that shooters fired 18 rounds at Rondo’s black Escalade. Robinson was struck during the gunfire and later died. Prosecutors alleged that Banks ordered the attack as retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close associate, Dayvon “King Von” Bennett. Banks’ defense disputed that theory. His attorneys argued that former assistant Kavon Grant arranged the shooting independently. The defense contended that Grant sought to impress Banks. Attorneys maintained that Banks neither ordered nor financed the attack. Hip-Hop Star Lil Durk Acquitted On All Charges In Murder-For-Hire Trial Jurors found Banks not guilty of conspiracy. They also acquitted him of stalking involving a dangerous weapon and stalking resulting in death. The jury further returned not-guilty verdicts on two murder-for-hire counts. The acquittal means the government failed to prove the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not, however, mean Banks has immediately walked free. Banks remains in federal custody despite the verdict, according to the case information provided. The prosecution’s case centered on an alleged revenge motive connected to King Von’s killing. Prosecutors sought to establish that Banks directed an effort against Rondo. The defense instead placed Grant at the center of the alleged plot. That competing account became a critical issue before the jury. The case attracted significant attention because of Banks’ prominence in hip-hop and the allegations involving King Von and Rondo. Banks’ acquittal resolves the federal criminal charges arising from the Los Angeles shooting. His continued detention means the verdict has not yet translated into his release from custody. The precise basis for his continued detention was not provided in the supplied case information. For Banks, the verdict eliminates the immediate risk of conviction on the five federal charges. His legal status, however, remains subject to the court’s custody proceedings.

Kevin Durant wants a shot at his fifth gold medal at the 2026 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. In a recent interview, the basketball superstar shared how he’s looking forward to competing in the upcoming Olympiad.“It’s just fun, man,” Durant told The Athletic. “It’s an incredible time. You get to travel the world. I don’t know if we’re gonna get to travel the world with it being in the States, but the last few years, we would go to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, London, Canary Islands, Madrid … being in places that changed not just my perspective about the game, just about life in general. ​”I’ve been in places I’ve never even thought about being in if it wasn’t for the game,” he continued. That experience is one of the best, man. I encourage everybody to play for their country.” ​With four straight gold medals, Durant is considered by many to be the greatest male Olympian to ever play international basketball. “I’m humbled and honored to get that recognition,” Durant said. “So many great players have played. They probably didn’t play as long as me; that’s probably why I get that. I’ve been on four Olympic teams. We’ve won gold every time, so I’ve just been around. I show up. “I think that’s what my career has been based upon, just showing up and letting the chips fall where they may. … I experienced some great coaching with Team USA, and that’s really what brings me back.” DURANT’S SEASON LAST YEAR But he competes for the gold; his first task is to pursue a championship for the Houston Rockets. During his debut 2025–26 season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 78 regular-season games. Shooting efficiently at 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc, the veteran forward earned his 16th career All-Star selection

Quavo stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about his new album “QRÖME LIFE,” out October 2, and working with Pharrell to produce the entire project. He talks about how Pharrell challenged him creatively, their trip to Disneyland with Justin Timberlake, his new song “Backwards” with T.I., Jermaine Dupri’s involvement and who he would put on a “Welcome to Atlanta” remake in 2026. He also discusses Drake sampling old Migos ad-libs on “Shabang,” Drake giving Migos equal splits early in their career, and how “Versace” changed everything for the group. Quavo also opens up about reuniting with Offset in the studio, whether another Migos album and “Unc & Phew 2” are coming, and whether Migos has received enough credit for changing the sound of hip-hop. He talks about Young Thug wanting him to join YSL, his thoughts on artists using AI to make music, possibly stepping into a WWE ring, and ranks some of Migos’ most famous ad-libs. Plus, Quavo reveals why he sometimes ghosts people instead of telling them no and plays “Quavo or Pharrell?” with Nessa.

Pop star Bebe Rexha isn’t afraid to make the first move when it comes to romance—even with Drake. The singer-songwriter recently revealed that she slid into the hip-hop superstar’s Instagram DMs while discussing her dating preferences with Angie Martinez. Rexha made the admission during an appearance on Martinez’s In Real Life podcast, released Thursday, Sept. 10. When Martinez asked what type of men she likes, Rexha offered a wide-ranging answer. “All shapes, colores, sizes, everything,” she said. Bebe Rexha said she shot her shot at Drake after his 20v1 and Drake left her on read “I’m your dream girl, I’m Albanian, I got a fat ass, I got my own thing going on and I don’t even think he saw it or he saw it and just ignored it…I feel like anybody who’s dated Rihanna… pic.twitter.com/jKFXzxlhVd — ZADCOZZY (@zadcozzy) September 11, 2026 Martinez then jokingly asked whether Rexha was “just out here shooting your shot,” prompting the singer to share a recent example. “Honestly, I recently slid into Drake’s DMs,” Rexha said. “After his thing [20 v 1 challenge], and I was like, ‘I’m your dream girl.’” Bebe Rexha Reveals She Slid Into Hip-Hop Superstar Drake’s DMs After 20 v 1 Challenge Rexha said she highlighted several qualities she believes make her a strong match for the “JaniceSTFU” hitmaker. “I’m Albanian, I got a fat ass, I got my own thing going on,” she said. Still, Rexha admitted she has no idea whether Drake saw her message. “I don’t even think he saw it or he saw it and just ignored it,” she said. The “Meant to Be” singer also brought up Drake’s famous romantic history while explaining why dating him might come with a unique challenge. “I feel like anybody who’s dated Rihanna like you can never go up from there,” Rexha said. “She is the baddest.” Rexha also recalled meeting Drake at an awards show. She said he was surrounded by his crew during a tense period when “some drama” was happening. “I was like, ‘Hey Daddy?’” she recalled. According to Rexha, Drake responded with a “dirty” look before his security stepped in. “Do not call him that,” she said the security team told her. Rexha’s story offers a playful glimpse into her approach to dating. Whether Drake saw her DM remains unknown. But Rexha clearly has no problem shooting her shot.

Tyler Perry has officially addressed the notable absence of Janet Jackson in the latest installment of his beloved film franchise, “Why Did I Get Married Again?” The new movie, which premiered on Netflix on Sept. 9, reunites the core cast of the previous films but left fans questioning the whereabouts of Jackson’s character, Dr. Patricia Agnew. During a recent interview with Culture Creators, Perry clarified that there was no behind-the-scenes conflict leading to the casting change. Instead, the reason for Jackson’s absence was a simple matter of logistics. Perry noted that the Grammy-winning singer and actress was committed to her performance schedule in Nevada during the production window. “At the time, she was doing her residency in Vegas, so we couldn’t work out the time,” Perry said during the interview. He emphasized that the door remains open for the iconic star to rejoin the series in potential future chapters, adding, “Who knows what could happen in the future.” The third film in the series arrives nearly two decades after the original 2007 hit “Why Did I Get Married?” and its 2010 sequel, “Why Did I Get Married Too?” The franchise has long been a staple of Perry’s portfolio, known for its exploration of complex relationship dynamics and the bond between a close-knit group of college friends. While Jackson is missing from the current lineup, the third installment features the return of the original ensemble and introduces Academy Award-nominee Taraji P. Henson to the cast. The film has already generated significant buzz on social media, trending on Netflix shortly after its release as viewers catch up with the lives of the central characters. Perry, who has maintained a prolific output for the streaming giant, recently dominated the platform with the third season of “Beauty in Black.” The writer-director confirmed development of the third “Married” film last July following years of persistent fan requests for a follow-up to the 2010 sequel. For now, Jackson’s character is not part of the unfolding drama, but Perry’s comments suggest that Dr. Patricia Agnew could eventually reunite with her friends if scheduling permits for a fourth installment.

Quavo and Offset, the surviving members of the Grammy-nominated rap trio Migos, are officially set to reunite for one final album and a world tour. Quavo confirmed the long-rumored news during a recent interview, marking a significant milestone for the group following years of personal and professional friction. The announcement comes nearly four years after the tragic death of the third Migos member, Takeoff, who was killed in Houston in November 2022. While the group had been largely inactive and reportedly estranged prior to Takeoff’s passing, Quavo and Offset have recently been spotted in studio sessions together, fueling speculation that a reconciliation was underway. “We coming back,” Quavo said during the interview. “We’re going to do it one more time. We going to tour. We going to do it right.” The rapper emphasized that the upcoming project is intended to honor the group’s legacy and provide a proper conclusion to their influential run in the hip-hop industry. It remains unclear if the final album will feature posthumous vocals from Takeoff. The trio’s last full-length studio effort, “Culture III,” was released in 2021 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Following that release, Quavo and Takeoff had performed as a duo under the moniker Unc & Phew, while Offset focused on his solo career, including his 2023 album “SET IT OFF.” Fans first saw signs of a Migos reunion during the 2023 BET Awards, where Quavo and Offset performed a surprise tribute to Takeoff. Since then, Offset has mentioned in various interviews that the two have maintained regular communication. The upcoming album will be the first Migos project since the group’s public rift began in early 2022. Before the Migos reunion takes center stage, Quavo is scheduled to release a solo project titled “QRÖMELIFE” on October 2. The solo album is produced by Pharrell Williams. No specific release date or title has been announced for the final Migos LP, but the duo is expected to begin production following the conclusion of their respective solo obligations. The Migos rose to international stardom in the mid-2010s with hits like “Versace” and “Bad and Boujee,” eventually becoming one of the most commercially successful rap groups of the streaming era.

Rapper Chingy has brought his family life into the spotlight after revealing that actor Isaiah Russell-Bailey is his youngest son. The “Right Thurr” hitmaker, born Howard Earl Bailey Jr., made the revelation during an appearance on The Jason Lee Show. Chingy discussed his children before identifying Russell-Bailey, known for starring as Shaka McKellan on Netflix’s Family Reunion. Russell-Bailey, 20, quickly faced a wave of attention across social media. Fans flooded his accounts after Chingy’s revelation, despite the actor previously keeping the subject private. Russell-Bailey appeared to respond to the sudden attention with a message honoring the woman who raised him. “Everything I am, I owe to the woman who has always been there. Grateful for you always,” he wrote on Instagram. View on Threads Chingy releasing a official statement to HU about “Raising Isaiah”, meanwhile Isaiah liking and thanking his support system seemingly confirming his absence. Isaiah is 19 yrs old so I’m sure he knows what type of relationship they have or lack thereof https://t.co/DZqPsDhnja pic.twitter.com/KtXc2xsbsn — Nicole (@Nprezzed) September 5, 2026 The post prompted questions about Russell-Bailey’s relationship with Chingy. Those questions grew after Chingy addressed criticism surrounding his role as a father. The rapper pushed back against suggestions that he was a “deadbeat dad.” Russell-Bailey later offered a different perspective Thursday night, Sept. 10, when he addressed the conversation on Threads. Actor Isaiah Russell-Bailey Slams Rapper Dad Chingy In Open Letter, Chingy Responds His response added another layer to a family story that Chingy initially presented publicly. Russell-Bailey has rarely discussed his relationship with the rapper throughout his acting career. For many viewers, Russell-Bailey remains best known for Family Reunion. He starred alongside Tia Mowry and Loretta Devine on the Netflix comedy. Chingy became a household name during the early 2000s. His 2003 hit “Right Thurr” helped establish him as one of rap’s breakout stars. Now, his latest revelation has shifted attention from his music career to his relationship with his son. Neither Chingy nor Russell-Bailey has publicly provided a complete account of their family history. Their contrasting comments have left fans searching for more context. Still, Russell-Bailey’s message makes clear that his own experience deserves space in the conversation. As the story continues unfolding, both perspectives remain part of a deeply personal family matter.