Hip-Hop mogul Damon Dash is taking another public shot at his former Roc-A-Fella Records partner, JAŸ-Z, arguing that the rap billionaire’s influence has limits — especially when it comes to Eminem and 50 Cent. During a recent interview with Cam Capone News, Dash claimed Jay-Z deliberately avoided mentioning 50 Cent during his diss-filled freestyle at the 2026 Roots Picnic because doing so could have drawn Eminem into the feud. “Jay is not bigger than Eminem, 50’s boss is Eminem, Jay doesn’t have more power than Eminem,” Dash said. “Remember he tried to blackball 50 from the Superbowl, Eminem just made a call.” Dash was referring to the star-studded 2022 Super Bowl LVI halftime show, which featured Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg. Jay-Z, through Roc Nation, helped oversee the NFL’s live entertainment partnership and executive produced the performance alongside Dr. Dre’s team. Hip-Hop Mogul Damon Dash Says JAŸ-Z Scared To Diss 50 Cent Because Of Eminem The music executive suggested Em’s influence ultimately secured 50 Cent’s appearance, pointing to the Detroit rap icon’s long-standing relationship with the Queens superstar. Eminem famously signed 50 Cent to Shady Records in 2002, launching one of hip-hop’s most successful partnerships. Still, Dash’s allegation that Jay-Z attempted to “blackball” 50 Cent from the Super Bowl has never been substantiated. Neither Jay-Z, Roc Nation, the NFL, Eminem nor 50 Cent has publicly confirmed such a dispute. In past interviews, 50 Cent credited Dr. Dre with wanting him on the show, while Dre has also publicly praised his performance. Dash’s latest remarks came as he continued his long-running criticism of Jay-Z following the rapper’s headline-making 2026 Roots Picnic freestyle. Dash described the freestyle as “disappointing” in previous interviews. 50 Cent has not reacted to the Roots Picnic freestyle yet.

Rap superstar Drake is celebrating Canada’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup run with another winning bet. The Toronto rap superstar collected a seven-figure payout after wagering $770,000 on Canada’s Round of 16 victory over South Africa. The bet, placed through gambling platform Stake, returned $1,001,000, giving Drake an estimated profit of $231,000. Hours before kickoff, Drake shared a screenshot of the wager on Instagram, revealing that South African DJ Black Coffee inspired the high-stakes gamble. “@realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM I had to raise the STAKES,” Drake wrote. View this post on Instagram The playful exchange added celebrity intrigue to one of the biggest matches in South African soccer history. Bafana Bafana entered the knockout match looking to continue a breakthrough World Cup campaign, but Canada’s dream tournament continued instead. At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, midfielder Stephen Eustáquio scored deep into second-half stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory. The win sent Canada to the Round of 16 for the first time in FIFA World Cup history, marking a milestone for the tournament co-hosts. Rap Superstar Drake Bets On Canada Against South Africa At World Cup & Wins A Million Although South Africa’s run ended, the team earned widespread praise after advancing from the group stage under head coach Hugo Broos. The campaign renewed excitement around Bafana Bafana and elevated the program’s profile on the global stage. For Drake, the victory added another headline to his well-known sports betting résumé. Since partnering with Stake in 2021, the Grammy-winning rapper has routinely shared multimillion-dollar wagers under the username “DeepPockets6.” His public bets have covered the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, UFC championship fights, Formula One and the FIFA World Cup, turning many sporting events into viral social media moments. Not every wager has paid off. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Drake backed Argentina to defeat France in regulation with an £837,000 bet. Kylian Mbappé’s late equalizer forced extra time, causing the wager to lose despite Argentina eventually lifting the trophy after a penalty shootout. This time, the gamble landed. Canada’s historic victory delivered another memorable chapter in the country’s World Cup journey. Drake’s reputation for making blockbuster bets generates as much buzz as the games themselves.

Ja Morant is taking his talents to Oregon. The Memphis Grizzlies are sending Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. In the last two seasons, the Grizzlies have now traded all three of their former franchise cornerstones, Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Just a few years ago, the Grizzlies were hailed as one of the most talented young teams. After trading Morant,  the Grizzlies have made a full reset. MORANT SPENT HIS FIRT SEVEN SEASONS IN MEMPHIS Morant’s seven-season tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies was thrilling, capped by a stark and abrupt ending. Selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant single-handedly revived the franchise’s identity post-“Grit and Grind.” He won Rookie of the Year in 2020, was a two-time All-Star, and Most Improved Player in 2022.   BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/FJOTzGe5Tr — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026 At his peak, his gravity-defying dunks and elite playmaking transformed Memphis into an elite Western Conference powerhouse. The team enjoyed a 56-win season and a trip to the conference semifinals. However,  his off-court issues derailed his potential. He was suspended by the league for gun-related conduct, sidelining him for significant stretches alongside a season-ending elbow injury in early 2026. Over his last three seasons in Memphis, Morant was limited to just 79 games. According to The Athletic, Morant had been declining on the court as injuries had taken their toll.  This past season, he averaged 19.5 points per game, “his third-lowest scoring average since his first two seasons as a pro.” Also, “he shot 41 percent from the field, the lowest of his career, and 23.5 percent from the 3-point line. Earlier this season, when the Grizzlies were in London for two regular-season games, Morant said he wanted to stay with the team. If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy,” he said. “I got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.”

Tay-K has reentered public discussion after releasing new music from prison. Meanwhile, his legal team presses forward with a renewed effort to challenge his murder conviction. The case traces back to a 2017 San Antonio shooting that left photographer Mark Saldivar dead. This incident ultimately led to the lengthy sentence he is now serving. Recent court filings reported by Complex outline a request from his attorneys to briefly slow portions of the appellate process. Specifically, they seek more clarity from the trial court. At the center of the dispute is a search warrant involving an iPhone recovered from a vehicle tied to the investigation. The defense has long argued that the evidence should have been excluded due to a lack of probable cause. However, the original trial court rejected their motion. Now, his legal team is asking an appellate court to require more detailed written reasoning from the lower court. Specifically, they request “findings of fact and conclusions of law.” They argue that without a fuller explanation of how the ruling was reached, the appeal cannot properly address the suppression issues now under review. Defense seeks findings, brief extension possible “The need for detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law is essential to this case,” the motion states. “Although the trial court made some off hand comments about the existence of probable cause, Counsel respectfully submits these remarks are insufficient for full and fair appellate review of [Tay-K’s] suppression claims. Without concise, written findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is impossible to adequately brief the suppression issues raised by this appeal.” The filing also emphasizes that the request is not intended to disrupt a July 1 briefing deadline. Rather, it seeks to allow limited adjustment around unresolved legal questions. If denied, the defense has proposed a short two-week extension to complete its submission. The appeal follows Tay-K’s 80-year sentence in the same case. In that trial, questions were also raised about the credibility of a key witness. He is separately serving a 55-year sentence for a 2016 home invasion in which Ethan Walker was killed. He was arrested on June 30, 2017—the day his breakout track “The Race” was released. He is currently scheduled for parole eligibility in 2049.

A short clip from Paris Fashion Week set off a wider conversation online after Skepta weighed in on how North West was approached during a Vetements Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 presentation. The footage shows her briefly moving through a crowd of attendees, a moment that quickly spread across social media and drew competing interpretations. In the clip, North West reaches out her hand for a handshake before an attendee instead pulls her into a hug. Skepta reacted on X with a pointed observation, writing, “A blind man could see she wanted a handshake,” framing the moment as a clear mismatch in reading social cues. He later added a broader concern about behavior around young public figures. “My fans know I try to stay out of people’s business but damn the way grown men, complete strangers, try to use North makes me sick.” The response sparked pushback from some users who questioned whether the interaction warranted criticism at all. Skepta responded firmly, emphasizing both age and context in his argument. “What are you talking about?! She is 13 years old and she put her hand out for a handshake, you don’t ignore that. I can’t believe some of these replies to my tweet.” As the conversation continued, he reiterated a broader point about protecting children in public environments. “WOW!! Protect your kids people. Protect your kids!” A blind man could see she wanted a handshake kmt pic.twitter.com/Tsn1QRquSp — Big Smoke – (@Skepta) June 27, 2026 Boundaries debate grows beyond viral footage He also widened the discussion to how people interpret behavior and boundaries in general. “Schools teaching French, German & English when really the language most people need to f***ing learn is ‘Body Language,’” he wrote. North West, who has appeared in creative projects including her EP N0rth4evr and performances such as her 2024 Hollywood Bowl “Lion King” set, continues to grow up in the public eye. The reaction to the Paris footage has since fed into a larger debate about proximity, boundaries, and how young celebrities are approached in crowded cultural spaces.

Ray J has spent the past several months moving between different corners of the entertainment world. Livestream culture and traditional celebrity spaces increasingly overlap. On platforms like Kick, he has appeared alongside figures such as DeenTheGreat and Adrien Broner. This has created unscripted moments that often drift between humor and controversy. While the tone of those streams can shift quickly, Ray J has generally remained present in the middle of it. As a result, he steers conversations that at times threaten to veer off course. That same sense of unpredictability carried over to the BET Awards red carpet. There, a brief exchange with Bow Wow drew immediate attention. In the course of the interview, Ray J mentioned that he was wearing nude underwear. This detail quickly spread across social media and became one of the more talked-about red carpet moments of the night. Journalist Philip Lewis later commented on X that security intervention appeared necessary. This captured how rapidly the situation escalated in real time. Druski called out Ray J at the 2026 BET Awards for claiming that he had only a few months to live back in January. “Why’d you lie to us, man? I thought you was gon’ be dead… Ray J, you know that’s wrong, man. You lied to all of us!” pic.twitter.com/gf9s0e9utj — Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) June 29, 2026 Druski’s Ray J joke blurs humor, discomfort Later in the evening, comedian Druski incorporated Ray J into his crowd work during the ceremony. He drew on comments Ray J had previously made about his health. Druski referenced those remarks and joked, “Why’d you lie to us, man? I thought you was gon’ be dead… Ray J, you know that’s wrong, man. You lied to all of us!” The moment landed differently depending on the viewer. Some treated it as part of the night’s humor. Others questioned the tone given the subject matter. Even as these moments circulate widely, Ray J has continued to appear unfazed in public settings. He maintains his pace across interviews, streams, and appearances. The mix of spontaneity and controversy that follows him has become a familiar part of his public life. This shapes how each new appearance is received. For now, he remains active in that space. There, unpredictability often travels as fast as the clips themselves.

G Herbo is one of Chicago’s most influential voices in modern hip-hop. Emerging from the city’s East Side, he first gained national attention in 2012 with the breakout single “Kill Shit” alongside fellow Chicago rapper Lil Bibby. Following his acclaimed mixtapes Welcome to Fazoland, Pistol P Project, Ballin Like I’m Kobe, and Strictly 4 My Fans, G Herbo established himself as a major force in hip-hop with a string of successful studio albums. His 2018 debut album Humble Beast showcased his evolution as both an artist and storyteller, while 2020’s PTSD became his first Top 10 album on the Billboard 200. Featuring collaborations with artists including Juice WRLD, Chance the Rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and the late Lil Durk, the album was praised for its honest discussion of trauma, mental health, and the lasting effects of growing up surrounded by violence. Herbo continued his momentum with 25 in 2021, which debuted in the Billboard 200 Top 5 and became his highest-charting album at the time. He followed with Survivor’s Remorse in 2022, a deeply personal project exploring grief, growth, and perseverance, solidifying his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most authentic lyricists. Throughout his career, G Herbo has earned multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, while amassing billions of streams across platforms with standout records including “PTSD,” “Who Want Smoke?? (Remix),” “Statement,” “Swervo,” and “Write Your Name.” Beyond music, G Herbo has become an advocate for mental health awareness and youth empowerment, using his platform to encourage conversations about trauma, therapy, and personal growth. His honesty and commitment to giving back to his community have made him an influential figure both on and off the stage. Fans can catch him live at HOT 97 Summer Jam.  Get your tickets here.

Cardi B’s night at the 2026 BET Awards ended with both a trophy and a conversation. After winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, she delivered a medley from AM I THE DRAMA? that included “ErrTime,” “Hello,” “Check Please,” and “Pretty & Petty,” her diss record aimed at BIA. The performance immediately revived discussion about their long-running feud, but Cardi’s comments after leaving the stage pointed in a different direction. Rather than urging fans to keep the back-and-forth alive, she asked them not to turn the rivalry into online harassment. “Please don’t pick on that girl,” Cardi said in a clip shared by Livebitez on Instagram. She explained that personal experience has made her cautious about fueling internet pile-ons, even when tensions between artists remain unresolved. “I am very big against Internet bullying. Unless my fans have to… But if somebody’s not bothering me, and I feel like she’s not bothering me, I don’t want to be the reason why somebody gets on the Internet and has a bad day or gets depressed or feels bad or feels like the world is against them. Because I really went through that before.” The remarks prompted divided reactions, with some viewers praising the sentiment while others questioned how it fit alongside a performance centered on a diss track. View this post on Instagram Cardi B Reflects on BIA Feud The Bronx rapper acknowledged that responding to criticism has often been part of her public career, while also admitting that prolonged conflicts can eventually lose their appeal. “All these b***hes, blogs was against me…” she said. “I do like teaching b***hes a lesson… But after a while, I’ll kill you and then I feel bad that I killed you and buried you… You really f***ed with me, so I had to do that. But yes, I’m not going to stop performing the show… If somebody don’t f**k with me, I don’t want to keep fing with them, ’cause it gives bullying. And I’m really not a bully unless I have to… My fans gon’ be like ‘Cardi, stop.’ […] I don’t want to ever over-do it… I want to keep being blessed… If she ever see me, I know it’s gon’ be on sight. I know the b*h gon’ want to fight me… I’m with everything.” The friction between Cardi B and BIA has evolved over several years, fueled by fan comparisons, social media exchanges, diss records, and increasingly personal accusations. BIA has consistently answered when she believes those shots are directed at her, including recent remarks involving Cardi’s relationship with Stefon Diggs after performances of “Pretty & Petty.” While the rivalry shows little sign of disappearing, Cardi’s latest remarks suggest she is trying to separate competitive records from the kind of online hostility that often follows them.

In celebration of his 30th anniversary, Hip-Hop mogul JAŸ-Z is giving fans a new way to experience the streets of New York City that built his empire. As the rap icon celebrates the 30th anniversary of his classic debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” Roc Nation has teamed with Google Maps to launch an interactive New York City tour tracing the landmarks that shaped Shawn Carter’s rise from Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses to global superstardom. View this post on Instagram The digital guide features nearly 30 locations tied to JAŸ-Z’s life and career, allowing fans to visit the recording studios, concert venues and neighborhood landmarks that inspired some of hip-hop’s most celebrated music. Among the featured stops are The Hit Factory and D&D Studios, where pivotal moments in his catalog came to life. The map also highlights legendary venues, including Radio City Music Hall, where the rapper built his reputation onstage. The experience extends beyond music. JAŸ-Z & Google Maps Retraces His New York City Legacy In Celebration Of JAŸ-Z30 Fans can visit Marcy Houses, where Carter grew up, along with the former Roc-A-Fella Records headquarters, the famed Tunnel nightclub, the Brooklyn Public Library and even a McDonald’s location referenced in the Grammy-winning hit “Empire State of Mind.” The Google Maps partnership marks the latest addition to an expansive anniversary celebration honoring “Reasonable Doubt.” Pop-up exhibits with exclusive merchandise across New York City have already drawn crowds. The festivities reach another level next month when JAŸ-Z returns to Yankee Stadium for a three-night run. The July 10 performance will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Reasonable Doubt,” the album that launched his legendary career. The July 11 show shifts the spotlight to “The Blueprint,” widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s defining releases. The final concert, billed as “Extra Innings” on July 12, will feature hits spanning JAŸ-Z’s entire catalog. Together, the Google Maps experience and Yankee Stadium concerts transform New York City into a living tribute to JAŸ-Z’s legacy. It has been three decades since “Reasonable Doubt” changed hip-hop. Fans can now follow the same places that helped create one of the genre’s greatest success stories.

Former NFL star running back Chris Johnson revealed Monday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. The retired athlete, who earned the nickname “CJ2K” during his historic career, shared the news during an emotional interview on “Good Morning America,” disclosing that he received the diagnosis last year at age 39. Johnson, now 40, appeared on the program alongside his wife, Brittany Johnson. Because the progressive neurodegenerative disease has already claimed his ability to speak, Johnson utilized a speech-generating device that used his own recorded voice to communicate. He told interviewer Michael Strahan that there is no history of the condition in his family, leading medical professionals to categorize his ailment as sporadic ALS. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen,” Johnson said through the device. He noted the “shocking” nature of the disease, which often targets individuals who have no reason to expect such a diagnosis. The three-time Pro Bowler first noticed symptoms while spending time with his wife and their four children. He described a sudden loss of strength in his right hand, noting that his grip “didn’t feel right.” While the family initially suspected the issues were related to the physical toll of a 10-year NFL career, medical testing proved otherwise. Brittany Johnson admitted she originally thought the weakness was a minor issue like a pinched nerve. “I thought because of football and, you know, his career, that it had to be something with that,” she said, expressing the family’s disbelief that it could be a terminal condition with no known cure. Despite the terminal nature of the illness, the former Tennessee Titans and New York Jets star remains determined to maintain a positive outlook for his family. He credited his children as his primary motivation for continuing to persevere through the physical challenges. “At first, you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices,” Johnson said during the broadcast. “You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.” Johnson is best remembered for his 2009 season with the Titans, where he became one of only eight players in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He finished that year with 2,006 yards and set an NFL record for total yards from scrimmage with 2,509. He retired from professional football in 2018. Participating in sporadic ALS research and raising awareness has now become his new focus as he navigates life with the disorder. View this post on Instagram