Teyana Taylor took center stage at the 2026 BET Awards on Sunday night, walking away with four major trophies and receiving a career-defining surprise from her idol, Janet Jackson. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater, reached an emotional peak when Jackson made an unannounced appearance to present Taylor with the prestigious Icon of the Year Award. The surprise left Taylor visibly shaken as she took the stage to accept her fourth honor of the evening. After realizing that Jackson was the one handing her the trophy, Taylor joked with the crowd about the secrecy surrounding the moment. “They did not tell me Janet was coming,” she exclaimed during her speech, admitting she had heard rumors backstage from singer Kehlani but did not believe them until the music legend appeared. Jackson, a five-time Grammy winner and a former BET Icon recipient herself, praised Taylor’s rapid ascent and versatility across the music and film industries. She noted that Taylor had achieved more in a single year than many artists do in an entire career. Jackson specifically highlighted Taylor’s Golden Globe win and her work in the Oscar-winning film “One Battle After Another,” as well as her Grammy-nominated musical projects. Before the Icon of the Year presentation, Taylor had already secured wins for Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the Fashion Vanguard award. The sweep solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in modern pop culture. During her acceptance speech, Taylor turned to Jackson to express her deep gratitude, stating that she would not have a career without the trail blazed by the “Rhythm Nation” singer. “I love you so much. Thank you for every text, every hug, every talk,” Taylor said to Jackson. “You are my biggest inspiration. You don’t even understand there would be no me without you.” Taylor also used her platform to address the competitive nature of the entertainment industry. She spoke about the importance of mentorship and communal success rather than individual gain. Taylor told the audience that she never believed her own success should come at the expense of others, urging fellow artists to support one another. “Greatness isn’t measured by how many people stand beneath you,” Taylor said. “It’s measured by how many people stand beside you because you’re willing to reach back. That’s the only legacy I care about.” Taylor added that the industry often teaches performers to compete, but she remains committed to opening doors for the next generation of talent. The 2026 BET Awards served as a coronation for Taylor, who has transitioned from a teen performer to a sought-after director and award-winning actress. Jackson concluded her tribute by noting that Taylor’s impact on fashion, film and music has made her a true vanguard of the current era. View this post on Instagram

A Seattle-area mother and daughter accused of stealing more than $7,000 in Louis Vuitton handbags allegedly celebrated the haul by posting a TikTok video set to Yung Miami’s new song, “Spend Dat,” giving investigators a key piece of evidence in the case. According to Bellevue Police and King County prosecutors, Janeice Renee Downs, who also goes by Janeice Smith and “Punchy,” and her mother, Janeice Wiley, were arrested June 12 after investigators linked them to the alleged theft at Nordstrom’s downtown Seattle store. Prosecutors allege Downs and another suspect distracted a sales associate before stealing two Louis Vuitton handbags on June 6. Surveillance footage allegedly captured the theft, with Downs wearing a full-face burqa-style covering that investigators say matched disguises used in previous retail theft cases. Authorities say the investigation took a dramatic turn when a TikTok video surfaced the next day. Court records allege Wiley appeared in the video dancing with handbags resembling the stolen Louis Vuitton merchandise while Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” played in the background as part of the viral “Spend Dat” TikTok challenge. Detectives also identified similar handbags on Downs’ Instagram account. Mom & Daughter Arrested After Flaunting Stolen Louis Vuitton Items For Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” TikTok Challenge Investigators compared the social media posts with store surveillance footage and cited matching details, including distinctive white-painted toenails, black sandals and the face covering allegedly worn during the theft. A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation called the social media posts “a classic case of self-snitching,” suggesting the videos helped detectives identify the suspects. The case marks another legal setback for Downs. She previously pleaded guilty in an organized retail theft investigation. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in allegedly stolen merchandise across Washington, Oregon and California. Bellevue Police Capt. Landon Barnwell described Downs as “one of the region’s most prolific organized retail theft criminals.” “They drive up prices for everyone and hurt local businesses,” Barnwell said. Downs remains jailed on $215,000 bail while facing a new first-degree organized retail theft charge. Prosecutors are also seeking to keep her in custody as the case proceeds. Wiley was released after posting bond. The allegations remain unproven, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Federal prosecutors have alleged that Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, real name Lontrell Williams Jr., maintained an inappropriate relationship with a home confinement supervisor that allowed repeated violations of the conditions of his court-ordered release, according to a recent filing in the U.S. District Court. The allegations surfaced as the government continues to oppose Williams’ request for pretrial release in a pending prosecution arising from the alleged robbery and kidnapping of rapper Gucci Mane and others at a Dallas recording studio. @TheJusticeDept v. @pooh_shiesty / @BigThirty375:@FBI prosecutors Ryan Raybould and Claire Demers filed a response to Pooh Shiesty’s Motion For Review Of The Detention Order and For Release Conditions with Northen Texas court on Thursday, June 24. In the 64-page response,… pic.twitter.com/sIQdo5ymRF — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) June 25, 2026 According to the filing, the alleged relationship involved at least one case supervisor employed by Volunteers of America, the nonprofit organization responsible for supervising Williams during his home confinement following his 2022 federal conviction on conspiracy and drug trafficking charges. Prosecutors allege the supervisor entered unauthorized day passes into the monitoring system, allowing Williams to travel beyond the limits authorized by the court. The filing further alleges the employee issued three unauthorized passes on the day of the alleged offenses and communicated with Williams 19 times that day. Pooh Shiesty’s Attorney Debunks Alleged Inappropriate Relationship Claims Made By The Prosecution In Rapper’s Robbery & Extortion Case The government also states that Volunteers of America terminated the employee following the alleged misconduct. Williams, through counsel, has denied the allegations. His attorney, Kent Schaffer, said in a statement: “We do not believe that there was anything inappropriate about our client’s relationship with any of the house arrest supervisors. That is not what he is on trial for and is simply a distraction.” @TheJusticeDept v. @pooh_shiesty / @BigThirty375: Pooh Shiesty’s attorney, Kent Schaffer (@KentSchaffer) released the following statement to @XXL’s @MarisaMendez on Sunday, June 28, regarding the government’s claims Pooh Shiesty had an inappropriate relationship with a house… pic.twitter.com/Jj2wWPhdpR — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) June 29, 2026 In addition to the alleged relationship, prosecutors contend Williams violated multiple conditions of his home confinement. The filing alleges he submitted a cold urine sample in November 2025. Authorities recorded it as a refusal and missed a scheduled urinalysis appointment in January 2026. The employee failed to appear for a required biweekly check-in in March 2026. Then later missed another drug test, citing transportation issues. The government relies on those allegations in arguing that Williams should remain in custody pending trial. Williams has pleaded not guilty to the robbery and kidnapping charges and continues to seek release on bond. His trial is currently scheduled to begin Feb. 22, 2027. The allegations concerning his supervision have not been adjudicated, and the criminal case remains pending.

90s and 2000s rap legend Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, pleaded guilty in federal court to five misdemeanor counts of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes, resolving charges tied to unpaid tax obligations between 2019 and 2023. According to a plea agreement, Mitchell, 52, admitted he failed to pay approximately $175,000 in federal income taxes during the five-year period. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22. Each misdemeanor count carries a statutory maximum sentence of one year in prison. View this post on Instagram Court records indicate the Chicago legend’s unpaid federal tax liabilities extend beyond the charged conduct. The Internal Revenue Service alleges he owes more than $440,000 in outstanding taxes dating to 2011. Mitchell’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Federal prosecutors said Mitchell earned income through live performances, album sales, music streaming, publishing royalties and other entertainment-related activities while repeatedly receiving notice from both the IRS and his accountants regarding his tax obligations. Chicago Rap Legend Twista Pleads Guilty To $440K Upaid Taxes, Faces 5 Years In Prison Despite those notices, prosecutors alleged Mitchell spent substantial sums on luxury vehicles rather than satisfying his outstanding tax debt. Court filings state he purchased a Chevrolet Corvette for approximately $100,000, a BMW i8 for nearly $80,000, a Tesla for about $65,000 and a Jeep costing roughly $65,000. The government further alleged that Mitchell “routinely made other large, nonessential purchases when he could have used available funds to pay his outstanding tax debts.” Prosecutors also contend Mitchell entered into an arrangement with a third-party company to receive advances against future royalty payments. According to the IRS, the structure allowed him to access royalty income before distribution while avoiding immediate tax withholding. As part of the plea agreement, Mitchell agreed to pay approximately $440,000 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury Department. He also remains liable for any accrued interest and applicable penalties. Twista received two Grammy Award nominations in 2005 for “Slow Jamz,” a collaboration with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, and his solo hit “Overnight Celebrity.” He is often referenced as a pioneer in Chicago hip-hop. The guilty plea concludes the criminal phase of the tax case, with sentencing and restitution still pending before the federal court.

Hip-Hop mogul 50 Cent couldn’t resist taking another shot at former EMPIRE actor Jussie Smollett with a Starz’s Power reference after the singer returned to the stage for the first time in eight years. 50 shared a viral video from Smollett’s performance at Harlem Pride on Instagram Sunday, using the moment to revive his long-running rivalry between Starz’s “Power” and Fox’s “Empire.” “See I told you POWER was the shit, but No you want to watch Empire. Now look this is all your fault. LOL ,” 50 Cent wrote. View this post on Instagram The jab referenced the years-long ratings battle between the hit dramas. While 50 Cent helped build “Power” into one of cable television’s biggest franchises, Smollett starred as Jamal Lyon on “Empire” alongside Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. Instead of commenting directly on Smollett’s emotional Harlem Pride performance, 50 Cent turned the clip into another opportunity to troll his former television rival. The rapper has repeatedly mocked “Empire” since both shows competed for viewers during the mid-2010s. Hip-Hop Mogul 50 Cent Remembers Power v. EMPIRE Beef While Laughing At Jussie Smollett’s Harlem Pride Performance Fans quickly piled into the comments. “How Long Does It Take For @50cent To Forgive I’ll Wait,” wrote @carribeanfestivalke, suggesting the rapper still enjoys revisiting the old television feud. Others targeted Smollett’s choreography. “The dudes that jumped him are the backup dancers ,” joked comedian Chingo Bling. Instagram user @dhow4 compared the performance to “that video machine you get into at the carnival to make videos for 5 minutes,” while @diamondshinezbright added, “Chiiiiile this is a hot mess .” Another commenter, @heyquels_, wrote, “I blame his siblings. Why are they allowing him to embarrass himself .” Smollett’s Harlem Pride appearance marked his first live performance in eight years and drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Online, however, much of the attention shifted to 50 Cent’s latest roast. Known for turning viral moments into punchlines, the Queens rapper once again used social media to revisit the “Power” versus “Empire” rivalry—proving that, years after both shows dominated television, he’s still ready to keep the feud alive with a single Instagram post.

The Buffalo Bills are slated to open their new stadium later this year, however franchise legend O.J Simpson will not be included in the celebration. Simpson, who spent nine years (1969 to 1977) with the Bills, will not be included on any new displays in or outside the stadium. “We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and family circle.” said Pete Guelli, chief operating officer for the Bills, in a statement on Saturday. Rather than duplicate their Wall of Fame, the Bills plan to honor their past by having their greats featured in a display in a large gathering area, called the “Family Circle,” in front of their new stadium. A stadium built for Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/vvJRdjTXwJ — Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 23, 2026 While Simpson was a superstar player, setting several NFL records, his legacy was overshadowed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. Though acquitted of murder, Simpson was later found liable for the deaths in a separate civil case.  He was ordered to pay $33.5 million to family members of Brown and Goldman, per AP News. Later, Simpson served nine years in prison after being convicted on unrelated charges. The Bills’ decision to exclude Simpson from the Family Circle underscores how his history-making NFL career and infamous criminal case remain inseperable. The Bills, under late-owner Ralph Wilson, had long ago distanced themselves from Simpson as a result of the murder charges Simpson was 76 when he died of prostate cancer in April 2024. During the time of his death, neither the Bills nor his alma mater, USC, publicly acknowledged his passing.

Jay-Z’s 2026 has begun to take shape less like a traditional touring cycle and more like a rolling reflection on his own catalog. This has unfolded across stadium dates, public installations, and anniversary events in New York. On Thursday, June 25, he appeared at the Brooklyn stop of an Apple Music and Roc Nation pop-up marking 30 years since Reasonable Doubt. He was accompanied by his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Photos captured them together in front of the Roc hand sign. Meanwhile, figures like Dave East and more circulated through the space. The mood inside the installation leaned relaxed. Visitors moved between exhibits that trace the album’s early legacy. Alongside the displays, limited merchandise and city-backed collaborations have turned the anniversary into a wider New York moment. This is rather than a single event. That sense of looking back does not stop at his debut album. Jay-Z is also preparing to mark 25 years of The Blueprint, a record that shifted his artistic trajectory and, for many listeners, broadened his reach. Plans around that milestone are expected to follow a similar format. There will be curated experiences and public-facing installations extending the celebration across the city. Taken together, the two anniversaries have effectively structured 2026 around memory, legacy, and performance. View this post on Instagram Jay-Z’s Stadium Trilogy Expands Globally In July, that framing moves into stadiums. Jay-Z is scheduled to perform at Yankee Stadium on the 10th, 11th, and 12th, with each night shaped around a different chapter of his work. The first is expected to center on Reasonable Doubt. The second will focus on The Blueprint. For the final show, he will weave the two together with space for improvisation. While setlists have not been formally detailed, the structure suggests a focus on revisiting material. This material will be presented in ways that feel less archival and more interpretive. Later in the year, he is slated to perform in Paris on September 10 and Los Angeles on October 23. This extends the anniversary framework beyond the United States. Between those commitments, he has also been spending time with Blue Ivy. This includes a recent family trip that briefly separated him from the demands of the rollout. Even with the calendar filling quickly, the year so far has carried a steady balance between public commemoration and private life. Both unfold in parallel.

On Thursday (June 25), journalist and author Sowmya Krishnamurthy took advantage of hip-hop’s celebration for JAŸ-Z’s 30th anniversary debut album, Reasonable Doubt, by previewing a page from her upcoming book about Roc-A-Fella Records, The Blueprint. “To celebrate Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt, here’s a sneak peek from my new book, The Blueprint [diamond emoji],” Krishnamurthy tweets in celebration of JAŸ-Z’s legacy. To celebrate Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt, here’s a sneak peek from my new book THE BLUEPRINT https://t.co/NuPX2lldbz pic.twitter.com/o98JaAJxBb — Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) June 25, 2026 Leading up to the anticipate Yankee Stadium concerts in July, JAŸ-Z and Roc Nation unveiled multiple commemorative pop-ups throughout New York City. The activations support the classic 1996 album that includes memorable songs such as “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” “Ain’t No N***a,” and “Dead Presidents II.” Krishnamurthy’s The Blueprint retraces the steps that took Roc-A-Fella Records — founded by JAŸ-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke — from an unknown independent to one of the most influential brands in hip-hop. Titled, “Reasonable Doubt,” the chapter 8 excerpt opens Jay’s reflection on the album that began his legendary career. The debut album that redefined East Coast Hip-hop was originally meant to be Jay’s last album. “When I made my first album, it was my intention to make it my last,” said Hov. Early in the chapter, Krishnamurthy recreates the signature atmosphere Hov and Roc-A-Fella created in the “Dead Presidents” music video, where Jay, BIggie Smalls., Dame, Biggs, AZ, Lil’ Cease, Smoothe da Hustler and Ty Ty gathered around a Monopoly board stacked with real cash and bottles of Cristal. It inspired a generation as it became one of 90s hip-hop’s most memorable moments. Author Sowmya Krishnamurthy Previews The New Roc-A-Fella Book In Celebration Of JAŸ-Z’s Legacy “Aight now, fittin’ that we’re all playing games here, being that we’re all players, you know? Monopoly is the perfect game for us,” Jay-Z says before shaking the dice in “Dead President II” and asking, “Where we at?” Krishnamurthy spoke to rap legend AZ about the game and it’s authenticity. “It was like a Brooklyn thing,” he recalled. “Everybody wanted to play Monopoly with real money, so we just brought it to life, man.” The page focuses on “Dead Presidents II,” with the author talking to the song’s producer, Ski Beatz, about the song’s samples. Most fans know the classic track has a sample from Nas, but also hall-of-fame rap group A Tribe Called Quest and legendary pianist Lonnie Liston Smith. Krishnamurthy teases the untold story behind how Ski Beatz originally left the Nas sample on the track, which Jay agreed to. The Blueprint will be released by publisher Simon & Schuster on November 30. The upcoming book marks Krishnamurthy’s second release with the publisher, following her debut book, Fashion Killa, which is a Ptichfork’s Best Music Book of 2024. Krishnamurthy’s upcoming book promises an in-depth chronicle of JAŸ-Z from Brooklyn hustler to one of hip-hop’s most influential moguls. She announced The Blueprint last March, describing it in a tweet as: “Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records are a testament to the American Dream. This is the story of ambition, innovation, and the cost of success.” The legacy of Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt: Authenticity, independence, and the rise of the hip-hop hustler https://t.co/RaDWaDwbSz#hiphop #rap #jayz pic.twitter.com/OOW7Wp0yD3 — Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) June 26, 2026 Chapter 8 is fans’s first glimpse inside the book. Krishnamurthy has been regularly promoting The Blueprint on her YouTube channel alongside relatable content. Pre-orders are available now, here. JAŸ-Z’s upcoming Yankee Stadium concerts will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt on Friday, July 10, 25th anniversary of Blueprint on Saturday, July 11. A third show, known as the “extra innings” will be on Sunday, July 12. An 8-part Jay-Z interview with legendary hip-hop producer Rick Rubin was announced on Thursday, set to premiere on HBO this Fall.

Federal prosecutors have stepped back into court with a new filing aimed at keeping Pooh Shiesty in custody as his federal case continues to move toward trial. The submission is dated Wednesday, June 24. It comes as the rapper—alongside his father, Lontrell Williams Sr.; fellow Memphis artist Big30; and several co-defendants—faces allegations tied to robbery and kidnapping connected to Gucci Mane. The government’s position remains unchanged. Shiesty should not be released while proceedings are still unfolding. A central piece of the latest filing is a letter submitted to the court by an individual identified as “C.W.,” described as a retired law enforcement officer and one of the people prosecutors consider a victim in the case. In his statement, C.W. asks the judge to deny bond. He points to fears about personal safety and the possibility of retaliation if Shiesty were released. Prosecutors included the letter as supporting material for their argument against pretrial release. Victim cites safety fears; prosecutors cite supervision breach C.W. writes that his prior work in law enforcement heightens those concerns. This is particularly true given his belief that Shiesty is aware of his background. “Out of all the victims involved in this case, I am the only one who lives in Texas, and I am extremely fearful of [Pooh Shiesty’s] ability to reach me or my family if he is granted bond,” the letter states. He also describes what he views as a broader risk tied to the circumstances of the case. In addition, he mentions the defendant’s alleged conduct while under supervision. Beyond the letter, prosecutors also reiterated claims that the alleged offenses occurred while Shiesty was already under government monitoring. They further argue that the conditions described in court filings justify continued detention as the case progresses. The trial is currently scheduled for February 2027. Additional filings, evidence, and testimony are expected to surface in the months ahead as both sides prepare their arguments.

Pooh Shiesty remains in custody as he continues to pursue bail in a federal case that prosecutors say involves an alleged kidnapping and robbery tied to Gucci Mane. A recent filing reported by Complex outlines the government’s push to keep him detained ahead of trial. It also revisits claims tied to a Dallas recording studio earlier this year. Prosecutors say the record now includes disputed footage involving both artists. In addition, it includes a contract they allege was central to the confrontation. Shiesty is charged alongside his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., Memphis rapper Big30, and several additional co-defendants. At the center of the dispute is a contract prosecutors describe as heavily one-sided. They allege it was designed to alter Shiesty’s relationship with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records. They argue the document would have allowed him to exit the label immediately. It also would have erased existing obligations and claimed ownership over masters and intellectual property rights. Gucci Mane, according to the filings, objected most strongly to those terms. Gucci Mane Allegedly Forced to Sign Deal The filing further claims the agreement shifted key approval power over Atlantic Records dealings into Shiesty’s “sole discretion,” giving him control over outside negotiations. Prosecutors allege the document was prepared shortly before the incident. Furthermore, they say Gucci Mane was pressured to sign it during the encounter at gunpoint. They also say Shiesty directed Big30 to record parts of the episode. This adds another layer to the government’s account. Screenshots included in the filing reportedly show a firearm present while individuals stand near Gucci Mane, whose legal name, Radric Davis, appears partially obscured in court exhibits. Aside from Gucci Mane’s track “Crash Dummy” and limited public commentary from Shiesty, neither side has directly addressed the latest allegations in detail. With trial proceedings scheduled for February, the case is expected to expand. This is as additional evidence is reviewed in court.