Clive Davis, the legendary record executive and industry visionary who shaped the sound of popular music for more than half a century, died Monday at the age of 94. His family confirmed the news following a recent hospitalization for an upper respiratory infection that had sidelined the mogul in the weeks leading up to his death. Davis was a towering figure in the entertainment world, credited with discovering and cultivating the careers of iconic performers such as Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen and Alicia Keys. Throughout a career that spanned seven decades, he served as the president of Columbia Records and famously founded Arista Records and J Records, leaving an indelible mark on every genre from rock and pop to R&B and soul. Known for his signature tinted glasses and sharp business acumen, Davis possessed what many in the industry described as a “golden ear” for hits. His most famous partnership was with Whitney Houston, whom he mentored from a young gospel singer into a global superstar. He was equally pivotal for Barry Manilow, famously bringing him the song “Brandy,” which they reworked into the chart-topping classic “Mandy.” “I found, by accident, a role for music in my life that became a natural part of me and I realized I had a natural gift for discovering artists,” Davis said in a 2022 interview. He emphasized that maintaining a high standard of excellence and a rigorous work ethic were the pillars of his long-standing success in a volatile industry. Even into his 90s, Davis remained a central force in Hollywood. He continued to host his legendary Pre-Grammy Gala, an annual event that served as the industry’s most prestigious gathering of talent. From his bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel, he personally curated the lineup of performers, often pairing industry veterans with promising newcomers he had personally scouted. The music community began mourning the loss of the titan immediately as news of his passing spread. Longtime collaborator Barry Manilow reflected on their decades-long partnership, noting that while they often argued over creative directions, their mutual respect was unwavering. “It’s been a decent relationship when it comes to the music,” Manilow said. “And then it’s been an even better one as friends.” Davis is survived by his children and a vast legacy of music that continues to define the American soundtrack. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced as of yet. May he rest peacefully.

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is facing unverified allegations circulated on social media, although no publicly available records indicate that law enforcement has opened a criminal case or filed charges against the veteran NFL player. The allegations surfaced Saturday through the Instagram account @everythingkrisxo, which posted several videos accusing Smith of physical assault and making additional claims regarding his personal life. As of Sunday, no police reports, arrest records or court filings related to the allegations had been identified. View this post on Instagram Smith has not publicly responded to the accusations. The social media posts included video footage purportedly showing Smith during a telephone conversation. In one recording, a voice identified as Smith states, “She just called the police.” Separate footage appears to show Smith speaking with multiple police officers. The nature of that interaction remains unclear. No law enforcement agency has confirmed whether officers prepared an incident report, conducted an investigation or took enforcement action. Authorities have not released statements regarding the matter. New York Jets Quarterback Geno Smith Accused Of Assault In Unverified Social Media Clip The absence of publicly available records leaves key questions unresolved, including whether a formal complaint was filed and whether any investigation is pending. No prosecutor’s office has announced charges, and no court proceedings connected to the allegations have been identified. The matter emerged months after Smith returned to the Jets in a March 2026 trade. The veteran quarterback previously began his NFL career with New York after entering the league in 2013. Following the trade, Smith characterized the move as a return to familiar ground. “Complete full circle moment back to where it all began,” Smith said during an interview with NFL Network. For now, the allegations remain confined to social media postings. No governmental agency has publicly verified the claims, and no official findings have been released. Likewise, neither the NFL nor the Jets have publicly announced disciplinary action, investigative findings or other measures related to the allegations. Absent additional records or official statements, the claims against Smith remain unverified.

Cardi B is opening up about the challenges of living under constant public scrutiny, addressing speculation about her relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs while making it clear that some aspects of her personal life may remain private moving forward. During a recent X Spaces conversation, the Grammy-winning rapper spoke candidly about online commentary surrounding Diggs, his family, and their relationship. Her remarks quickly fueled questions among fans, many of whom have closely followed the pair’s romance in recent months. View this post on Instagram Although Cardi did not directly confirm whether she and Diggs are still together, she suggested that future relationships may be kept out of the spotlight. The comments led some listeners to wonder whether the couple had parted ways. Others interpreted her remarks as a broader desire for privacy after years of public attention. Throughout the discussion, Cardi defended Diggs against criticism she said was unfairly directed at his role as a father. She expressed frustration with social media accounts that continue to dissect his relationships with the mothers of his children and criticized online culture for focusing on personal drama. Hip Hop Star Cardi B Says Next Relationship Will Be Private While Addressing Current Relationship With NFL Star Stefon Diggs In X Spaces Chat One topic that drew particular attention was Diggs’ decision to spend Christmas with his children. Some online observers questioned the move, but Cardi said there was nothing controversial about it. According to the rapper, Diggs chose to prioritize time with his children during the holiday before celebrating with her the following day. She also dismissed rumors suggesting tension between her and the mothers of his children, describing several claims circulating online as inaccurate. The conversation came shortly after Diggs addressed questions about Cardi during a TMZ interview. “That’s a beautiful talented mother, and I love her to death. You have to ask her,” the NFL wide receiver said when asked about their relationship. Diggs also responded to a viral video that appeared to show the pair in a public disagreement. “What argument? I don’t even think that was an argument,” he said. “It’s okay, women get like that sometimes.” For now, neither Cardi nor Diggs has publicly defined the status of their relationship. What remains clear is their shared effort to protect parts of their personal lives while navigating intense public interest and ongoing social media speculation.

Hip Hop stars Yung Miami and G Herbo are helping usher Uptown Records into a new era as the legendary label relaunches under Republic Collective, nearly four decades after its founding by late music executive Andre Harrell. The revived imprint has unveiled its first wave of artists, led by Yung Miami, G Herbo and South Carolina rapper Trap Dickey. The move signals a fresh chapter for the storied label, which helped launch the careers of Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Heavy D and Al B. Sure! while becoming a cornerstone of hip hop and R&B during the late 1980s and 1990s. Among the first releases tied to the new Uptown era is Yung Miami’s latest single, “Spend Dat,” a high-energy record that marks a new phase in the City Girls rapper’s solo career. The release arrives as the Miami native joins a roster designed to connect Uptown’s legacy with a new generation of artists. “This is a legendary label being resurrected,” Yung Miami said in a statement. Praising the company’s female-led executive team, she added, “Uptown already feels like home.” Uptown Records Relaunches With First Signees Hip Hop Stars G Herbo & Yung Miami Music industry veteran Danielle Price Sanders will oversee the relaunch as president of Uptown Records and executive vice president of Republic Collective. Natina Nimene joins the leadership group as executive vice president of Urban Audience and Artist Relations. For G Herbo, joining the iconic label carries historical significance. “Uptown Records was a flagship for rap music,” the Chicago rapper said. “It created the template for superstars in the eighties and nineties. It’s an honor to be a part of its story.” Founded in 1986, Uptown Records helped shape modern Black music culture. The label is credited with the rise of Atlanta’s hip-hop dominance. Yung Miami and G Herbo lead the return. Uptown Records is betting on a blend of heritage and contemporary star power as it begins its next chapter.

Kanye West, now known as Ye, has a planned Fourth of July concert at the Alamodome in San Antonio that the city’s mayor doesn’t want. Over the weekend, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones publicly called for the cancellation of the hip-hop mogul’s upcoming show announced earlier this month. The upcoming concert marks Ye’s return to the city after 13 years. The mayor made her position clear in a post shared on X Saturday night. “I support cancelling the @ye concert,” Jones wrote. “Military City USA should not host someone with a record of hate speech and antisemitic comments in a city-funded facility like our Alamodome—not ever, and certainly not on July 4th, our Nation’s 250th birthday.” The announcement has sparked heated debate online. Some fans celebrated the chance to see Ye perform in San Antonio on Independence Day, while others questioned whether the city should host the controversial rap icon. Ye remains one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. Since breaking through with his 2004 debut album, The College Dropout, he has reshaped rap music through groundbreaking production, chart-topping albums, and a career that has spanned more than two decades. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones Wants Ye (Kanye West) Alamodome Canceled At the same time, Ye has generated controversy through a series of public statements and actions. In recent years, he has faced widespread criticism for antisemitic remarks and other inflammatory comments. Earlier this year, he issued a public apology in a full-page Wall Street Journal advertisement, attributing some of his past behavior to bipolar disorder. The apology, however, did little to quiet critics. Jones doubled down on her position by framing the issue as a stand against hate speech. “Standing up to antisemitism is exactly what it takes to achieve a more perfect Union,” she wrote. As of now, Ye’s July 4 concert at the San Antonio Alamodome remains on the schedule. The mayor’s remarks have only intensified the conversation surrounding one of hip-hop’s most polarizing figures as he continues promoting his latest album, Bully.

Singer Beyoncé is offering a rare look into her family’s personal life through a new video for her hair-care brand Cécred, highlighting husband JAŸ-Z, formerly Jay-Z, dramatic hair transformation before Roots Picnic and the inspiration behind it. The video, titled “The Blueprint,” was released through Cécred’s digital platforms and documents JAŸ-Z’s transition from his signature locs to the natural afro he recently debuted during an appearance at the Roots Picnic music festival. In the nearly documentary-style presentation, Beyoncé reveals that the hip-hop mogul’s decision to grow his hair was motivated by a desire to support his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, and help her embrace her natural hair. “Jay started growing his hair because of Blue,” Beyoncé says in the video. “He wanted her to see the beauty in her natural hair.” The footage provides an intimate look at a process that took more than five days to complete. Beyoncé joins a team of stylists as they carefully comb through years of hair growth, using products from the Cécred line throughout the transformation. Jay-Z’s Hair Transformation Leading Up To Roots Picnic Documented By Beyoncé & Cécred JAŸ-Z’s new hairstyle became a topic of conversation after the Roots Picnic. Until now, the public had little insight into how the transformation unfolded or the family story behind it. Beyond documenting a hairstyle change, “The Blueprint” focuses on themes of identity, self-confidence, and cultural heritage. The video portrays hair as a form of personal expression while highlighting conversations about representation and self-image within families. The release also serves as a showcase for Cécred. Beyoncé’s hair-care brand was launched with an emphasis on a healthy hair regimen. Throughout the video, Beyoncé frames the experience as more than a cosmetic change. The project, she suggests, reflects a family’s effort to celebrate natural beauty and encourage self-acceptance. For viewers, “The Blueprint” offers an uncommon glimpse into the lives of the Carters, told through the Cécred brand.

Ice Cube, founder of the BIG3, has announced the one-game suspension of Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley for lack of conduct during a recent game. The announcement arrives two-days following their actions during and after Saturday’s matchup between the Miami 305 and the LA Riot. On Saturday’s (June 20) game, Stephenson, playing for Miami 305, seemingly tackled Devin Ebanks of the L.A. Riot while driving to the basket then briefly held him in a headlock. Stephenson later took a swing at Jordan Crawford, also on the opposing team. Lance Stephenson wanted smoke with the whole LA Riot team!! Game called after altercation with both teams. pic.twitter.com/6Ya6pOpFYu — Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 20, 2026 Per the league’s official statement, officials reviewed the incident and determined that both players’ conduct fell short of the professionalism, respect, and sportsmanship expected of BIG3 athletes. League commissioner Clyde Drexler announced that Stephenson and Miami teammate Michael Beasley would be suspended for one game. Ice Cube wrote on his social media pages: “Apologies to everybody watching the Miami 305 vs. LA riot on ⁦@CBS yesterday. We all wanted to see a great basketball game. That wasn’t it.” The statement highlighted that while the league embraces “physical play” and welcomes “trash talk,” they do not condone physical violence as safety is a priority. View this post on Instagram To minimize roster disruptions, the suspensions will be served separately. Stephenson will sit out Week 2, while Beasley will serve his suspension during Week 3 of the BIG3 season. The decision was signed by BIG3 Commissioner Clyde Drexler. Stephenson was selected 40th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft and went on to play for several teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Charlotte Hornets, among others.

Brooklyn rapper Bobby Shmurda met his father, Gervase Johnson, with open arms after serving a 30-year prison sentence. Social media made the reunion go viral on Thursday. The emotional father-son moment exploded across social media Friday after MyMixtapez shared a split-screen video on X showing the pair together for the first time since Shmurda was an infant. The clip quickly racked up millions of views as fans celebrated the long-awaited reunion. Bobby Shmurda’s father has been released from prison after serving over 30 years He was arrested when Bobby was only two months old, and Bobby is now 31 years old. pic.twitter.com/tuZGMkO0qE — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) June 19, 2026 Johnson entered prison when Shmurda, whose legal name is Ackquille Pollard, was just two months old. Now 31, the rapper could be seen smiling, hugging and spending time with his father in scenes that struck a chord with fans. The video’s caption highlighted the extraordinary timeline: a father incarcerated for most of his son’s life finally returning home. Public records show Johnson was convicted in Miami-Dade County, Florida, in the mid-1990s on charges that included attempted first-degree murder. Various reports have described his sentence differently, with some citing life imprisonment and others reporting a term exceeding 100 years. Brooklyn Rapper Bobby Shmurda & His Father, Gervase Johnson, Reunite For First Time in 30 Years Upon Prison Release Johnson ultimately spent more than 30 years in custody before securing his freedom in June 2026. Details surrounding his release remain unclear. Public records have not yet indicated whether Johnson completed his sentence, received parole or obtained relief through another legal avenue. A 2023 online campaign known as “Free Gervy” argued that Johnson had been wrongfully convicted, though no court overturned the conviction. For Shmurda, the reunion carries added weight. The rapper famously served his own prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy and weapons-related charges in 2016. He was released in 2021 after serving roughly six years. https://youtu.be/ekBz3sp-k?si=DH6tnRNdTorPSPEO Throughout his music career, Shmurda frequently referenced his father’s absence. Fans have long pointed to lyrics from his breakout hit “Hot N***a” as a reflection of that experience. Now, after decades of separation, father and son are finally sharing the same moment. For many fans, the viral video represents more than a family reunion. It is a story of resilience, redemption and a second chance at time that once seemed lost forever.

Hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz and several music publishers have sued a North Carolina entertainment venue in federal court, alleging it publicly performed copyrighted songs, including the late DMX’s hit “Party Up (Up in Here),” without obtaining the licenses required under federal copyright law. The complaint, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, accuses BoatYard Lake Norman and its owner, Chris Boukedes, of repeatedly playing protected musical works despite years of outreach and licensing offers from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, known as ASCAP. At the center of the dispute is “Party Up (Up in Here),” the chart-topping DMX single co-written by Swizz Beatz. The lawsuit alleges the venue publicly performed the song and other copyrighted works without authorization, depriving songwriters, composers and music publishers of performance royalties. According to the complaint, ASCAP representatives attempted to secure compliance through telephone calls, emails and mailed correspondence. The organization contends those efforts were unsuccessful. Swizz Beatz Goes After North Carolina Nightclub For The Illegal Use Of DMX’s Hit “Party Up” In Federal Court “ASCAP has contacted Defendants by telephone, by mail, and by e-mail,” the complaint states. Despite those communications, the defendants allegedly “refused all of ASCAP’s license offers for Boatyard” while continuing to publicly perform copyrighted compositions within ASCAP’s repertory. The action also includes claims involving “Jump Around,” “Party All the Time” and “Shut Up and Dance,” with several publishing companies joining as plaintiffs. Universal Music Corp. is among the entities asserting rights connected to “Party Up (Up in Here).” The plaintiffs seek up to $30,000 in statutory damages. Along with injunctive relief and other remedies available under the Copyright Act. The lawsuit is one of several copyright enforcement actions filed nationwide this week by ASCAP-affiliated songwriters and publishers. In a statement, ASCAP Executive Vice President of Licensing Stephanie Ruyle said the venues chose not to pay. “Each of the establishments sued today has chosen to infringe upon the hard work of songwriters instead of licensing the music they play, despite repeated notifications and opportunities to do so.”

Baton Rouge rapper NBA Ben10 appreciates his fans as he looks ahead after a year marked by violence, recovery, and uncertainty. Real name Ben Anthony Fields, he shared an encouraging update this week, telling fans he hopes to walk again by Christmas after suffering life-altering injuries in a Houston shooting earlier this year. In a video posted to social media on June 17, the NBA Youngboy affiliate addressed supporters who have followed his recovery journey over the past several months. “To all the ones who prayed for me, thank you for the good prayers. I’m still in this joint,” Ben10 said from what appeared to be a rehabilitation facility. “We are shooting for Christmas for me to be up whipping your a*s again. Gang.” NBA Ben10 thanks supporters for praying for him through his recovery & says he aims to be on his feet by Christmas pic.twitter.com/WKRBF8rjLe — AkzWhoMatter (@akzwhomatter) June 18, 2026 The message offered a rare glimpse into the rapper’s mindset following two separate shootings in less than six weeks. The first incident occurred on April 8 at Confessions Restaurant and Lounge in Houston, Texas. Authorities said the shooting stemmed from an attempted robbery involving Detroit rapper Allstar JR, who was also at the venue. Rapper NBA Ben10 Sends “Thank You” To His Supportive Fans After Being Shot In Houston & Baton Rouge Investigators allege that JR obtained a firearm during the confrontation and fired multiple shots. At least two people were struck by gunfire, including Ben10. The full extent of his injuries became public through court filings in Harris County. Prosecutors alleged that the Baton Rouge artist suffered a spinal injury that resulted in “irreversible paralysis of the lower extremities.” News of the shooting quickly spread throughout hip-hop circles, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and artists connected to the Never Broke Again camp. Just weeks later, Ben10 was reportedly wounded again during an altercation in Baton Rouge. Local outlet WBRZ reported that three people suffered injuries in the incident. Authorities have released few details about the case. Despite the setbacks, NBA Ben10’s latest update reflects determination rather than defeat. For now, his focus remains on rehabilitation, recovery, and reaching a goal that once seemed distant: taking his first steps again by Christmas.