Mayor Ray Giacobbe of Rahway, NJ sits down with DJ Drewski on HOT 97’s Midday Movement with DJ Drewski for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond politics. They talk about the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series (featuring Jim Jones, Maino, Memphis Bleek, and more), Rahway’s hip-hop roots, and why the city is embracing — not banning — rap events. Then things get real: Mayor Giacobbe opens up about losing his 22-year-old daughter Bella in 2022, how fitness helped him battle depression, and what keeps him going every single day. He also discusses the Bella Kind Foundation, Rahway’s booming redevelopment, and what it really means to lead a community. This one hits different. Mayor’s Summer Concert Series — Every Thursday in August at Union County Performing Arts Center Learn more about Bella Kind Foundation Rahway, NJ — Come experience it for yourself

Former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight has issued a stern warning to legal teams involved in the Tupac Shakur murder trial, vowing to remain an uncooperative witness if forced to testify. Knight, who was driving the vehicle when Shakur was fatally shot in 1996, told reporters he has no intention of aiding the prosecution or the defense in the case against Duane “Keefe D” Davis. The high-profile trial of Davis, which began jury selection this week, seeks to finally resolve the nearly 30-year-old mystery of who killed the legendary rapper. Knight is considered a central witness by both sides, yet he remains adamant that his presence in the courtroom will only lead to complications for those who subpoena him. “They make me come there against my will, if Keefe D’s lawyers bring me there, it don’t look good for him,” Knight said in a recent interview with ABC. “If the prosecution brings me there, it don’t look good for them. Leave me out of it.” Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for an unrelated 2015 voluntary manslaughter conviction, framed his refusal to cooperate as a matter of personal code and loyalty. He equated the act of testifying against another person to physical violence, suggesting that “snitching” is a fate worse than death. “To actually get on the stand, and point somebody out, it’s worse than taking a gun and shooting that man in the head,” Knight said. He added that he refuses to be the reason another man spends the remainder of his life behind bars, despite his enduring “loyalty to Tupac.” Legal experts have noted that Davis has already complicated his own defense through years of public admissions. Prosecutors intend to use Davis’s own 2019 memoir and various media interviews as evidence, in which he reportedly detailed his involvement in the Southside Compton Crips and the night of the shooting. Knight echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Davis “already told on himself” through his public statements. The trial marks a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, as Davis is currently the only person ever charged in connection with the 1996 drive-by shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. While Knight remains the only surviving eye-witness from inside the target vehicle, his refusal to participate highlights the ongoing cultural and legal tensions that have surrounded this case for decades. As jury selection continues in Nevada, the court must decide whether to compel the incarcerated former mogul to travel to Las Vegas. If forced to the stand, Knight’s testimony—or lack thereof—could prove to be a volatile element in a trial that the music world has anticipated for nearly three decades.

LeBron James will officially begin his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers this fall, against the defending NBA champion New York Knicks. The league announced Tuesday that the 41-year-old superstar will make his 76ers debut at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 20, marking the start of what James has described as his final chapter in professional basketball. The season-opening contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will serve as the centerpiece of a tripleheader broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The game marks a significant shift in the Eastern Conference landscape, as James joins a revamped Philadelphia roster that also includes former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. The duo aims to bring a championship back to the City of Brotherly Love, a feat the franchise hasn’t achieved since 1983. James signed a multimillion-dollar, two-year deal with Philadelphia in July after months of speculation regarding his potential retirement. The four-time NBA champion admitted he faced internal conflict following the conclusion of his time with the Los Angeles Lakers before deciding he had more to offer the sport. “I thought I was done when the season ended,” James said during the announcement of his free agency decision. “I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game.” Ultimately, the lure of competition and the chance to build a contender in Philadelphia brought him back to the court. James said he believes he can “help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team” and noted that this move represents the “last decision” of his storied career. The debut against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks is just the first highlight of a heavily anticipated schedule for James. The NBA also confirmed that the 76ers will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, setting the stage for an emotional return to Southern California for the league’s all-time leading scorer. Sports analysts and fellow athletes have spent the summer debating the impact of the move. The October opener at the Garden will provide the first definitive answer as the 76ers look to dethrone the reigning champions in their own building.

A Delaware Chancery Court judge has sided with Wayne Barrow in a dispute over proceeds from Biggie Smalls’s music catalog, rejecting R&B singer Faith Evans’ challenge to payments owed to a trust created by the late rapper’s mother. Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick ruled that Barrow, the sole trustee of Voletta Wallace’s trust, is entitled to receive her share of distributions from Notorious B.I.G. LLC. Biggie’s Manager Wins Battle Against Widow Faith Evans, Gains Partial Control Over Rapper’s Catalog Wayne Barrow prevailed in his battle to get payments as the trustee of Biggie’s mom’s estate – via @RollingStone https://t.co/ffBqM7eSl6 — The Diddy Docket (@diddydocket) August 11, 2026 Wallace, Biggie’s mother, died at 78 in February 2025. She and Evans previously co-owned the company, which controlled the late rapper’s music catalog and intellectual property. The company entered a 50-50 partnership with Primary Wave in March 2025. The transaction reportedly valued Biggie’s personal estate at $200 million. Under the company agreement, Wallace and Evans each transferred half of their distribution rights to Biggie’s children, Ty’anna Wallace and Christopher Jordan “CJ” Wallace. Each ultimately held a 25% share. Evans later refused to distribute Wallace’s share to the trust. McCormick said Evans appeared to object to Wallace’s decision to amend her trust shortly before her death. Biggie Smalls’s Manager Secure Small Win Against Faith Evans For Control Of Rapper’s Catalog The amendment removed CJ, Evans’ son with Biggie, as a co-trustee. “Presumably angered by the affront to her son, the defendant-widow took the position that the LLC agreement prohibited the transfer of membership units to the trust,” McCormick wrote. The judge rejected that position after reviewing the company agreement. She found Barrow entitled to “any and all rights and obligations held by Ms. Wallace under the [company] agreement.” Barrow’s attorney, Jay W. Freiberg, called the ruling “a total victory.” “Wayne is feeling vindicated,” Freiberg told Rolling Stone. He said Wallace wanted Barrow to safeguard Biggie’s legacy. A separate Pennsylvania lawsuit remains pending. CJ alleges Barrow improperly influenced Wallace before her death to appoint him trustee and executor. Freiberg and attorney Yelena Rapoport declined to discuss that case. They said CJ filed it to delay the Delaware litigation. “That gambit failed,” Freiberg said. Evans and CJ’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. McCormick invoked Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments” in her ruling. “Christopher Wallace presciently cautioned: ‘Keep your family and business completely separated,’” she wrote.

Rapper Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, is asking a Dallas County judge to force prosecutors to narrow their witness list ahead of his upcoming murder-for-hire trial. The “That’s On Me” hitmaker‘s attorney, Toby Shook, filed the four-page motion Monday with the Dallas County Clerk. The filing challenges a State of Texas witness list that now names 264 potential witnesses. State of TX v. @YellaBeezy214: Yella Beezy’s attorney Toby Shook (@toby_shook) filed a motion with the Dallas County Clerk on Monday, August 10, asking Judge Chika Anyiam to force prosecutors to narrow their 264-name witness list before trial. In 4-page motion, Shook argues… pic.twitter.com/8B30m0dVPK — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) August 10, 2026 Prosecutors initially identified 194 potential witnesses in a filing submitted July 27. The list included Brandon Rainwater, manager of slain Dallas rapper Mo3, Conway’s girlfriend DeAndrea Harris, rappers Trapboy Freddy and Jose Bodega, and alleged co-conspirators Jerry Johnson, also known as Maserati, Devin Brown and Kewon White. The State later filed an amended witness list Aug. 3. The filing added 70 names, bringing the potential witness total to 264. Prosecutors Tommy Adams, Ricardo Vela and Sharonda Davis are handling the case for the State. Dallas Rapper Yella Beezy Asks Court To Force Prosecution To Downsize 264-Named State’s Witness List Shook argues the expanded list does not provide meaningful notice of whom prosecutors actually intend to call. Instead, the defense says the disclosure resembles an investigative file rather than a focused trial list. According to the motion, requiring the defense to investigate 264 people would consume limited time and resources. Shook argues that many listed witnesses may never testify. The defense contends that a narrowed list is necessary for adequate trial preparation and a fair proceeding. Shook is asking Judge Chika Anyiam to order prosecutors to provide a “good-faith” narrowed witness list by Aug. 14. The defense also wants prosecutors to separately identify potential rebuttal witnesses. Shook asks the court to bar undisclosed witnesses from testifying unless the State establishes good cause and provides reasonable notice. The State has not responded to the motion as of Monday afternoon. Anyiam has not ruled on the request. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21. Jury selection and trial are scheduled to begin Aug. 24 in Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7. The dispute comes as prosecutors prepare to present their case against Conway, while his defense seeks clearer limits on the witnesses it must investigate before trial.

Dallas rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta reality star Erica Banks goes viral over the weekend when a social media clip surfaces of her buying children ski masks and hair bundles in Dallas, Texas, for back-to-school preparation. The clips surfaced on Instagram Aug. 8. One video shows Banks inside a Dallas department store surrounded by children and teenagers. Her hit song “Buss It” plays through the store as several young fans hold ski masks. Banks described the encounter as an impromptu meet-and-greet. “Y’all, so I’m walking around the store. Doing my little meet-and-greet,” Banks said. “Three musketeers pulled up on me and said, ‘Uhhh can you buy me something?’” View this post on Instagram She said she asked the children what they wanted before showing viewers their purchases. “And guess what I’m doing? Show them the ski masks, ayyyyyyeeee!” Banks said. The ski masks quickly became the focus of online discussion. Several commenters questioned whether they were appropriate purchases for children during back-to-school season. “We lost they already killing us in our ski masks and arresting us for nothing if we have one in public and this is what you do what about back to school shopping,” one commenter wrote. Another person suggested a different approach. Love & Hip-Hop Rapper Erica Banks Goes Viral Buying Children Ski Masks & Hair Bundles For Back-To-School Supplies In Dallas, Texas “lol I literally would’ve said no cause what that got to do with back to school. I’ll buy yall backpack ,” the commenter wrote. A third commenter took a more pointed approach, asking, “Ski mask for school???? what school is that??? robbery, murder, and assault school ????” Another added, “They got them ski mask to rob you girl stay woke.” Banks later appeared at The Hair Depot, where she bought hair bundles for several teenage girls. “Y’all she just got her some bundles,” Banks said. She recalled one girl asking, “Can you get me these?” Banks laughed before responding, “You want me to buy you some bundles, girl?” After asking the girls to greet the camera, Banks joked about the unexpected spending. “Y’all, they just broke my pockets — real bad,” she said. Banks later defended the spirit of the outing through her Instagram captions. “Asking me to buy bundles was so bold bruh. LMAO, she ain’t wrong tho. I love my city, anything for them,” she wrote. She added, “Brought everybody what they wanted today.” The videos show Banks supporting young Dallas fans while also highlighting a debate over the appropriateness of ski masks for children during back-to-school season.

All eyes are on Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty right now with the release of his new album, All Eye On Shiest, which debuted at #1 across the Apple Music charts on Monday, August 10. The achievement arrives as Shiesty continues navigating his federal criminal case. Released Friday, the 16-track project features a heavyweight lineup of Southern rap talent. GloRilla, Sexyy Red, BIG30 and K Carbon all appear across the album. Pooh Shiesty’s ‘All Eyes on Shiest’ has now reached #1 on US Apple Music across all genres It dethrones Ariana Grande’s ‘Petal’. pic.twitter.com/8SXCHmovga — Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDay) August 8, 2026 For Shiesty, the Apple Music milestone lands without the usual machinery behind a major rap release. He remains incarcerated and cannot promote All Eyes On Shiest through traditional appearances or performances. Instead, his music and supporters are carrying the rollout. The project continues Shiesty’s gritty Memphis sound while expanding his palette through high-profile collaborations. One standout is “Mane,” featuring GloRilla, another major voice from Memphis. The album also includes “FDO” and “Last Man Breathin.” Both tracks helped build momentum before the full project arrived. Memphis Rap Star Pooh Shiesty’s New Album, All Eyes On Shiest, Soars To #1 Across The Apple Music Charts Shiesty’s latest success has also resonated beyond Memphis. His music has developed a strong audience across Southern hip-hop markets, including Dallas, Texas, where his hard-edged style has found a receptive audience. That connection reflects the broader reach of Memphis rap. Shiesty has helped carry the city’s street-centered sound into a national conversation. All Eyes On Shiest reaching No. 1 also places Shiesty above releases spanning multiple genres. Apple Music’s overall chart includes hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and country. The accomplishment carries added significance given his circumstances. Shiesty cannot host release events, appear on radio shows or perform concerts supporting the album. His absence, however, has not slowed the response. The rapper remains incarcerated while awaiting trial, which is currently expected in February 2027. His legal situation has kept him away from the spotlight during a pivotal moment in his career. Still, All Eyes On Shiest shows his audience remains locked in. For Shiesty, the message is clear. The music continues traveling, even when he can’t.

James Harden’s misdemeanor charge has been dropped by theHarris County (Texas) District Attorney’s Office. According to The Athletic, the motion to dismiss the charges was officially filed on Thursday. Harden “completed an alternative resolution agreement,” per a court document.   ​Details of the “alternative resolution agreement” remain unclear. The Athletic has contacted the district attorney’s office for comment and will update this report once more information becomes available. ​Police arrested Harden, 36, early on the morning of June 13. He was booked into the Harris County Jail and freed after posting a $100 bond. According to court records, the terms of his release bar him from owning firearms and consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances without a prescription. Additionally, he must submit to random urine tests. HARDEN’S REMARKABLE CAREER ​Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive forces in basketball history, Harden built an elite NBA resume defined by scoring brilliance and elite playmaking. After winning the 2011–12 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden blossomed into a perennial superstar following his trade to the Houston Rockets. ​His prime reached its peak during the 2017–18 season, when he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) after leading the league in scoring. Over the course of his career, “The Beard” has earned 11 NBA All-Star selections, seven All-NBA Team honors (including six First Team selections), three consecutive scoring titles (2018–2020), and two assist titles (2017, 2023). ​Known for revolutionizing the step-back three-pointer and mastering isolation play, Harden is one of only a few players in league history to record a 60-point triple-double. He was also named to the prestigious NBA 75th Anniversary Team as one of the 75 greatest players of all time. ​Currently, Harden is a free agent, but it is expected to resign with the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason.

Undisputed world champion Claressa Shields is opening up about her desire to start a family, revealing she is eager to balance her championship boxing career with motherhood. During a candid appearance on Cam Newton’s “Funky Friday Podcast” on Aug. 7, Shields joked about her surprise that she has not yet become pregnant given her close relationship with partner and hip-hop artist Papoose. The 31-year-old boxing star, known as the “G.W.O.A.T.” (Greatest Woman of All Time), told Newton that she and Papoose spend significant time together whenever she is not away at training camp. Shields said that when she visits his home for weeks at a time, their focus shifts away from the ring and toward their personal life, leading to her lighthearted comment about their efforts to conceive. “I think we enjoy eating together and a lot of times we just enjoy lounging around,” Shields said during the interview. “Like, I’m surprised that I haven’t been pregnant yet. Seriously. Like, no. Like, for real.” Shields has been vocal for months about her intention to have children sooner rather than later. She previously told “The Pivot Podcast” that she has no interest in waiting until her 40s to start a family. She said she wants to be an active mother who can run at the park with her children, even if it means taking a brief hiatus from her dominant run in the professional boxing ranks. The relationship between Shields and Papoose has evolved from a friendship into a deep romantic and professional partnership. The boxer credited Papoose with being instrumental in her business dealings, including helping her secure a lucrative four-fight deal with Wynn Records. That agreement includes an $8 million minimum, ensuring her financial future as she prepares for life outside the ring. Despite her domestic aspirations, Shields remains a formidable force in sports. She is currently focused on her upcoming bout on Aug. 15 in Atlanta, where she will attempt to add two more world titles to her already historic collection. She said she remains “locked in” for the fight, maintaining the discipline required to stay at the top of the sport. Shields has made history as the first boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. While she plans to briefly step away for a pregnancy in the future, she has expressed confidence that she can return to the sport and continue her legacy after becoming a mother. Papoose, who was formerly married to rapper Remy Ma, has been a constant fixture at Shields’ recent fights and training sessions. The couple has frequently shared their journey on social media, blending their lives in the entertainment and sports worlds. For now, Shields remains focused on the immediate task in Atlanta before turning her full attention to the next chapter of her personal life.

Roc Nation is pushing back against growing speculation that hip-hop mogul Jay-Z has completed a new studio album, labeling recent rumors as “fake news” in a social media response. The denial follows a series of reports and public statements over the weekend that suggested the 24-time Grammy Award winner was sitting on a finished project. Ray Daniels, a prominent music industry figure, sparked the frenzy by claiming the album was complete but being held back while the rapper secured a specific business partnership. Roc Nation, the entertainment agency founded by Jay-Z, used its official Instagram story to directly address the claims. The company shared a post regarding the rumored album completion with a clear “Fake News” overlay, effectively damping the expectations of fans who had been anticipating a surprise release. View this post on Instagram The rapper has been actively promoting a series of 30th-anniversary shows for his debut masterpiece, “Reasonable Doubt,” which contributed to the belief that a new body of work was imminent. While the label’s dismissal was blunt, some fans remain skeptical of the denial. The rapper has a history of utilizing surprise release tactics, and the music industry frequently sees labels attempt to misdirect the public to preserve the impact of an unannounced project. The rapper was recently spotted at Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, appearing with his daughter, Blue Ivy. His presence at high-profile events, combined with upcoming scheduled performances in Los Angeles, England, and France, continues to fuel discussion about his next creative move. For now, the legendary Brooklyn artist remains tight-lipped regarding his recording schedule. His last solo effort, “4:44,” was widely praised for its vulnerability and business acumen, leaving a nearly decade-long gap in his solo discography that fans are eager to fill.