Billboard is unveiling its much-anticipated list of the top 25 songwriters of the 21st century, releasing names gradually throughout the week. Jay-Z claims the 25th spot, cementing his legacy as one of music’s most influential figures. The countdown began Monday with the first five names, with additional announcements expected in the coming days. Following Jay-Z, the list features notable talents, including Kanye West, Sean Garrett, Fergie, and Jermaine Dupri. Billboard’s methodology focuses on chart performance, highlighting songwriters who have led the Hot 100 with the most number-one hits since 2000. Each individual on the list has achieved at least six chart-topping singles between January 1, 2000, and December 28, 2024. The top eight songwriters have reached double-digit number-one hits, reflecting both commercial success and sustained cultural influence over the first 25 years of the century. As a songwriter, Jay-Z has claimed six number-one hits on the Hot 100. Among his most notable contributions is Beyoncé’s 2003 hit “Baby Boy,” featuring Sean Paul, which stayed atop the chart for nine consecutive weeks. Social media reactions to the rankings have been mixed. One X user (formerly Twitter) argued, “He gave Rihanna a career and hits, so he actually deserves a higher spot.” Another fan praised his enduring influence: “Consistent impact for two decades, that’s legendary.” A Star-Studded Celebration The Billboard announcement coincided with Jay-Z and Beyoncé attending Kris Jenner’s extravagant 70th birthday over the weekend. TMZ reports indicate that the couple arrived discreetly, avoiding paparazzi attention and using a high-priority parking spot. The celebration took place at the Beverly Hills home of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, drawing an A-list crowd including Chris Rock, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, Mark Zuckerberg, and Paris Hilton. Jenner’s six children—Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Rob, Kylie, and Kendall—were also in attendance to honor their mother’s milestone.

Ahead of her forthcoming album, Summer Walker has partnered with YouTube to help promote the project. For her next promotional act, she hit the road with a dump truck in tow. The singer shared the moment on her Instagram Saturday (Nov. 8), posting a flyer for the “Finally Over It Dump Truck Service” tour, which was held at Morehouse College in Atlanta. While there, fans were given the opportunity to toss any unwanted items from an ex. “The Finally Over It Dump Truck will be riding all around Atlanta tomorrow picking up your exes trash,” Walker wrote. “I’m personally stopping at Morehouse campus from 12-2pm to help the Spelman & Clark girls throw his shit away…All gently used items will be donated to charity. See you there.” The “Heart Of A Woman” singer shared another post, in which she’s spotted rocking a sexy sanitation worker costume as she prepares to meet with fans. After the event, Summer later hosted an escape room-themed album listening party, where she got to get close and personal with fans. View this post on Instagram Summer Walker Reveals ‘Finally Over It’ Will Be A Two-Part Album Last month, Summer Walker confirmed that the next installment of her Over It series will be two parts—each with its own vinyl cover. The singer shared the announcement on Oct. 24 via her Instagram page—the album, which is expected to drop on Nov. 14, offers an interesting twist on the wedding vow, “For Better or For Worse.” Throughout the collage post, Walker takes fans through the journey that inspired this next chapter in her life and music. “For Better is about choosing me, fully and finally. I’ve made choices that didn’t always make sense to anyone else, but I don’t regret any of them. They all taught me something,” Walker wrote. “Every heartbreak brought me back to myself. I’m not looking for someone to complete me; I’m already whole. I’m protecting my peace, honoring my worth, and sitting in a softness that’s still strong.”  Regarding the project’s B-Side, “For Worse,” Walker refers to it not being “bitter,” but “honest.” She continued: “I’ve loved too hard, ignored red flags, and tried to fix things that were beyond repair. The difference now is I love myself that deeply, I’ve grown, I’ve healed, and I refuse to accept anything less than princess treatment.” 

Rod Wave was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, on several charges that included possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, reckless driving, and possession of controlled substances. According to TMZ, authorities have confirmed that he was taken into custody by the Atlanta Police Department and later appeared before a judge, where his bond was set at eight thousand dollars. His legal team, made up of attorneys Drew Findling, Marissa Goldberg, and Zack Findling, released a statement defending the rapper, claiming he was “unjustly profiled and unlawfully arrested in Atlanta.” They also alleged that the officer responsible for the arrest is part of the Atlanta Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, which they described as a group focused on meeting arrest quotas rather than genuine community safety. “This quota-driven approach,” they said, “completely undermines true justice as well as trust in the community.” The arrest comes amid a complicated legal history for the “Leavin” artist. Earlier this year, Rod was accused of firing a gun at his Atlanta-area home during an argument with real estate agents, which reportedly violated a prior bond order from a 2020 case. His attorneys at the time said those charges were “meritless” and that he was being unfairly targeted. In the past few years, the rapper has also faced separate incidents in Florida and Georgia involving firearm and assault allegations, some of which were later dropped. Despite the ongoing court battles, Rod Wave’s music career continues to thrive. On the same day as his arrest, he earned his first Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media. His lawyers say they look forward to proving his innocence and exposing what they call clear violations of his rights in court.

Diddy is making headlines again after reports surfaced claiming he was caught drinking homemade alcohol while serving time at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. The story quickly spread online, with many fans questioning whether the Bad Boy founder had broken his promise to remain sober. Prison officials reportedly looked into the incident but have not confirmed any disciplinary action. The rumors claiming Mr. Combs was caught with alcohol are completely false. His only focus is becoming the best version of himself and returning to his family. — LOVE (@Diddy) November 8, 2025 The alleged incident involves what some reports describe as a homemade brew created with sugar, fruit, and soda—ingredients that can ferment into alcohol if left to sit for long periods. This news came as a surprise to many, especially after Diddy told the court earlier this year that he was “sober for the first time in 25 years.” The commitment to his recovery had been a key part of his legal defense, and his team emphasized that prison would serve as an opportunity for rehabilitation and self-reflection. After the rumors began circulating, Diddy’s representatives released a statement refuting the story entirely. “The rumors claiming Mr. Combs was caught with alcohol are completely false. His only focus is becoming the best version of himself and returning to his family,” the statement read. His camp insists that he remains dedicated to his sobriety journey and is participating in prison programs designed to support personal growth and recovery. In the midst of these claims, Diddy continues to be the subject of speculation about his behavior and future behind bars. Some reports have even suggested that he has bragged to fellow inmates about receiving special treatment, though none of those allegations have been verified. For now, his focus appears to be on completing his sentence and maintaining his sobriety. Whether these rumors hold any truth or not, Diddy’s time in prison remains closely watched by both his critics and supporters.

Mary J. Blige’s concert film, For My Fans, which chronicled her April show at Madison Square Garden, hit movie theaters earlier this week. Just a few weeks back, the singer announced the movie’s upcoming release via a statement. The film debuted at select theaters on Wednesday, Nov.5, and Saturday, Nov.8. “Being able to share this moment globally with my fans, who can experience this together in a movie theater, is more special than I can put into words,” Blige said. “This tour was always for my fans and being able to make this into a movie for them means the world.” Along with showcasing performances of her classic catalogue — which spans nearly three decades—viewers will also get behind-the-scenes footage, as well as, surprise guest appearances. “Mary J. Blige has always represented the heart and soul of New York, and her Madison Square Garden performance reflects that,” said Kymberli Frueh, executive vice president of programming and content acquisitions at Trafalgar Releasing. which will distribute the film. “We’re proud to share this historic hometown concert with audiences around the world through the magic of cinema.” View this post on Instagram R&B Singer Case Recalls Almost Banned From Summer Jam Over Mary J. Blige In other news, R&B veteran Case opened up about a surprising chapter in his career — his ban from New York’s Hot 97 radio station — during the October 30 episode of The Underground Lounge Podcast, hosted by comedian Spank Horton and former NBA star Lou Williams. “Tell’em how you got banned from Hot 97… after Summer Jam,” someone blurted out behind-the-scenes to Case and the hosts. This led Spank to ask the singer to speak about the incident. “You got banned from Hot 97?” Horton said, looking confused. “An R&B guy? What happened, man? Com’n on, Case.” When the hosts pressed him about the incident, Case recounted how the ban originated from a spontaneous moment at Summer Jam in 1996, the iconic annual concert produced by Hot 97. Although Case wasn’t billed to perform that year, he found himself backstage during Mary J. Blige’s set. According to Case, Blige, who had a 30-minute slot but planned to perform a shorter set, invited him to join her for his breakout single “Touch Me, Tease Me,” the 1996 hit featuring Foxy Brown that helped define his career. “The radio station was like, ‘Nah,’” Case recalled, noting that Hot 97 denied the idea. Still, when Blige mentioned his name onstage, the crowd erupted in chants demanding him.

Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation partnered with WalkGood LA, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, to raise nearly $150,000 for its Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund. The event, BreatheGood, took place on Nov.2, with hundreds of Los Angeles residents gathering for a day of wellness at Kenneth Hahn Park. Along with participating in guided meditations and yoga sessions, there was also a wellness center on-site. WalkGood LA hosts several health and wellness events throughout the year across the city and in its wellness studio, The WalkGood Yard. This BreatheGood affair was one of the organization’s last events for 2025. The organization’s co-founder, Etienne Maurice, spoke with USC Annenberg Media about the collaboration and the “deep meaning” it carried. “It’s special because we’re collaborating with BeyGOOD, founded by Beyoncé — and today’s proceeds are going toward our WalkGood Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund,” they said. View this post on Instagram “It shows the power of community and people’s willingness to help,” Maurice added. “Because we’re of Jamaican heritage, it was imperative for us to step up — to acknowledge those affected and remind them they’re not alone.” Allana Barefield, Digital Editorial Content Manager for BeyGOOD, was present at the event and said to the crowd, “Beyoncé is so much more than her artistry. Her heart is in giving back. Today we invited our fire-relief grantees and small-business partners to be part of this moment because being good means uplifting those around you.” When Beyoncé’s not saving the world, she’s making history. Back in August, she was ranked the sixth top producer of the 21st Century, according to  Billboard. The ranking was part of the outlet’s “Top Producers of the 21st Century on the Hot 100” list. According to the publication,” before Beyoncé became a solo juggernaut, she was already helping shape the Destiny’s Child sound away from the mic.” 

After weeks of speculation surrounding her relationship with Big Sean, Jhené Aiko has finally broken her silence — though not in the way fans expected. On November 8, 2025, the singer took to the comments section of The Shade Room to clarify details about her past marriage to producer Dot Da Genius, while also addressing the energy surrounding ongoing breakup rumors. “Me and Dot eloped in Vegas after a few months of dating while I was still grieving the death of my brother… Dot did not abuse me and is not a bad guy,” Jhené wrote. “We had a short back-and-forth on Twitter but ultimately separated amicably due to the realization we were practically strangers who made an impulsive decision.” While Aiko’s statement wasn’t a direct confirmation of her current relationship status with Big Sean, she did take a moment to acknowledge him in a positive light, praising his role as a father to their son, Noah.“He’s an incredible, brilliant, beautiful baby boy,” she said, referencing Noah, before adding that Big Sean is a loving and present father. View this post on Instagram In her response, Jhené also encouraged fans to redirect their attention away from gossip and toward positivity. “I pray you divert your energy of gossip into praying for and offering support to your neighbors, your family,” she added. As rumors about a possible split continue to swirl, Big Sean has also stepped forward to shut down false narratives. The Detroit rapper recently responded to claims that he was seeing another woman, writing, “This is so false. I’ve never even met this person in my life.” He later expressed frustration with the negativity directed toward Aiko, saying, “On some real s**t, I don’t like this energy. It’s frustrating having people say negative things towards her.”

Kim Kardashian is opening up about a major setback in her ongoing legal journey — revealing that she didn’t pass the California Bar Exam. The reality star and business mogul shared the news on her Instagram Stories earlier this week, writing, “Well… I’m not a lawyer yet. Six years into this law journey, and I’m still all in until I pass the bar. No shortcuts, no giving up — just more studying and even more determination.” Kardashian explained that although she came close to passing, she’s using the experience as motivation to keep pushing forward. “I was so close this time, and that only motivated me even more,” she added. The SKIMS founder began studying law back in 2018 through California’s apprenticeship program, which allows aspiring attorneys to train under a practicing lawyer rather than attend a traditional law school. In 2021, she passed the First-Year Law Students’ Examination — better known as the “baby bar” — after failing it three times. This latest attempt was for the full California Bar Exam, the final step before earning her license to practice law. Though the result wasn’t what she hoped for, Kardashian made it clear she isn’t backing down. Beyond her studies, Kim has continued her work in criminal justice reform, helping advocate for wrongfully incarcerated individuals and raising awareness about systemic issues in the prison system. “Failing short isn’t failure — it’s fuel,” she reportedly wrote, emphasizing that this is just another chapter in her long-term goal of becoming a licensed attorney. View this post on Instagram

Offset is reportedly refusing to back down as his divorce from Cardi B turns increasingly bitter. According to multiple reports, the former Migos rapper rejected a ten million dollar settlement offer from Cardi and is allegedly demanding half of their shared assets. Sources close to the situation claim Offset believes he deserves a significant share, saying he “feels used” and that he “helped build that brand” during their marriage. The tension between the two has been escalating for months. Cardi previously accused Offset of holding her “hostage” by stalling the divorce with excessive financial demands. During a livestream, she said the only reason their separation was not finalized was because “somebody wants me to pay for their taxes and give them one of my properties.” The Bronx rapper’s comments quickly went viral, with fans divided on who they believe is in the right. Court filings suggest Offset is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their children, as well as shared responsibility for certain financial obligations tied to their marriage. In response, Cardi’s legal team is expected to present documents that highlight her independent earnings, including her business ventures, endorsement deals, and music-related income. Those close to Cardi say she is prepared to prove that she built her own wealth before and during their relationship. Neither Cardi B nor Offset has made any public statements addressing these recent claims, leaving fans and media outlets to speculate about the outcome. Despite the drama, Offset recently spoke openly about his regrets, admitting, “I should’ve respected her way more. I made bad decisions as a man. I was being selfish.” His candid reflection shows a softer side amid an otherwise tense legal battle. As both sides prepare for what could be a lengthy process, the industry continues to watch how one of hip-hop’s most talked-about divorces will unfold.

Kendrick Lamar is once again at the center of Grammy history. The Compton-born rapper leads this year’s nominations with nine in total, the most of any artist heading into the 68th Grammy Awards. The ceremony will be held on February 1st at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where Lamar will go head-to-head with Lady Gaga for Album of the Year in one of the most anticipated showdowns of the season. Lamar’s nominated project, GNX, arrived with almost no warning last November and quickly became one of the most talked-about releases of the year. The album earned widespread praise for its storytelling and production, and its nomination makes Lamar the first solo artist ever to have five consecutive studio albums compete for Album of the Year. His consistency and ability to evolve with every project have cemented his status as one of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop. This latest recognition follows his major wins at the previous Grammy ceremony, where he took home Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Not Like Us. That song, which many fans saw as a statement moment in his ongoing rivalry with Drake, was also performed during his highly acclaimed Super Bowl halftime appearance. This year, Lamar is once again nominated for Record and Song of the Year, this time for Luther, his soulful collaboration with SZA that samples the Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn classic If This World Were Mine. As Kendrick Lamar continues to redefine what it means to be a rap artist at the Grammys, his dominance this season proves that he remains one of music’s most commanding forces. Whether he finally takes home Album of the Year or not, his impact on the culture and the industry is undeniable.