Jon Jones is pushing back against claims surrounding his absence from an upcoming event organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, turning a routine fight announcement into a public dispute that has spilled across press conferences and social media. The controversy began after the UFC revealed the fight card for a June 14 event planned at the White House. Fans quickly noticed that Jones, one of the most decorated champions in mixed martial arts history, was missing from the lineup. The omission sparked speculation across the MMA community. Hey everyone, I wanted to address Dana White’s comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans.Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for… — Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) March 9, 2026 During a press conference following UFC 326, UFC leadership addressed the situation, dismissing the idea that Jones had been considered for the card. “Never ever, ever, which I told you guys 100,000 times, was Jon Jones even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House,” the promotion said. Officials also suggested that hip arthritis could prevent Jones from competing again. Jones responded publicly on March 9, challenging that explanation and claiming negotiations with the UFC had taken place days earlier. “My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight,” Jones wrote on X. “Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed.” Jon Jones Asks For UFC Release After Absence From Upcoming White House MMA Event The former champion said discussions continued as recently as Friday. He also revealed he received stem-cell treatment last week while preparing to begin training camp. “Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight,” Jones wrote. “If I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine?” Jones also rejected suggestions that his career has ended. The 38-year-old holds a 28-1 professional record and previously captured both UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. “I understand business deals fall through sometimes,” he wrote. “But saying things publicly that aren’t true isn’t right.” Jones added that UFC officials recently contacted him seeking his participation for a smaller purse. “If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today,” Jones wrote. “No more spins, no more games.”

Gucci Mane links with his doppelgängers at Foot Locker. Gucci Mane teams up with HOKA and Foot Locker to launch a new campaign for HOKA’s new Bondi 7 Stealth Tech Sneaker. Foot Locker & HOKA The Atlanta rap legend is leaning into the internet jokes and turning them into hilarious moments with his new HOKA and Foot Locker’s “Right Shoe, Wrong Gucci” campaign. The collaboration is a playful nod to the viral social media chatter comparing him to NBA referee James Williams. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Referee James Williams #60 officiates the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center on December 27, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images THE Campaign The ad shows Gucci Mane stepping into a Foot Locker to search for some new kicks. His choice? The new HOKA Bondi 7 Stealth. The real twist comes when Gucci is met by two Foot Locker employees who favor him. Gucci Mane teams up with HOKA and Foot Locker to launch a new campaign for HOKA’s new Bondi 7 Stealth Tech Sneaker. Foot Locker & HOKA The two doppelgängers guide the “I Get the Bag” rapper through the shopping experience without actual dialogue. Instead, they communicate using nothing but classic Gucci Mane ad-libs. As they progress through the store, Guwop realizes that there are two lookalikes standing in front of him. He does a double take, points at both of them and they point right back him. The triplets proceed to celebrate the unifying moment by signaling a made three-pointer. Gucci seals the scene by saying his signature tag: “Guwop.” View this post on Instagram Beyond the humor, the campaign highlights the HOKA Bondi 7 Stealth Tech. The sneaker is designed with translucent mono mesh, speed lacing, and reflective graphic waves that transition effortlessly from daytime wear to nightlife style. It aims to bridge the gap between music, sport, and fashion, a lane that Gucci Mane is very familiar.

Meet Brianna Harrison – VP of Marketing at 10K Projects and Atlantic Records, who’s spent 14 years shaping the careers of global artists like In this inspiring Women’s History Month feature, Brianna shares: Her journey from college intern to VP of Marketing How she earned the nickname “International Bre” working with artists worldwide The reality of fighting for artists as a Black woman in the music industry What artist development and marketing really mean in today’s music landscape Powerful advice from her mom about showing up fearlessly Key Moments:0:00 – Introduction: “I work in the industry, but I’m not the industry”0:45 – The day she fell in love with music marketing1:10 – What marketing really means: bringing artist visions to life2:09 – Working with Rico Nasty, Sabrina Claudio, and Burna Boy’s historic Grammy performance2:54 – Her mom’s influence: “Pull up the folding chair. Stand on the table.”3:42 – Real talk: Fighting for artists as a woman of color5:13 – Message to the next generation: Trust yourself and remember your why This is more than a career story—it’s about passion, perseverance, and the power of authentic representation in music.

Travis Scott has stepped into a constitutional debate unfolding before the United States Supreme Court. He is lending his voice to concerns about how rap lyrics are used in criminal trials. Through his legal team, the Houston rapper submitted a filing supporting James Garfield Broadnax. Broadnax is a Texas man sentenced to death after being convicted of a double homicide near Garland in 2009. The case now raises broader questions about whether artistic expression can be presented as evidence of criminal character. Additionally, attorneys involved in the brief argue that the practice risks undermining basic First Amendment protections. The filing focuses on the sentencing phase of Broadnax’s trial, where prosecutors introduced rap lyrics he had written. According to the brief, those lyrics were shown to a jury that was nearly entirely white. This shaped how the defendant was portrayed. “The manner in which prosecutors presented rap lyrics written by petitioner James Garfield Broadnax, a Black man, to an almost all-white jury during his capital sentencing hearing presents an ideal vehicle for addressing this issue because the prosecutors’ conduct here was particularly egregious,” the document states. Scott’s legal team argues that the prosecution treated the lyrics not as creative work but as evidence suggesting future violence. In the brief, attorneys contend the argument implied that participation in “gangster rap” signaled a likelihood of criminal behavior. “The prosecutors argued Mr. Broadnax was likely to be dangerous in the future simply because he engaged in ‘gangster rap,’” the filing explains. “Such an argument functionally operates as a categorical and straightforwardly unconstitutional content-based penalty on rap music as a form of expression.” The document also emphasizes that rap lyrics fall squarely under First Amendment protections. It notes that the genre, often created by minority artists, has frequently faced heightened scrutiny from law enforcement and prosecutors. As an example, the filing references reporting on the New York Police Department’s former unit informally known as the “hip-hop police.” This unit monitored rap culture and artists. Rap Lyrics on Trial Scott is not alone in supporting the appeal. Several artists and scholars have filed additional briefs raising similar concerns about the legal treatment of rap lyrics. Young Thug, T.I., and Killer Mike are among those who have publicly backed arguments that creative expression should not be interpreted as literal confession. One supporting brief highlights another aspect of Broadnax’s trial that critics say is troubling. The lyrics were not introduced during the phase determining guilt. Instead, prosecutors presented them during sentencing to depict Broadnax as someone living a “gangster” lifestyle. This, they argued, meant he would remain a danger to society. The case arrives amid a broader conversation about how courts interpret artistic work. Critics argue that rap lyrics are often treated as autobiographical statements. In contrast, violent imagery in other genres rarely receives the same legal scrutiny. The debate intensified during the YSL RICO case involving Young Thug in Georgia. At that time, artists including Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and Post Malone backed a public campaign urging lawmakers to “Protect Black Art.”

A brief message from Young Thug on social media set off a wave of speculation this week after the rapper publicly wondered about the whereabouts of his fiancée, the singer Mariah The Scientist. Responding to an unrelated post online, he wrote a short question that immediately caught the attention of fans: “When is Mariah coming home?” The remark offered little context, but that did not stop followers from interpreting its meaning. Some readers responded with confusion, questioning whether the message hinted at tension between the pair. “Isn’t she your fiancée?” one user replied beneath the post. Others referenced recent rumors about the rapper’s personal life, repeating allegations that had circulated online in recent weeks. It seems Mariah was on the minds of many commenters. One commenter answered bluntly, “When you stop cheating.” Supporters of the couple offered a different interpretation. Several pointed out that Mariah The Scientist has spent much of the past several months traveling for her current concert run. From that perspective, the post seemed less like a complaint and more like a passing comment from someone missing a partner while she works on the road. The singer has been performing across the country as part of her Hearts Sold Separately tour, which has drawn strong attendance. In a recent online message reflecting on the experience, she emphasized the scale of the turnout and the independence behind the effort. “My (current) tour is sold out, 125k tickets sold all on my own… Packed from the front to the back & not a single lyric goes unsung,” she wrote. “It’s really something, u should see it in person. I thank God for it everyday. I’ve been able to support myself and my entire family by simply being myself.” When is Mariah coming home? https://t.co/c1FHVcYG5Q — Young Thug ひ (@youngthug) March 9, 2026 Young Thug Responds to Viral Club Footage and Online Rumors She also highlighted the close circle that helps guide her career. “My sister is my manager, my cousin is my assistant,” she added. “My fans (friends) have grown with me and related to me in ways that I never thought were possible.” Notably, Mariah continues to credit her inner circle for her achievements. Meanwhile, the speculation about Young Thug intensified after a video circulated online showing him dancing with a woman in a club. The clip quickly spread across social media and became the basis for rumors about possible infidelity. The rapper addressed those claims directly in a follow-up post. “N***a can’t even show luv to fans lol I was just being nice and having fun with humans,” he wrote. “I don’t know that girl or want too, no shade to her tho she’s beautiful.” In summary, the controversy continues to link back to Mariah and Young Thug’s public profiles.

T.I. says his forthcoming album, Kill the King, will feature a collaboration that connects him with one of hip-hop’s most influential producers. The Atlanta rapper recently confirmed that Dr. Dre contributed a track to the project, bringing together an unexpected lineup that also includes Anderson .Paak and a singer known as Stallone. According to T.I., the record came together through a straightforward exchange that evolved into a full collaboration. “Dr. Dre blessed me with a record,” T.I. said while discussing the project. “It happens to have Anderson .Paak on it and a young lady by the name of Stallone. It’s a dope record. It’s called ‘Where I’m From.’ Dope record.” The rapper described the process as collaborative but efficient, beginning when Dre shared the track and invited him to contribute. “He sent it to me, and I went to the house, and I laid it,” T.I. explained. “And then I laid another verse, and I went back.” For him, revisiting a song multiple times is part of the process of refining it. “It’s always for the best outcome, for the betterment of the record,” he said. “I’m always for someone who I know is dedicated to making the absolute best sh*t we can make.” Why T.I.’s Kill the King Could Mark the End of an Era The album itself has been in progress for several years, though a release date has not yet been announced. Earlier this year, T.I. offered a first glimpse of the project with the single “Let ’Em Know.” Around the same time, he suggested that Kill the King may mark a turning point in his career, describing it as the final album he plans to release before stepping back from music. The title of the project carries a deeper personal meaning for the rapper. T.I. has long been associated with the phrase “King of the South,” a nickname that became central to his public identity. Over time, however, he began to reconsider the weight that label carried. Reflecting on the name, he recalled advice he once received from the OutKast rapper Big Boi. “Big Boi said, ‘It sounds cool. I like it, but understand when you are king you put a big bullseye on your back.’” The message stuck with him. “Life is a game of chess,” he remembered Big Boi saying. “And the name of the game is called Kill The King.”

A woman identified in connection with a shooting at a home owned by Rihanna reportedly left a series of disturbing messages on social media prior to the incident. Authorities say the suspect was taken into custody following reports of gunfire near the singer’s Los Angeles property. Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed whether anyone was injured, but the situation quickly drew attention due to Rihanna’s high-profile status. In the hours after the shooting, online users began circulating screenshots of posts believed to be from the suspect’s social media accounts. The messages reportedly contained erratic and troubling statements. Sources close to the case say authorities are working to determine the motive behind the incident and whether the suspect had any prior connection to Rihanna or her residence. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue examining the suspect’s online activity and the circumstances that led up to the shooting. Law enforcement officials are expected to release additional details as the case develops. View this post on Instagram

Despite recent years (and several controversies, including a beef with Kendrick Lamar), Drake remains one of music’s biggest stars. He helped launch Young Money into the stratosphere in the late 00s, making them one of hip-hop’s most powerful labels. That said, before he was the “hitmaker we depend on,” as he raps on his diss track toward Lamar, “Push Ups,” there was a time when the Toronto native was allegedly too “dorky” to even hang out on Lil Wayne’s tour bus. Adam Bhala Lough, the director of Wayne’s The Carter documentary, recently sat down with music journalist Andre Geefor an interview, where they discussed the film and its sequel, which was recently leaked online by hackers. During the discussion, he shared an interesting story about how Drake was perceived in his early years at Young Money. According to Lough, Drake was seen as the “dorkier” one of the crew. NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 28: Lil Wayne (L) and Drake perform at Lil Weezyana Festival at Champions Square on August 28, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/WireImage)

An unexpected settlement between Live Nation and the U.S. Department of Justice has introduced new uncertainty into the government’s high-profile antitrust case against the concert industry giant. The agreement, reached last week, arrived without warning as the case was moving through federal court in Manhattan. Judge Arun Subramanian is responsible for determining whether the arrangement should be approved. He indicated he had not been informed before proceedings resumed. When the development surfaced during a hearing, the judge sharply criticized how it unfolded. “It shows absolute disrespect for the court, the jury and this entire process,” Subramanian said from the bench. He described the circumstances surrounding the late disclosure as “absolutely unacceptable.” In addition, he emphasized that the court had continued its work without knowing negotiations had already concluded. The reaction among state officials has been divided. Lawyers representing roughly forty states and the District of Columbia objected strongly to the agreement. Several urged the court to consider declaring a mistrial. Others appear open to the proposed terms. New York Attorney General Letitia James signaled her office intends to press ahead regardless of the federal government’s decision. She said, “We will keep fighting this case without the federal government so that we can secure justice for all those harmed by Live Nation’s monopoly.” If approved, the agreement would introduce several changes to the ticketing marketplace. Ticketmaster would be required to open its system so competing platforms, including SeatGeek and Eventbrite, could sell tickets through the same infrastructure. The plan also places limits on Live Nation’s exclusivity contracts with venues. It would reduce them to four years and allow arenas and theaters greater flexibility in choosing ticket distributors. $200M Penalty Proposed in Live Nation Antitrust Case Financial penalties are also part of the proposal. Live Nation could be required to pay more than $200 million to states that choose to join the settlement. Supporters argue those provisions would encourage competition while avoiding a prolonged legal fight. The broader lawsuit dates back to May 2024, when the Justice Department accused Live Nation and Ticketmaster of maintaining unlawful dominance in the live events business following their 2010 merger. Officials argued the combined company had used its size to pressure venues and restrict competition. “We allege that Live Nation relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said when the case was first announced. “The result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services. It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster.”

According to reports, the woman who fired nearly 10 rounds of gunfire into Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home has been identified by authorities. The female suspect, 35-year-old Florida native Ivana Lisette Ortiz, remains in custody. Ortiz has been charged with attempted murder, with bail set at $10,000,000. LAPD officials reported that the suspect used an AR-15-style rifle. The front of the residence’s property gates was “riddled” with bullets, with nearly four rounds striking the home, NBC4 Los Angeles says. As far as motive, no further details have been released. The police department’s Robbery-Homicide Division will be taking the lead in the investigation. “I was a little shocked,” a neighbor woman told NBC4. “We don’t hear this kind of thing in this neighborhood. It’s pretty quiet.” Law enforcement sources revealed that no injuries were reported and that the singer—who was home alone— was left unharmed. View this post on Instagram Rihanna’s Hollywood Hills Was The Subject of 2018 investigation This isn’t the first time Rihanna’s home was involved in an investigation. Back in May 2018, a man named Eduardo Leon was charged with stalking and several other felonies after breaking into the singer’s Hollywood Hills home. Police officials told the LA Times that on May 9, the man hopped the fence and spent nearly 12 hours in the residence. He was later found by the singer’s assistant the following morning. The singer had not been present at the time of the break-in. While no details were released on what Leon actually did inside the home, the criminal complaint acknowledged he caused more than $400 in damage to Rihanna’s security system. Prior to that, Leon had been spotted following and harassing the FENTY founder. He reportedly had “made a credible threat with the intent that she be placed in reasonable fear for her safety.”