For much of the past year, Lil Nas X has been largely absent from public view. Now, the artist says he is emerging from that period with a clearer sense of himself. He also has a renewed appreciation for everyday life. In a recent message to fans, he spoke openly about recovery, mental health, and the work he has been doing away from the spotlight. The update offered one of his most personal reflections in recent memory. In a video shared to Instagram on June 17, the Grammy-winning performer described the months following his stay in a mental health treatment program. “I’ve been in rehab for a few months and since then I’ve been back at home, whether it’s in Atlanta with my family or in Los Angeles with myself and friends and whatnot, trying to ground myself down to Earth and get out of my head,” he said. The adjustment, he explained, has been supported by professional care. Additionally, it has been helped by a more stable routine. “I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist which has been really helpful.” Lil Nas X also spoke candidly about receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis, something he said had felt familiar long before it became official. He acknowledged resisting the idea for years. He was concerned about medication and how others might perceive him. “When I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis, I felt like I had known for the past few years but I didn’t wanna admit to it because I didn’t wanna have to take medication and have people think different of me,” he said. Then, with the self-aware humor that has long defined his public voice, he added, “I mean, I’m already, like, Black and gay. Damn, God. Come on. Black, gay, bipolar. I’m, like, living life on extreme hard mode.” View this post on Instagram Recovery and the Road Ahead The artist also expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout the past year. He suggested that a new creative chapter is beginning. “I’m doing much better,” he said. “I’m doing better, I’m feeling better, I’m creating freely, and there’s less fear in my heart. I’m just smelling the roses. It’s been seven years. I’ve been doing music for seven years now. That’s crazy. … I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter.” His comments arrive against the backdrop of an ongoing legal case stemming from an August 2025 incident in Studio City. Prosecutors charged him with three felony counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one felony count of resisting an executive officer. He pleaded not guilty to these charges. “Upon arrival, he is accused of assaulting the responding officers trying to take him into custody, injuring at least three of them,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said at the time. Earlier this year, a judge approved his participation in a mental health diversion program. Consequently, this could result in the charges being dismissed if he successfully completes treatment and avoids additional legal issues.

Dame Dash is escalating his ongoing disputes with Hip-Hop heavyweights Jay-Z and Cam’ron by releasing a preview of a new diss track. Dash took to Instagram on Monday to share a snippet of the song, titled “Cheap Teeth,” a collaboration with his artist Nicky Licky that targets his former business associates and friends. The move comes after months of public tension between the three figures. The conflict has seen a significant uptick recently, with Cam’ron frequently mocking Dash on his popular sports talk show, “It Is What It Is,” and Jay-Z reportedly including subtle jabs at Dash during a recent performance at the Roots Picnic. Dash, who has been vocal about his grievances with both men, appears to be attempting to reclaim the narrative through music. However, the preview has largely been met with criticism from fans and the very subjects of the song’s ire. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly negative, with many listeners questioning the quality and necessity of the track at this stage in Dash’s career. dame dash speaks: The rap mogul has faced a series of high-profile financial and legal hurdles in recent years, making this latest musical foray a point of contention for followers. Cam’ron, never one to shy away from a confrontation, responded directly to the Instagram post with a scathing critique. The Harlem rapper expressed a mock sense of pity for his former collaborator, suggesting that Dash’s behavior has become a cause for concern among his peers. “All jokes aside, I really have second hand embarrassment,” Cam’ron wrote in the comments section of the post. “This is sad, im sorry everyone that he turned out like this. We’re gonna do a case study to see what happened to him. This might be a ‘get out’ situation.” The reference to the film “Get Out” underscores the deep rift between the men, who once dominated the music industry together during the early 2000s height of Roc-A-Fella Records. While Jay-Z has remained characteristically quiet on social media regarding the matter, the public nature of the feud continues to draw significant attention from the Hip-Hop community. View this post on Instagram

Akon recently revealed that during the height of his early career, his brothers frequently stepped in as legal and sometimes unauthorized impersonators to perform his concerts. Appearing on the “Artist 2 Artist” podcast hosted by Jim Jones, the “Locked Up” singer explained that he was so overwhelmed by booking requests that he could not keep up with the demand. He admitted that his brothers, Bu and Omar Thiam, took advantage of the situation because he was “leaving so much money on the table.” While Bu Thiam, a music executive, was reportedly transparent about taking specific gigs, Akon noted that his brother Omar operated with significantly more autonomy. Akon described Omar as a “rebel” who would frequently book shows without the singer’s knowledge or consent. Akon recalled a specific incident in New York where rapper Foxy Brown told him she was attending his concert in South Carolina the following day. “I’m like, ‘I don’t have no concert in no South Carolina,’” Akon said during the interview. “She showed me the flyer and I was like, ‘N***a, this is Omar!’” The physical resemblance between the brothers was apparently so striking that fans rarely questioned the swap. Akon noted that if an audience member had not seen him in person before, they would believe Omar was the real artist “1000%.” “Omar was running it up,” Akon said, laughing as he remembered how his brother “picked up so many bags” of cash from promoters. Despite the unauthorized performances, Akon appeared lighthearted about the deception, viewing it as a byproduct of his massive success in the mid-2000s. The vocalist, who is currently touring alongside R&B star Ne-Yo on the “Nights Like This Tour,” has remained a prominent figure in the music industry for over two decades. In recent years, he has gained additional attention for his entrepreneurial efforts and his open discussions regarding his personal life and polygamous lifestyle. While performing as a double might seem unusual, Akon suggested it was a practical, albeit chaotic, solution to a schedule that had become impossible for one person to manage. He clarified that while Bu was “real honest” about the arrangements, Omar’s “gangsta” approach to the business meant the singer often discovered the shows after they had already happened. View this post on Instagram Bu Thiam has since become a powerhouse in the music industry in his own right, serving in high-level executive roles at various major labels and managing some of the biggest names in hip-hop.

After Cardi B and Beyoncé, rapper Russ is the latest music star to enter the booming hair care business, unveiling Palermo. The “What They Want” hitmaker introduces a premium hair care brand inspired by his signature curls, Italian heritage, and years of personal hair care rituals. The now-independent artist announced the launch on June 13 via Instagram with an eye-catching campaign featuring a custom shampoo-bottle photo booth and a series of playful headshots showcasing his long, curly hair. The reveal arrives as celebrity-founded beauty and personal care brands continue to gain momentum. He joins Cardi B’s Grow Good and Beyoncé’s Cécred. “I JUST DROPPED MY OWN HAIRCARE BRAND!!!! PALERMO IS OUT NOW,” Russ wrote to his millions of followers, signaling a significant expansion beyond music and entertainment. View this post on Instagram According to Palermo’s brand messaging, the line grew from Russ’ lifelong commitment to maintaining healthy curls. “Caring for my curly hair has been a daily ritual for me for as long as I can remember,” Russ said. “Palermo is my way of sharing with the world my own roots.” The brand draws inspiration from Russ’ Italian background while emphasizing natural ingredients, transparency, and elevated hair care. Palermo positions itself as a luxury-focused line designed to help consumers care for textured and curly hair without compromising ingredient quality. Rapper Russ Joins Cardi B & Beyoncé In The Hair Care Industry With New Brand, “Palermo” Palermo marks Russ as the first male rapper with his own hair care brand in today’s music. It is the rapper’s first branded product outside of music. For Russ, the venture represents both a personal and professional milestone. “This is one of the more nerve-racking but exciting moments of my career so far,” he wrote in a follow-up comment. “Took a lot of time money and energy and tonight I’m going to celebrate viciously with yall in NYC.” Fan response was immediate. Many praised the authenticity of the concept, noting that Russ’ curls have long been part of his public image. Others celebrated the move as a natural extension of his brand. With Palermo, Russ transforms a defining personal trademark into a consumer business, joining a new generation of artists turning cultural influence into beauty entrepreneurship.

The iconic Red Lobster restaurant in Times Square has officially closed its doors after 23 years of operation in the center of Manhattan. The seafood chain served its final customers at the corner of 41st Street and Seventh Avenue on Sunday, marking the end of an era for the high-traffic tourist destination. Company representatives cited logistical challenges rather than a lack of profitability for the decision to shutter the flagship location. Extensive and prolonged construction at the building reportedly hindered the restaurant’s visibility and made it difficult for pedestrians to access the entrance. “Extensive and prolonged construction at the building has significantly impacted access, visibility, and foot traffic at this restaurant,” a Red Lobster spokesperson said. The representative also noted that the building is slated for a future conversion into residential units, making a continued lease for the restaurant no longer viable. The closure of the Times Square outpost means that Red Lobster no longer maintains a presence in Manhattan. Residents and visitors seeking the chain’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits will now have to travel to locations in Brooklyn or the Bronx to find the nearest operating restaurants in New York City. Management confirmed that staff members from the Times Square location are being taken care of during the transition. Employees are reportedly being offered the opportunity to transfer to any other Red Lobster location of their choice. To assist with the change, the company is providing additional pay to help workers cover expenses related to the move. This high-profile closure follows a wave of shutdowns across the United States after the company’s 2024 bankruptcy filing. Other notable losses for the brand include the recent closure of the Tallahassee, Florida, location, which had been in operation for 56 years, and the shuttering of the final Red Lobster in Charleston, South Carolina. Despite the recent string of closures, the company expressed gratitude for its history in the Midtown Manhattan area. “Times Square has been an important chapter in Red Lobster’s history, and this was a difficult decision,” the company said. The Times Square corridor has seen significant turnover in recent years as rising real estate costs and building redevelopments change the landscape of the city’s most famous entertainment district. What once served as a primary anchor for casual dining in the area will now prepare for its transformation into a residential space.

Dr. Dre and reality television personality Michelle Saniei have officially confirmed they are dating following months of public speculation regarding their relationship status. Saniei, known for her role on the Bravo series “The Valley,” recently broke her silence on the high-profile pairing, marking the first time either party has addressed the romance since being photographed together earlier this year. The 61-year-old hip-hop mogul and the 37-year-old luxury real estate agent were first linked in April after paparazzi captured the duo on a date in Los Angeles. While the couple has remained largely out of the spotlight, Saniei provided a rare glimpse into their dynamic during a recent interview. “We’re spending time together, and we love being in each other’s company,” Saniei said. She further clarified that the two was introduced through a mutual acquaintance and are currently focusing on enjoying their time together without the pressure of public scrutiny. Despite the public confirmation, the couple does not appear to be in a rush to share every detail of their lives with the world. Saniei emphasized that they are prioritizing their personal space as they navigate the burgeoning relationship. “For now we’re just keeping everything super private. I’m just living my life,” she said. This new chapter for Dr. Dre comes several years after his highly publicized split from Nicole Young. The producer and Young finalized their divorce in 2021, and the “Chronic” artist has maintained a relatively low romantic profile in the intervening years. Saniei is also coming off a significant life transition, having finalized her divorce from former co-star Jesse Lally in 2025. Saniei and Lally, who wed in 2018, share a 6-year-old daughter. View this post on Instagram

Hip Hop rapper and producer Mally Mall, real name Jamal Rashid, has returned to federal custody after prosecutors accused him of violating multiple conditions of his supervised release, including alleged witness tampering and prohibited contact with individuals connected to his underlying criminal case. Las Vegas’s 8NewsNow broke the news on Tuesday, June 16. According to a petition filed June 5 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, federal authorities allege Rashid enlisted recording artist Steven Tolson, known as Jazz Lazr, to contact a woman on his behalf before a scheduled July 7 revocation hearing. The petition alleges the woman was offered money in exchange for failing to appear at the hearing, signing documents stating she was never trafficked, and refraining from discussing her involvement with Rashid or any related agreement. Federal probation officials also contend Rashid violated a court order prohibiting contact with Tarnita Woodard. “Specifically, the Court verbally named Tarnita Woodard as a person Mr. Rashid was to not have contact with after he requested specific permission from the Court to be able to communicate with her,” the petition states. Hip Hop Star Mally Mall Held On Alleged Witness Tampering Charge In Las Vegas Despite that directive, authorities allege Rashid maintained ongoing communication with Woodard. Court filings cite information from witnesses who described the pair as engaged and reported that Woodard continued residing with Rashid and driving vehicles associated with him. The petition further alleges Woodard remained actively involved in Rashid’s affairs. Prosecutors noted reports that she communicated with him regularly and was observed at his residence as recently as May 2026. Authorities also identified additional alleged violations, including an unauthorized stop at a Henderson restaurant and the use of several previously undisclosed vehicles, including a Mercedes-Maybach, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley. Rashid’s supervised release stems from his 2021 conviction for using an interstate facility in aid of unlawful activity. He admitted operating Clark County escort services that functioned as fronts for prostitution between 2002 and 2014. U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro sentenced Rashid to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. At sentencing, Navarro cited the seriousness of the conduct underlying the conviction and the harm suffered by victims. The court will now determine whether the latest allegations warrant revocation of Rashid’s supervised release and the imposition of additional sanctions.

50 Cent continues to react to all things related to hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs on Instagram, with the latest reaction to the incarcerated mogul’s prison release date being moved up from June to February 2028. 50 returned to Instagram this week with another jab at his longtime rival after reports surfaced that Diddy’s received a prison term reduction from Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey. Never one to pass on a headline, 50 Cent shared a screenshot referencing the news and paired it with a caption that quickly ignited reactions across social media. “Diddy coming homes soon he short now, you know he gonna have the craziest party ever! LOL who going? You going!” 50 wrote. View this post on Instagram The post follows years of public shots exchanged between the two hip-hop heavyweights. While 50 framed the message as humor, many followers viewed it as another chapter in his ongoing trolling campaign against the Bad Boy Records founder. As expected, the comments section turned into a roast session. Adult entertainer Nikki Benz jumped into the conversation with a remark that referenced one of the most discussed details connected to federal allegations surrounding Combs. 50 Cent Reacts To Hip Hop Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs Prison Reduction In 2028 “Better hide your baby oil errrrbody,” she wrote. Another user joked, “Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Stocks just went up,” turning the controversy into a mock Wall Street punchline. Others suggested they would avoid any celebration altogether. “Tell me where it’s at so I know where not to be,” one commenter wrote. Another follower escalated the jokes by posting, “Diddler coming Str8 fo yo ass the with babyoil onna side.” The latest post further showcases how deep 50 and Diddy’s rivalry will go. What began years ago as industry tension evolved into one of hip-hop’s most visible rivalries, with social media becoming 50’s preferred stage for commentary. Whether fans see the latest post as comedy, criticism, or both, the message generated exactly what 50 Cent often achieves online: attention. As discussion surrounding Diddy’s legal situation continues, 50 appears determined to keep himself in the conversation—one Instagram post at a time.

Hip Hop mogul 50 Cent offers money to his former friend after reports surfaced that boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. is facing felony charges in Clark County, Nevada. On June 16, 50 shared a screenshot of a headline about Mayweather’s latest legal troubles and delivered the kind of commentary fans have come to expect from the longtime troll king of Instagram. “Damn Champ WTF is up if you need some money just call me,” 50 wrote. “We could have kept this shit from getting so messy. Now the Feds looking for you, love you bro I’m not mad at you no more call me.” View this post on Instagram The post quickly went viral, blending humor, sarcasm and a callback to one of entertainment’s most famous feuds. While Mayweather’s reported case involves state-level charges in Nevada rather than a federal investigation, 50 appeared to exaggerate the situation for comedic effect. The G-Unit boss has spent years publicly roasting Mayweather despite their former friendship and business relationship. His latest post continued that tradition while hinting at a softer tone. Hip Hop Mogul 50 Cent Offers Boxing’s Floyd Mayweather Jr. Money To Get Out Of His Felony Charges In Clark County For Allegedly Passing Bad Checks The line “love you bro I’m not mad at you no more” caught the attention of fans who remember when the pair were close allies before their highly publicized falling out. The comments section became a show of its own. “I can see you letting him hold some money on Friday and then Saturday saying he better have it by Monday,” one user joked. Another follower referenced one of 50’s favorite ways to tease the undefeated boxer, writing, “Don’t give Floyd money. Cause he didn’t 1 full page of Harry Potter book.” Others focused on reconciliation rather than jokes. “Please end ya beef with Floyd yall used to be brothers,” one commenter wrote. Whether the post was genuine concern or another round of trolling, 50 once again turned Mayweather’s headlines into social media entertainment, proving their rivalry still captures attention years later.

Former No Limit Records rap star Mystikal, real name Michael Tyler, received a 20-year sentence in a Louisiana court for a 2022 third-degree rape case on Tuesday, June 16, after the rapper asked to withdraw his guilty plea. WAFB broke the news. The sentence, imposed in Ascension Parish, follows a plea agreement that substantially reduced Tyler’s potential criminal exposure. Prosecutors originally charged the rapper with first-degree rape and several related offenses, including domestic abuse battery by strangulation, simple robbery, false imprisonment, and criminal damage to property. View this post on Instagram Court records show Tyler initially sought to withdraw his guilty plea before sentencing. Prosecutors said he later withdrew that request, allowing the plea agreement to remain in place and clearing the way for sentencing. The case arose after Ascension Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a hospital in July 2022 to investigate a reported sexual assault. Authorities said the alleged victim displayed visible injuries and identified Tyler as the assailant during interviews with investigators. Former No Limit Records’ Rap Star Mystikal Sentenced To 20 Years For 2022 Louisiana Rape Case “Once we got there, we talked to the victim, who had some very visible injuries on her body, and she was very distraught,” Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Donovan Jackson previously told local media. “She talked with us, we interviewed her, and she was able to identify who the suspect was. And in this case, it was Michael Tyler, also known as Mystikal.” According to investigative records, the woman alleged Tyler physically assaulted her at his Ascension Parish residence, prevented her from leaving, and sexually assaulted her. Authorities further alleged Tyler took her phone and keys and later compelled her to transfer money through Cash App before allowing her to depart. By pleading guilty to third-degree rape, Tyler avoided the possibility of a life sentence that could have accompanied convictions on the original charges. The conviction marks the latest entry in Tyler’s extensive criminal history. In 2004, he was convicted in a separate sexual assault case involving his hairstylist and served approximately six years in prison. He subsequently registered as a sex offender. Tyler, 55, rose to national prominence through a string of successful releases with No Limit Records, including the hit singles “Shake Ya Ass” and “Danger (Been So Long).” His latest conviction and lengthy prison sentence likely bring an end to any foreseeable return to the music industry.