A$AP Rocky has pulled the plug on a planned Reddit AMA as tensions flare during the final stretch of his album rollout. On January 12, the Harlem rapper took aim at moderators of his official Reddit account, citing frustration with Reddit’s moderation practices ahead of the release of his long-awaited album, Don’t Be Dumb, due Friday, Jan. 16. Rocky announced the decision in a bluntly titled post: “Was gon do AMA, Fuk It now!” According to the rapper, the AMA had been scheduled as a way to connect directly with fans, but the plan fell apart after disagreements with subreddit moderators. Rocky’s upcoming album is one of the most anticipated hip-hop releases of 2026. In the post’s description, Rocky sharpened his message. “Y’all mods are clowns,” he wrote, before pivoting to promote the album: “DontBeDumb, Jan. 16 .” A$AP Rocky bailed on his Reddit AMA and then called his own mods clowns “YALL MODS ARE CLOWNS” pic.twitter.com/y77eyNNCJ7 — Kurrco (@Kurrco) January 12, 2026 The juxtaposition underscored his frustration. While he appeared eager to push the music forward, he rejected what he perceived as unnecessary gatekeeping on the platform. The dispute follows recent issues between Rocky and the popular HipHopHeads subreddit, where a post promoting Don’t Be Dumb was reportedly removed. That incident appears to have amplified concerns about how Reddit communities regulate artist-driven promotion, particularly during release cycles. Rocky’s response suggests he views those decisions as limiting rather than protective. A$AP Rocky Calls His Reddit Mods “Clowns” & Cancels AMA Over ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ LP The Reddit blowup arrived amid another flare-up on social media. On the same day, Rocky forcefully denied claims that crowd scenes in his “Helicopter” music video were AI-generated. Posting on X, he repeatedly wrote, “THIS VIDEO IS NOT Ai GENERATED!” before adding, “JUST GENERATIONAL – DONTBEDUMB.” The emphatic repetition reflected a heightened sensitivity to questions about his creative process. Rocky has been trailblazing his next chapter, including deals in fashion and film, ahead of the new music. Together, the moments paint a picture of an artist asserting control on multiple fronts. Rocky is defending both his work and how it is presented. Canceling the AMA became a statement, not a retreat. As Don’t Be Dumb approaches release, Rocky’s message is clear. Engagement with fans matters, but only on terms he considers respectful and authentic.

Freddie Gibbs didn’t mince words when asked about money and regret. He credits his biggest regret to plenty of endured life experiences. In a street interview clip shared on TikTok on January 11, the Indiana rapper offered a stark answer that cut through the usual flex-heavy tone of hip-hop finance talk. The clip shows Gibbs speaking with social media personality FDFromTheFuture outside Sonny’s Pizza in the U.K. What started as a light interview turned into a blunt reflection on spending, impulse, and consequence. When FDFromTheFuture asked about his “biggest money regret,” Gibbs paused to clarify the question. “Biggest money regret… like money I’ve spent?” he said. @fdfromthefuture FREDDIE GIBBS BIGGEST MONEY REGRET #FREDDIEGIBBS #freddiegibbstok #MONEYREGRET #REGRET ♬ original sound – fdfromthefuture – fdfromthefuture The interviewer followed up, asking about something Gibbs once “flossed” his money on and later regretted. Gibbs answered without hesitation. “Hoes.” There was no grin or punchline. Gibbs delivered the word flatly, almost clinically. The lack of humor reframed the comment as self-critique rather than provocation. Known for his unsentimental approach to storytelling, Gibbs treated the moment like a caution instead of a brag. Pressed to explain further, he resisted turning the answer into a single anecdote. “It’s a life-long thing, man,” Gibbs said. “You’re going to regret that shit your whole life.” Freddie Gibbs Says A Certain Type of Woman Has Been His Biggest Spending Regret The remark suggested repetition rather than one mistake, pointing to habits tied to ego, distraction, and excess. Gibbs would then answer questions about fashion and U.K. music. In a genre where spending money on women is often framed as proof of success, Gibbs’ comment landed as a rejection of that narrative. By naming it his biggest financial regret, he challenged the idea that such spending equals status or fulfillment. Instead, he framed it as draining and cyclical. Outside of the music, Gibbs has had several public fallouts with women. While the women would express themselves through social media, Gibbs would respond to their remarks in his music. FDFromTheFuture closed the exchange with a simple response: “Fair enough.” The clip didn’t need more context. Gibbs had already made his point. In other news, Freddie Gibbs stars in the new horror film, Night Patrol, starring CM Punk, YG, and Flying Lotus.

Legendary music executive L.A. Reid has reached a confidential settlement with Drew Dixon, resolving a federal lawsuit that accused the former executive behind superstars such as Usher and T.I. of sexual assault and was set to proceed to trial in New York this week. Dixon brought the suit in 2023 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, a temporary statute that revived time-barred claims involving alleged sexual abuse. The complaint centered on events Dixon said occurred in 2001, when Reid served as president and CEO of Arista Records. #DocketDivaUpdate: #DrewDixon has spoken publicly after settling her civil case with #LAReid, ending years of litigation tied to allegations she has long maintained. Reid has denied wrongdoing. The case did not go to trial and there was no verdict. A settlement ends litigation;… pic.twitter.com/3fpcyvRjfj — Docket Diva (@_LaJanee_) January 12, 2026 In her filing, Dixon alleged that Reid sexually assaulted her on two occasions. She claimed the first incident occurred aboard a private flight and the second later inside Reid’s car. Reid has repeatedly denied the allegations, and his legal team maintained that position through the litigation. The case had been scheduled for trial in federal court, where both Dixon and Reid were expected to testify. The proceedings were anticipated to attract significant attention, given the prominence of the parties and the broader legal implications of claims brought under the Adult Survivors Act. L.A. REID Settles Federal Lawsuit With Drew Dixon Ahead Of Trial The settlement terms were not disclosed. Dixon’s attorney, Kenya Davis, characterized the resolution as an important outcome for survivors who pursue accountability through civil litigation. In a statement, Davis praised Dixon’s advocacy and cited her role in supporting legislative efforts that led to the passage of the Adult Survivors Act. Reid’s attorney, Imran Ansari, said the settlement does not include any admission of liability. According to Ansari, the matter was resolved amicably, bringing the litigation to a close without a determination on the merits. During pretrial proceedings, Dixon alleged that Reid retaliated against her professionally after she rejected his advances. She claimed Reid declined to sign Grammy-winning artist John Legend to Arista as a form of reprisal. Reid denied any retaliatory conduct, and his counsel disputed that the allegations had factual support. Legend was among the witnesses expected to testify had the case gone to trial. Separate from the Reid litigation, Dixon has accused Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons of raping her in 1995, an allegation Simmons has denied. In 2024, Dixon filed a defamation lawsuit against Simmons, alleging he harmed her reputation by publicly disputing her claims. That case remains pending and is currently in the discovery phase. The settlement with Reid concludes one of the higher-profile cases brought under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. However, litigation tied to alleged sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry continues to test the scope of revival statutes and their impact on long-dormant claims.

The West African nation of Guinea formally granted Hollywood actors Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good citizenship on Friday, the government announced. The couple received their new passports after tracing their lineage to the country through DNA testing, officials said.  The private ceremony, held in the capital of Conakry, was attended by senior Guinean officials. Djiba Diakité, chief of staff to President Mamadi Doumbouya, presented the couple with their citizenship documents. “We think that you are among the worthy sons and daughters of this Guinea,” Diakité said. “You represent our country, the red, yellow and green flag all over the world.” Good, 44, and Majors, 36, traveled to Guinea this week as part of what officials described as a cultural and ancestral journey. The actors are planning a tour of key historical and tourist sites in the country over the weekend.  A Cultural Homecoming Majors said the citizenship honor was deeply meaningful to both of them. “This is not just a formality,” he said. “It helps bridge the gap between our work and our heritage.”  Good echoed the sentiment. “We just want to say thank you so much,” she said, describing the connection as long-term. “We could absolutely see ourselves having a home here and spending meaningful time in Guinea.”  The ceremony featured traditional music and cultural performances organized by Guinea’s Ministry of Culture. While officials kept the event private, local press reports said it included drumming and celebratory dance reflecting Guinea’s rich heritage. Guinea is among several African nations offering citizenship to people of African descent in the diaspora. Last year, singer Ciara became a citizen of Benin, and Ghana naturalized more than 500 African Americans as part of a wider initiative to reconnect diasporic communities with the continent.  Experts say these programs aim to strengthen cultural ties and encourage investment and tourism. Officials in Guinea stressed that Good and Majors’ new status could promote international awareness of the country’s history and heritage. Majors’ journey to this moment has been marked by professional ups and downs. Once poised for major Hollywood roles, his career was affected after a 2023 conviction on assault and harassment charges in the United States. Following that ruling, he was cut from future Marvel Studios projects, and some film releases were delayed. Good, known for her work in film and television, has been a steadfast presence in his life since they began dating in 2023. The couple became engaged in 2024 and married in a small private ceremony in 2025.

With the release of his latest music video, “Helicopter,” ASAP Rocky delivers a clear declaration about artistry. He describes the work as “generational” and emphatically confirms it was not created with artificial intelligence. Premiering on January 12, 2026, the video marks Rocky’s first major project of the year. It blends striking visuals with inventive animation that reflect his signature style. In response to swirling speculation about AI involvement, Rocky turned to social media immediately after the release. Directed by Dan Streit, he clarified its origins. He emphasized the work’s authenticity, posting, “THIS VIDEO IS NOT AI GENERATED! THIS VIDEO IS NOT AI GENERATED!” He also highlighted its broader significance: “JUST GENERATIONAL.” “Helicopter,” which includes contributions from Playboi Carti, is set to appear on Rocky’s forthcoming fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb. The release follows closely on the heels of “Punk Rocky.” This video features Winona Ryder, composer Danny Elfman, multi-instrumentalist Thundercat, and rapper ASAP Nast. Ryder’s appearance also points to Rocky’s collaboration with filmmaker Tim Burton. His influence on the album’s visual narrative draws on their shared history in classic films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. Rocky Elevates Authenticity in a Digital Era Last year, while unveiling Burton-inspired cover art for Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky reflected on the album’s evolution in an interview with Billboard. He recalled Burton’s reaction: “He was rocking his head and he’s like, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you made that kind of music!’” The exchange illustrates both their mutual admiration and Rocky’s willingness to explore new creative directions. With “Helicopter,” Rocky affirms his dedication to originality in a music landscape increasingly influenced by digital tools. He encourages fans and critics alike to engage with the thoughtfulness and depth embedded in his work. By emphasizing generational importance and human creativity, Rocky highlights the lasting influence of authentic artistry in music and visual storytelling.

Kanye West is once again navigating a legal battle, this time tied to the troubled renovation and sale of his Malibu mansion. What began as an ambitious architectural project has hardened into a courtroom clash. This reflects the risks and tensions often embedded in celebrity real estate deals. The dispute, unfolding since early 2023, places West opposite a former construction manager. It raises broader questions about labor, leverage, and accountability at the highest end of the market. According to reporting by The Los Angeles Times, Tony Saxon, who worked on the Malibu property, filed suit alleging unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions during the renovation process. West quickly responded with a lawsuit of his own, naming Saxon and West Coast Trial Lawyers. He is challenging a $1.8 million lien placed on the home. His attorneys argue the lien was improperly filed and used as a pressure tactic to force payment of disputed claims. The filing maintains that the move interfered with potential buyers while litigation was already underway. West’s Malibu Mansion Spurs Legal Battles Ahead of New Album The property itself has become a symbol of the conflict. West purchased the oceanfront home in 2021 for $57.3 million. He initiated a dramatic overhaul that reportedly included extreme structural changes. The project stalled, and the house was later sold to Belwood Investments, led by Steven Belmont, for $21 million. This was a sharp loss that preceded the current wave of legal action. Despite the sale, questions surrounding responsibility for costs and compensation remain unresolved. These legal complications arrive as West prepares to release his forthcoming album, BULLY, slated for January 30, 2023. His team has described the project as a creative reset, noting that artificial intelligence played no role in its production.

Pooh Shiesty is not back in prison, according to confirmation from his record label. DJ Akademiks reported that representatives clarified the Memphis rapper remains free. He is still serving home confinement until April, as previously scheduled. The label explained Shiesty is officially listed as reporting to a Dallas halfway house since his release. This is a procedural designation that has not changed. Because he is on home confinement, that status remains so until April. This is when his sentence is set to conclude. Speculation about his custody status began circulating online after his close associate, Bendadon, appeared on a livestream. Viewers misinterpreted a brief phone conversation during the stream. This led to false reports that Shiesty had been taken back into custody. With the clarification now public, Shiesty’s legal situation remains unchanged. His anticipated release timeline is still on track for April. View this post on Instagram

The New England Patriots’ Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers sparked celebration across the fan base, including from Cardi B, whose partner, Stefon Diggs, played a pivotal role in the win. The rapper quickly took to social media, sharing her excitement as the postseason momentum built. The moment blended football triumph with celebrity attention, a familiar intersection for Cardi and Diggs. In a video posted shortly after the game, Cardi captured the mood with a grin, declaring, “That’s what I mean! Take them to Tulum,” suggesting a well-earned escape for the team. She continued engaging fans on X, posting a clip from America’s Next Top Model and asking, “My Pat nation family, how are we feeling tonight?….we did that!!” The posts reflected both pride and relief as New England advanced. Cardi B and Stefon Diggs made their relationship public following her separation from Offset, a transition that unfolded quickly in the public eye. The couple welcomed their son in November, marking a major personal milestone. Yet even as celebrations play out online, Diggs remains entangled in serious legal matters. Cardi B watching the Patriots game tonight via Instagram stories. pic.twitter.com/oddp6YbMmN — Fan Account | #BLM (@BardiUpdatess) January 12, 2026 Patriots Respond as Playoffs Continue Diggs is facing felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges tied to an alleged confrontation with a former private chef over financial disputes. He has denied the accusations. Cardi previously addressed the claims in a now-deleted post, stating, “Not once has that woman said anything to me about being touched… NOT ONCE!!,” according to TMZ. Diggs’ arraignment has been rescheduled from January 23 to February 9 at the request of his legal team, a delay prosecutors did not oppose. The New England Patriots addressed the situation in a brief statement, signaling support while the legal process unfolds. A spokesperson said, “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We stand by Stefon and will continue gathering information while fully cooperating with relevant authorities and the NFL. Due to ongoing legal matters, we will refrain from further comments.” On the field, New England now awaits its next matchup against either the Houston Texans or the Pittsburgh Steelers. Elsewhere during Wildcard Weekend, wins by the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers helped shape a postseason defined by tight margins and rising tension—both on the scoreboard and beyond it.

Max B and French Montana stopped by HOT 97 to talk with Nessa about Max being home after nearly 18 years and the emotional reunion that brought them back together in person after all those years. Max reflects on how he survived in jail, his first 24 hours of freedom and reuniting with his family, while French talks about what it was like finally having his brother back and creating music side by side again. Both also open up about major life changes, including French’s recent engagement and Max’s marriage, and how those commitments are shaping how they move in this new chapter. They also discuss why Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos had to happen now, what they learned about loyalty while separated, and what it meant to finally lock in and record together again. Nessa asks Max where things stand with Jim Jones today, how both artists see their growth after everything they’ve been through, and what they want their legacy to be as they enter this next era. Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos is out now.

New York’s #1 multicultural station regardless of language, today announced the launch of its brand-new morning show, HOT 97 Mornings with Mero, premiering Tuesday, January 13, airing 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET. The show will be hosted by The Kid Mero, one of New York’s most recognizable and authentic voices in media and culture. Hailing from the Bronx, The Kid Mero is a New York Times best-selling author, Writers Guild Award winner, and a Variety “Comic to Watch.” He currently hosts Victory Light with The Kid Mero and co-hosts 7PM inBrooklyn with Carmelo Anthony. Now, he brings his unmistakable energy, humor, and cultural perspective tomornings on HOT 97. “HOT 97 has always been about representing the culture of New York, and Mero is New York,” said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP of Content & Growth at MediaCo. “He’s authentic, hilarious, fearless, and deeply connected to the community. HOT 97 Mornings with Mero is going to set the tone for the city every morning and create must- listen moments for our audience.” The announcement comes on the heels of a historic 2025 for MediaCo, a year marked by surging revenue and performance that outpaced every broadcaster in the nation, underscoring the company’s momentum, growingcultural influence, and continued investment in premium talent and franchise brands like HOT 97. HOT 97 Mornings with Mero will feature Mero’s signature commentary on culture, sports, music, and current events, alongside conversations with today’s biggest artists, athletes, and influencers, all delivered with theunfiltered, unmistakable voice his fans know and love. “HOT 97 is the station—it’s been the voice of NYC hip-hop and culture for decades,” said The Kid Mero. “I grew up listening to HOT 97, so to get the morning slot here isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility to continue that legacy while bringing it into this next era of media. We’re gonna laugh, we’re gonna get into it, but it’s always gonna be real, and a real good time!” “This is a new era for HOT 97, one that reflects both where the culture is and where it’s going,” said MediaCo CEO Albert Rodriguez. “As the most listened-to station in hip-hop, we’re proud to announce The Kid Mero,Bronx-born comedian and cultural voice who’s captured a generation with his sharp wit and authenticity, as our new morning show host.” “With the continued growth of the HOT 97 brand alongside Hot TV, this is an integral moment for us to expand our reach and deepen our impact across platforms.” The launch of HOT 97 Mornings with Mero marks a new chapter in HOT 97’s commitment to delivering culture- defining content and compelling personalities across radio and digital platforms. Listeners can tune in starting Tuesday, January 13, from 6AM to 10AM ET on HOT 97 and across HOT 97’s digital platforms. View this post on Instagram