West Coast rapper Kurupt is finally home. In an exclusive update from TMZ, Kurupt was discharged from the hospital after several weeks of battling a condition that was not revealed to the public. According to Kurupt’s wife and manager Lisa “LeeLee” Brown, the rapper is in better spirits. Brown posted a picture of herself alongside her husband with the caption “Home is where the heart is… Life is not about the rough roads…it’s about the resilience.” View this post on Instagram When Kurupt was severely ill, producer and rapper Daz Dillinger sent well wishes to the “We Can Freak It” artist in an Instagram carousel on Monday (Jan. 12). “GOD SAID WE SHALL LIVE & NOT DIE … Want to send a big shout out to my big brother @official_kurupt,” Daz captioned the post. “Get well speedy recovery need all FANZ to send kurupt a get well message flood his Instagram tell him how much we love him.” “Rest in peace to my cousin Joe, cool Nate Dogg and others that we lost so I need everybody to hit kurupt and let them know that we love HIM from his little brother Daz life is serious shout out to @leelee_calinanita for holding it down, Dogg Pound gangstaZ 4 LIFE GOD 1st.” “We all have an addiction to something” Kurupt has had battles with his health in recent years. In 2019, he was rushed to the hospital following an alcohol relapse on the set of the reality TV series Marriage Boot Camp. In a 2022 interview with DJ VLAD. he revealed that his alcoholism issues began in the 90s when he was introduced to Hennessy. “[I would drink] every day, all year. I’d wake up and have a shot or a beer and watch me some TV … [That was] my breakfast,” he admitted. “I’m talking about since I was 24. I used to drink before but when ‘Pac brought that Hennessy to the table it was over! … Hennessy was my thing and that was every day, all day.” Kurupt added: “My pancreas, my liver and my kidneys were just all messed up. I had this sharp pain in my abdomen, I could barely walk. I had to hunch over and I still had to perform and do shows … [I had two seizures] back to back, and that was when I went to my doctor in Utah.” “We all have an addiction to something, whether it’s alchohol or drugs. These are demons that you have to fight, and hopefully you can do it before you [die],” he reflected
Roc Marciano: Building an Underground Empire | The Architect of Modern Hip-Hop Sound
Legendary underground hip-hop architect Roc Marciano sits down with Mornings with Mero for an in-depth conversation about his journey from Hempstead, Long Island to becoming one of the most influential producers and MCs in modern hip-hop. In This Interview: The rich hip-hop legacy of Long Island (Rakim, EPMD, Prodigy, Method Man & more)Creating his signature sound and producing his new album “656” from front to backLessons learned from working with Busta Rhymes and Flipmode SquadHow he survived the music industry collapse by going direct-to-consumerBuilding an ecosystem that inspired a new generation of artistsWorking with legendary producers like The Alchemist, DJ Premier, and Pete RockThe blueprint for independent success in hip-hop Key Topics:✓ Long Island’s underrated hip-hop history✓ Production techniques and influences (Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-Tip)✓ The evolution from Marcberg to 656✓ Creating the “Roc Marciano sound” that shaped underground hip-hop✓ Work ethic lessons from Busta Rhymes✓ Cutting out the middleman and building direct fan relationships✓ Inspiring the next generation of MCs and producers Roc Marciano’s influence on modern hip-hop cannot be overstated. From his soulful production to his intricate wordplay, he’s created a blueprint that countless artists follow today. Representing: Hempstead, Long Island Latest Project: 656
Lauren London Reflects on the Significance of “Nipsey Hussle Square”
On a stretch of South Los Angeles pavement long associated with Nipsey Hussle’s life and work, the city unveiled a new name: Nipsey Hussle Square. The renaming of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard formalizes what many residents have felt for years—that the intersection already carried his imprint. Family members, city officials, and supporters gathered for the dedication, turning a familiar corner into a site of reflection. For Lauren London, the moment was both public and deeply personal. Speaking with The Fader, she described the ceremony as a milestone for her children. “This is a proud moment for me,” she said. “This is also an important and proud moment for the kids, as they now fully understand their father’s legacy. Nip continues to inspire and motivate his community, which is a true realization of his dreams.” Her words suggested that the renaming offered something steady and visible for a family still living with absence. Hussle’s son, Kameron Carter, and his mother, Angelique Smith, addressed the crowd, recalling his commitment to the neighborhood. City Council member Heather Hutt framed that commitment as deliberate. “His love for Los Angeles was insurmountable,” she said. “He could have invested his money anywhere. Somewhere that cost less, somewhere with less issues, but he determined that L.A. is where he wanted to be.” The intersection, in that sense, reflects a choice he made repeatedly. View this post on Instagram A Legacy Lives On The weekend also included the opening of a new Marathon Burger restaurant in Long Beach, led by Hussle’s brother, Blacc Sam. Musicians and community members attended, treating it as both a business launch and a continuation of Hussle’s local investments. Later, a separate shooting occurred nearby, leaving one person dead and others injured. Representatives for Marathon Burger told CBS News, “The opening was a huge success with strong community support. There was an incident nearby, but it was not connected to the event. The opening itself proceeded safely and without issue.” Street signs rarely settle grief, but they can anchor memory. At Slauson and Crenshaw, the city has fixed Hussle’s name to the landscape he sought to uplift, ensuring that his presence remains part of the neighborhood’s daily rhythm.
Will Smith, Chris Rock Reportedly Planning ABC News Sit-Down
Will Smith and Chris Rock are quietly exploring the possibility of sitting down together for a televised conversation with ABC News, according to people familiar with the discussions. If it comes together, the interview would be their first shared public appearance since the confrontation at the Academy Awards that unsettled Hollywood and rippled far beyond it. Representatives for both men have declined to comment, and the network has not announced details. Still, the prospect of seeing them across from each other again has stirred immediate interest. The 2022 Oscars broadcast veered off script when Smith walked onto the stage and struck Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. The moment landed with a thud inside the Dolby Theatre and traveled instantly across television screens and smartphones. Not long after, Smith returned to his seat and later accepted the Academy Award for Best Actor for “King Richard,” delivering remarks that competed with the shock still hanging in the room. View this post on Instagram A First Direct Conversation Since the Oscars Incident In the hours and days that followed, Smith issued a public apology to Rock and the Academy, describing his actions as “unacceptable and inexcusable.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences subsequently barred him from its events for 10 years. Rock addressed the episode sparingly during stand-up performances, including a 2023 Netflix special, where he offered his perspective without speaking directly to Smith. A joint interview, if finalized, would offer something neither man has yet attempted: a direct exchange in real time. It could provide clarity about how they have processed a moment that became cultural shorthand for the volatility of live television. ABC News has not announced an air date.
Drake Rumored to Drop “ICEMAN” This Friday as Speculation Swirls
For nearly two years, Drake has hinted at an album called ICEMAN. There have been teases, scattered references, and carefully framed social media posts, but still no release date. Each new rumor briefly resets the clock. A report circulating online this week suggested a March 6 arrival, yet without confirmation from Drake or his representatives, it carries little weight. Part of the intrigue lies in how deliberately he communicates. In a recent post, Drake shared a collage that included a shirt reading “They doubted me,” along with signs that said “Talk is Cheap” and “Warning ICEMAN.” He captioned it, “What I Was Doing When You Thought I Was Crying.” The line felt pointed, though open-ended, and invited interpretation without offering specifics. Speaking of intrigue, the world keeps watching as fans eagerly anticipate every move from Drake. Some have read the message as a response to the scrutiny surrounding his recent rivalry with Kendrick Lamar. Others see it as a broader comment on public perception, a reminder that artists often work quietly while narratives swirl around them. Clearly, ambiguity has helped the artist maintain public attention. In this case, the absence of detail has become part of the rollout, and the constant buzz around Drake persists. “What I Was Doing When You Thought I Was Crying” — Drake via IG pic.twitter.com/78cMC4fNmY — Kurrco (@Kurrco) March 3, 2026 The Power of Waiting There is also the matter of timing. The title ICEMAN evokes winter, and with the season drawing to a close, a literal alignment may be narrowing. Still, titles do not require meteorological precision. The album could arrive at any moment, or later in the year, and still carry the weight of the name. Moreover, even when there are no new releases, fans discuss Drake and his influence relentlessly. For now, what stands out is the patience of his audience. Whether ICEMAN appears this week or months from now, the anticipation itself has already shaped its story. To sum up, excitement continues as followers eagerly await updates from Drake.
Matthew Knowles Walks Out Of Interview After Awkward Reporter Interaction
Beyoncé’s father and former manager, Matthew Knowles, recently sat down with New York’s PIX 11 anchor Kendis Gibson for his Kandid with Kendis show. However, things didn’t appear to go as planned after he walked out mid-interview. Before things went awry, Knowles had been asked about his ex-wife, Tina, and her contributions to Destiny’s Child. Apparently, Knowles had forgotten what her exact contributions were and needed to be reminded. “You’ve earned your flowers. I said the same thing to Ms. Tina Knowles. You guys put in the work, and obviously the talent was there, with your kids and your grandkids,” Gibson said. Knowles then calmly asked, “What work did she put in?” A stunned Gibson reminded Mathew, “The hair.” It’s common knowledge that Tina, who owned her own beauty salon prior to the group making it big, helped with styling their hair and costumes. NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: **Exclusive** Singer Beyonce Knowles and Matthew Knowles attend the Conde Nast Media Group’s Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall on September 5, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images) “Ok, you’re absolutely right, and the styling. The imaging. You’re right,” Mathew acknowledged, before getting up and saying, “We’ll stop now,” to end the interview. A confused Gibson asked, “Did I say something wrong?” Knowles told Page Six that the interview was cut short because Gibson not only arrived 15 minutes late, but also claimed his line of questioning was solely focused on his ex-wife, Tina. According to Knowles, he was there to discuss a Destiny’s Child tribute concert. “How it starts is how it ends. It started on a bad note, and obviously ended on a bad note for him,” Mathew said.“I politely ended the interview, shook his hand, and took a photograph.” An inside source refuted the claims about Gibson’s alleged tardiness and that he centered Tina throughout the chat. “He was giving them their flowers. He was praising them for the work they’ve done,” the source said.
Iconic New York Hip-Hop Engineer Bob Power Dies at 74
Bob Power, the studio engineer and producer whose meticulous ear helped shape some of hip-hop’s most enduring recordings, has died at 74. DJ Premier announced the news Monday on social media, writing, “R.I.P. to one of the iLLest Engineers of all time,” and noting Power’s contributions to albums by D’Angelo, A Tribe Called Quest, and Erykah Badu. For many listeners, his name may not have been front-facing, but his sonic imprint was unmistakable. Power’s résumé traces a vital arc through the 1990s and early 2000s. He worked on A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory, De La Soul’s De La Soul Is Dead, D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar, The Roots’ Things Fall Apart, Common’s Be, and J Dilla’s The Shining, among others. His approach favored depth and warmth, giving low-end frequencies room to breathe while preserving lyrical clarity. The result was a sound that felt both intimate and expansive. Born in Chicago in 1952, Power studied music theory at Webster College in St. Louis before moving west to work in commercial production and television. By the early 1980s, he had returned to New York, where he became part of a creative network that included members of the Native Tongues collective. In later years, he joined New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, where he taught as an arts professor and mentored aspiring engineers. R.I.P. to one of the iLLest Engineers of all time…Mr. BOB POWER.Thank you for your various pointers in recording from D’angelo to ATCQ’S Low End Theory, Erykah Badu’s Baduizm and so on! — DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) March 3, 2026 A Master of the Mix, Remembered Tributes from artists underscored both his technical skill and his generosity. Questlove wrote, “Whether you know it or not, one of these albums changed your life,” calling him “a more engaging, enthusiastic, laser focused craftsman of sound.” Erykah Badu described his passing as “a great loss for the music community today,” adding, “We appreciate you. You taught me soo much. Baduizm is thee most bass heavy singing album in history. … I’m listening tonight in your honor.” For those who value the craft behind the console, Power’s legacy endures in grooves that still resonate. His work remains embedded in records that continue to influence new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
Tyler Perry Seeks Dismissal Of Latest Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Tyler Perry is pushing back against a $77,000,000 lawsuit made by an actor, asking a judge to dismiss what his legal team calls a “money grab.” According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Perry refutes allegations that he made unwanted advances toward model and actor Mario Rodriguez, and says his claims “have no basis in fact or law and no merit.” Per the documents, Rodriguez used Perry as a personal piggy bank after he offered him a “very minor role” in Boo! A Madea Halloween, which was released in 2016. The docs reveal that Rodriguez pleaded with Perry for financial assistance not only for his car, but also for his apartment, medical services, and other unpaid expenses. However, Perry claims that once he stopped being Rodriguez’s “golden goose,” the model and actor began making allegations that the pair had a non-consensual relationship. According to Rodriguez’s lawsuit, which was filed in December 2025, he allegedly first connected with the filmmaker in 2015 after a personal trainer approached him and said Perry wanted to meet him. Following his role in Boo! A Madea Halloween, he says Perry began “aggressively pursuing” him and at one point inappropriately groped him. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 09: Tyler Perry speaks onstage during the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Derek Dixon Files Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry This isn’t the first time Tyler Perry has faced allegations of sexual harassment from a former actor. In June 2025, Derek Dixon, an actor from Perry’s The Oval series, accused him of years of unwanted sexual advances and harassment. In court documents obtained by TMZ, Dixon claims the misconduct started after a chance meeting at an event in 2019, where Perry allegedly singled him out, exchanged numbers, and offered the possibility of a role. The following year, Dixon says he visited Perry’s Atlanta home, hoping to build a professional connection. That night, after drinking too much, Dixon says he passed out in a guest room and woke up to Perry in the bed beside him, touching his thighs. Although he says he made it clear he wasn’t interested, the behavior allegedly escalated.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. To Take On Kickboxing Legend Ahead Of Manny Pacquiao Rematch
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is booked and busy in 2026. After announcing that he is coming out of retirement for a rematch against Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather announced that he will be facing Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in June. The bout will take place in Athens, Greece. Taking to social media, Mayweather confirmed that he’ll be getting on with the legendary kickboxer. View this post on Instagram “2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for me,” American Mayweather said on Instagram. “I’m on the way to entertain!! Athens, Greece, get ready. This summer will be a legendary battle.” Speaking about his comeback, Mayweather told ESPN that he has many more money records to set in boxing. “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather wrote. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterward — no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience, and generate more money with each event — than my events.” Zambidis, 45, boasts a 157-24 kickboxing record with 87 KOs. His last professional fight was in June 2015. Mayweather is already set to take on Mike Tyson in April and a rematch with Manny Pacquiao in September. MAYWEATHER’S ALLEGED MONEY PROBLEMS Many alleged that Mayweather’s comeback is due to money issues. Recently, the five-time champion filed a $340 million lawsuit against Showtime Networks and former executive Stephen Espinoza. The suit alleges a long-running scheme of financial fraud. Also, the suit claims that hundreds of millions in earnings from his biggest fights—including the blockbuster matches against Pacquiao and Conor McGregor—were misappropriated. The alleged misappropriation took place through hidden accounts and unauthorized transactions orchestrated by his former advisor, Al Haymon. Responding to the lawsuit, Showtime has dismissed the claims as “baseless.” Mayweather’s team alleges they were told key financial records were “lost in a flood” when they attempted to audit his accounts.
Ray J’s Mother Sonja Norwood Says He Was Diagnosed W/ ‘Life-Threatening’ Heart Condition
Sonja Norwood opens up about her son, Ray J’s health. Concern is growing for singer and television personality Ray J after his mother, Sonja Norwood, revealed that he has been diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. Norwood shared the alarming update about her son’s health, describing the diagnosis as serious and urging supporters to keep him in their prayers. While specific details about the condition have not been publicly disclosed, the news has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and members of the entertainment community. Ray J, known for his music career and appearances on reality television, has long remained in the public eye. The revelation about his health marks a sobering moment for the entertainer and his family as they navigate what appears to be a significant medical challenge. As of now, Ray J has not publicly addressed the diagnosis himself. Supporters continue to send messages of encouragement as more information is awaited regarding his condition and treatment. View this post on Instagram