After a record-breaking opening weekend, Michael Jackson’s biopic, Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, will receive a sequel, Michael 2, as revealed by Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson. Speaking on The Town, Fogelson confirmed that development on the sequel is underway after the film secured the biggest opening ever for a biopic. The original biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”), details the King of Pop’s rise from child star to global superstar. Jaafar Jackson has received rave reviews for his acting debut, playing his uncle. According to Fogelson, the years that follow offer expansive material for continuation. “There is a massive amount of music and life experiences, separate from allegations, that could fill more than a second movie,” Fogelson said. Michael 2 In The Works With Director Antoine Fuqua Returning After The Success of Michael, Starring Jaafar Jackson He highlighted major cultural milestones, including Jackson’s Super Bowl halftime performance, as potential focal points for Michael 2. Jackson’s Super Bowl Halftime performance has been recognized as the NFL’s greatest performance ever. However, the sequel’s timeline remains uncertain. Fuqua is preparing to shoot a Netflix project with Denzel Washington this summer. Fuqua and Washington have developed a successful film duo throughout the 2000s. “We haven’t yet gotten to the moment where we have to solve for anything,” Fogelson said, indicating scheduling decisions are still pending. Fogelson also addressed whether the sequel would engage with the sexual abuse allegations associated with Jackson’s later years. “It’s a really complicated question, and I’m not sure I am the best person or now is the best time,” he said. He added that earlier drafts of Michael included references to those issues. A legal clause tied to the Chandler settlement required their removal. Despite these complexities, Fogelson expressed confidence in the franchise’s financial outlook. He projected that Michael could reach $700 million to $800 million globally, with a potential path to $1 billion.

Louisiana rapper Fredo Bang has publicly crushed on entertainer Cardi B for years, but it appears he’s made his final attempt to gain her attention. On Wednesday (April 29), the “Top” hitmaker took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a direct message he sent to Cardi, claiming it was the last time he’d shoot his shot. Cardi has yet to comment on any of Fredo’s previous advances. In the message, Fredo keeps it simple and direct. “Let me get a date after you rested from tour,” he wrote, acknowledging Cardi B Little Miss Drama Tour ended this month. Fredo Bang shoots his shot at Cardi B again: “If this don’t work I give up” pic.twitter.com/i4vMDdug38 — SAY CHEESE! (@SaycheeseDGTL) April 30, 2026 The post also features his track “Gates Flow 2 (She Don’t Wanna)” playing in the background, adding a layer of irony to the moment. He has had a high-profile relationship, while Cardi B history includes Stefon Diggs, rapper Offset, and Chicago rapper King Yella. Still, it’s the caption that set the tone. “If this don’t work I give up ,” Fredo Bang wrote, pairing a sad emoji with a nervous laugh. Rapper Fredo Bang Sends Last Flirty Text To Cardi B The line reads like both a final attempt and a self-aware joke. Bang recognizes the long odds while refusing to back down entirely. The move reflects a pattern fans have noticed. Fredo Bang has made several public plays at Cardi B in the past, often through social media shoutouts and playful posts. Each time, the energy lands somewhere between genuine interest and entertainment, keeping followers engaged in the unfolding dynamic. The song choice reinforces that narrative. “Gates Flow 2 (She Don’t Wanna)” hints at unreturned feelings, suggesting Fredo is in on the joke. By pairing the record with the DM, he leans into the possibility that his message may go unanswered. So far, Cardi B has not responded publicly. Still, Fredo Bang’s latest post keeps the conversation going, blending humor, persistence and performance in a way that feels tailor-made for the social media era.

In his latest social media conversation, Houston rap legend Slim Thug expressed no interest in dating fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion after her high-profile breakup from NBA star Klay Thompson this week. The breakup, confirmed April 25, closed the chapter on a relationship that played out in real time online. Megan addressed the situation directly, citing alleged infidelity. The post spread fast, sparking reactions across social media and hip-hop circles. Slim Thug soon entered the discussion after fans pressed him for comment. Slim Thug recently shared that he has no interest in pursuing a serious relationship with Megan Thee Stallion, citing Klay Thompson’s recent experience as a cautionary tale pic.twitter.com/W55t5t14bj — livebitez (@livebitez) April 29, 2026 He insisted he was not celebrating the split. He also claimed he never rooted against the couple. Still, his response shifted toward his own dating philosophy. “Sugar babies, and acts of service are my love language, and it’s been working,” he said. Although he avoided overt flirtation, fans were not convinced. Reactions flooded timelines within minutes. Houston Rapper Slim Thug Has No Interest In Dating Megan Thee Stallion After Klay Thompson Breakup “We knew he was coming. Still mad she ain’t never gave him the time or day,” one user wrote. Another fired back, “Well, that’s crazy cause she never wanted him in the first place.” A third added, “Mind you she has publicly turned this man down.” The backlash reflects a pattern many fans know well. Slim Thug has repeatedly referenced Megan in interviews and online posts, often without prompt. His comments have ranged from praise to suggestion, at times hinting at a connection that Megan has already denied. That tension reached a peak during Coachella last year. After Slim Thug posted flirtatious remarks, Megan addressed him directly onstage the following weekend. She made her stance clear, shutting down speculation in real time. He also spoke out when Megan and Thompson first went public, later saying he had “nothing but love” for them. Now, with the breakup dominating headlines, his latest comments have reopened the conversation. Megan Thee Stallion has not addressed the split since her social media statement. Klay Thompson has not addressed the breakup nor Megan’s statement publicly.

The Verzuz series is preparing for another high-profile matchup, with Rick Ross and French Montana set to take the stage on May 7. The event, which will stream on Apple Music, has already prompted a wave of reactions across social platforms. Fans have begun comparing catalogs and performance styles, debating how each artist might fare under the format’s live setting. One Twitter/X user wrote, “Ross got the better catalog and is the better rapper . Ross is going to be the clear winner especially after the new verzuz format live on stage . French got hits but isn’t good live performer.” Another countered, “Well French has a couple hits too, won’t be so easy for rozay.” A third added, “Love both they discography I will enjoy this.” The upcoming battle follows a recent Verzuz event in Los Angeles featuring Tyrese and Tank, which drew widespread attention for reasons beyond the music. During that performance, Tyrese left the stage before the conclusion, later exchanging tense words with Trey Songz. The moment quickly circulated online, becoming one of the more talked-about elements of the night. In the days that followed, commentary continued to build, including a notably blunt reaction from Ray J. “TYRESE IS TRAsh – I was trash too on [Verzuz]! – but this was worse!” he declared in a post that spread widely online. Ray J Rips Tyrese, Declares Tank the Verzuz Winner “I ain’t seen the whole Verzuz, but I know Tyrese was trash,” Ray J continued. “Tyrese was worse than I was on Verzuz. I can just feel the turtleneck and the anxiety in his voice and in his mood… I think Tank won. And that’s before I even finish watching it. But I can feel the anxiety and the insecurity in Tyrese’s voice and his look and his mannerisms.” “Tyrese is completely trash,” he concluded. “He always has been. I didn’t just say it, the Roc said it as well. Even though he’s from Watts, there’s much more talented people from Watts that should’ve got a chance to drink the Coca-Cola bottle and experience love and life.”

Bradford Cohen, a well-known defense attorney who has represented a range of hip-hop figures, has stepped away from Pooh Shiesty’s legal team as the rapper’s federal case continues to develop. Shiesty was arrested earlier this year in connection with allegations involving a robbery and kidnapping tied to Gucci Mane at a Dallas recording studio. Cohen addressed his departure in a short video posted to social media. “Quick update on the Pooh Shiesty case… I will be withdrawing from the case.” He added, “No implications for withdrawing from the case, I still think he has a great case. I think there are a lot of holes in it. I think the government has a lot of explaining to do on the case.” He went on to name the attorneys who will now take over the defense, describing them as “fantastic.” In his remarks, Cohen suggested that the case will become clearer as additional evidence is examined. He said he believes key details could ultimately support the defense’s position. “I think it’s one of those cases where, once you start really screwing down on the information and the facts, I think a lot is going to be coming out that will be beneficial to the defense. I think they’re going to do a great job, and I look forward to seeing how the case winds up,” Cohen concluded. Shiesty Remains in Custody as High-Profile Case Expands Beyond the Courtroom Shiesty was first taken into custody in April alongside his father and several other individuals named in the indictment. Prosecutors allege the group carried out what they described as a “coordinated takeover” of a Dallas studio on January 10, 2026. During this incident, Gucci Mane was allegedly pressured in a dispute connected to Shiesty’s contract with 1017 Records. He remains in federal custody after a judge denied bond shortly after his arrest. A trial date has not yet been set, though another hearing is scheduled for May. The case has continued to draw attention outside the courtroom. For example, Gucci Mane’s recent public appearance at a halftime show drew crowd reactions that went viral online. In addition, there was renewed speculation about potential cooperation from Shiesty’s father, raised in recent commentary during a televised interview.

A family court dispute involving Future and his former partner Brittni Mealy has returned to Fulton County Superior Court. Mealy alleges the rapper failed to comply with a standing order issued in 2023. In her filing, she says he did not secure a $500,000 life insurance policy intended to benefit their 13-year-old son, Prince. The petition asks the court to hold Future in contempt. It further argues that continued noncompliance could justify jail time. “More than eighteen (18) months have passed since the compliance deadline,” her petition read. “Despite several written requests over the course of several months, [Future] has failed and refused to comply.” The document describes what Mealy characterizes as prolonged disregard for a court-mandated obligation. Future has rejected those claims and responded with his own legal filing. According to reporting from TMZ, he is asking the court to find Mealy in both civil and criminal contempt. He alleges she violated prior court orders. His filing also seeks reimbursement for legal expenses. In addition, he accuses Mealy of sharing private information with the media, allegations she has denied. The result is a parallel set of claims now before the court, with each side accusing the other of failing to follow judicial directives. Future Faces New Paternity Battle as Legal Disputes Mount The dispute comes as Future is also involved in a separate paternity case filed earlier this month. In that matter, Layla Sanad alleges she gave birth to his child in 2017. She says he has acknowledged paternity of their son, identified by initials K.W. She is asking the court to formally establish paternity and order child support. This includes payments retroactive to an earlier period. Future has moved to dismiss the Florida case, arguing it should instead proceed in Arizona. Sanad and the child are believed to reside in Arizona. He has also stated in filings that he has been providing $3,500 per month in voluntary support. Both cases remain active, with courts still reviewing the competing claims and procedural requests.

A new federal case has placed Lil Zay Osama back in court. This extends a string of legal troubles that have followed the Chicago rapper in recent years. Prosecutors say the 28-year-old is among six men charged in a kidnapping and robbery indictment, according to reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times. The complaint also names Khiell Dukes, Anthony Ramsey, Dashun Brown, David Franklin, and Jalen Chambers. Dukes is identified as his brother. Additionally, Ramsey is identified as his half-brother. Authorities said another individual was taken into custody on April 28. However, formal charges in that matter remain pending. The case centers on an alleged March home invasion in Winnetka. Investigators say the group sought access to digital accounts, including cryptocurrency. They also tried to access a secured safe. According to federal filings, the episode began with a calculated ruse. One suspect is accused of approaching the residence disguised as a delivery worker before others forced their way inside, prosecutors say. The charges were detailed by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros’ office after a joint inquiry involving the F.B.I., the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local police in Winnetka. He said, “By immediately deploying targeted federal resources to this investigation and working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we were able to swiftly disrupt a violent criminal conspiracy and remove dangerous individuals from the streets in a matter of days.” Each of the defendants has entered a plea of not guilty as the case proceeds. View this post on Instagram Lil Zay Osama Faces Life Sentence Ahead of May Court Date If convicted, the men could face penalties that include life imprisonment. Lil Zay Osama is scheduled to return to court on May 12. The charges arrive against a backdrop of prior convictions, including a weapons case and a police pursuit that led to a felony finding. He most recently served a 14-month sentence after admitting to possessing an illegal machine gun in New York City.

Meek Mill has built a reputation for speaking directly to his audience. He often uses social media to address questions about his career. Earlier this week, he returned to that approach. He posted a series of messages on Twitter/X that focused on his finances and independence following his highly publicized feud with Drake. In one post, he wrote, “Since I went independent sh*t been moving so weird,” before pointing to his continued success on tour. He added, “I made like 80m off rap since drake beef he not on my level of achievements to tell lies about my brand to the masses .. that’s was that.” The message read as both a rebuttal and a reaffirmation of his standing. In a second post, he emphasized that his earnings remain steady. They are separate from any narrative tied to past rivalries. “And yes I’m still making money!” he wrote. “Not because of the beef. I went to prison had the biggest movement and came home and made the best album of my life!” The comments positioned his career as one defined by persistence. This suggested that his trajectory has been shaped more by output than by controversy. And yes I’m still making money! — MeekMill (@MeekMill) April 28, 2026 Not because of the beef, I went to prison had the biggest movement and came home and made the best album of my life! https://t.co/5DPZKW7ZVE — MeekMill (@MeekMill) April 28, 2026 Meek Mill Fires Back, Citing Hits and Longevity The posts also arrived amid renewed online debate about how his career has evolved in recent years. Responding to that discussion, Meek pointed to a list of commercially successful releases. He cited platinum certifications and high-profile collaborations. “Since Drake beef I drop tap 3x platinum… peta double platinum… blue notes 1 and 2 platinum… uptown vibes with legend from Brooklyn fab platinum… what’s free feat jayz meek mill I think it’s plat… f*ck on me ft cardi b platinum,” he wrote on Instagram. He continued, “How far we came… he actually switched up on drake because he helped power the meek was done narrative was done… now he’s using the same against drake… im good with drake and jayz as far as I know… keep me out this weak a** sh*t.” Taken as a whole, the posts capture something increasingly common in the music industry. Artists now confront their critics in real time, often in the same spaces where the criticism takes hold. For Meek, the argument circles back to tangible markers—sold-out shows, sustained output, continued relevance. However, the broader narrative around his career shifts in ways that are harder to control.

Is LeBron James or Michael Jordan the greatest of all-time? This is arguably the best barbershop debate ever. Recently, James gave his perspective on the debate. In an interview with ESPN, James spoke about the influence that Jordan had on him, which is the reason her wears number 23. “I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. James also spoke about how his game differs from Jordan’s. “I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different. And I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life,” James said. “I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of, he did. He looked for the shot.” “There are a lot of things where I would say my game is a lot different and a little better than his, but s—, he was f—ing great,” James continued. “We’re both great. We’re both great basketball players.” “I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23,” – LeBron James on Michael Jordan (Via @mcten ) pic.twitter.com/SxcakWEMEQ — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 29, 2026 The Los Angeles Lakers star also shared what he believes Jordan did better than him on the court. “There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do,” James said. “And I think there are some things that I do better than him. That’s just how the game goes. There’s a lot of things that I can say in particular. You already know how this conversation is going to be [misinterpreted] by people, man.” When it comes to the GOAT debate, James described it as “a very tiring conversation” and “barbershop talk.” “You can look at both of us and say that you love both of us without trying to s— on the other person,” said James. “And usually, it’s s—ting on me,” James said. “But I know for sure that I’ve done my part in this journey.” He then spoke on his 4-6 record in the NBA Finals. Many Jordan fans hold it against him because Jordan went  6-0 in the Finals. Over time, “King James” has learned to shrug off the constant criticism and appreciate his own accomplishments. “When I was younger, I used to have the notion of like people were getting on me for losing in the Finals. And when I was younger, I used to listen to it,” James said. “Like, people will really rather you not make the playoffs or lose in the first round than to lose in the Finals, which is crazy to me.  I almost feel like it’s because it’s me?” he continued. “Everybody has to say something about my career: ‘Oh, well, he made eight straight Finals, but he was only able to win three.’ ‘He’s the leading scorer in NBA history.”

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