Legendary R&B singer Bobby Brown’s 1988 debut album, Don’t Be Cruel, which featured classic hits “Every Little Step,” “Rock With You,” and “Tender Roni,” turns 35. Nearly four decades after changing the sound of contemporary R&B, Brown says his landmark 1988 album, Don’t Be Cruel, still feels as alive as ever. As the multiplatinum classic celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2026, Brown reflected on why the album remains a defining part of his career. For the New Edition icon, the music has never faded because it remains at the center of his live performances. “It really feels more like 20 years… because I constantly perform these songs,” Brown said. Bobby Brown is commemorating more than 35 years since the release of his iconic 1988 solo album Don’t Be Cruel, a project that sold over 12 million copies worldwide and delivered enduring hits including “My Prerogative,” “Every Little Step,” and the title track. Reflecting on… pic.twitter.com/8WRXIkJ6em — Blackish Press (@blackishpress) July 10, 2026 Released in 1988, “Don’t Be Cruel” produced a string of era-defining hits, including “My Prerogative,” “Every Little Step,” “Roni,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Rock Wit’cha.” Those records helped establish Brown as one of R&B’s biggest solo stars while influencing generations of singers who followed. Brown said the album’s lasting impact comes from the connection he continues to share with audiences. “It [is] just pure energy… My energy and the energy of the people… It just makes me feel good,” he said. “I have so much gratitude for people loving that album.” Legendary R&B Singer Bobby Brown Remembers Debut Album, Don’t Be Cruel, As It Turns 35 The singer also recalled the unexpected moment when he realized “Don’t Be Cruel” had become more than a successful release. Brown pointed to his widely publicized arrest in Georgia, saying the incident brought even greater attention to the album. “Unfortunately, it would have to be the time I got arrested in Georgia,” Brown said. “That was unfortunate but that’s when the record actually went viral… Everybody started buying the album.” Although he described the experience as difficult, Brown said the surge in public interest confirmed the album’s cultural reach. “That’s when I knew that this was something special, coming from my heart and from the producers [Babyface and L.A. Reid] that I worked with,” he said. Today, Don’t Be Cruel remains one of R&B’s defining albums, celebrated for its blend of new jack swing, pop and soul. For Brown, its legacy is measured not only by its commercial success but by the generations of fans who continue to sing every word, proving the album’s energy has endured well beyond its original release.

Atlanta rapper Peewee Longway has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resolving a criminal case stemming from a 2024 investigation into alleged drug trafficking activities. The sentence follows Longway’s May guilty plea under a plea agreement that avoided trial. U.S. prosecutors had recommended a prison term between 10 and 14 years, while defense counsel sought the low end of the advisory range. The district court ultimately imposed a 10-year sentence. Peewee Longway has been sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and firearm charges. On Thursday (July 9), a federal judge in Georgia handed down the Atlanta rapper’s sentence, according to court documents obtained by XXL. Peewee was given 10… pic.twitter.com/S2FigClpdG — XXL Magazine (@XXL) July 9, 2026 Federal authorities launched the investigation after executing a search warrant at one of Longway’s Atlanta recording studios in September 2024. According to court filings, investigators recovered approximately 3,000 fentanyl pills, six firearms and electronic evidence that prosecutors alleged linked the rapper to narcotics distribution. Prosecutors also cited additional firearms recovered during a subsequent search of Longway’s residence. Court records further referenced text messages that allegedly documented efforts to distribute controlled substances, as well as an alleged transaction involving four kilograms of methamphetamine connected to activity at the recording studio. Atlanta Rap Star Peewee Longway Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison The government argued that the quantity of drugs and the presence of multiple firearms supported a substantial custodial sentence. Defense attorneys urged the court to impose the minimum sentence requested by prosecutors. They argued that a 10-year term appropriately reflected the circumstances of the case. The court adopted the defense’s requested sentence, imposing the lowest term within the government’s recommended range. The judgment concludes a federal prosecution that centered on physical evidence, digital communications, and the defendant’s guilty plea. By accepting responsibility, Longway resolved the charges without proceeding to trial. Absent future post-conviction relief or other sentence modifications. The 10-year federal sentence is expected to keep the rapper in Bureau of Prisons custody for a substantial period. It brings a significant chapter of the criminal proceedings to a close.

Norway’s Erling Haaland is dominating more than the FIFA World Cup. The soccer superstar has also landed a surprise hit on the music charts after a decade-old rap song resurfaced and climbed to No. 1 on Spotify in his home country. Long before becoming one of the world’s most feared strikers, Haaland was part of the rap trio Flow Kingz alongside two of his Norway under-17 teammates. The group released “Kygo Jo” on YouTube nearly 10 years ago, giving fans an early glimpse of the future football star’s playful side. .@Erling being a no. 1 artist in Norway was not on my bingo card for 2026 https://t.co/SYrJ6oWAtH pic.twitter.com/71lOWEce1C — Kygo (@KygoMusic) July 9, 2026 The track found new life after Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo made a public promise before Norway’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Brazil. Kygo vowed to remix “Kygo Jo” if Haaland found the back of the net. Haaland delivered in spectacular fashion. The Manchester City striker scored twice in Norway’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Brazil, sending his country into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in its history. True to his word, Kygo released the remix shortly afterward. Norway’s Erling Haaland’s 2016 Rap Song, “Kygo Jo,” Resurfaced, Reach Top Of Spotify Charts The response was immediate. “Kygo Jo” surged to No. 1 on Spotify’s Norway chart, with Kygo sharing the milestone on social media as the remix gained momentum across streaming platforms. The viral success highlights Haaland’s growing cultural influence beyond soccer. His performances on the pitch have already made him a national hero. Now, his forgotten rap career has become part of Norway’s World Cup celebration. What started as a lighthearted challenge between Kygo and Haaland quickly evolved into one of the tournament’s most unexpected crossover moments. Fans embraced the nostalgia, helping introduce Flow Kingz and “Kygo Jo” to a new audience. Attention now turns to Norway’s quarterfinal showdown with England. Another memorable performance from Haaland could keep his nation’s FIFA World Cup dream alive while giving “Kygo Jo” an even bigger boost. For now, Haaland is winning on two stages. He’s leading Norway’s historic World Cup run while proving that an old rap song can become a chart-topping anthem when sports, music and perfect timing collide.

Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard was known as a wild boy, with artists like Hip-Hop legend LL Cool J sharing countless stories about the late Staten Island legend. During a recent conversation with Greg Nice of Nice & Smooth, LL shared the story after Greg reflected on Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s admiration for him and Busta Rhymes. According to Greg Nice, ODB once credited both artists with helping shape the unconventional style that later became his signature. The conversation prompted LL to revisit an incident he said unfolded at New York City’s iconic Chung King Studios. “I said, ‘What’s wrong?’” LL recalled, describing a phone call from the late music executive Chris Lighty. “He said, ‘For some reason, Ol’ Dirty Bastard came in here and broke all your plaques and pissed on them.’ I said, ‘What’d I do?’” Rather than respond with anger, LL said he chose a different path. Hip-Hop Legend LL Cool J Shares Wild Story About Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard Peeing On His Plaques “I loved him ever since,” he said, laughing off what could have become one of hip-hop’s strangest feuds. The story captures the unpredictable spirit that defined Ol’ Dirty Bastard throughout his career. The Brooklyn rapper built a reputation for behavior that blurred the line between performance, provocation and genuine spontaneity. Whether crashing the 1998 Grammy Awards to proclaim, “Wu-Tang is for the children,” or arriving in a limousine to collect a welfare check, ODB consistently turned real life into hip-hop folklore. LL admitted he never understood why Ol’ Dirty Bastard targeted his plaques. The mystery remains unsolved, adding another layer to the Wu-Tang member’s enduring legend. More than two decades after his death, Ol’ Dirty Bastard remains one of rap’s most singular personalities. Stories from peers continue to surface, revealing moments that are equal parts unbelievable and authentic. LL Cool J’s latest recollection reinforces that legacy. It offers another glimpse into the chaotic brilliance that made ODB one of hip-hop’s most unforgettable figures.

HBCUs have long been the architects of culture, style, and athletic pride. But their baseball programs have historically flown under the mainstream radar. Major League Baseball and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. set out to change that reality when they launched the annual HBCU Swingman Classic.  ​Now, Nike is cementing that legacy into sneaker lore. Dropping today to coincide with the showcase at Citizens Bank Park, the iconic Air Griffey Max 1 is getting a new look.  The premium, story-driven makeover that bridges “The Kid’s” legendary Seattle nostalgia with the vibrant future of Black college baseball. ​The execution on this silhouette is nothing short of masterclass. Dressed in a striking Midnight Navy, Team Gold, and Summit White palette, the colorway draws direct aesthetic inspiration from the uniforms the players wear on the diamond. A deep navy nubuck anchors the shoe’s aggressive, thick-strapped overlay, allowing the metallic gold accents to pop beautifully across the rope laces, branding, and the famous “24” ankle strap. View this post on Instagram ​In an interview with Front Office Sports, Grieffey spoke about getting Black kids to return to baseball. GRIFFEY WANTS BLACK KIDS TO RETURN TO BASEBALL ​“I’m a fortunate guy. My dad played in the MLB. And I was able to go in the locker room and have accessibility that 99.9% of the kids in this country don’t get. You look at the decline of Black baseball players over the years, and a lot of it is due to accessibility, resources, and exposure,” Griffey said. “These kids don’t have that.” View this post on Instagram ​”My dad, mom, and I have always given back. And to give back to the community that isn’t seen as much as it should be,” Grieffey continued. “You talk about baseball being an athletic sport, everyone needs to run, hit, throw, and catch. It takes time and patience and in certain situations, family dynamics. Some kids don’t have that so they switch to football and basketball. I’m trying to bring them back to baseball. ​The sneaker will be available for purchase on the SNKRS app at 7 a.m. PT on Friday, July 10, and a limited run of Air Griffey Max 1 cleats also will drop at that time as a surprise.

NBA YoungBoy has once again sparked conversation around his relationship with Future after posting a series of heated Instagram Story clips on July 10, the same day Future released his latest album, The Real Me. The posts came shortly after YoungBoy took a more reflective tone during an Instagram Live appearance with Offset. During the live, he spoke about past mistakes and offered an apology to Future. The contrast between those remarks and his later messages quickly drew attention from fans. Many of them questioned whether tensions between the two artists had resurfaced. The latest wave of speculation began when YoungBoy shared a video featuring sharp lyrics that appeared to be aimed at another rapper releasing music that night. Future was not mentioned by name. However, the timing of the post led many online to believe the comments were connected to the Atlanta artist’s album rollout. In the video, YoungBoy rapped, “B**** you flopped with your b**** ass, f*** you your old ass b**** YOU A H**,” before continuing with criticism toward an unnamed figure and warning listeners not to “gas it up.” The remarks quickly circulated. Consequently, fans debated whether the lyrics represented a direct shot at Future. The exchange was notable because it followed a noticeably different message from YoungBoy earlier that day. During his conversation with Offset, the rapper admitted there were moments when he had been “crashing out.” He also thanked Offset for his support and addressed his issues with Future publicly. His comments suggested a willingness to move forward. This made the later posts appear more complicated to listeners following the situation. View this post on Instagram Future’s Solo Return Rekindles NBA YoungBoy Tensions Future, meanwhile, entered the conversation while celebrating the release of The Real Me. The album arrived July 10 through Freebandz and Epic Records. The 22-track album marks his first solo studio release since 2022’s I Never Liked You. It features no guest appearances, a decision that keeps the focus entirely on his own performances. The project follows one of Future’s strongest recent stretches, including the Billboard 200 No. 1 albums We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You with Metro Boomin in 2024. As both rappers continue their respective runs, the latest exchange has reignited discussion about their relationship. The unresolved tensions continue to capture fans’ attention.

Meagan Good is pushing back against a wave of pregnancy rumors that spread online after a manipulated image appeared to show the actress with a baby bump. According to TMZ, the claim is completely false. Sources close to Good confirm that she is not expecting a child. The image that sparked the speculation was not an authentic photograph. Instead, it was an altered version of a paparazzi shot originally taken in 2015. The edited picture quickly gained attention across social media. As a result, some users began to speculate that Good and her husband, Jonathan Majors, were preparing to welcome their first child together. Those claims, however, were dismissed by people familiar with the situation. They said there is no pregnancy. The incident became another example of how quickly misleading content can spread when a manipulated image reaches a large online audience. The original photograph showed Good holding a phone and a vape device, details that remained in the altered version circulating online. Notably, sources noted that Good no longer uses a vape and would not do so while pregnant. This further demonstrates why the image was not an accurate representation of reality. The situation also reflects the growing difficulties that celebrities face. Artificial intelligence tools now make fabricated images increasingly convincing. EXCLUSIVE: Meagan Good is not pregnant, viral baby bump photo is doctored. Take a look: https://t.co/MQzDjEbgkD pic.twitter.com/TziRDJeDrn — TMZ (@TMZ) July 9, 2026 AI blurs the line between truth and fiction For public figures, these types of digital fabrications can create confusion before the truth has a chance to catch up. Good’s situation highlights a broader issue surrounding AI-generated content. In fact, altered images can quickly become the foundation for rumors and false reports. Her representatives have since made clear that the viral pregnancy image is fake and should not be taken as evidence of anything happening in her personal life. As technology continues to evolve, the challenge of separating authentic images from digitally created ones will only become more complicated. The rumors surrounding Meagan Good have now been addressed. Yet, the episode serves as another reminder of how easily misinformation can gain momentum online.

Jessie and D’Lila Combs are stepping into the fashion world with the launch of 12TWINTY1. The clothing label draws its name from the twins’ shared birthday on Dec. 21. The brand’s opening release, the 777 Collection, focuses on matching sweatsuits designed around comfort, simplicity, and everyday wear. For the campaign, the sisters were joined by their brothers Quincy, Justin and King. They modeled alongside them in a series of coordinated looks featuring white, blue, and black tones. The debut positions the siblings as the latest members of their family to explore creative entrepreneurship. Sean “Diddy” Combs shared his reaction to the launch through a statement provided to TMZ. He expressed pride in what his daughters had built. He described the label as an authentic reflection of their own ideas and said the project came from their creativity and determination. The statement arrives while Combs remains incarcerated at Fort Dix after his federal conviction. He was found guilty on two counts involving transportation for prostitution. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking. Combs also emphasized that the twins’ work should stand on its own apart from his legal situation. He said the collection represents their individual vision and the effort they put into creating the brand. Jessie and D’Lila later thanked supporters who helped mark the launch. They described the moment as one of the most meaningful days of their lives. They indicated that 12TWINTY1 is only the first step in a larger plan to grow the company. View this post on Instagram A Legacy, A New Fashion Chapter The release carries additional significance because of Combs’ own history in fashion. Through Sean John, the clothing company he founded in the late 1990s, he helped bring hip-hop’s influence further into mainstream apparel and celebrity branding. That background inevitably shapes the conversation around his daughters’ new venture. However, 12TWINTY1 is being introduced as their own creative undertaking. The launch also represents one of Combs’ few public statements since his conviction. While his legal matters continue, Jessie and D’Lila are moving ahead with a brand they hope will develop beyond their family name.

Freddie Gibbs appeared genuinely baffled after finding himself named in a report about Madison Square Garden’s alleged surveillance of celebrity guests. A recent Wired investigation said the arena maintained an internal database tracking hundreds of prominent attendees at Knicks games and other events. It assigned them risk levels and, in some instances, noted personal details such as sexual orientation. Gibbs was among the public figures singled out in Pitchfork’s summary of the report. He reacted with the kind of disbelief the revelation seemed to invite. “D’Fuck I got to do with this?” he wrote, punctuating the response with a crying-laughing emoji. According to Wired, the venue’s so-called “talent” database contained roughly 40,000 entries. Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, and Mariska Hargitay were reportedly categorized as “low risk.” Meanwhile, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and David Harbour were listed as “medium risk.” Gibbs, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and DaBaby, meanwhile, were each marked “high risk.” The report did not make clear what standards were used to sort celebrities into those tiers. In addition, it was not clear what practical effect those labels had once they were entered. D’Fuck I got to do with this? https://t.co/mBuOCofupv — Big (@FreddieGibbs) July 9, 2026 MSG’s surveillance went far beyond security The list, however, appears to have gone beyond simple guest management. Pete Rock, Julia Fox, and comedian Adam Pally were reportedly tagged with a “DO NOT HOST” designation. Meanwhile, Lil Tjay was said to be labeled “BANNED FROM MSG” after an altercation with security at a boxing event last year. Those details widened the scope of the story. As a result, it shifted from a tale of celebrity access to a broader examination of how one of the city’s most visible venues monitors the people who pass through it. Some of the most troubling details involved categories that had little to do with safety. Wired reported that about 100 people in the database were marked with an “LGBTQIA” label, including Ricky Martin and Phoebe Bridgers. Earlier, in a previous collaboration with Wired, Pablo Torre Finds Out reported that James Dolan, the Knicks owner, had allowed surveillance of certain attendees. For example, this included Nina Richard, a transgender woman who was closely monitored during a Pride Night game. She was monitored despite posing no apparent threat.

The family of 18-year-old Mississippi native Nolan Xavier Wells has requested an independent autopsy as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death, according to civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Crump said the independent examination will be conducted in Washington, D.C., after Wells’ family raised concerns about the official investigation into his disappearance during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, a remote barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. “He was a good kid. Was beloved. He was a college athlete. He had everything going for him,” Crump told ABC News. “And so to go on that island … and then not to come back is what is concerning.” Wells traveled to Horn Island with friends on July 4. Authorities said he did not return to the mainland with the group. A body believed to be Wells was recovered on July 6 after a multiagency search. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has said investigators believe Wells remained on the island after the others departed. Family of Mississippi’s Nolan Xavier Wells Request Independent Autopsy, Per Attorney Ben Crump “They left Horn Island and went back without Nolan,” Ledbetter said. “From what we understand, he chose to stay there.” Authorities have said they believe Wells drowned and have not identified evidence of foul play. However, the sheriff’s office has emphasized that the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses. Crump said the family disputes the preliminary assessment and continues seeking answers. “Investigators continue to tell the family that, ‘We don’t see any evidence of any foul play,’” Crump said. “Even though you have students who recorded an altercation while they were on the boats.” According to Crump, Wells’ cellphone left the island with his friends and contained deleted messages when it was later returned to the family. He also said Wells’ father described his son as “an elite athlete” and a capable swimmer, making the family skeptical that he accidentally drowned. “They’re just not accepting that Nolan drowned accidentally,” Crump said. Meanwhile, investigators continue urging anyone who visited Horn Island on July 4 to provide photographs, videos or information that could help establish what happened during Wells’ final hours.