Bangladesh is the architect of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest songs. Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, and making his name in Atlanta, Bangladesh emerged as a formidable force in music production, crafting signature sounds that became the blueprint for chart-topping hits for artists like He has produced chart-topping hits for Beyoncé, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, and many more. His innovative but minimalist production style has not only defined eras but also cemented his legacy as a true architect of modern urban music. HOT97 spoke to Bangladesh about his legendary career, his latest music project, and the launch of his clothing line. HOT97:How was it growing up in Des Moines, Iowa? Bangladesh: Growing up, I knew of two guys who made rap music. One was close to my family, and the other was older than me. His name was Corey D, and he made it on Rap City, and that was a big deal back then. But there wasn’t a rap scene because it wasn’t any outlets there. There wasn’t much going on as far as like culture, so we pulled from the West Coast and East Coast popping. We listened to E-40, Bone Thugs In Harmony, and anyone who was poppin at that time. HOT97: I read that you were discovered as a producer when you were a barber. Bangladesh: I had been cutting hair since I was 12, so by the time I was 15, I was making money doing it. In my senior year in high school, I was working in a barber I started saving up. Once I graduated from high school, I moved to Atlanta with my auntie, and she had a beautician license and her own shop. I saved my money up and bought myself an MPC 2000, and I just started making beats. HOT97: How did you come up with the name “Bangladesh?” Bangladesh: Bangladesh was a word that we used a couple of used. We used to use that word to describe cool stuff like “Oh, that’s Bangladesh. I named my company Bangladesh Records because I wanted to always be a record executive. I was working on a project with some of the artists that I had, and I started to do ad-libs on the songs, and I would say Bangladesh, Bangladesh, Bangladesh, a whole bunch of times, and I sampled it like my own voice. I started putting it in front of beats, and it became a producer tag. HOT97: Eventually, you relocated to Atlanta, where the rap scene was just about to take off in a major way. How was it to see so many artists become stars? Bangladesh: Rico Wade, who was 1/3 of organized noise, his sister went to school with me. All I wanted to do was move to Atlanta and be in the Dungeon Family, so imagine you going to high school with the leader’s sister. I just started meeting people at the school I went to, and my best friend is a cousin of Lil Fate, who is Ludacris’ right-hand man and his hype man even today. But back then, everybody was just rapping and had rap dreams. So knowing each other, and everybody being like-minded, we just came together, and it just organically happened for real. HOT97: Your work with Ludacris helped to launch him into superstardom. When did you first connect with Luda? Bangladesh: Me and Ludacris already knew each other. I was among a group of people that was doing music. So I think Chris was probably the last person that knew what I was doing, because he would come through, he would get his, you know, he had an afro, he would just get lineups. I took him to my car one day, and I played him, like four beats I had on a tape. The whole time, he was listening and looking through the front window. He never looked at me, never said a word. I could see him  thinking, like, ‘Man, this, this dude got it like this?’  ‘Where did he come from?’ From there, we started working on “You’s a Ho*”, which is one of my first beats. That was the beat tape I played him, and “What’s Your Fantasy” was the last song we recorded. HOT97: You also created “Diva” for Beyoncé. How was that creative process? Bangladesh: I had “A Milli” with Lil Wayne, and when you have a smash out, everybody is open to whatever you’re doing. Everybody wants to work with you. It was just the perfect time to work on her project, coming off that a Millie song. I was working with Sean Garrett, who wrote “Diva”, um, so I had the beat already, but I didn’t take the beat seriously. It was a duplicate of “A Milli,” and I never tried to not remake things, and that was a mixtape track that I was working on with my artist. I was playing a beat in the studio one day, and my peers were going crazy. I kind of downplayed it, but  I started looking at it different. When I got with Sean Garrett, he was always a fan of “A Milli.” He said, “If I had ‘A Milli, I would have killed it. When I was working on Beyoncé, I just pulled that beat out. She was the only top-tier female artist who could do a song like “Diva.” I already had the beat, and they put her voice on there. All we had to do was finish the job. HOT97: After all your success in music, you have entered the fashion world. What led you to this way? Bangladesh: I’ve always been into fashion. I guess it’s in the blood. All my peers always get ideas of what to wear for me. Ever since I was in elementary and middle school, I have always come back from Christmas break and dress like me. They would tell their parents to get them the shirts and the pants like mine.  I always knew that’s kind of how

Trippie Redd was arrested while attempting to board a flight leaving Miami International Airport on Friday (July 4), just a few weeks after celebrating the birth of his child with Coi Leray. WPLG News reported that Redd was arrested at 4:50 p.m. at MIA’s Terminal J after U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered that he had an active Miami-Dade County bench warrant and was at Gate 17. According to the arrest report, the 26-year-old Ohio rapper, who resides in Southwest Ranches, had a pending 2023 arrest warrant due to an invalid driver’s license. Reportedly, Redd was headed to France and planned to board flight LH1378, Les Ardentes, a music festival in Belgium, listed him on Saturday’s lineup. Redd was booked by corrections deputies on Thursday (July 3) at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and released on a $150 bond, according to M-DCSO deputies. On New Year’s Day 2025, Leray revealed her pregnancy on New Year’s Day 2025, confirming that she was expecting Trippie Redd who first dated her back in 2019 and rekindled their relationship last year. But soon after the pregnancy, Leray hinted at personal struggles in a now-deleted Instagram Story:  “Nothing [worse] than being cheated on. I wouldn’t wish this pain on my worst enemy. God bless.” Things continued to get worse.  Around the time of the baby shower, which took place on May 3rd, Redd said he didn’t attend in a post on X (formerly Twitter).  “She doesn’t want me or my family there,” his post read. “She said hit the lawyer. But I’m paying 4 it.”

To celebrate the 4th of July, Drake has returned with some new music, and he has a lot to get off his chest. On “What I Miss”, Drake took some time to address his former friends who were disloyal to him and referenced Kendrick Lamar and his “Pop Out” concert, held in Los Angeles on Juneteenth 2024. After his infamous beef with Lamar has settled down, Drake may have reignited the feud with his new track.  “Last time I looked to my right, you n—s was standing beside me / How can some people I love hang around pussies who try me?” Many also speculated that the 6 God was taking aim at NBA stars LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan. “You switched on the guys and supported a hater / Let’s go / What’s a get back for niggas? It’s TBD / I look at this shit like a BTC, could be down this week, then I’m up next week,” Drake raps. “I’m back in your city tonight, walkin’ around with my head high / I saw bro at The Pop Out with them but been dick riding gang since ‘Headlines.’” The single debuted on Drake’s livestream “Iceman: Episode 1” that featured the “Nokia” rapper as he drove around his native Toronto in a truck emblazoned with a false telephone number and the website that read the-iceman.com Drake also performed “What Did I Miss?” live surrounded by firearms. During the stream, Drake also premiered a few unreleased tracks, causing social media to speculate if they will appear on a forthcoming album.

Usher has canceled his planned Past Present Future Tour dates in Australia, leaving fans in Melbourne and Sydney disappointed. Live Nation confirmed this week that all scheduled shows for November and December will no longer take place. The decision ends what would have been Usher’s first tour of Australia in several years and was set to include multiple arena performances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Usher (@usher) In a statement through Ticketek, Live Nation expressed regret. “The promoter of Usher’s Australian tour regrets to advise that the scheduled shows to take place in November/December will no longer be proceeding,” the message read. The announcement came as a shock to fans who had secured tickets hoping to see the eight-time Grammy winner perform hits spanning his career, from Confessions staples to recent tracks. Ticketek confirmed that refunds are already being processed. All purchases, including those with optional refund insurance, will be automatically refunded to the original payment method. Customers do not need to take action, although refunds could take up to 30 business days depending on the payment provider. Neither Usher nor Live Nation has provided a reason for the cancellation. The lack of explanation has fueled speculation among fans, who had been eager for the singer’s return. The Australian leg was part of Usher’s broader international tour following his acclaimed Las Vegas residency and his Super Bowl halftime show. The Past Present Future Tour was designed to celebrate his legacy while showcasing new material. As of now, there are no details about rescheduled dates or alternative plans for Australia. Fans remain hopeful Usher will eventually return.

T.I. and Tiny Harris are once again under scrutiny following renewed accusations from longtime critic Sabrina Peterson. This week, Peterson took to Instagram, leveling fresh claims against the couple and their son, King Harris. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Jasmine Brand (@the.jasmine.brand) The allegations—centered on sex trafficking, coercion, and exploitation—surfaced after Tiny publicly reacted to the Diddy verdict with, “ppl wnna charge u so bad for being freaky is nasty work.” Peterson reposted Tiny’s comment, warning, “Lying on me was the BEGINNING OF YOUR END.” Peterson escalated, alleging the couple engaged in trafficking and forced drug use. She claimed to have “sex trafficking receipts” she plans to release on July 19, her birthday. In her posts, Peterson accused the Harrises of taunting survivors while asserting, “The FEDS ALREADY HAVE THIS! I think the FANS NEED IT.” She also shared alleged text exchanges between King Harris and a young woman described as trafficked. Peterson claimed the girl’s family contacted her legal team, fearing their child was caught in a network “led by the HARRIS FAMILY.” She further accused T.I. of degrading Tiny, alleging he forced her into humiliating acts to secure marriage. These accusations echo Peterson’s 2021 claims, which began with her allegation that T.I. threatened her with a gun. That sparked broader claims from over 15 alleged victims of drugging and assault. T.I. and Tiny have repeatedly denied all accusations, calling them malicious fabrications. A defamation suit Peterson filed against the couple was largely dismissed in March, with the court ordering her to pay nearly $97,000 in legal fees. Los Angeles authorities reviewed the case in 2021 but declined prosecution due to the statute of limitations. T.I. is pursuing a countersuit, accusing Peterson of spreading damaging lies after their friendship collapsed.

Dana Tran, the mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ youngest daughter, made a swift exit from New York following the music mogul’s verdict on Wednesday. Sources close to the family revealed that Tran boarded a flight to Los Angeles shortly after jurors delivered their decision. The reason for her sudden departure was personal and urgent: their two-year-old daughter, Love Combs, had fallen ill with a severe cold. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheCityCeleb (@thecitycelebs) Tran had traveled to New York to support Diddy during his high-profile legal battle. However, upon learning of her child’s condition, she wasted no time returning to care for her. Diddy’s legal saga reached a dramatic turning point that same day. A federal jury acquitted him of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. These allegations, which carried the possibility of life in prison, had loomed over the Bad Boy Records founder for months. Despite the acquittals, the jury found Diddy guilty of two violations of the Mann Act. Those charges stemmed from transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. While not as severe as the original charges, the convictions still carry significant consequences. The courtroom tension continued as Judge Arun Subramanian denied Diddy’s request for bail. The hip-hop icon remains detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits sentencing. Federal guidelines for his offenses allow for a maximum of 20 years behind bars. Yet, legal experts agree such a harsh sentence is improbable. His legal team argues that the starting point for sentencing should be 21 months. Prosecutors, on the other hand, contend that the guidelines begin at 51 months, citing aggravating factors in the case. Diddy’s fate now rests in the hands of the court, with sentencing set for October. The verdict has sparked heated debate about accountability, power, and privilege in the music industry. Supporters and critics alike are watching closely as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures faces the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Dana Tran’s quiet act of maternal devotion reminds the world that, beyond the headlines and legal drama, family remains at the center of this unfolding story.

Judge Greg Mathis has weighed in on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial verdict, offering a candid and measured response to the hip-hop mogul’s conviction. Speaking from Mountain Gate Golf Course on Wednesday, Mathis shared his thoughts on the outcome and what should come next. His stance is clear: Diddy must face the same sentencing standards as any other defendant would under similar circumstances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judge Greg Mathis (@judgegregmathis) Combs, once one of music’s most untouchable figures, avoided conviction on the weightiest charges—racketeering and sex trafficking. Mathis said he never believed the federal racketeering charge fit the facts and described the sex trafficking counts as questionable. Yet, he expressed deep sympathy for Cassie Ventura and the other women who testified to enduring abuse at Diddy’s hands. The former television judge made it clear that accountability must follow. Diddy was found guilty on two counts tied to prostitution under the Mann Act, which involve transporting individuals for illegal sexual activity across state lines. Mathis urged Judge Arun Subramanian, who will oversee sentencing, to impose a term within the federal guidelines. As a first-time offender, Mathis said Combs should serve between 21 and 27 months. Anything less, in his view, would fall short of justice. Mathis acknowledged uncertainty about whether Diddy’s continued detention was necessary to protect society or the witnesses who took the stand. Still, he admitted concern that without meaningful consequences, the artist might repeat harmful patterns. He bluntly noted that unless Combs receives intervention or rehabilitation, “he’s going to do it again.” The former Detroit judge also addressed widespread criticism that federal prosecutors overreached with the racketeering charge. He agreed that the RICO case never seemed solid but pointed out that overcharging is a strategy often used by the government to force plea deals or secure convictions on lesser counts. Mathis explained that this approach, while controversial, reflects a long-standing federal playbook. Beyond the courtroom, Mathis spoke about speculation that Combs might seek a presidential pardon, possibly from Donald Trump if he wins reelection. He called the idea unlikely but not impossible, given the unpredictability of politics and celebrity influence. Mathis also offered a sharp critique of those in the entertainment world who waited until after the verdict to voice their views. In his eyes, silence during the trial spoke volumes about loyalty and fear in the industry. As Combs awaits sentencing at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, Mathis’ words serve as a reminder that even icons must answer to the law. The path forward will reveal whether justice, accountability, and rehabilitation can coexist in a case that has gripped both hip-hop and the nation.

Quinta Brunosn is opening up about her for the first time about her divorce In an interview with Bustle opened up about going through a divorce in public “Even if you don’t give a lot, people want whatever they can get, and will take whatever they can get,” she explained. “I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce.’ I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you.” “No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life — it’s just that that’s public record information,” she continued. “I hate all of it.” She also spoke about the future of her award-winning show, Abbott Elementary. “Those are invisible voices that aren’t in your home with you, that aren’t in your personal life, that aren’t your friends,” Brunson said. “I love my fans, I love the people who watch ‘Abbott.’ So you want to hear them, and you want to listen to them, but when it comes to matters of your personal life and decisions you make, you do have to tune it out.” “It’s a transitional time,” she went on. “I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world. I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day.”

Master P is hanging up his mic for good. In an interview with PEOPLE, the No Limit Records founder revealed that his performance at the Essence Festival on July 6 will be his last. “My last show has to be with Essence,” P said. “It has to be big. A celebration.” P then shared why he believes the timing is right for his retirement. I’m growing to another level and I’m embracing it,” P explained. He was recently named the new head coach and president of basketball operations for the University of New Orleans basketball team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Master P (@masterp) “It’s a blessing now to be able to transition into doing something that’s bigger than me. Being a servant is my most important job,” P said. “I feel like hard work got me here, even though I didn’t know I was going to get this far in life. God spared my life and put me on this journey.” A product of New Orleans’ public housing, P recalled that he dreamt of making it to the NBA and being a success in the music industry. “I was just a kid trying to make it out the ghetto. I just had so many big dreams and goals,” he said. After settling tin tbe San Francisco Bay Area, P learned the tricks of the traded from some entrepreneurial rappers “That’s where I got my hustle. I remember being with E-40, E-A-Ski, JT The Bigga Figga, and all them. I actually created No Limit Records in Richmond, CA, “ P recalled. “I had a lot of close calls,” he continued. “I went from one bad place to another, but I feel like God saved my life for a reason. He knew my heart.” Although officially retiring, P admitted that it was a tough decision, but the time is right, saying this “feels like this is the next phase of my life.  “That chapter closed itself with maturing and growing up and not being afraid to grow, “ P explained. “There is a lot of negative stuff going on in hip-hop, and people don’t want to talk about the positive things. They say when you know better, you do better. That’s the phase I’m on. I’m fine with growing up.”

Wale recently revealed how challenging it is to remain relevant in the rap game. During an interview with Cam Newton on his “Funky Friday” podcast, he spoke about how he’s maintained his relevancy..  “It’s hard, man,” Wale said. “I mean, there are so many things that throw you off. I lost a lot of friends in the streets or just otherwise, but jumping in the industry, being here for about 16 years… The amount of friends that I lost… It’s not a normal life to live,” he continued. He went on to describe the modern music  industry as “not the brightest place to be.” “You could be the greatest rapper of all time, but everybody could be like, ‘Oh I don’t like you, you’re not good,” he explained. “So that can just throw you off … The longevity is no joke, man. And the game done change, it keep changing.” He argued that another aspect beyond the changing nature of the industry, and the arrival of new artists, is how tough it can be to have your art noticed with everything going on. “There’s so much stuff going on right now,” he said. “So much distractions and so much… Everybody is bloodthirsty right now in hip-hop,” he said. “So it’s like, how many people’s attention can you get, you know what I’m saying? How do you enter the zeitgeist? How do you enter the mainstream, the algorithm? It’s busy. It’s tough, it’s a tough game.” Wale also shared that he’s not interested in chasing the latest trends, and supports “evergreen music,” and used JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt as an example of great art. “I had to grow up a little bit before I understood how great Reasonable Doubt was,” he said. “I didn’t understand how good it was in middle school. When I got older, I was like, ‘Oh snap.’ Everything he’s saying, I didn’t get. That’s why I got to try to make the music evergreen, because it’ll catch up eventually.”