G Herbo is one of Chicago’s most influential voices in modern hip-hop. Emerging from the city’s East Side, he first gained national attention in 2012 with the breakout single “Kill Shit” alongside fellow Chicago rapper Lil Bibby. Following his acclaimed mixtapes Welcome to Fazoland, Pistol P Project, Ballin Like I’m Kobe, and Strictly 4 My Fans, G Herbo established himself as a major force in hip-hop with a string of successful studio albums. His 2018 debut album Humble Beast showcased his evolution as both an artist and storyteller, while 2020’s PTSD became his first Top 10 album on the Billboard 200. Featuring collaborations with artists including Juice WRLD, Chance the Rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and the late Lil Durk, the album was praised for its honest discussion of trauma, mental health, and the lasting effects of growing up surrounded by violence. Herbo continued his momentum with 25 in 2021, which debuted in the Billboard 200 Top 5 and became his highest-charting album at the time. He followed with Survivor’s Remorse in 2022, a deeply personal project exploring grief, growth, and perseverance, solidifying his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most authentic lyricists. Throughout his career, G Herbo has earned multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, while amassing billions of streams across platforms with standout records including “PTSD,” “Who Want Smoke?? (Remix),” “Statement,” “Swervo,” and “Write Your Name.” Beyond music, G Herbo has become an advocate for mental health awareness and youth empowerment, using his platform to encourage conversations about trauma, therapy, and personal growth. His honesty and commitment to giving back to his community have made him an influential figure both on and off the stage. Fans can catch him live at HOT 97 Summer Jam.  Get your tickets here.

Cardi B’s night at the 2026 BET Awards ended with both a trophy and a conversation. After winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, she delivered a medley from AM I THE DRAMA? that included “ErrTime,” “Hello,” “Check Please,” and “Pretty & Petty,” her diss record aimed at BIA. The performance immediately revived discussion about their long-running feud, but Cardi’s comments after leaving the stage pointed in a different direction. Rather than urging fans to keep the back-and-forth alive, she asked them not to turn the rivalry into online harassment. “Please don’t pick on that girl,” Cardi said in a clip shared by Livebitez on Instagram. She explained that personal experience has made her cautious about fueling internet pile-ons, even when tensions between artists remain unresolved. “I am very big against Internet bullying. Unless my fans have to… But if somebody’s not bothering me, and I feel like she’s not bothering me, I don’t want to be the reason why somebody gets on the Internet and has a bad day or gets depressed or feels bad or feels like the world is against them. Because I really went through that before.” The remarks prompted divided reactions, with some viewers praising the sentiment while others questioned how it fit alongside a performance centered on a diss track. View this post on Instagram Cardi B Reflects on BIA Feud The Bronx rapper acknowledged that responding to criticism has often been part of her public career, while also admitting that prolonged conflicts can eventually lose their appeal. “All these b***hes, blogs was against me…” she said. “I do like teaching b***hes a lesson… But after a while, I’ll kill you and then I feel bad that I killed you and buried you… You really f***ed with me, so I had to do that. But yes, I’m not going to stop performing the show… If somebody don’t f**k with me, I don’t want to keep fing with them, ’cause it gives bullying. And I’m really not a bully unless I have to… My fans gon’ be like ‘Cardi, stop.’ […] I don’t want to ever over-do it… I want to keep being blessed… If she ever see me, I know it’s gon’ be on sight. I know the b*h gon’ want to fight me… I’m with everything.” The friction between Cardi B and BIA has evolved over several years, fueled by fan comparisons, social media exchanges, diss records, and increasingly personal accusations. BIA has consistently answered when she believes those shots are directed at her, including recent remarks involving Cardi’s relationship with Stefon Diggs after performances of “Pretty & Petty.” While the rivalry shows little sign of disappearing, Cardi’s latest remarks suggest she is trying to separate competitive records from the kind of online hostility that often follows them.

In celebration of his 30th anniversary, Hip-Hop mogul JAŸ-Z is giving fans a new way to experience the streets of New York City that built his empire. As the rap icon celebrates the 30th anniversary of his classic debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” Roc Nation has teamed with Google Maps to launch an interactive New York City tour tracing the landmarks that shaped Shawn Carter’s rise from Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses to global superstardom. View this post on Instagram The digital guide features nearly 30 locations tied to JAŸ-Z’s life and career, allowing fans to visit the recording studios, concert venues and neighborhood landmarks that inspired some of hip-hop’s most celebrated music. Among the featured stops are The Hit Factory and D&D Studios, where pivotal moments in his catalog came to life. The map also highlights legendary venues, including Radio City Music Hall, where the rapper built his reputation onstage. The experience extends beyond music. JAŸ-Z & Google Maps Retraces His New York City Legacy In Celebration Of JAŸ-Z30 Fans can visit Marcy Houses, where Carter grew up, along with the former Roc-A-Fella Records headquarters, the famed Tunnel nightclub, the Brooklyn Public Library and even a McDonald’s location referenced in the Grammy-winning hit “Empire State of Mind.” The Google Maps partnership marks the latest addition to an expansive anniversary celebration honoring “Reasonable Doubt.” Pop-up exhibits with exclusive merchandise across New York City have already drawn crowds. The festivities reach another level next month when JAŸ-Z returns to Yankee Stadium for a three-night run. The July 10 performance will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Reasonable Doubt,” the album that launched his legendary career. The July 11 show shifts the spotlight to “The Blueprint,” widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s defining releases. The final concert, billed as “Extra Innings” on July 12, will feature hits spanning JAŸ-Z’s entire catalog. Together, the Google Maps experience and Yankee Stadium concerts transform New York City into a living tribute to JAŸ-Z’s legacy. It has been three decades since “Reasonable Doubt” changed hip-hop. Fans can now follow the same places that helped create one of the genre’s greatest success stories.

Former NFL star running back Chris Johnson revealed Monday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. The retired athlete, who earned the nickname “CJ2K” during his historic career, shared the news during an emotional interview on “Good Morning America,” disclosing that he received the diagnosis last year at age 39. Johnson, now 40, appeared on the program alongside his wife, Brittany Johnson. Because the progressive neurodegenerative disease has already claimed his ability to speak, Johnson utilized a speech-generating device that used his own recorded voice to communicate. He told interviewer Michael Strahan that there is no history of the condition in his family, leading medical professionals to categorize his ailment as sporadic ALS. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen,” Johnson said through the device. He noted the “shocking” nature of the disease, which often targets individuals who have no reason to expect such a diagnosis. The three-time Pro Bowler first noticed symptoms while spending time with his wife and their four children. He described a sudden loss of strength in his right hand, noting that his grip “didn’t feel right.” While the family initially suspected the issues were related to the physical toll of a 10-year NFL career, medical testing proved otherwise. Brittany Johnson admitted she originally thought the weakness was a minor issue like a pinched nerve. “I thought because of football and, you know, his career, that it had to be something with that,” she said, expressing the family’s disbelief that it could be a terminal condition with no known cure. Despite the terminal nature of the illness, the former Tennessee Titans and New York Jets star remains determined to maintain a positive outlook for his family. He credited his children as his primary motivation for continuing to persevere through the physical challenges. “At first, you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices,” Johnson said during the broadcast. “You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.” Johnson is best remembered for his 2009 season with the Titans, where he became one of only eight players in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He finished that year with 2,006 yards and set an NFL record for total yards from scrimmage with 2,509. He retired from professional football in 2018. Participating in sporadic ALS research and raising awareness has now become his new focus as he navigates life with the disorder. View this post on Instagram

Teyana Taylor took center stage at the 2026 BET Awards on Sunday night, walking away with four major trophies and receiving a career-defining surprise from her idol, Janet Jackson. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater, reached an emotional peak when Jackson made an unannounced appearance to present Taylor with the prestigious Icon of the Year Award. The surprise left Taylor visibly shaken as she took the stage to accept her fourth honor of the evening. After realizing that Jackson was the one handing her the trophy, Taylor joked with the crowd about the secrecy surrounding the moment. “They did not tell me Janet was coming,” she exclaimed during her speech, admitting she had heard rumors backstage from singer Kehlani but did not believe them until the music legend appeared. Jackson, a five-time Grammy winner and a former BET Icon recipient herself, praised Taylor’s rapid ascent and versatility across the music and film industries. She noted that Taylor had achieved more in a single year than many artists do in an entire career. Jackson specifically highlighted Taylor’s Golden Globe win and her work in the Oscar-winning film “One Battle After Another,” as well as her Grammy-nominated musical projects. Before the Icon of the Year presentation, Taylor had already secured wins for Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the Fashion Vanguard award. The sweep solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in modern pop culture. During her acceptance speech, Taylor turned to Jackson to express her deep gratitude, stating that she would not have a career without the trail blazed by the “Rhythm Nation” singer. “I love you so much. Thank you for every text, every hug, every talk,” Taylor said to Jackson. “You are my biggest inspiration. You don’t even understand there would be no me without you.” Taylor also used her platform to address the competitive nature of the entertainment industry. She spoke about the importance of mentorship and communal success rather than individual gain. Taylor told the audience that she never believed her own success should come at the expense of others, urging fellow artists to support one another. “Greatness isn’t measured by how many people stand beneath you,” Taylor said. “It’s measured by how many people stand beside you because you’re willing to reach back. That’s the only legacy I care about.” Taylor added that the industry often teaches performers to compete, but she remains committed to opening doors for the next generation of talent. The 2026 BET Awards served as a coronation for Taylor, who has transitioned from a teen performer to a sought-after director and award-winning actress. Jackson concluded her tribute by noting that Taylor’s impact on fashion, film and music has made her a true vanguard of the current era. View this post on Instagram

A Seattle-area mother and daughter accused of stealing more than $7,000 in Louis Vuitton handbags allegedly celebrated the haul by posting a TikTok video set to Yung Miami’s new song, “Spend Dat,” giving investigators a key piece of evidence in the case. According to Bellevue Police and King County prosecutors, Janeice Renee Downs, who also goes by Janeice Smith and “Punchy,” and her mother, Janeice Wiley, were arrested June 12 after investigators linked them to the alleged theft at Nordstrom’s downtown Seattle store. Prosecutors allege Downs and another suspect distracted a sales associate before stealing two Louis Vuitton handbags on June 6. Surveillance footage allegedly captured the theft, with Downs wearing a full-face burqa-style covering that investigators say matched disguises used in previous retail theft cases. Authorities say the investigation took a dramatic turn when a TikTok video surfaced the next day. Court records allege Wiley appeared in the video dancing with handbags resembling the stolen Louis Vuitton merchandise while Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” played in the background as part of the viral “Spend Dat” TikTok challenge. Detectives also identified similar handbags on Downs’ Instagram account. Mom & Daughter Arrested After Flaunting Stolen Louis Vuitton Items For Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” TikTok Challenge Investigators compared the social media posts with store surveillance footage and cited matching details, including distinctive white-painted toenails, black sandals and the face covering allegedly worn during the theft. A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation called the social media posts “a classic case of self-snitching,” suggesting the videos helped detectives identify the suspects. The case marks another legal setback for Downs. She previously pleaded guilty in an organized retail theft investigation. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in allegedly stolen merchandise across Washington, Oregon and California. Bellevue Police Capt. Landon Barnwell described Downs as “one of the region’s most prolific organized retail theft criminals.” “They drive up prices for everyone and hurt local businesses,” Barnwell said. Downs remains jailed on $215,000 bail while facing a new first-degree organized retail theft charge. Prosecutors are also seeking to keep her in custody as the case proceeds. Wiley was released after posting bond. The allegations remain unproven, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Federal prosecutors have alleged that Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, real name Lontrell Williams Jr., maintained an inappropriate relationship with a home confinement supervisor that allowed repeated violations of the conditions of his court-ordered release, according to a recent filing in the U.S. District Court. The allegations surfaced as the government continues to oppose Williams’ request for pretrial release in a pending prosecution arising from the alleged robbery and kidnapping of rapper Gucci Mane and others at a Dallas recording studio. @TheJusticeDept v. @pooh_shiesty / @BigThirty375:@FBI prosecutors Ryan Raybould and Claire Demers filed a response to Pooh Shiesty’s Motion For Review Of The Detention Order and For Release Conditions with Northen Texas court on Thursday, June 24. In the 64-page response,… pic.twitter.com/sIQdo5ymRF — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) June 25, 2026 According to the filing, the alleged relationship involved at least one case supervisor employed by Volunteers of America, the nonprofit organization responsible for supervising Williams during his home confinement following his 2022 federal conviction on conspiracy and drug trafficking charges. Prosecutors allege the supervisor entered unauthorized day passes into the monitoring system, allowing Williams to travel beyond the limits authorized by the court. The filing further alleges the employee issued three unauthorized passes on the day of the alleged offenses and communicated with Williams 19 times that day. Pooh Shiesty’s Attorney Debunks Alleged Inappropriate Relationship Claims Made By The Prosecution In Rapper’s Robbery & Extortion Case The government also states that Volunteers of America terminated the employee following the alleged misconduct. Williams, through counsel, has denied the allegations. His attorney, Kent Schaffer, said in a statement: “We do not believe that there was anything inappropriate about our client’s relationship with any of the house arrest supervisors. That is not what he is on trial for and is simply a distraction.” @TheJusticeDept v. @pooh_shiesty / @BigThirty375: Pooh Shiesty’s attorney, Kent Schaffer (@KentSchaffer) released the following statement to @XXL’s @MarisaMendez on Sunday, June 28, regarding the government’s claims Pooh Shiesty had an inappropriate relationship with a house… pic.twitter.com/Jj2wWPhdpR — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) June 29, 2026 In addition to the alleged relationship, prosecutors contend Williams violated multiple conditions of his home confinement. The filing alleges he submitted a cold urine sample in November 2025. Authorities recorded it as a refusal and missed a scheduled urinalysis appointment in January 2026. The employee failed to appear for a required biweekly check-in in March 2026. Then later missed another drug test, citing transportation issues. The government relies on those allegations in arguing that Williams should remain in custody pending trial. Williams has pleaded not guilty to the robbery and kidnapping charges and continues to seek release on bond. His trial is currently scheduled to begin Feb. 22, 2027. The allegations concerning his supervision have not been adjudicated, and the criminal case remains pending.

90s and 2000s rap legend Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, pleaded guilty in federal court to five misdemeanor counts of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes, resolving charges tied to unpaid tax obligations between 2019 and 2023. According to a plea agreement, Mitchell, 52, admitted he failed to pay approximately $175,000 in federal income taxes during the five-year period. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22. Each misdemeanor count carries a statutory maximum sentence of one year in prison. View this post on Instagram Court records indicate the Chicago legend’s unpaid federal tax liabilities extend beyond the charged conduct. The Internal Revenue Service alleges he owes more than $440,000 in outstanding taxes dating to 2011. Mitchell’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Federal prosecutors said Mitchell earned income through live performances, album sales, music streaming, publishing royalties and other entertainment-related activities while repeatedly receiving notice from both the IRS and his accountants regarding his tax obligations. Chicago Rap Legend Twista Pleads Guilty To $440K Upaid Taxes, Faces 5 Years In Prison Despite those notices, prosecutors alleged Mitchell spent substantial sums on luxury vehicles rather than satisfying his outstanding tax debt. Court filings state he purchased a Chevrolet Corvette for approximately $100,000, a BMW i8 for nearly $80,000, a Tesla for about $65,000 and a Jeep costing roughly $65,000. The government further alleged that Mitchell “routinely made other large, nonessential purchases when he could have used available funds to pay his outstanding tax debts.” Prosecutors also contend Mitchell entered into an arrangement with a third-party company to receive advances against future royalty payments. According to the IRS, the structure allowed him to access royalty income before distribution while avoiding immediate tax withholding. As part of the plea agreement, Mitchell agreed to pay approximately $440,000 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury Department. He also remains liable for any accrued interest and applicable penalties. Twista received two Grammy Award nominations in 2005 for “Slow Jamz,” a collaboration with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, and his solo hit “Overnight Celebrity.” He is often referenced as a pioneer in Chicago hip-hop. The guilty plea concludes the criminal phase of the tax case, with sentencing and restitution still pending before the federal court.

Hip-Hop mogul 50 Cent couldn’t resist taking another shot at former EMPIRE actor Jussie Smollett with a Starz’s Power reference after the singer returned to the stage for the first time in eight years. 50 shared a viral video from Smollett’s performance at Harlem Pride on Instagram Sunday, using the moment to revive his long-running rivalry between Starz’s “Power” and Fox’s “Empire.” “See I told you POWER was the shit, but No you want to watch Empire. Now look this is all your fault. LOL ,” 50 Cent wrote. View this post on Instagram The jab referenced the years-long ratings battle between the hit dramas. While 50 Cent helped build “Power” into one of cable television’s biggest franchises, Smollett starred as Jamal Lyon on “Empire” alongside Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. Instead of commenting directly on Smollett’s emotional Harlem Pride performance, 50 Cent turned the clip into another opportunity to troll his former television rival. The rapper has repeatedly mocked “Empire” since both shows competed for viewers during the mid-2010s. Hip-Hop Mogul 50 Cent Remembers Power v. EMPIRE Beef While Laughing At Jussie Smollett’s Harlem Pride Performance Fans quickly piled into the comments. “How Long Does It Take For @50cent To Forgive I’ll Wait,” wrote @carribeanfestivalke, suggesting the rapper still enjoys revisiting the old television feud. Others targeted Smollett’s choreography. “The dudes that jumped him are the backup dancers ,” joked comedian Chingo Bling. Instagram user @dhow4 compared the performance to “that video machine you get into at the carnival to make videos for 5 minutes,” while @diamondshinezbright added, “Chiiiiile this is a hot mess .” Another commenter, @heyquels_, wrote, “I blame his siblings. Why are they allowing him to embarrass himself .” Smollett’s Harlem Pride appearance marked his first live performance in eight years and drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Online, however, much of the attention shifted to 50 Cent’s latest roast. Known for turning viral moments into punchlines, the Queens rapper once again used social media to revisit the “Power” versus “Empire” rivalry—proving that, years after both shows dominated television, he’s still ready to keep the feud alive with a single Instagram post.

The Buffalo Bills are slated to open their new stadium later this year, however franchise legend O.J Simpson will not be included in the celebration. Simpson, who spent nine years (1969 to 1977) with the Bills, will not be included on any new displays in or outside the stadium. “We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and family circle.” said Pete Guelli, chief operating officer for the Bills, in a statement on Saturday. Rather than duplicate their Wall of Fame, the Bills plan to honor their past by having their greats featured in a display in a large gathering area, called the “Family Circle,” in front of their new stadium. A stadium built for Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/vvJRdjTXwJ — Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 23, 2026 While Simpson was a superstar player, setting several NFL records, his legacy was overshadowed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. Though acquitted of murder, Simpson was later found liable for the deaths in a separate civil case.  He was ordered to pay $33.5 million to family members of Brown and Goldman, per AP News. Later, Simpson served nine years in prison after being convicted on unrelated charges. The Bills’ decision to exclude Simpson from the Family Circle underscores how his history-making NFL career and infamous criminal case remain inseperable. The Bills, under late-owner Ralph Wilson, had long ago distanced themselves from Simpson as a result of the murder charges Simpson was 76 when he died of prostate cancer in April 2024. During the time of his death, neither the Bills nor his alma mater, USC, publicly acknowledged his passing.