R&B is getting another dose of nostalgia as Donell Jones and Joe prepare to bring their catalogs to Verzuz on Aug. 20 at 9 p.m. ET. The matchup connects two voices that helped define late-1990s and 2000s R&B. Both singers built careers around romance, heartbreak, desire and complicated relationships. Jones revealed the matchup Aug. 8 backstage at the Wine & Slow Jams Festival in Maryland. The Chicago native also set expectations for the evening. Rather than embracing the competitive energy associated with some Verzuz battles, Jones wants the night to feel like a celebration. View this post on Instagram The singer stressed that he and Joe are grown men with great catalogs. He also made clear that fans should not expect unnecessary arguments or drama. That mindset could give this Verzuz a different energy. Neither artist needs manufactured tension when their discographies already provide plenty to debate. Jones enters with a catalog packed with R&B staples. “U Know What’s Up,” “Where I Wanna Be,” “Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me)” and “You Know That I Love You” remain essential selections. Donell Jones & Joe Set To Compete Against Each Other In R&B Verzuz On August 20 Joe has an equally formidable arsenal. “I Wanna Know,” “Don’t Wanna Be a Player,” “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do)” and “Stutter” could become major moments. Still, the battle could hinge on the deeper cuts. Album tracks, collaborations and records from different stages could change the conversation. For Jones, however, the matchup appears to represent something larger than competition. It celebrates two careers that have survived changing sounds and shifting music trends. That perspective feels especially fitting for R&B listeners who came of age during the genre’s golden commercial era. Jones and Joe supplied soundtracks for countless relationships and late-night moments. Their Aug. 20 meeting offers fans a chance to revisit that era through two distinctive voices. It also gives a new generation an opportunity to discover the records that established their legacies. Donell Jones versus Joe could become one of Verzuz’s most nostalgic pairings. The winner may be debated, but the music will speak for itself.

Hip-Hop star Drake intends to keep his promise to buy content creator Pinkchyu’s mother a new home — according to a new viral video in which the goth baddie tells her mother what the rapper promised. Drake and Pinkchyu’s newly formed friendship went viral over the weekend after Drake and Stake hosted a 20-v-1 challenge that also included content creators Lena Tha Plug and Jordyn Lucas. Pinkchyu, an OnlyFans model and content creator, told TMZ that Drake offered to buy her mother a new home. She said the rapper instructed her to find a property she likes. Once she selects a listing, Pinkchyu said Drake will handle the payment. The reported offer follows her headline-making appearance on his dating series. Pinkchyu emerged as the winner after a flirtatious showdown that featured role-playing and plenty of playful exchanges. Despite their chemistry, she said she and Drake did not hook up after filming. She has remained guarded about whether they will see each other again. Still, Pinkchyu said the two had meaningful conversations during the after-party. Her comments suggest their connection may not have ended when the cameras stopped rolling. “Goth Baddie” Pinkchyu Reveals Hip-Hop Star Drake Honored His Promise To Buy Her Mom A New Home Pinkchyu also revealed that her relationship with Drake began from an unusual position. She said she was not especially familiar with his music before appearing on the show. Instead, she primarily recognized him from his role on Degrassi. That admission stands out given Drake’s stature as one of the biggest artists of his generation. The dating-show appearance has also transformed Pinkchyu’s online profile. She said her OnlyFans subscriptions have surged since the episode went viral. The sudden attention has created new opportunities for the content creator. Pinkchyu said she remains surprised by the speed of her rise. She also acknowledged that her appearance has played a role in the momentum. Now, she wants to leverage that visibility beyond social media. Pinkchyu said she has ambitions of entering the music industry. Her goals suggest the Drake dating challenge could become a launching point for a broader entertainment career. For Drake, the reported home purchase adds another unexpected chapter to his increasingly unconventional dating-show rollout. The timing of the purchase remains unclear. Pinkchyu said Drake’s offer stands once she finds the right property. For now, the viral “20-v-1” winner is turning a high-profile encounter with Drake into new possibilities. The reported gift could become the most tangible reward from the experience yet.

Rapper Rod Wave is facing more than 90 gigabytes of evidence as prosecutors prepare to advance a criminal case stemming from a 2025 shooting outside his Milton, Georgia, home. Prosecutors disclosed July 31 that they had provided Rodarius Green’s defense with roughly 1,900 photographs and 111 videos. Green faces 14 charges related to the April 2025 incident. The allegations include aggravated assault, firearm possession during a felony, pointing or aiming a gun, reckless conduct and criminal property damage. According to police, a verbal dispute involving Green and an associate escalated into gunfire. Investigators allege Green fired multiple shots outside the residence, striking several vehicles. The shooting followed a reported burglary at Green’s home. Green has pleaded not guilty and has disputed the allegations through his attorney, Drew Findling. “There is no truth to these charges,” Findling said in a statement. “Rod Green was a victim of a burglary and committed no crimes,” Findling said. “How he was even charged as a result of this situation is incomprehensible.” Prosecutors Submit 90gb of Evidence In Rapper Rod Wave’s 2025 Shooting Case Involving Ex-Girlfriend Findling also predicted a favorable outcome for his client. “This will absolutely be resolved favorably to Mr. Green,” he said. The latest disclosure provides Green’s attorneys with a substantial volume of material to examine before the next court proceeding. Prosecutors have not publicly described every photograph or video included in the production. The evidence could contain additional material concerning the alleged shooting and events surrounding it. Green’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 28 in Georgia. The criminal case unfolds as Green prepares to release his next album, Don’t Look Down. He is also scheduled to begin a tour supporting the project Sept. 12. The parallel legal and music schedules place Green’s criminal defense alongside a major period in his recording career. The 90GB evidence production represents the latest development in the Milton case. Green’s defense team must now review the materials as the prosecution moves toward the next stage of the proceedings. The case remains pending, and the allegations against Green have not been proven in court.

Sexy Drill rapper Cash Cobain is bringing his signature style to True Religion’s fall 2026 Iconography Capsule. The Summer Jam 2026 performer and producer fronts the limited-edition collection, which revisits the denim brand’s most recognizable design codes through a contemporary lens. The campaign positions Cobain as an artist whose originality has become central to his cultural identity. True Religion’s Iconography Capsule draws from the visual language that has defined the brand for more than two decades. Its signature Horseshoe, Buddha and Big T motifs appear throughout the collection. Super T contrast stitching and script branding also return across denim, fleece, graphic T-shirts, activewear and outerwear. Matching sets round out the assortment. “True Religion has always stood for authenticity,” said Kristen D’Arcy, the brand’s chief marketing officer. She said the campaign celebrates people who define their own paths rather than follow trends. Cobain embodies that philosophy through his evolution from Bronx producer to one of rap’s most distinctive new voices. His “sexy drill” sound has helped reshape the genre while establishing a style that remains uniquely his own. The campaign frames that individuality as a form of recognition. It also connects Cobain’s musical identity with True Religion’s longstanding visual heritage. Bronx Rapper Cash Cobain Is The Face Of True Religion’s Iconography Capsule “The Iconography Capsule highlights the brand’s iconic design language,” said Tina Blake, True Religion’s creative director and senior vice president of design, merchandising and brand image. Blake said the collection brings archival elements into modern silhouettes. The approach preserves the designs that made True Religion recognizable while adapting them for contemporary culture. For Cobain, the campaign arrives as his aesthetic continues to extend beyond music. His presence gives the collection a connection to a new generation of hip-hop audiences and style enthusiasts. The Iconography Capsule also asks consumers to consider their own identities. True Religion’s “What makes you recognizable?” campaign invites participants to share what distinguishes them. The initiative will culminate Aug. 29 with an open casting event at True Religion’s Los Angeles headquarters. The event will include live DJs, surprise guests, giveaways and interactive photo opportunities. Two winners will appear in the brand’s “Ones to Watch” social series. They will also receive a Los Angeles photoshoot, travel accommodations, brand features and a True Religion shopping experience. Through Cobain, the capsule links archival fashion codes with an artist who has made individuality part of his signature.

Luigi Mangione’s defense team is seeking to livestream his upcoming state murder trial as his attorneys adjust their strategy amid separate state and federal prosecutions. Mangione faces charges stemming from the December 2024 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His New York defense team previously considered an extreme emotional disturbance defense but withdrew it earlier this summer. JUST IN: photos of Luigi Mangione at his court hearing today. pic.twitter.com/tGl06u9Pm3 — Luigi Archive (@Luigi_Archive) August 11, 2026 Sources cited by TMZ attributed the decision to the timing of Mangione’s state and federal cases. The defense cannot use that specific defense in federal court. Raising it in state court could also create complications for the later federal proceedings. TMZ host Harvey Levin reported that Mangione’s lawyers are now considering other ways to present evidence concerning his mental and emotional state. One issue could involve a diary investigators seized after Mangione’s 2024 arrest. Prosecutors have characterized the writings as evidence that Mangione planned Thompson’s killing. Luigi Mangione Asks The Judge If His Upcoming Trial Can Be Viewed On Livestream Other passages reportedly describe Mangione’s anger toward the health care industry. His attorneys could seek to use those writings to provide jurors with context surrounding his state of mind. Whether jurors see the diary will depend on evidentiary rulings by the court. The defense is also reportedly seeking a livestream of the proceedings. Levin said Mangione’s attorneys believe broader public access could benefit their client. The proposal comes amid significant public interest in the case and support for Mangione among some younger observers. Any livestream, however, would remain subject to court rules governing courtroom proceedings. The defense’s strategy could face additional scrutiny because jurors must decide the case based on evidence presented in court. Outside public reaction cannot substitute for admissible evidence. The state prosecution is scheduled to proceed before Mangione’s federal case. That sequence has influenced the defense’s decisions regarding potential arguments and evidence. Mangione’s attorneys now appear focused on preserving their options across both cases. Their approach may include presenting evidence about his state of mind without formally relying on the withdrawn defense. Both prosecutions remain pending, and the court has not ruled on the proposed livestream. The proceedings could provide an unusually public view of a closely watched criminal case if the request is granted.

Jaylen Brown is excited to begin his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers. Bronw was all smiles duing his introductory new conference at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in West Philadelphia. At the news conference, Brown assured the Sixers fans base that he’s not concerned with a role but winning a chip. “It doesn’t have to be anybody’s team,” Brown said. “We have to be a team of respect. I’m about winning. I want to come in and do whatever it takes to win.” Brown also has been in contact and is looking forward to teaming up with LeBron James. “I’m looking forward to learning from LeBron,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to learning from all these guys. But, LeBron, just everything that he’s endured during his career, on and off the floor. One of my favorite things to do is learn. I can’t wait to soak up as much information as I can and apply that to myself.”  “For me, the work has started already,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing whatever it is I need to do, whoever I need to talk to, to make sure that we get on the same page, and that everybody’s focused on the same thing. If we do that, then we’ll be where we want to be.”  In a blockbuster 2026 offseason reshuffle, the Philadelphia 76ers transformed into an instant championship favorite by acquiring both Brown and James. Joining forces alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecomb. Brown—arriving via trade from the rival Boston Celtics—and James—signing a team-friendly contract after contemplating retirement—have both expressed a willing readiness to adapt their roles, sacrifice individual stats, and do whatever it takes to deliver a title to Brotherly Love.  On opening night, the new-look Sixers take on the defending champion New York Knicks.

Mayor Ray Giacobbe of Rahway, NJ sits down with DJ Drewski on HOT 97’s Midday Movement with DJ Drewski for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond politics. They talk about the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series (featuring Jim Jones, Maino, Memphis Bleek, and more), Rahway’s hip-hop roots, and why the city is embracing — not banning — rap events. Then things get real: Mayor Giacobbe opens up about losing his 22-year-old daughter Bella in 2022, how fitness helped him battle depression, and what keeps him going every single day. He also discusses the Bella Kind Foundation, Rahway’s booming redevelopment, and what it really means to lead a community. This one hits different. Mayor’s Summer Concert Series — Every Thursday in August at Union County Performing Arts Center Learn more about Bella Kind Foundation Rahway, NJ — Come experience it for yourself

Former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight has issued a stern warning to legal teams involved in the Tupac Shakur murder trial, vowing to remain an uncooperative witness if forced to testify. Knight, who was driving the vehicle when Shakur was fatally shot in 1996, told reporters he has no intention of aiding the prosecution or the defense in the case against Duane “Keefe D” Davis. The high-profile trial of Davis, which began jury selection this week, seeks to finally resolve the nearly 30-year-old mystery of who killed the legendary rapper. Knight is considered a central witness by both sides, yet he remains adamant that his presence in the courtroom will only lead to complications for those who subpoena him. “They make me come there against my will, if Keefe D’s lawyers bring me there, it don’t look good for him,” Knight said in a recent interview with ABC. “If the prosecution brings me there, it don’t look good for them. Leave me out of it.” Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for an unrelated 2015 voluntary manslaughter conviction, framed his refusal to cooperate as a matter of personal code and loyalty. He equated the act of testifying against another person to physical violence, suggesting that “snitching” is a fate worse than death. “To actually get on the stand, and point somebody out, it’s worse than taking a gun and shooting that man in the head,” Knight said. He added that he refuses to be the reason another man spends the remainder of his life behind bars, despite his enduring “loyalty to Tupac.” Legal experts have noted that Davis has already complicated his own defense through years of public admissions. Prosecutors intend to use Davis’s own 2019 memoir and various media interviews as evidence, in which he reportedly detailed his involvement in the Southside Compton Crips and the night of the shooting. Knight echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Davis “already told on himself” through his public statements. The trial marks a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, as Davis is currently the only person ever charged in connection with the 1996 drive-by shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. While Knight remains the only surviving eye-witness from inside the target vehicle, his refusal to participate highlights the ongoing cultural and legal tensions that have surrounded this case for decades. As jury selection continues in Nevada, the court must decide whether to compel the incarcerated former mogul to travel to Las Vegas. If forced to the stand, Knight’s testimony—or lack thereof—could prove to be a volatile element in a trial that the music world has anticipated for nearly three decades.

LeBron James will officially begin his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers this fall, against the defending NBA champion New York Knicks. The league announced Tuesday that the 41-year-old superstar will make his 76ers debut at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 20, marking the start of what James has described as his final chapter in professional basketball. The season-opening contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will serve as the centerpiece of a tripleheader broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The game marks a significant shift in the Eastern Conference landscape, as James joins a revamped Philadelphia roster that also includes former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. The duo aims to bring a championship back to the City of Brotherly Love, a feat the franchise hasn’t achieved since 1983. James signed a multimillion-dollar, two-year deal with Philadelphia in July after months of speculation regarding his potential retirement. The four-time NBA champion admitted he faced internal conflict following the conclusion of his time with the Los Angeles Lakers before deciding he had more to offer the sport. “I thought I was done when the season ended,” James said during the announcement of his free agency decision. “I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game.” Ultimately, the lure of competition and the chance to build a contender in Philadelphia brought him back to the court. James said he believes he can “help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team” and noted that this move represents the “last decision” of his storied career. The debut against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks is just the first highlight of a heavily anticipated schedule for James. The NBA also confirmed that the 76ers will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, setting the stage for an emotional return to Southern California for the league’s all-time leading scorer. Sports analysts and fellow athletes have spent the summer debating the impact of the move. The October opener at the Garden will provide the first definitive answer as the 76ers look to dethrone the reigning champions in their own building.

A Delaware Chancery Court judge has sided with Wayne Barrow in a dispute over proceeds from Biggie Smalls’s music catalog, rejecting R&B singer Faith Evans’ challenge to payments owed to a trust created by the late rapper’s mother. Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick ruled that Barrow, the sole trustee of Voletta Wallace’s trust, is entitled to receive her share of distributions from Notorious B.I.G. LLC. Biggie’s Manager Wins Battle Against Widow Faith Evans, Gains Partial Control Over Rapper’s Catalog Wayne Barrow prevailed in his battle to get payments as the trustee of Biggie’s mom’s estate – via @RollingStone https://t.co/ffBqM7eSl6 — The Diddy Docket (@diddydocket) August 11, 2026 Wallace, Biggie’s mother, died at 78 in February 2025. She and Evans previously co-owned the company, which controlled the late rapper’s music catalog and intellectual property. The company entered a 50-50 partnership with Primary Wave in March 2025. The transaction reportedly valued Biggie’s personal estate at $200 million. Under the company agreement, Wallace and Evans each transferred half of their distribution rights to Biggie’s children, Ty’anna Wallace and Christopher Jordan “CJ” Wallace. Each ultimately held a 25% share. Evans later refused to distribute Wallace’s share to the trust. McCormick said Evans appeared to object to Wallace’s decision to amend her trust shortly before her death. Biggie Smalls’s Manager Secure Small Win Against Faith Evans For Control Of Rapper’s Catalog The amendment removed CJ, Evans’ son with Biggie, as a co-trustee. “Presumably angered by the affront to her son, the defendant-widow took the position that the LLC agreement prohibited the transfer of membership units to the trust,” McCormick wrote. The judge rejected that position after reviewing the company agreement. She found Barrow entitled to “any and all rights and obligations held by Ms. Wallace under the [company] agreement.” Barrow’s attorney, Jay W. Freiberg, called the ruling “a total victory.” “Wayne is feeling vindicated,” Freiberg told Rolling Stone. He said Wallace wanted Barrow to safeguard Biggie’s legacy. A separate Pennsylvania lawsuit remains pending. CJ alleges Barrow improperly influenced Wallace before her death to appoint him trustee and executor. Freiberg and attorney Yelena Rapoport declined to discuss that case. They said CJ filed it to delay the Delaware litigation. “That gambit failed,” Freiberg said. Evans and CJ’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. McCormick invoked Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments” in her ruling. “Christopher Wallace presciently cautioned: ‘Keep your family and business completely separated,’” she wrote.