While hosting an SXSW event, Keke Palmer had an awkward interaction with a fan, to say the very least. The now-viral incident took place during what appears to be a panel, according to footage shared by TMZ. Amid the conversation, a man approached the stage with a small, black box in hand. As attendees started filming the man, he can be heard asking the Nope actress for her hand in marriage, which she immediately shut down. “I can’t marry you,” Palmer says. “I don’t know you. I’m so sorry.” Despite the man’s pleas, Palmer stood firm. At one point in the video, Palmer suggests the moment could be part of a prank, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. Not long after, the man was escorted away from the stage by security staff. The conversation quickly resumed after the man was removed from the building. EXCLUSIVE: Keke Palmer gets a surprise proposal from a random guy at SXSW in a very awkward moment. pic.twitter.com/aMq87UzgwJ — TMZ (@TMZ) March 13, 2026 The Dangers Of Parasocial Relationships The moment was mild compared to a situation like Rihanna’s, whose Beverly Hills home was recently shot up by a fan; it still speaks to the dangerous nature of parasocial relationships between celebrities and their fans, as well as trolls. According to Psychology Today, parasocial relationships are “one-sided emotional bonds where individuals invest their time, effort, energy, emotions, and feelings into a well-known media figure, such as a celebrity, influencer, or fictional character from a book or movie, who is not aware of their existence.” While typically harmless, some fans’ admiration can go too far and even turn fatal. One of the most infamous cases of this is with Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Often referred to as the “Queen of Tejano” Music, Quintanilla-Pérez was shot and killed in 1995 by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club and manager of her boutique.

Nicki Minaj recently made a fascinating confession to her fans in a recent X post. According to the “Starships” rapper, she’s neurodivergent and is looking to provide a safe space in “Gag City” for her fellow neurodivergent Barbz. The rapper made the post in response to a post shared on Polymarket’s official account about Palantir CEO Alex Karp’s statement that “the future belongs to the neurodivergent.” “Takes my rightful place in society with the rest of my tribe* Neurodivergents of Gag City gather here. It’s our time *looks menacingly @ the “normals”. *begins implementing the payback they never saw coming* Reads to congregation: and the stone the builder rejected…” she wrote in X post on Friday (Mar.13). According to the National Library of Medicine, Neurodiversity describes “the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many ways, with no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not deficits.” *takes my rightful place in society with the rest of my tribe* Neurodivergents of Gag City gather here. It’s our time *looks menacingly @ the “normals”. *begins implementing the payback they never saw coming* Reads to congregation: and the stone the builder rejected… https://t.co/k1GD8Bkhg3 pic.twitter.com/FKqjG0Vopi — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) March 13, 2026 Nicki Minaj’s Sister Responds To Barbz Backlash For Attending Cardi Concert In other news, Nicki Minaj’s younger sister, Ming Li, is firing back at attacks from the Barbz after she attended a Cardi B show in Houston. Last week, the Baddies Gone Wild star hopped on her Instagram Story, appearing to shake off the criticism, writing, “Yeah, I went to the concert, and I had a great f*cking time…600 pound lady can be mad all she want. Respectfully, irdgaf.” Ming believes she shouldn’t have to “pick a side,” arguing that she can love and appreciate both her sister’s music and Cardi’s. “Who said you can’t love both?” she wrote. Ming Li also accused Nicki’s fans of trying to stir up drama. “Pick a side? No side who said u can’t love both? Yall just want a drama that ain’t nobody but the “fans” gonna say Like let’s be fr we grown and when. yall get old and wrinkly what we post ain’t gonna matter so respectlly idgaf” she wrote in another Story post. 

Kanye West’s 2020s have been turbulent, marked by public controversies and intense scrutiny. Yet a devoted segment of fans still hopes for a return of “the old Ye.” Whether measured by musical innovation or cultural influence, audiences are eager for a narrative of redemption. The rapid sellout of his Los Angeles concert made that demand undeniable. Specifically, Ticketmaster reported more than a million fans vying for tickets to the April 3 show. This prompted the addition of a second performance on April 1, as announced on Kanye’s official website. In particular, excitement continues to build around West and his project. Adding to the anticipation, promotional billboards for West’s forthcoming album, BULLY, have appeared around the world. The signage confirmed a March 27 release date and fueled speculation about the wider promotional strategy he might employ. Pre-sale and general ticketing for the second L.A. show mirror the first. Fans who pre-save BULLY and register for the concert lottery gain early access to tickets. Whether the second show sells out as quickly remains to be seen. Kanye’s Global Comeback, Controversy in Tow Beyond Los Angeles, Kanye’s tour spans the globe, with stops scheduled in New Delhi on March 29, Arnhem on June 6, Marseille on June 11, Reggio Emilia on July 18, and Madrid on July 30. This ambitious itinerary demonstrates the scale of his comeback. Even so, it unfolds under the shadow of past controversies, including antisemitic remarks. Though he has publicly apologized, skepticism persists regarding the sincerity of his contrition. Of course, West’s presence is felt worldwide during these stops. Against this backdrop, BULLY represents a critical moment for both West and his audience. Supporters hope it signals a creative resurgence after a tumultuous period, while critics watch closely for evidence of genuine change. Regardless of outcome, Los Angeles is set to witness another chapter in Kanye West’s complex, often polarizing cultural journey.

Since The Kanan Tape in 2015, following his 2014 studio album Animal Ambition, 50 Cent has largely stayed out of the music spotlight. Yet recent activity on social media and ongoing rap rivalries suggest he may be preparing a return. On Friday, March 13, the G-Unit mogul released an untitled track on Instagram—a reworked version of his 2012 song “Business Mind” featuring Earl Hayes from his 5 (Murder By Numbers) mixtape. Alongside the clip, he hinted at a possible album titled The Algorithm: “Music untitled, I’d Fvck these [ninja emoji] up if they jump me in real life. a bunch of punks. THE ALGORITHM is coming!” While the post does not confirm a full-length album, 50 Cent has invoked The Algorithm in several recent updates, leaving fans to speculate whether it represents a project or a thematic nod to his ongoing rap conflicts. Shortly before releasing the untitled track, he posted a message mocking rivals T.I., Fabolous, and Papoose. So far, the only official diss from Fif’s camp remains “No One Told Us What We’re Here For,” featuring Leon Thomas and serving as the theme for Power: Origins. That track addressed T.I. and his family amid their ongoing disputes, stemming from an alleged Verzuz confrontation that 50 reportedly avoided. View this post on Instagram 50 Cent’s Feuds Fuel His Next Move Beyond these battles, 50 Cent has also taken aim at Papoose and his partner Claressa Shields, as well as the Let’s Rap About It podcast, Dame Dash, Floyd Mayweather, Diddy, and several other figures in the industry. With so much tension, The Algorithm—if it develops into a full album—could draw heavily from these real-world feuds. For now, fans should remain cautious. What 50 Cent has shared may be more a reflection of his ongoing rivalries than a traditional album rollout, yet it signals that the rap veteran is still very much in the conversation, both on social media and in the culture.

Duane “Keefe D” Davis’s battle in court over the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur has encountered yet another obstacle. On March 10, his attorney, Robert Draskovich, withdrew from the case, citing disputes over retainer fees, according to reports. Judge Carli Kierny approved the withdrawal and set a hearing for March 31 to assign new counsel. This signals a likely delay in the trial schedule. The specifics of the disagreement over fees and budgets remain unclear. Therefore, Davis is left in need of legal guidance with his case still pending. Since his arrest in September 2023, Davis has cycled through multiple attorneys. Previous lawyers, Carl Arnold and Michael Pandullo—who had collaborated with Draskovich—cited Davis’s altercation at the Clark County Detention Center as a factor in their departure. The frequent turnover has raised concerns over the continuity and strategy of his defense. Davis Faces Murder Allegations as Tupac Case Reignites Davis faces serious accusations that he orchestrated Shakur’s murder and allegedly boasted about it across various media. He and his defense team maintain that these claims are exaggerated and lack factual basis. A recent ruling in February further complicated matters. A judge denied Davis’s motion to exclude evidence collected during a raid on his home. Currently, Davis is serving time at High Desert State Prison for the jail fight while awaiting trial, which is scheduled to begin August 10. The coming months will test his new legal team’s ability to navigate a complex, high-profile case. Observers continue to watch closely as one of hip-hop’s longest-running mysteries moves toward resolution. The courtroom proceedings will determine not only the fate of Davis but also how the decades-old questions surrounding Tupac Shakur’s death are finally addressed.

A fresh round of online sparring has unfolded between 50 Cent and Papoose, adding another chapter to a rivalry that has resurfaced periodically in recent years. The latest exchange began after Papoose released several songs aimed at the Queens-born rapper and television producer. Instead of replying with a track of his own, 50 Cent turned to social media, posting a meme that also referenced boxer Claressa Shields, who has been publicly linked to Papoose. The post quickly circulated online and prompted responses from both camps. According to XXL, 50 Cent shared an A.I.-generated image on Instagram on March 12. The image depicted him standing beside a whiteboard labeled with a mock equation about rap careers. The board read: “The Secret Formula. How to Never Blow Up. 1 Rap Career (still rapping) + 25 Years (still waiting) = 0 Hits (still zero).” The visual then shifted to an image of Papoose, accompanied by the caption, “You make one hit record and I’ll respond. Until then go hang out [with your] boyfriend I mean your girlfriend LOL.” The post was removed not long afterward, though 50 Cent later commented on the decision. “If I put up a post and take it down is because I don’t want your ugly a** face on my page. I’m the algorithm PUNK!” he wrote in a follow-up message that continued circulating across social platforms. View this post on Instagram Papoose Fires Back as His Feud With 50 Cent Escalates Online Papoose responded the next day with a post of his own. He shared a throwback photo that showed himself alongside 50 Cent and fellow G-Unit members Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks. Alongside the image, he included a snippet from an article discussing accusations that some artists inflate streaming numbers. “On this day Curtis breath was smelling like s**t!” he wrote. “It’s a new day in Hip Hop. The days of buying ya own records, to make it look like you got a hit is over. Inflated numbers can no longer make it seem like you’re better than artist who are really ‘NICE’. Corny memes can’t save you from Papoose. Don’t let him distract you from the fact that I just destroyed him. Soon as I posted that ‘AGENT PROVOCATEUR’ hit streaming platforms he started panicking!” The exchange arrives as Papoose has already issued multiple musical responses aimed at 50 Cent, including the diss track “Agent Provocateur” and a freestyle over the instrumental of “Many Men.” Despite that, 50 Cent has largely kept the back-and-forth in the realm of online commentary rather than recording a direct reply in the studio. Observers of New York hip-hop say the dispute reflects long-standing tensions tied to reputation, commercial success, and personal history within the scene. The friction has occasionally involved Remy Ma, Papoose’s longtime partner, after earlier remarks by 50 Cent sparked conversation among fans. For now, the conflict continues to play out mostly on social media, where both sides have traded posts rather than songs.

After nearly two weeks, R.Kelly has been released from solitary confinement. Last month, it was reported that Kelly had landed himself in isolation after it was discovered he possessed a retired prison warden’s number. Following the discovery, an investigation was launched. Now, his lawyer, Beau Brindley, is saying the singer was unfairly held without cause. “Mr. Kelly has been released from special housing. No impropriety whatsoever was found with respect to his possession of the telephone number of a former prison official,” Brindley told Los Angeles Magazine. “He was kept in special housing for approximately two weeks without legitimate cause before the facility was compelled to release him.” The former warden, whose name hasn’t been revealed, gave Kelly his cell number prior to his retirement in case he needed to seek advice about an ongoing mentor program. Not long after, Kelly’s cellmate was busted with a phone. A sweep of their cell was made, and it was discovered that a notebook, belonging to Kelly, contained the warden’s number. CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly turns to leave after appearing at a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. (Photo by Antonio Perez – Pool via Getty Images) R. Kelly serving 30 year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking R. Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is currently serving a 30-year sentence in federal prison for racketeering and sex trafficking. The singer’s release date was recently revealed to be in 2045, meaning the singer would be nearly 80 years old. Last year, photos of the singer rocking his prison uniform went viral, with people weighing in on his appearance. While some suggested he looked like his spirit had been broken, others claimed he appeared to be having too much fun. During an interview last October, Kelly’s former wife, Drea Kelly, touched on the topic of domestic violence and how it’s particularly handled within the Black community. She questioned why certain survivors receive widespread empathy and support while others are overlooked. The former wife of R. Kelly pointed to Cassie Ventura’s case against Sean “Diddy” Combs as an example, saying that Cassie’s bravery was celebrated far more than that of others who have come forward with similar stories.

Pras Michel has dropped his lawsuit against fellow Fugees member Lauryn Hill, ending a high-profile legal dispute tied to the group’s troubled reunion tour. Court filings show Michel voluntarily dismissed the case this week. The lawsuit had accused Hill and her touring company of fraud and mismanagement connected to a planned reunion tour and anniversary performances.  The dismissal was filed “without prejudice,” meaning the claims could potentially be brought again in the future. The lawsuit was first filed in October 2024 in federal court. Michel alleged Hill mishandled tour finances and failed to provide transparency about business decisions. He also accused her of canceling or altering tour dates and leaving him responsible for certain expenses.  Hill has strongly denied those claims. Her representatives previously described the lawsuit as baseless and full of inaccurate accusations.  Neither Michel nor Hill has publicly explained the reason behind the dismissal. Dispute Rooted in Reunion Tour The legal conflict grew from plans for a Fugees reunion and concerts tied to the anniversary of Hill’s landmark album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Michel’s complaint argued Hill had control over the tour’s business decisions through her company, MLH Touring.  He alleged she breached contracts and mismanaged aspects of the tour’s finances and planning. The dispute came after parts of the reunion tour were shortened or canceled, fueling tensions among the group’s longtime collaborators. The Fugees — made up of Michel, Hill and Wyclef Jean — rose to global fame in the 1990s. Their 1996 album The Score became one of hip-hop’s most celebrated releases. In recent years, fans had hoped a reunion tour would restore the group’s onstage chemistry. Instead, the legal conflict threatened to overshadow that legacy. Legal Troubles Surround Michel The dismissal comes during a turbulent period for Michel personally. The Grammy-winning rapper was convicted in 2023 on multiple federal charges tied to a foreign lobbying and political influence scheme involving Malaysian financier Jho Low.  Prosecutors said Michel participated in a conspiracy that funneled millions of dollars into U.S. politics and attempted to influence government investigations. In November 2025, a federal judge sentenced him to 14 years in prison.  Reports indicate Michel dismissed the lawsuit shortly before preparing to begin serving that sentence. His legal team has continued to challenge the conviction and plans to pursue appeals. Although the case has been dropped, the legal conflict between the former bandmates may not be completely over. Because the claims were dismissed without prejudice, Michel retains the right to file them again in court.

The legendary Juvenile pulled up to Mornings with Mero to talk about his highly anticipated new album “Boiling Point” dropping March 26th, the BBB remix with Megan Thee Stallion, and how his fans made that collab happen. Juvie shares the iconic (and terrifying) story of performing at The Tunnel in NYC, reveals he’s a skilled carpenter and electrician, and gets real about fatherhood, raising four kids, and letting them find their own path. Plus: the Cash Money Millionaires tour with Birdman, BG & Mannie Fresh, the No Limit vs. Cash Money Verzuz, why Wayne wasn’t there, his son Young Juve coming up in the game, the Tiny Desk performance with Trombone Shorty & Jon Batiste, and why he calls himself “Juvie Beverly” with his live band the 400 Degrees. Featuring: Juvenile, Merl New Album: Boiling Point — Out March 26th Boiling Point Tour starts April 2nd Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & Juvenile arrives at Hot 971:00 – How New York shaped Juvenile’s career4:30 – The Ha Remix & Jay-Z jumping on for free5:20 – Still 400 Degrees podcast with Mannie Fresh8:00 – BBB Remix with Megan Thee Stallion10:30 – Cash Money Records branding & marketing genius13:00 – The Tunnel NYC story16:30 – Southern music taking over New York clubs17:30 – The Boiling Point album & making music as a hobby19:00 – Juvenile the carpenter & electrician22:00 – Fatherhood, parenting & keeping it in the family24:00 – Young Juve & the next generation25:30 – Proudest dad moments27:00 – Staying healthy & tour prep28:00 – Cash Money Millionaires tour & Louisiana Fest with Wayne30:00 – No Limit vs. Cash Money & the Wayne no-show31:00 – Sports talk & closing

Jack Harlow is back and apparently “Blacker” than ever before with his latest album, Monica. Harlow recently discussed the R&B-inspired project with the New York Times‘ Popcast podcast. At one point in the conversation, it turned to race and how white rappers are positioned in the music industry. One of the interviewers pointed out that Harlow’s white peers—like Post Malone, MGK, and Jelly Roll— have the ability to retreat into other genres, such as Country and Rock, whereas Black rappers don’t. However, it appears that Harlow dove deeper into his Black influences with his latest project— a sentiment he agrees with, saying he got “Blacker.” “I love Black music. I love the sound of Black music. And of course, I’m hyper-aware of the politics of today, that safer landing spot that a lot of my white contemporaries have found,” Harlow says. “And of course, it appealed to me to do something that I felt, at a time when there’s certainly people that expect me to take the routes y’all are taking, to take the route that not only might not be expected but is also the route that I genuinely want to take. So all the stars aligned in that way for me, to be honest.”