Ari Lennox is officially moving forward with her music career, and this time she’s doing it without J. Cole or Dreamville Records. TMZ Hip Hop has confirmed that Ari is no longer part of the Dreamville roster. She’ll now release music solely under Interscope Records, which is listed as the only label on her newest single. Despite the major change, sources say the split was friendly and drama-free. Earlier this year, Ari performed at the final Dreamville Festival hosted by J. Cole, where she thanked him and the team for giving her a chance back in 2015. That show now appears to have been her last performance as a Dreamville artist. It came after months of tension last fall, when Ari took to social media demanding her release. While the posts made headlines, it seems the situation was handled privately and without long-term fallout. Now, Ari is embracing a new direction with the release of her latest single, “Soft Girl Era.” The track features a soft, playful vibe and samples The New Birth’s 1972 song “You Are What I’m All About.” The same sample was once used in the iconic “Player’s Anthem” by The Notorious B.I.G. and Lil’ Kim, giving the track a nostalgic twist. Some fans have been vocal about missing the soulful style of her earlier work, especially the sound she introduced on Shea Butter Baby. However, Ari appears focused on exploring new creative territory. The sound may be different, but it reflects an artist who is growing, healing, and shifting into a new space. With Dreamville behind her and a fresh start ahead, Ari Lennox seems ready to define her own path in the music industry with Interscope.

Diddy is nearly unrecognizable after spending months in jail awaiting his sex trafficking trial. A recent court sketch from a hearing in New York showed the music mogul with completely grey hair, a scruffy grey beard, and a thinner appearance. Though cameras weren’t allowed during the proceeding, sketch artist Jane Rosenberg captured Diddy sitting beside his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, in noticeably different form than fans are used to. The court appearance came as Diddy tried, unsuccessfully, to delay his upcoming trial due to new charges being added to his case. The judge denied the motion, pushing the case forward despite the mounting developments. Neither Diddy nor his legal team has spoken publicly about his physical or mental state while being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. However, Diddy recently scored a small legal victory. A judge has granted him and his team access to some early drafts of a memoir written by his former girlfriend, Cassie. The book, which hasn’t been released, became a point of contention after Diddy subpoenaed Cassie, requesting all drafts, journals, emails, and communications related to the memoir. His team argues that the drafts may include inconsistencies that could help discredit parts of her story. While Cassie and her attorneys argued the documents were not relevant, Judge Arun Subramanian allowed Diddy access to the versions already held by prosecutors. However, the judge denied his request for more personal records, including Cassie’s diaries, emails, and bank statements. According to Diddy’s legal team, Cassie once told the mogul that she wrote a book about their relationship and allegedly offered to sell it to him for $30 million to stop its release. This claim has added yet another twist to the already high-profile case.

Dwyane Wade recently revealed that he contracted cancer and how stunning his diagnosis was. When it came time for him to have surgery, there was only one person he would have in the room wiith him. During an appearance on Hoda Kotb’s Making Space podcast,  Wade shared that he wanted his father, Dwyane Wade Sr., to be the last person he saw before the procedure. “I chose my dad. He’s the guy for me. He’s always been,” Wade explained. “It’s crazy because I’m a mama’s boy, all those things, but my dad has been there.” Although his wife Gabrielle Union was present at the hospital, Wade shared why he wanted his father to be with him. “I just thought about actually who I wanted to see in my most vulnerable state. And it was my dad. I wanted my wife to see me when I woke up, I wanted her to be the first person I saw, but in my most vulnerable state, when I was probably as scared as I’ve ever been, I wanted my dad to be there,” Wade said. I was like, ‘I need my dad.’ “ View this post on Instagram A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow) The Basketball Hall of Famer also noted that it was his father who led him to take his health more seriously. “My dad shared with me when he was going through prostate cancer, and I think we got closer through that process because I [was] obviously concerned about him, but we started communicating more because this was something that was a part of our genetic genes as men in our family,” Wade shared. “And so we started being able to share personal things,” he continued. “Like, I would call my dad after I left the hospital, like, ‘Yo, I just got a prostate exam, Pops, and the doctor did this,’ and he’ll laugh and say, ‘Oh yeah, that’s nothing. She just wanted to do this.’ We just got close when his prostate cancer [was being treated].”

Meek Mill is speaking out after catching heat over a photo from his recent trip to Dubai. The Philly rapper was seen posing with two women in what appeared to be an innocent fan pic, but social media quickly turned it into a firestorm. Critics began drawing connections to an unrelated controversy involving Shannon Sharpe, who is currently facing a $50 million lawsuit filed by a former girlfriend accusing him of rape and assault, claims Sharpe denies. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Even though Meek Mill has no involvement in Shannon Sharpe’s legal situation, some social media users criticized him for taking a photo with women who appeared to be white or white-passing. Comments online suggested the timing of the Dubai photo was questionable. Many pointed to the current controversy surrounding Shannon Sharpe as the reason for concern. Some users brought up Sharpe’s accuser’s lawyer and implied that people might twist the image to unfairly target Meek. Meek didn’t stay silent. He jumped on Instagram to defend himself, questioning how the image ended up gaining so much traction. “Why they keep posting me on blogs with 2 fans…who makes the decisions of what Meek post to put on blogs? lol,” he wrote on his Instagram Story. He then commented directly under The Shade Room’s post: “It’s a regular pic with fans internet melting the minds of the black community wthelly.” The photo backlash comes at a time when Shannon Sharpe is under heavy public scrutiny. Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for Sharpe’s accuser, recently shared an audio recording. In it, the former NFL star allegedly threatens to choke the woman. Buzbee claims the clip “provides a fair picture of the relationship shortly before the alleged assault.” Though Meek’s situation is unrelated, the internet once again shows how quickly context can get distorted. Celebrities often find themselves caught in the crossfire of controversy that isn’t even their own.

Ja Rule is an unquestioned legend in hip-hop. The Queens native holds the distinction of being one most successful artists of the 90s and 2000s. Launching his rap career in 1994 with the group Cash Money Click, Ja linked up with Irv Gotti, an up-and-coming producer and mogul at the time, who signed him to Def Jam Records. He made his first solo appearance on Mic Geronimo’s “Time to Build” in 1995, alongside future fellow icons, Jay-Z and DMX. In 1999, Ja released “Holla Holla,” his first hit from his platinum-selling album Venni Vetti Vecci, which was a sign of things to come. His sophomore project, Rule 3:36, debuted at the number of the US Billboard 200, selling more than 276,000 copies in its first week of release as the flagship artist of Murder Inc. Records. Eventually, the album went triple platinum. The smash hits on the album were “Between Me & You” featuring Christina Milian, “Put It on Me” featuring Vita and Lil Mo, and “I Cry” featuring Lil Mo. In 2001, Ja appeared on Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real (Murder Remix)”  which held the number one spot on the Billboard 100 for five consecutive weeks. Throughout the 2000s, Ja would release several more chart-topping songs such as  “Living It Up,” “Thug Lovin’,” “Always on Time,” and “Mesmerize,” making him a global superstar. Almost 30 years after his debut in the game, Ja is still in demand all over the world, playing sold-out concerts and festivals. A veteran of the Summer Jam stage, Ja played one of the biggest shows in the history of the event in 2001 and several other shows throughout the years. At Summer Jam 2025, “Ja and Friends” will honor the life and legacy of Irv Gotti, who passed away in February. To catch “Ja on Friends” on stage, make sure you get your tickets to Summer Jam 2025, which will be returning to Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center on Friday, June 20.

Kid Cudi has listed his Calabasas estate for $8.5 million—an uptick from the $7.7 million he paid in 2021, signaling a quiet play for profit. Built in 2001, this opulent estate features six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with various upscale amenities. Residents can enjoy a private movie theater, a fully equipped gym complete with an adjoining bathroom, a cozy fire pit, a sports court, and a putting green. The backyard is designed for leisure and entertaining, showcasing a lagoon-style pool with a spa and scenic waterfalls. Earlier this month, Kid Cudi gained media attention for his involvement in Pharrell Williams’ digital auction, where he successfully sold a range of personal items for a remarkable total of $857,439. This auction, conducted by Joopiter, Pharrell’s auction house, highlighted an array of sought-after collectibles, including jewelry, apparel, sneakers, and artwork. Cudi’s Auction Blends Rarity, Legacy, and Luxury Among the notable items sold was a custom 14-karat N.E.R.D. pendant created by Jacob & Co., which fetched $243,750, significantly exceeding its estimated value, and a distinctive Ben Baller x Takashi Murakami x Kid Cudi chain that sold for $187,500. Additionally, a pair of coveted Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers, crafted by the late Virgil Abloh, commanded $82,500. Cudi also sold an eye-catching 18-karat gold chain resembling his likeness, embellished with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, which received a bid of $43,750. Collectors had the opportunity to acquire a selection of vintage music T-shirts featuring legendary artists like Eminem, Michael Jackson, and Nirvana, further boosting the auction’s attractiveness. In an interview with GQ, Cudi provided insights into his auction experience, stating, “Joopiter has been wanting to do something with me for a while, so I recently reached out to the team and let them know I had some items I was ready to sell, things I’ve gathered throughout my career.” Reflecting on his treasured Michael Jackson T-shirt, he noted, “Anyone who goes vintage shopping in the best spots knows there are countless fantastic Michael Jackson shirts. If you’re a collector, you’re likely to have more than one. It’s quite rare to find them, as they tend to get snapped up quickly, so it took me a while to truly consider parting with this one.”

Ye (formally known as Kanye West) expressed his growing unease about his bond with his children in a series of raw online outbursts, accusing Kim Kardashian of keeping them distant. His public plea, tinged with frustration and vulnerability, has reignited conversations around celebrity custody battles and the blurred lines between personal grievance and public spectacle. Ye articulated his frustrations by directly addressing prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna, among others. He questioned their silence amidst his struggles, stating, “Why is the celebrity world standing by while Kim takes my kids from me? People say I’m acting out due to my childhood, but I’m being deprived of my role as a father.” With clear distress, Ye opened up about feeling cut off from the world, stating, “We are all in this together. It pains me to see my children being raised with ideals that don’t resonate with our heritage. Instead of stepping in, it feels like everyone is just a spectator, and I’m left to grapple with this reality alone.” Ye Confronts Custody Battles and Creative Clashes He further revealed the personal toll of his situation, mentioning, “I haven’t seen my son Saint this year.” The moment laid bare the emotional strain he’s been carrying, as Yeezy—clearly worn down—acknowledged just how deeply his past words have come back to haunt him. “I was informed by a Jewish lawyer that my antisemitic remarks would impact my ability to see my children. Unfortunately, he was correct.” Recently, Ye’s relationship with his children has come under renewed scrutiny, following an emergency custody hearing prompted by Kardashian’s unease over North’s well-being during a stay at his home. The situation has further unraveled amid West’s push to involve North in music projects—an effort Kardashian has firmly resisted, citing apprehensions about the creative environment and those within it. Ye hasn’t held back when it comes to criticizing Kardashian and her family, often using harsh language and raising concerns about their role in his children’s upbringing. His outbursts point to larger questions about co-parenting in the public eye, the toll of mental health struggles, and what it means for high-profile parents to show up responsibly.

Stephen A. Smith was uncomfortable with Shannon Sharpe leaking texts from the woman who accused him of sexual assault and rape. On the most recent episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, he shared his thoughts about the tenuous situation facing his fellow “First Take” co-host.  “They revealed some of those explicit text messages. That was uncomfortable,” Smith said. “I don’t know if that’s a strategy that would work.”  “One of the hardest things in the world for all of us to do is to just lay low and be quiet and let our legal team do it,” Smith added. Elsewhere in the episode, Smith noted that Sharpe vehemently denied all the charges levied against him. “I can tell you all that I spoke to Shanon and he emphatically proclaims his innocence,” explained Smith.  On Monday (April 22), Sharpe was hit with a $50 million lawsuit and accused of sexual assault. According to the suit, Sharpe was accused of committing assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery, and engaged in the intentional infliction of emotional distress in what is described as a “rocky consensual relationship” that went on with a woman for almost two years.  Addressing allegations for the first time, Sharpe also released a video statement on Tuesday (April 22) about the lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/Tm1vbA3xPn — shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 22, 2025 “I’m gonna be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right,” Sharpe said. “This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z. Tony Buzbee targets Black men, and I believe he is going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and plays into every stereotype you could possibly imagine.” “You know what happened, but you’re trying to manipulate the media,” Sharpe added. “The encounter in question took place during the day at her invitation, and now that appears to be a deliberate setup coordinated by Gabby, also known as Carly on OnlyFans. Gabby and Tony Buzbee want $50 million. What they’re getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down.”

Kevin Hart is set to make his return as host of the 25th annual BET Awards. Taking to Instagram, Hart shared his excitement about hosting the event for the second time. “Y’all thought I was done after the first time? Nah,” his post read. “I had to come back and do it BIGGER. It’s official — I’m hosting the 25th anniversary of the #BETAwards June 9th. Shoutout to @therealhartbeat for producing this announcement! “Back like he never left… @kevinhart4real is hosting the #BETAwards for the second time! This year, it’s a black tie affair — 25 years of legendary moments, and we’re turning it all the way up. Expect the laughs, the surprises, the energy… and a night the culture will never forget,” BET added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) “Let’s make history. Again. See y’all June 9th.” “When we asked folks who should host this year’s BET AWARDS online, in the streets, among other celebs and throughout social media, one name came back to us loud and clear: Kevin Hart,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s president of music programming and specials.  “He is blue flame right now and we are looking forward to working with him on the show,” stated Hill. “His energy, wit and the always fantastic performances will make for yet another must see event—and the ‘Chocolate Droppa’ might even get a verse in the show.” For nominees, Chris Brown leads everyone with 6 nominations across multiple categories and right behind him is Lil Wayne with 5 nominations in several categories.  Rounding out the list and tied with 4 nominations each are Kanye West, Rihanna and Drake.   Leading up to the show, the BET Experience to Los Angeles will feature multiple concerts, a Fan Fest, and many more events for the culture.  So far, performers include Buju Banton, The Roots, Lil’ Kim, Redman & Method Man, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Raekwon, Nick Cannon, and more across multiple venues and stages, with more announcements to come.

Cooper Flagg is taking his talents to the NBA. The superstar Duke freshman has announced that he’s foregoing his collegiate eligibility to enter the NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be the number one pick. Taking to Instagram, Flagg officially announced his highly anticipated next move. “Duke fans, my teammates, the brotherhood, everybody that was along for the journey. It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life and I have so much gratitude and I feel so blessed for all the opportunities that I was given,” Flagg said in the video. “Duke has always been a dream for me, but I’m excited to announce that I’ll be entering my name into the 2025 NBA draft.’ “Today is just the beginning, but I have the Brotherhood with me for life.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cooper Flagg (@cooper_flagg)  Duke coach Jon Scheyer shared a statement lauding Flagg for his many accomplishments. “Really proud of Cooper for the special season that he had this year,” Scheyer said. “I think the accolades speak for itself, with what he did, winning every National Player of the Year award. His highlights, his statistics, the ways he impacted the game on both ends of the floor, really in every category, was off the charts. As good of a freshman season that a guy has had here. “But to me, the separator and the joy of coaching Cooper is the person he was every day, the teammate that he was. Never about statistics or anything other than creating an environment and helping his team to win,” Scheyer continued. “And we won a lot of games and had a lot of success and a lot of times that environment is created from your best player. And Cooper did an incredible job in every facet of our program, on and off the court, with what he’s done.” In an exceptional campaign, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, leading the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance. One of his biggest games of his collegiate career took place against Notre Dame in January.  Flagg scored 42 points, an ACC Freshman record,  6 rebounds, and 7 assists in a victory over the Fighting Irish. He was the consensus National Player of the Year and became only the fourth freshman to win the prestigious Wooden Award.