Elliott Wilson, a legendary journalist known for interviews with Jay-Z, Future, and Lil Wayne, is embracing recovery with the same candor that defined his decades in hip-hop media. On Tuesday, February 24, the Queens native shared a striking black-and-white Instagram photo revealing a long surgical scar stretching from his upper chest to his abdomen. In the caption, the veteran journalist disclosed he underwent cardiac surgery three weeks earlier and is now halfway through his recovery process, but has more surgeries to come. “Cardiac surgery three weeks ago. Three more to full recovery,” Wilson wrote. “Got way more life to live. My next chapter might fuck around and be my best one. ” Cardiac surgery three weeks ago. Three more to full recovery. Got way more life to live. My next chapter might fuck around and be my best one. pic.twitter.com/ua0R3Jb8s0 — Elliott Wilson (@frelliottwilson) February 24, 2026 Outside the reveal, Wilson did not go into further detail about forthcoming surgeries and future plans in hip-hop. But the post delivers encouragement during a vulnerable moment. “Got way more life to live” reads the end of Wilson’s post. At 55, he is not slowing down. He is resetting. In today’s hip-hop, Wilson is best known for his contributions at Uproxx and Hip-Hop DX. His journalism career began in the 90s, with bylines in XXL, The Source, and VIBE. He launched memorable hip-hop outlets, including Ego Trip and Rap Radar. Hip-Hop’s Elliott Wilson Reveals He Had Cardiac Surgery Support quickly filled the comments. Journalist Jeremy Hecht wrote, “My brother way more life to live. Happy you’re okay and continued healing your way! Excited for the next chapter.” Media executive Dawton Thomas added, “Prayer and strength bro! You finally following me this time in something haha! Stay strong fam! Always here for you. #HeartSurgerySoliders.” Broadcaster Sharon Carpenter shared, “So glad you’re OK, El. Wishing you a speedy recovery. The next chapter is definitely going to be your best one yet.” Rappers Pusha T and Conway The Machine sent speedy recoveries to Wilson. “My guy!!! Road to recovery and more greatness!!! ,” comments Pusha T. Wilson has become an even bigger figure in hip-hop in recent years, adding more executive titles to his resume. Known for reporting the news, he would become a part of it, feuding with Nicki Minaj and Drake. It is preparation for what he believes will be his strongest era yet.

For the first time, it appears 50 Cent has met his match with T.I. The G-Unit founder has seemingly scrubbed his Instagram of all posts relating to the Atlanta rapper and his family. T.I. recently dropped off a diss track, “Right One,” where he referred to him as a bully and accused him of tearing down other Black entertainers, but not his white counterparts. The move left 50 Cent fans scratching their heads, wondering if this was a sign of him admitting defeat. Prior to this, T.I. dropped off “War,” which some considered a warning shot. However, with “Right One,” the rapper clearly drew a line in the sand. “Ayy, this the n*gga y’all scared of, man?/ Man, f*ck this LEGO head-a** n*gga, man,” T.I. says at the beginning of the track. “Ain’t nobody scared of this f*ck n*gga, man.” T.I. wasn’t the only one in the Harris family to call 50 out. The rapper’s son, King, recently crashed out online, insulting Fif’s deceased mother, after he shared an unflattering photo of Tiny online. While 50 shot back with more posts online, it doesn’t appear to have resonated well with his fans. 50 Cent and T.I. during BET Awards 2007 – Nominees, Host and Honorees Announcement at Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, CA, United States. (Photo by M. Phillips/WireImage for BET Network) T.I. Won’t Stand On Stage With 50 Cent After Verzuz Debacle T.I. has made it clear that the Verzuz between him and 50 Cent won’t be happening anytime soon. According to the Atlanta rapper, he lost respect for the G-Unit founder. Not long ago, T.I. stopped by the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game Podcast to explain what happened. The rapper claims that 50 Cent initially agreed to go head-to-head in a Verzuz competition; however, it seems that at some point, the New York native must’ve changed his mind. “I just ain’t call him out of the blue,” T.I. said. “This ain’t come out of nowhere.” “We were moving around in L.A., selling some TV shows. While we were around each other, I said, ‘What you think about this?’ He was like, ‘You want to do that sh*t?’ I said yeah. He was like, ‘Alright, cool.’ I told him, ‘I’ma jump out there first, and then, you just go jump out there, and we’ll line it up.’ He said, ‘Alright,’ [but] when I jumped out, that n*gga acted like he ain’t know what the f*ck going on,” T.I. continued.

The TRACE Worldwide Wake Up with Shani Kulture is redefining weekend radio with a vibrant international mix of music, culture, and news. Airing Saturdays from 9–10 a.m. ET, the hybrid radio-video program delivers a high-energy listening experience designed to connect audiences across the globe. At its core, the show spotlights the hottest sounds shaping today’s global music scene. Fans can tune in for the latest UK Drill, AfroBeats, and Amapiano records, seamlessly blended with timeless classics from Reggae, Soca, and Dancehall. The curated format ensures both discovery and nostalgia, appealing to longtime listeners and new fans alike. View this post on Instagram Beyond the music, The TRACE Worldwide Wake Up expands its reach with timely international news and in-depth global sports coverage. The program keeps listeners informed with key updates, including FIFA World Cup travel information, making it a go-to destination for audiences who want both entertainment and insight. The show also dives into the lifestyle spaces that matter most to the African and Caribbean diaspora. From emerging fashion trends to must-know food culture and broader lifestyle conversations, Shani Kulture delivers a well-rounded cultural experience that reflects the pulse of communities worldwide. View this post on Instagram

Russ is standing firm on his critique of Roc Nation’s distribution model, and he wants fans to understand one thing: it’s business, not beef with Jay-Z. During a February 24 appearance on The Truth Hurts with hosts Jeff Weiss, Rosecrans Vic and Free, the independent rap mainstay addressed backlash surrounding his comments about Roc Nation charging artists 15 percent for distribution. Russ framed the issue as simple arithmetic. “It wasn’t a knock at Roc Nation or Jay Z,” he said. “It was just look — this is a self-uploading distro service. That’s it. There’s a million of these and it’s all the same shit.” For Russ, the sticking point is ownership. In an era where artists can upload music themselves and retain full royalties, he questions the incentive to surrender a cut. “There’s places where you can do it and keep 100%, so why would you give 15%?” he asked. Russ Addresses Recent Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Distribution Comments When confronted with the prestige argument — “Yeah, but it’s Roc Nation” — Russ didn’t flinch. “What, do you think you’re going to get a Jay Z feature tomorrow? Are you fucking slow? What are you talking about?” He likened Roc Nation’s distro arm to platforms such as TuneCore and DistroKid, arguing the mechanics are identical despite the branding. “It’s literally TuneCore, DistroKid but just under the umbrella of Roc Nation,” he said. “You think that, well shit though like I bet you go to the Brunch though… you’re falling for it.” Still, Russ acknowledged the strategy behind the move. “The independent scene is making up such a high market share so it makes sense RN wants to get in on that,” he explained, calling it “the fastest growth part of the business.” He also revealed that Jay-Z sent messages to him through journalist Brandon “B.Dot” Miller four or five times, signaling that the commentary reached the top. Even so, Russ insists his stance remains rooted in principle: in today’s landscape, ownership outweighs optics.

Lil’ Kim is ready to reclaim her narrative — and she’s making it clear that her story with The Notorious B.I.G. will be told on her terms. During a recent appearance on Nick Cannon’s “Big Drive,” the Queen Bee revisited longstanding frustrations with the 2009 biopic Notorious, a film centered on Biggie’s life and legacy. Kim did not mince words when addressing how she was portrayed. “Notorious was not accurate,” she said plainly. “A lot of it was not accurate.” For Kim, the issue runs deeper than creative license. She has long argued that the film reduced her role in Biggie’s life to a simplified subplot, rather than presenting her as a fully realized artist navigating fame, love, and ambition in the golden era of Bad Boy. Their relationship, she maintains, was layered and rooted in mutual respect. “It was also genuine and built on great admiration and love,” she previously said, pushing back against narratives that painted their bond as one-dimensional. Lil Kim Says Film About Her Relationship With Notorious B.I.G. In the Works Now, Kim says a corrective is coming. A Lil’ Kim film remains “100 percent in the works,” she confirmed, promising audiences a portrayal grounded in her lived experience. “I’m going to show everybody in the Lil’ Kim movie because it’s coming,” she said. While Biggie’s legacy has been cemented through documentaries, Kim’s perspective has largely been filtered through outside voices. This upcoming project aims to shift that balance. Whether delivered as a scripted biopic or a documentary, the goal is singular: introduce the world to the “real Kim.” Her legacy stands independent of her association with Biggie. With Grammy wins, platinum plaques, and an enduring influence on women in rap, Kim’s imprint is undeniable. Still, when it comes to her history with Biggie Smalls, she’s determined to control the lens.

Nipsey Hussle is known for his nickname, Neighborhood Nip, and now the rapper is getting a street named after him on Los Angeles’s Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue. The iconic intersection is now officially Nipsey Hussle Square, cementing the legacy of Nipsey Hussle in the neighborhood that shaped him. Nipsey’s career was built in South Central L.A. The Slauson & Crenshaw intersection in LA, where Nipsey Hussle grew up, is set to be renamed ‘Nipsey Hussle Square,’ honoring his legacy and community impact pic.twitter.com/otgj90WFKF — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) February 24, 2026 City officials will unveil the new street sign during a 10 a.m. ceremony on Saturday. Family members, community leaders and longtime supporters are expected to gather at the plaza Nipsey once purchased, turning a familiar block into permanent tribute. For fans, the honor feels earned. Nipsey, born Ermias Asghedom, grew up steps from Crenshaw and Slauson. He transformed that same corner into a blueprint for ownership. When he bought the shopping center that houses The Marathon Clothing store, he made a statement about economic power. He chose reinvestment over relocation. Nipsey Hussle To Have Los Angeles’s Crenshaw & Slauson Street Renamed After The Rapper The Marathon brand became more than merchandise. It symbolized independence, discipline and vision. Nipsey preached financial literacy and tech education as pathways to generational wealth. He pushed STEM initiatives and urged young people to own property in their own neighborhoods. His message was clear: build where you stand. The plaza remains family-owned and continues to operate as a community hub. The Neighborhood Nip Foundation advances youth programs and local revitalization, carrying forward the work Nipsey championed before his death in 2019. His brother, Blacc Sam, now leads The Marathon enterprise and will attend the unveiling. The moment carries emotional weight for those who watched Nipsey evolve from underground lyricist to Grammy-nominated artist and respected entrepreneur. Street names matter in hip-hop culture. They mark territory, history and pride. Nipsey Hussle Square connects music to municipal memory. It tells visitors that this corner represents resilience and Black ownership. For years, locals called it Nipsey Hussle Square anyway. Now the city agrees. The sign makes permanent what the culture already knew: Nipsey’s marathon continues at Crenshaw and Slauson.

Kevin Durant recently announced that he plans to play in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Speaking with ESPN,  Durant said that he’s looking forward to competing for his 5th gold medal. He also clarified that the Paris Games would not be his last Olympic appearance. “You guys, the media, have projected that,” Durant said. “That narrative, where did the last dance thing come from? I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron said he wasn’t. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph.” James has already said he will not participate, and Curry hasn’t given a definite answer. When it comes to Durant, he’s eagerly anticipating the LA Games. “Hell yeah, I want to play,” Durant said. “I would love to. But I’ve got to stay on top of my game. I’m not expecting; I want to produce on the floor and make Grant and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. And I don’t want — not just for seniority. I want to still prove I can help the team win.” KD wants to play for Team USA in 2028 and doesn’t like the narrative on American basketball. “All I hear is, ‘AAU is destroying the game; the Euros do it right while the Americans do it wrong.’” Via @VinceGoodwill: https://t.co/d4p2Jcx8Y6 pic.twitter.com/VuuzkAXvsV — Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 24, 2026 “Today, yeah I feel like I’ll put my name in that hat,” he continued. Durant also dismissed the notion that global basketball is catching up to the  In the NBA, an American player hasn’t won the Most Valuable Player award since James Harden received the honor in 2018. “I just don’t like the talk around the USA versus European style of how you approach the game,” Durant explained. “All I hear is, ‘AAU is destroying the game; the Euros do it right while the Americans do it wrong.’ “It’s a lot of bulls— with that. I can read between the lines on that. It’s a shot at Black Americans. We’re controlling the sport,” he went on. “They’re tired of us controlling the sport.” “‘France is coming for you.’ Really? We smacked them boys,” Durant added.

Oliver “Power” Grant, a founding business architect of the Wu-Tang Clan and creator of its influential Wu Wear clothing line, died on February 23. He was 52. The cause of death was not disclosed as of press time. His passing was confirmed by Method Man, a core member of the Clan, who paid tribute on Instagram. Meth and Power co-starred in the 1998 film Belly and the 1999 film Black and White. “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! #pookie #power,” he wrote alongside a photograph of the two men. View this post on Instagram Though not a performing member, Grant, known widely as “Power,” shaped the group’s commercial ascent during the 1990s. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York, he became an early supporter of the Staten Island collective as it formed around the vision of RZA and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. As the group prepared to release its 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Mr. Grant helped secure studio access and financial backing. He worked to build the business infrastructure that allowed the Clan to maintain unusual leverage in its recording contracts. He later founded Wu Wear, among the first artist-owned streetwear brands in hip-hop. Launched in the mid-1990s, the label grew into a global enterprise, with retail locations in New York and Los Angeles. At its height, Wu Wear generated tens of millions in annual sales and helped establish a template for musician-led fashion ventures. Wu Wear would be distributed in retail department stores nationwide in the late 90s and early 2000s. RIP Oliver “Power” Grant Of The Wu-Tang Clan, Rapper Method Man Reacts Power also served as a manager and executive producer on several Wu-Tang-related projects, expanding the brand into touring, film and merchandising. His work translated the group’s raw lyricism into sustainable enterprise. While internal disputes and legal conflicts occasionally surfaced within the extended Wu-Tang business network, Mr. Grant remained a steadfast presence. In an industry that often spotlights performers, Oliver “Power” Grant stood behind the curtain. His imprint on hip-hop commerce endures in the blueprint he helped design.

Lil Durk remains held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles while awaiting trial on federal charges. These charges allege his involvement in a murder-for-hire conspiracy. The rapper, born Durk Banks, had initially been scheduled to go before a jury in January. At the request of his legal team, the date was first moved to April. This was done to allow more time to review evidence and prepare a defense. “We would have been ready to try the case (in two weeks), but the court appropriately decided that with everybody together, we still aren’t there yet,” his attorney, Drew Findling, said. “It’s a complex case. These are the stepping stones towards a trial.” During a pretrial hearing this week, the court pushed the trial back again. They set a new date of August 25, 2026. Rolling Stone reporter Nancy Dillon noted on social media that the revised schedule was partly tied to a co-defendant’s request. She wrote, “Lil Durk’s trial moved to 8/25/26 at a hearing today, but there’s a catch. If the judge grants pending motion from 3 co-defendants seeking to sever their cases from Durk’s trial, Durk wants to go sooner. The 8/25 date was set to accommodate defense for codefendant, not Durk.” Lil Durk’s trial moved to 8/25/26 at a hearing today, but there’s a catch: If the judge grants pending motion from 3 co-defendants seeking to sever their cases from Durk’s trial, Durk wants to go sooner The 8/25 date was set to accommodate defense for co-defendant, not Durk — Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) February 23, 2026 Retaliation claims and rap lyrics loom over trial Prosecutors contend that Durk helped orchestrate an attack targeting rapper Quando Rondo. This attack was in retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von, a fellow Chicago artist and associate. In 2022, shots were fired outside a gas station in the Los Angeles area where Rondo and his cousin, Lul Pab, were present. Rondo was unharmed. However, Lul Pab later died from his injuries. Durk has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In recent weeks, the judge ruled that prosecutors may introduce certain song lyrics and music videos as part of their evidence. This decision has drawn attention amid ongoing debate over the use of creative work in criminal proceedings. As the case moves through its pretrial stages, both sides continue to prepare for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.

The long-running tension between 50 Cent and T.I. has taken on a generational dimension. Over the weekend, King Harris, the son of T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris, directed a series of pointed posts at the G-Unit founder on Instagram. In one, he shared a photo of 50 Cent seated with his younger son and wrote, “You think you raising a man having him sit in yo lap as a teenager…. DATS A HO SIR,” adding, “this not A.I.” The post was accompanied by 50 Cent’s early single “Wanksta.” King continued in subsequent messages, tagging 50 Cent and criticizing what he described as a pattern of seeking attention. He wrote that the rapper “got shot nine times and did nothing,” and referenced the 2007 chart battle with Kanye West, adding, “Got outsold and embarrassed by Kanye West on his third album.” In addition, his comments drew attention not only for their tone. They were also noticed for the way they revived moments from hip-hop history as part of a current dispute. Old Beef, New Blood In a longer post, King cited several figures who have publicly clashed with 50 Cent over the years, including Diddy, Rick Ross, Ashanti and Vivica A. Fox. He wrote, “The list of people he’s disrespected over the years is endless.” He continued, “He came into the game creating unnecessary controversy. And damn near 30 years later, he’s still the same attention whore.” The younger Harris had previously spoken out in defense of his mother after she became the subject of online mockery, prompting a response from 50 Cent that included a Pepe the Frog image. T.I., for his part, has largely kept his focus on music. He has previewed tracks titled “War” and “The Right One.” Meanwhile, the broader rivalry between the two veteran artists continues to surface in waves. Now, it is complicated by the involvement of family members who have grown up in its shadow.