Not long ago, Fat Joe made claims that “gentrification” was behind the cancellation of the BET Hip Hop Awards; however, Benzino disagrees. Benzino was enjoying some relaxation and was on Instagram Live, seemingly in a hot tub. He shared his thoughts on the situation there. According to the former Source magazine co-owner, there’s only one reason why the iconic live show was removed from the air: low ratings. In fact, Benzino believes that Fat Joe’s stint as the award show’s host significantly contributed to the show’s low ratings in recent years. Benzino argues that if gentrification were the true cause, the “Lean Back” rapper would have been part of the gentrification he claims the network is responsible for. “Why Fat Joe said it’s gentrification, after they let his a** host the awards two years earlier?” Benzino said in the IG Live video. “The ratings were the worst ever after he hosted it. Was it gentrification when you was hosting it, Joey? Stop, man. Joe, you’re putting out too much misinformation on the internet, bro. You gotta do better, man.” Benzino blames Fat Joe’s hosting of the BET Hip-Hop Awards for tanking ratings and causing the show’s suspension. : livebitez/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/LXMEsA119c — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 11, 2025 Fat Joe Calls BET Cuts ‘Gentrification’ Of Black Culture On a recent episode of Joe and Jada, the two legends discussed the cancellation of the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. They also questioned what it means for Black culture in entertainment. Fat Joe described the situation bluntly, “This is a form of gentrification, what’s going on. I don’t know if you really want to ask me about this s**t,” he said. Reflecting on BET’s history, he noted that it began as a space dedicated to Black audiences. It was later sold by founder Bob Johnson to Viacom Paramount. According to him, the shift in ownership brought quiet but consistent staff cuts, especially targeting those who voiced concerns. The Bronx rapper recalled working on the BET Hip-Hop Awards for three years and watching the event’s resources dwindle. “S**t was like the budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting chopped and chopped and chopped.”

Offset recently caught up with The Ebro Show on Apple Music 1. This was ahead of the release of his upcoming album, Kiari. While there, the rapper discussed the possibility of creating new music with Quavo. Specifically, he considered a tribute album for Takeoff — an idea which isn’t completely off the table for the rapper. “It’s possible,” Offset tells Ebro. “It’s [definitely] possible. No conversations about that tho’, but it’s possible.” That said, according to Offset, the pair are focused on solo projects. They are also making sure to check in with one another. “We just building us first, [and] like checking in with each other and see each other world, like, ‘You good?, ‘You good?” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apple Music (@applemusic) Despite Offset and Quavo’s past tension, the rapper makes it clear that their familial bond remains unbroken. “That’s family at the end of the day,” he tells the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast in their latest episode. “You’re gonna bump heads with your family sometime,” he added. “In the day, a n*gga ain’t finna play with him, or a n*gga ain’t finna play with me.” The pair’s tension started around 2022 after rumors swirled that Offset had slept with Quavo’s then-girlfriend, Saweetie. This had also been what allegedly led to the disbandment of the Migos. However, after Takeoff was shot and killed in November 2022, the pair only became further estranged. Eventually, things came to a head at the 2023 Grammys. There, the two reportedly got into a brief scuffle over the direction of Takeoff’s tribute. Luckily, Offset and Quavo were eventually able to settle their beef. Set revealed that he and Quavo talk at least once a week. He said, “It be the internet trying to do some old sh*t, but with us, it ain’t about that. Like, we holla at each other.”

Offset recently opened up about the dissolution of his marriage with Cardi B, telling The Ebro Show‘s host Ebro Darden that he “f*cked up” his relationship with the former reality star. Cardi B and Offset’s very public, on-again-off-again relationship officially came to a close after the “I Like It” rapper filed for divorce in July 2024. Offset had been accused of cheating multiple times, which allegedly led to the couple’s constant separations over the years. Their behind-the-scenes tension would eventually boil over into social media. Amid the interview, Darden had noted that he would reach out to Offset, telling him point-blank, “You’re f*cking up,” to which the rapper nodded in acknowledgement, saying, “I f*cked up…just being real.” That said, Offset believes that he has learned from the situation and is looking toward the future. “I gotta acknowledge that and get back on the journey,” he added. Since the split, Cardi B has gone public with her new beau, NFL star Stephon Diggs. Whereas, Offset has been linked to a model and Instagram personality, Melanie Jayda. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ebro (@oldmanebro) During another segment of the interview, the rapper discussed the possibility of creating new music with Quavo. Specifically, he considered a tribute album for Takeoff — an idea which isn’t completely off the table for the rapper. “It’s possible,” Offset tells Ebro. “It’s [definitely] possible. No conversations about that tho’, but it’s possible.” That said, according to Offset, the pair are focused on solo projects. They are also making sure to check in with one another. “We just building us first, [and] like checking in with each other and see each other world, like, ‘You good?, ‘You good?” Despite Offset and Quavo’s past tension, the rapper makes it clear that their familial bond remains unbroken. “That’s family at the end of the day,” he tells the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast in their latest episode. “You’re gonna bump heads with your family sometime,” he added. “In the day, a n*gga ain’t finna play with him, or a n*gga ain’t finna play with me.”

Halle Berry seemingly reacts to her ex-husband, David Justice, saying the reason the two got a divorce is because she wasn’t “motherly.” Berry and David was married from 1993 to 1997. “I was young and had only been in one real relationship before her,” he said during a recent episode of All the Smoke podcast. “My knowledge and my understanding, my wisdom around relationships just wasn’t vast.” “I’m thinking, ‘OK, if we have kids, is this the woman I want to have kids with and build a family with?’” he recalled. “And at that time, as a young guy, she don’t cook, don’t clean, don’t really seem motherly—and then we start having issues.” “We spent a lot of time apart because she was doing movies in this country, that country,” he explained. “Honestly, we probably could have made it if I knew about therapy.” “She asked me to marry her after knowing me for five months,” he noted. “I said OK, but I don’t know if my heart was really into it. I didn’t want to make her feel bad and say no.” David’s comments has since went viral, even sparking a reaction from Halle Berry herself. She shared a series of photos via Instagram and captioned it, “Phew…! cooking, cleaning and mothering..” https://www.instagram.com/p/DNWCdM2uVMI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Saweetie and Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho just gave fans another reason to believe their rumored romance is the real deal. Over the summer, the two were spotted at The Apollo Tattoo & Piercing Studio in Santa Monica, where Sancho made a bold move that had everything to do with the “My Type” rapper. Saweetie & Jadon Sancho Hit Tattoo Shop, Soccer Star Gets Her Middle Name Inked https://t.co/2IusVpz9v5 pic.twitter.com/0Mp1hmFFTO — TMZ (@TMZ) August 14, 2025 Sources at the shop say Sancho had “Qiava,” Saweetie’s middle name, inked in delicate cursive behind his left ear. For anyone keeping track, Saweetie’s full name is Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, making the tattoo a clear and personal nod to her. That wasn’t his only update. Sancho also had an older tattoo on his hand that once read “her only” replaced with a colorful flower design. While it’s unclear who that original dedication was for, it seems that chapter is closed. Witnesses say the energy between the two was unmistakable. Saweetie and Sancho were seen kissing and sharing intimate moments throughout his appointment, making it clear they’re comfortable showing their connection in public. Fans have been speculating about their relationship for months. Saweetie has turned up to watch Sancho play in person, and earlier this year, people noticed his iPhone lock screen featured her “PB” mug shot. These subtle details have only fueled talk that the pair are more than just friends. Neither has stepped forward to confirm the dating rumors, but Sancho’s new tattoo might be the loudest statement yet. Whether or not they ever make it official, the ink, the public affection, and the appearances at his games are painting a pretty vivid picture. Right now, it seems like Saweetie and Sancho are letting their actions — and in this case, permanent art — do all the talking.

“Don’t Call It a Comeback!” According to PEOPLE, LL COOL J is returning to host the 2025 MTV VMAs. This marks the second time LL will host the ceremony. In 2022, he co-hosted with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. The “Mama Said Knock You Out” has a long history with MTV. In 1991,  he won his first Moon Person in for Best Rap and was the first rapper ever to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Video Music Awards (@vmas) Uncle L and MTV go way back. He performed onstage during the 50 years of hip-hop all-star tribute. in 2023, he celebrated the 40th anniversary of Def Jam Records with Public Enemy in 2024. This song, “Murdergram Deaux”, his duet with Eminem, is nominated in the Best Hip-Hop category from LL Cool J’s 2024 album The Force this year. The MTV VMAs revealed their nominees for the upcoming awards show on August 5, and Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars have 11 nominations.  Lady Gaga, for the first time in her career,  is the most-nominated artist for the VMAs with 12 nominations.  ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter have eight nominations. Ariana Grande and The Weeknd have seven nominations. Billie Eilish has six nods, and Charli xcx received five nods. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, who are both nominated for artist of the year. The 2025 MTV VMAs air live from UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS (for the first time) and MTV. The ceremony will also stream on Paramount+.

Kid Cudi accused Drake of “kicking him while he was down.” During an interview with CBS Mornings, Cudi detailed how he and Drake had a fallen out over ghostwriting allegations. In a tweet at the time,  Cudi said that Drake and Kanye West can’t be the greatest rappers with “30 people writing songs for them.” Drake responded in 2016 with a diss track “Two Birds, One Stone” and named Cudi who was in a rehab at the time. “I was like, oh okay, you wanna kick me when I’m down. Great,” Cudi said. “But he wanted to play the game with me. He wanted me to put him in my song or whatever and I’m not that type of artist. “I’m not going to the studio angry rapping about some other man and putting him in my art. That’s not what we’re gonna do here,” he contined. “I’m gonna come to your doorstep and I’mma let you know that I’mma see you. I’mma see you and that’s a promise.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by CBS Mornings (@cbsmornings) Eventually, the two rap stars were able to patch things up after West who set up a meeting between them. Cudi gave a guest verse on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy. “I went on to do a record for him for his album, but granted, I haven’t heard from him ever since,” he expressed.  “It just let me know that time is over. We’ll never be homies like we were before. I don’t have any beef with him anymore and I’m not mad at him or anything,” Cudi said. “It’s just time has gone by. We are in different places. It’s all good. I know he loves me. I know that. And I know he respects me as an artist. That’s good enough for me.”

Killer Mike is jumping into the podcast game. On August 13, he debuted with Conversate with Killer Mike. Co-hosted by his partner and former Outkast DJ Cutmaster Swiff, the show will feature his takes on the latesttopics of the day that “hit like your favorite mixtape.” “I created the show because I think that people need to converse more,” Mike said. “People need to sit with people that don’t look like them, that aren’t from the same background, that don’t even see the world in the same way and just simply have conversation. I think it grows our perspective.” Tje tongue-in-cheek name makes it clear that Conversate with Killer Mike will not be your everyday podcast. With a “roundtable-style dialogue with an opinionated cast and crew that’s part bars and business, part books and barbershop banter, but across the board authentic.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Conversate with Killer Mike (@conversatewithkillermike) “I hope listeners walk away from every episode of Conversate with a slightly different understanding of perspectives that may not be like their own,” the Grammy Award winner said.  “Having a former Atlanta mayor tell you that essentially power and politics comes down to what the fuck are you gonna do about it? Either you’re bullying, saying that, or you’re refusing to be bullied and you’re doing something about it,” Mike continued.  “I think that’s an amazing thing to be said in this day and time. It gets us back to a time where we watched All in the Family and The Jeffersons and our feelings weren’t catered to like babies.” Conversate with Killer Mike is available on all podcasts. Follow @conversatewithkillermike for updates, exclusive clips and the ride of a lifetime.

Ice Spice’s mom goes viral after Ice Spice shares a selfie of the two online. Ice Spice’s mom, Charina Almanzar, is proving that beauty runs in the family. A recent mirror selfie featuring the Bronx rapper and her mother has taken social media by storm, with fans praising the duo’s striking resemblance and undeniable style. “Loooord have mercy” reacted one fan. “MOMMA SPICE IS VERY NICE!!!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) Ice Spice has been making waves on Instagram after her recent posts. Her weight has been a hot topic recently, with the rapper addressing health concerns after fans grew worried when she started losing weight. While previously on X Spaces, Ice explained, “I actually came on here to talk about that real quick,” she began. “Cuz I was like, b*tch, I wish y’all never learned the word Ozempic. That’s one thing I wish. Oh my God! Like what even is Ozempic? Wha the f*ck is that? Genuinely, what is that?”  Ice goes on to say the gym and eating healthy is actually what’s keeping her healthy. “You lazy ass b*tches never heard of a gym?” she questioned. “It’s called eating healthy. It’s called being on tour. Like what the hell. Maybe if I was sitting at home all day it’d be easier to stay big.”

Issa Rae will be coming to a city near you. The Insecure creator has announced dates to promote her new book,  I Should Be Smarter Now.  The tour kicks off Sept. 8 in Philadelphia, with stops in Washington, D.C., and Dallas before closing Sept. 24 in Detroit.  The new collection of essays is the  follow-up to her 2015 bestseller The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. According to the synopsis, I Should Be Smarter Now is a“fearlessly authentic essay about the entertainment industry—the setbacks, high-stakes risks, and hard-won successes—by Issa Rae, named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world. “It’s a gamble to bet on yourself in Hollywood. But Issa Rae placed it. Charting her evolution from struggling writer to media mogul, she pulls back the curtain on her ever-evolving career in an always-changing industry and reveals that the best investment she made was her belief in herself. As she reflects on weathering storms and lessons learned, Issa moves forward with renewed purpose,” the synopsis continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOORAE, An Issa Rae Company (@hooraemedia) Presale tickets are available starting Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET. Back in June, Rae spoke about what led her to write the book. “This collection is part confession, part reflection and part ‘here’s what I wish I’d known,’” Rae told PEOPLE. “But mostly it’s just me being honest about the weird, wonderful journey from having big dreams to making them a reality.” “From dreaming of briefcases as a child to running her own media empire, Issa’s creative evolution is both hilarious and inspiring,” publisher Julia Sommerfeld added. “These essays capture her remarkable journey with the wit, wisdom and real talk that has made millions of people feel seen.” I Should be Smarter Now will be available for purchase on Tuesday, Aug. 26 and is available for preorder now.