Lil Wayne has revealed that Drake deserves credit for changing the way he performs onstage, admitting the 6 God introduced him to using teleprompters during live shows. The Young Money founder shared the story during the July 21 episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast while speaking with Lil Dicky, Lil Twist and producer Benny Blanco. The conversation began after Lil Dicky asked Wayne whether he performs with a teleprompter displaying his lyrics. Wayne didn’t hesitate to credit Drake. “I got that from Drizzy,” Wayne said. “He asked me to come out one night… I had to pop out from the middle of the stage, and I saw there were TVs. I started looking at them sh*ts and saw my lyrics.” Lil Wayne recalls how he started using teleprompters during his performances: “I got that from Drizzy. He asked me to come out one night… I had to pop out from the middle of the stage, and I saw there were TVs. I started looking at them sh*ts and saw my lyrics. I was like,… pic.twitter.com/AHiBXmxdWh — Kurrco (@Kurrco) July 21, 2026 The five-time Grammy winner said he had no idea artists could project lyrics onto screens positioned around the stage. Seeing the setup instantly changed his perspective. “I was like, ‘You could do this? This is awesome,’” Wayne recalled. The discovery became a permanent part of his concert routine. “Ever since I seen them, I’ve never not had them,” he said. “I don’t care if we doing a Bar Mitzvah, I need it.” Lil Wayne Credits Drake For Beginning To Use Teleprompter At Concerts Wayne’s comments offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at the practical side of touring. With an extensive catalog that includes Tha Carter series, countless mixtapes and hundreds of guest appearances, remembering every verse can become a challenge, even for one of hip-hop’s most accomplished lyricists. Rather than viewing teleprompters as a shortcut, Wayne described them as an essential performance tool that allows him to focus on connecting with fans while delivering songs accurately. The revelation arrives as Wayne celebrates the 20th anniversary of Tha Carter with his Carter Classics tour, revisiting records that have defined multiple generations of rap. His story also highlights Drake’s influence beyond music, showing how one backstage production detail evolved into a staple of Wayne’s live performances. For one of hip-hop’s greatest performers, a lesson learned from “Drizzy” has become part of every show.

According to TMZ, Migos rapper Offset has avoided jail time after resolving a criminal assault case arising from an altercation at a Los Angeles cannabis dispensary, with a California court imposing one year of probation and several additional conditions. Court records show Offset, whose legal name is Kiari Cephus, was sentenced to 12 months of probation in connection with a March 2025 confrontation at MedMen LAX. The resolution requires the rapper to stay away from the dispensary, refrain from making threats against any person and not own or possess dangerous weapons during the probationary period. Offset sentenced over assault at L.A. weed shop, gets community service. https://t.co/sb2MF4zjKj pic.twitter.com/0SAG6PvLpm — TMZ (@TMZ) July 20, 2026 The court also ordered Offset to complete an anger management course, perform community service and pay restitution. The amount of restitution has not yet been determined. The criminal case stemmed from allegations that Offset assaulted security guard Jim Sanchez after being asked to provide identification before entering the dispensary. Migos Rapper Offset, REal Name Kiari Cephus, Hit With Probation In Weed Shop Assault Case According to the prosecution’s allegations, the encounter escalated after Sanchez requested identification. It prompts that Offset to strike the guard in the face. Sanchez further alleged that members of the rapper’s entourage joined the altercation, leaving him with injuries that required hospital treatment. Offset has denied the allegations. He maintains that Sanchez initiated the physical confrontation by spitting on him. Offset contends that any actions he took occurred only after the incident escalated. The probationary sentence resolves the criminal prosecution without a custodial term. However, Offset must comply with all court-ordered conditions throughout the next year or risk additional legal consequences for violating probation. The disposition closes another legal matter involving the Atlanta rapper. While the case has concluded, the underlying allegations remain disputed. The prosecutors and the defense are offering sharply different accounts of the confrontation that unfolded. The court’s judgment resolves the criminal charges without making findings on the parties’ competing factual narratives.

Rapper Pooh Shiesty will remain in federal custody after a Texas federal judge denied his second bid for pretrial release in a kidnapping and extortion case accusing him of forcing rapper Gucci Mane to terminate a recording contract at gunpoint. U.S. District Judge David Godbey ruled Tuesday that Lontrell Williams Jr., the Memphis rapper known professionally as Pooh Shiesty, failed to demonstrate that any proposed release conditions could protect the public while he awaits his scheduled February 2027 trial. @TheJusticeDept v. @pooh_shiesty / @BigThirty375: Judge David C Godbey DENIED the Bond request made by Pooh Shiesty in a federal hearing on Tuesday, July 21, according to new court doc. Pooh Shiesty’s trial for the alleged kidnapping and extortion of rapper @gucci1017 is set… pic.twitter.com/SCB1dLInaN — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) July 21, 2026 “There is no condition or combination of conditions that would protect the public,” Godbey said during the detention hearing, describing Williams as “a dangerous person.” Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Defense counsel proposed a stringent supervision plan that included retaining Houston-based PPI Security for 24-hour monitoring at a projected cost of up to $700,000. Brandon Bess, the firm’s chief investigator, testified that the security measures would mirror those provided to a state attorney general and would ensure immediate reporting of any violations. Godbey rejected the proposal. Judge Denies Rapper Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr) Bond Again Over Gucci Mane Case In Dallas Federal Court Federal prosecutors argued that Williams allegedly committed the charged offenses while serving a term of supervised release following his 2022 federal firearms conspiracy conviction. They contended that prior court supervision failed to deter the alleged conduct. According to the indictment, Williams arranged a January 2026 meeting with Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radric Davis, at a Dallas recording studio under the pretense of discussing business. Prosecutors allege Williams then displayed an AK-style Draco pistol and compelled Davis to release him from his contract with The New 1017 Records. Court filings further allege that fellow Memphis rapper Big30 recorded part of the encounter. Prosecutors contend the video captures Davis verbally releasing Williams from the recording agreement. The government also alleges Williams received unauthorized travel passes from a former community supervision officer who was later dismissed. Prosecutors argue those violations further support continued detention. Williams is scheduled to stand trial on Feb. 22, 2027, and will remain in federal custody pending trial.

Hip-Hop mogul 50 Cent mocked the reported commercial performance of rapper Rick Ross’ new album, Set In Stone, with a pointed Instagram post that quickly ignited debate across social media. On Tuesday, July 21, the G-Unit mogul shared a photo of himself grinning before taking aim at Ross’ reported first-week numbers. “I just saw your record sales! LOL 2,000 WTF,” 50 Cent wrote. View this post on Instagram The jab arrived after reports claimed Set In Stone generated about 1.38 million Spotify streams during its first day of release. Using standard streaming conversion estimates, that figure equates to roughly 1,220 album units from Spotify streams alone. Official first-week totals, however, combine streaming activity with digital and physical album sales. Rick Ross and his label had not publicly confirmed the album’s opening-week figures. Many fans viewed 50’s post as retaliation after Ross and comedian Deon Cole recently joked about the rapper’s former girlfriend and the mother of his son, Sire, during a promotional interview for Set In Stone. Hip-Hop Mogul 50 Cent Mocks Rapper Rick Ross’s First-Day Sales Of New Album, Set In Stone The comment section quickly became another battleground. Hip-hop outlet Diverse Mentality joked, “Tory Lanez who is locked up released an album too and did better than Ross .” Another user, @bagluck_, added, “1220 in the first week is tuff, I did better than that .” Instagram user @tar.zan_ piled on, writing, “Someone said he Took the biggest loss that i seen thus far. .” Others linked the latest exchange to the pair’s decades-long feud. User @hhf_2050 commented, “He still mad about you bringin’ his kids to Floyd’s crib .” Still, not everyone agreed with the criticism. User @deeboi_130 defended the project, writing, “That album is fire I ain’t going to hold you album is fire I don’t care what he sold in the first week the album is fire.” Whether the jokes centered on streaming numbers or old grudges, the exchange proved one thing: 50 Cent and Rick Ross remain as competitive as ever. More than 15 years after their feud began, every album release, interview and Instagram post still gives each side another chance to trade shots in one of hip-hop’s most enduring rivalries.

Joey Bada$$ is looking to add another major acting opportunity to his growing résumé. The Creed franchise is one project he hopes to join. The rapper and actor recently spoke with Ty Cole for the With Love talk series on Patreon. There, he discussed his interest in becoming part of the boxing drama’s expanding world. After making appearances in projects including Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Badass said stepping into the Creed universe would be a meaningful next move. “I would love to play in Creed,” Badass said during the interview. Cole pointed out that while the next steps for the franchise remain unclear, more films involving Michael B. Jordan and the larger cast are expected. When it comes to the kind of character he would want to portray, Badass suggested he would rather take on a role with a physical presence. He would prefer that over simply appearing on the sidelines. “I’m open, you know what I’m saying?” he explained. “But, like, I definitely see myself playing a fighter.” Badass Eyes Role In Creed’s Future The possibility comes as the Creed series continues to build momentum following the release of Creed III in 2023. The film marked Jordan’s directorial debut while bringing him back as Adonis Creed. Notably, it became both a commercial success and a critical favorite. Since then, conversations around a fourth installment and a larger expansion of the franchise have continued. There are now plans to grow the series beyond the original films. Jordan previously discussed the future of Creed during an appearance on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast. He said another chapter is “eventually, definitely” happening. He also reflected on the franchise’s importance in his career, explaining that it has been “really kind” to him “in a big way.” For Bada$$, joining the series would represent another crossover moment between his music career and his work as an actor. While there is no indication that casting decisions have been made, his interest highlights the continued appeal of a franchise. Performers are still looking for roles with both dramatic weight and physical intensity.

West New York’s Salamanca City Central School District has approved the purchase of “Sally,” a humanoid robot developed by Realbotix. School officials say the technology will support courses in artificial intelligence and robotics while giving students firsthand experience with emerging technologies expected to shape future careers. New York school district to become one of the first in the United States to introduce a humanoid robot in the classroom pic.twitter.com/piq7lf8Yaj — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) July 20, 2026 Realbotix describes the deployment as its first major pilot in a U.S. public school and says the district’s feedback will influence future classroom applications. “This will help guide us in the future,” Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel said, referring to the company’s plans for educational robotics. Sally features a silicone face, lifelike facial expressions, and upper-body movement. The robot will work alongside Optio, an AI-powered digital tutor. It will allow students to continue learning outside the classroom by reviewing previous lessons and receiving personalized academic support. New York’s Salamanca City Central School District To Introduce “Sally” The AI-Powered Humanoid Robot To Teach Realbotix believes a humanlike presence could encourage greater student engagement. The company acknowledges it has not provided evidence that a physical robot enhances learning outcomes more than AI software alone. Salamanca Superintendent Mark Beehler said the robot is designed to complement classroom instruction, not replace educators. “The problems the robot can solve are limited,” Beehler said. He added that Sally’s greatest value is exposing students in rural communities. Education experts urge schools to evaluate whether the technology produces measurable academic benefits beyond its novelty. “The most important question is not whether students are fascinated by the robot,” Ryan Schaaf, a professor at Notre Dame of Maryland University, said. He continued: “But whether the robot helps a good teacher design and execute a more meaningful learning experience.” District officials say student participation will be voluntary. Conversations with the robot will remain encrypted and managed by the school. Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common in classrooms across the United States. The New York pilot could provide an early test of whether humanoid robots can enhance teaching while maintaining student privacy and public trust.

False reports claiming Atlanta rapper Alley Boy had died spread widely across social media Monday, prompting his daughter to publicly deny the rumors and urge people to stop sharing unverified information. In a statement posted to Instagram on July 20, Alley Boy’s daughter said her father is alive and criticized the rapid spread of inaccurate posts. “My daddy is NOT dead. Please stop spreading false information and posting things before you know the truth,” she wrote. View this post on Instagram She also thanked supporters who contacted the family after the rumors gained traction online. “I appreciate everyone who’s reached out and checked on me. I don’t have the strength to respond to everyone, but I’m so thankful!” she said. As speculation continued, she asked for privacy and prayers for her family. “I LOVE YALL. Please keep me & my family in your prayers. We really need it!!” she wrote, before concluding, “GOD HAS THE LAST SAY SO.” Atlanta’s Alley Boy’s Daughter Says Rapper’s Death Reports Are False The posts quickly circulated across social media, where many users removed memorial messages after learning the reports were false. The incident highlights how misinformation can spread rapidly online, particularly involving public figures, often causing emotional distress for families and fans before facts are confirmed. Born Curt Freeman, Alley Boy built a respected career in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene. He co-founded Duct Tape Entertainment with the late Big Bank Black and released his breakthrough mixtape, Da Don, in 2009. His debut album, The Gift of Discernment, followed in 2011. Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists including Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Childish Gambino, Juicy J and Freddie Gibbs. In recent years, Alley Boy has spoken openly about serious health issues. He revealed he suffers from kidney disease, which he has linked to years of excessive codeine cough syrup use. The rapper began dialysis in 2023 and later said he required treatments three times a week while seeking a kidney transplant. “I was put on dialysis a month ago… changed my whole life,” Alley Boy wrote in an earlier Instagram post. “WHAT WAS MEANT TO DESTROY ME WOKE ME UP NOW I KNOW MY PURPOSE… TELL MY STORY #INEEDAKIDNEY #FOREVERSCARED.” Although the rapper continues to face significant health challenges, his daughter’s statement makes clear that reports of his death are false and urges the public to verify information before sharing it online.

Drake’s multimillion-dollar sports wagers have once again fueled the internet’s favorite superstition after the rapper lost a $1.5 million bet on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. The Canadian superstar watched his latest high-profile prediction fall short Sunday when Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to capture the FIFA World Cup title. Drake had backed Argentina through a $1.5 million wager placed on Stake, a bet that would have returned more than $5.1 million had the defending champions lifted the trophy. DRAKE LOSES $1.5 MILLION ON WORLD CUP BET Drake’s latest sports bet didn’t go as planned. The Iceman reportedly lost $1.5 million after backing Argentina to defeat Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Spain ultimately came out on top, handing Drake another high… pic.twitter.com/0FpJnGVzct — Diverse Mentality (@DverseMentality) July 20, 2026 Instead, Spain’s victory handed Drake another expensive defeat and immediately reignited discussion surrounding the so-called “Drake Curse,” the viral theory that athletes and teams publicly supported by the Grammy-winning rapper are destined to lose. While the phrase remains an internet meme rather than a proven phenomenon, another headline-grabbing loss gave social media users fresh material. Drake faced a setback at the World Cup just days after losing a $1 million bet on Conor McGregor. McGregor’s comeback fight against Max Holloway ended quickly due to a serious knee injury. The referee awarded Holloway a first-round technical knockout, extending Drake’s string of costly public betting losses. Drake’s Curse Continues With $1.5 Million Loss To Argentina In FIFA World Cup Final The back-to-back defeats quickly dominated social media, where fans joked that the “Drake Curse” had claimed two more victims in less than a week. The theory has become a recurring fixture in sports culture whenever Drake publicly shares a betting slip before a major event. Despite the online narrative, Drake’s gambling history tells a more balanced story. The rapper has also collected several multimillion-dollar payouts on successful wagers, although those victories rarely generate the same attention as his losses. Sports betting has become a defining part of Drake’s online persona, with the rapper regularly placing seven-figure wagers on championship games, title fights and other marquee sporting events. Each bet draws widespread attention before the competition begins. Spain’s World Cup triumph added another chapter to that ongoing storyline. Whether viewed as coincidence or internet folklore, the “Drake Curse” continues to dominate conversation whenever 6 God’s publicly backs a favorite, ensuring his latest loss becomes another memorable entry in one of social media’s most enduring sports jokes.

Billy “DJ Bigga Rankin” Plummer, a pioneering Florida DJ, promoter and influential figure in Southern hip-hop, has died at 56, his family announced Monday. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Plummer helped launch the careers of several rap stars while mentoring emerging artists across the South. “It is with great sadness that we announce that the patriarch of our family, Billy ‘Bigga Rankin’ Plummer, passed away earlier this morning on July 20, 2026,” his family said in a statement. “Funeral arrangements and plans for a celebration of life will be shared when they are available.” View this post on Instagram We lost a legendary figure in Florida today. Bigga Rankin had an amazing spirit and he embraced me from day one. That’s the kind of love and loyalty you never forget. My dawg has moved on, but his legacy, his voice and the impact he made on this culture, especially Southern… pic.twitter.com/xBpEtFi9Jf — Yung Rénzél (@RickRoss) July 20, 2026 Based in Jacksonville, Plummer built a reputation as one of Southern rap’s most respected tastemakers. He played a key role in promoting artists including Rick Ross, T.I., Plies, Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane and B.o.B. He also served as an A&R executive at Think It’s a Game Records and as vice president of the Hittmenn DJs. Beyond the music industry, Plummer devoted years to community service. He founded Jacksonville’s Diamond Awards, supported young artists and organized charitable initiatives through the K.I.N.G. Foundation. His family said the organization’s annual Back to School Community Day will proceed as scheduled on Aug. 8 at A. Philip Randolph Park, providing free backpacks, food and activities for local families. Rapper Rick Ross Pays Tribute To Late Florida DJ Bigga Rankin In a previous interview with News4JAX, Plummer credited his upbringing for shaping his approach to life and business. “I’m always helping people… my mama always told me to give without expecting nothing back… I feel like I was real because I’m always giving,” he said. Plummer also spoke openly about serious health challenges in recent years, including complications from COVID-19 that resulted in the loss of a kidney and required regular dialysis treatments. Among the first artists to honor him publicly was rapper Rick Ross, who credited Plummer with supporting his career from the beginning. “We lost a legendary figure in Florida today,” Ross wrote on X. “Bigga Rankin had an amazing spirit and he embraced me from day one. That’s the kind of love and loyalty you never forget.” Ross added, “My dawg has moved on, but his legacy, his voice and the impact he made on this culture, especially Southern hip-hop, will live forever. Prayers up for his family and everyone who loved him. Rest in Power, Bigga Rankin.” Plummer leaves behind a lasting legacy as a champion of Southern hip-hop whose influence extended beyond music into mentorship, philanthropy and community leadership.

The New York Knicks’ championship celebrations have brought a wave of excitement across the city. Players appeared at events and enjoyed the spotlight after capturing their first NBA title in 53 years. But Jordan Clarkson’s celebration reportedly took an unexpected turn during a night out at one of Manhattan’s most exclusive clubs. The NBA veteran became part of a conversation surrounding an alleged incident involving rapper Travis Scott at Zero Bond. According to TMZ, Clarkson was present when tensions reportedly developed between Scott and another person inside the club on July 18. The exact details of what led to the confrontation remain uncertain. However, reports suggest the situation escalated before Clarkson attempted to step in. The outlet reported that the issue began after someone allegedly recorded Scott while he was speaking with another attendee. Reports described the moment by saying, “a man was allegedly filming Travis Scott chatting with another attendee inside the NYC hot spot when Travis allegedly confronted him.” The report further claimed that members of Scott’s entourage allegedly began throwing bottles, prompting Clarkson to intervene and help calm things down. Both Clarkson and Scott were later escorted out of the venue. View this post on Instagram Questions linger over reported club confrontation Furthermore, speculation has circulated online about who the other attendee may have been. Some fans have pointed toward Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native who has become close with Clarkson. He is often seen with Clarkson around the city. However, there has been no official confirmation identifying the person involved or explaining what sparked the reported disagreement. The private gathering featured several recognizable names, including 50 Cent, Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and Alix Earle. This added to the attention surrounding the night. As of now, those involved have not publicly shared a complete account of the incident. More details could emerge as additional information becomes available about what happened inside the club.