Cardi B’s new album, Am I The Drama?, arrived with enormous expectations. It immediately delivered, earning platinum status on the day of its release. The certification reflects not only her commercial pull but also the anticipation built on the breakout success of earlier singles like “Up” and “WAP.” Tracks such as “Bodega Baddie” have already caught the attention of fans. Moreover, the record’s instant milestone points to a broader reach that extends well beyond individual favorites. The speed of the certification also highlights the shifting ways the music industry measures success. In a landscape dominated by streaming, the relevance of first-week sales continues to be debated. While some dismiss it as outdated, others defend it as a barometer of cultural influence. What is clear is that Cardi’s return has reignited conversation. This is about her standing in hip-hop and the scale of her audience. Whether the album’s staying power matches its opening impact will be tested in the weeks ahead. A Return to Rivalries The release also drew attention for revisiting an old feud. In a recent interview, Cardi addressed pointed lines aimed at BIA in her track “Pretty & Petty.” “You mentioned my kids trying to be cute. She did her little diss and it was trash… I felt inclined to address it. This is because everything on social media will eventually be visible to my children. When they grow up and see that BIA mentioned them, they’ll naturally want to know how I responded.” Her remarks underscored a determination to respond directly when family is drawn into public sparring. This stance reflects both her protectiveness and her candor as an artist. With Am I The Drama?, Cardi B has reaffirmed her ability to command both attention and momentum in a crowded field. Hip-hop has long thrived on rivalry, spectacle, and cultural debate. Her album contributes to that tradition while securing a milestone few artists achieve so quickly. For now, its platinum debut cements Cardi’s place at the center of the conversation. This is a reminder of her ability to blend commercial dominance with unflinching authenticity. Congratulations @iamcardib! Her brand new album #AmITheDrama? is out now and already RIAA certified Platinum, featuring the certified 9x Platinum hit #WAP and 5x Platinum #UP. @AtlanticRecords pic.twitter.com/LhnUb0Ua9Y — RIAA (@RIAA) September 19, 2025

The investigation surrounding the shocking discovery of a deceased teenager linked to d4vd continues to unfold. It reveals a complicated and troubling picture. Los Angeles police are now scrutinizing a home near a vehicle registered to the artist. Authorities recently located a body, and the circumstances have raised numerous questions. Both law enforcement and the public are trying to piece together the events. Late on September 17, officers executed a search at a Hollywood Hills residence. This action has drawn significant attention amid the ongoing inquiry. Authorities reportedly confiscated a computer and several unidentified items over the course of several hours. However, investigators have not confirmed any direct link between the property, the car, or d4vd himself. As the investigation developed, d4vd canceled his scheduled performance in Seattle, originally set for the day of the search. TMZ sources reported that the artist had traveled to Los Angeles earlier that day. Resurfaced tweets, leaked music, and social media speculation have added layers to the story, complicating his ongoing collaborative projects. Kali Uchis, for example, announced she would step away from a joint effort with d4vd, citing uncertainty surrounding the case. Authorities Investigate Teen’s Death Amid Alleged Ties to d4vd Authorities have identified the deceased as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose body was discovered in a Tesla. The car was abandoned for two weeks at a Hollywood tow yard. Rivas, reported missing since April 2024, reportedly had a boyfriend named David—speculated to be d4vd. She may share a tattoo with the artist. Leaked songs referencing the connection have circulated online, thus fueling public conjecture. Amid these developments, allegations of grooming and inappropriate contact have surfaced. This intensifies scrutiny. d4vd has remained largely silent, aside from brief statements from his representatives and limited fan interactions. As investigators continue to examine evidence recovered from the recent home search, public attention remains acute. The coming weeks will be critical in shedding light on this deeply disturbing case. LAPD homicide detectives searched a house tied to D4vd in the m*rder of 15-year-old Celeste R., TMZ reports. Investigators left late Wednesday with a computer and several evidence bags. pic.twitter.com/pRSN3geaVy — Kurrco (@Kurrco) September 18, 2025

The collision of celebrity, internet culture, and the courts has entered another chapter with Megan Thee Stallion’s ongoing lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz. This case is now drawing Twitch streamer Adin Ross into its orbit. What began as a defamation case has expanded after an unusual effort to deliver Ross a subpoena. This has become a spectacle in its own right. Ross contends that process servers turned up at his home disguised as a mariachi band. They staged a performance outside his house before handing him the paperwork. Court filings reviewed by AllHipHop’s Grouchy Greg Watkins describes the tactic as unorthodox. Ross has accused Megan’s camp of trying to publicly embarrass him. Recounting the moment during a livestream with DJ Akademiks, Ross said, “They called a mariachi band to my house. A Mexican band, to perform outside my house so they could serve me the paper.” He added that his attorney quickly stepped in: “My lawyer is like, ‘Adin, just tell them to contact me,’” while noting that he was weighing the idea of livestreaming the deposition. Legal Stakes The subpoena traces back to Megan’s litigation against Gramz, rooted in accusations of defamation, harassment, and the spread of manipulated explicit images. Megan alleges that Gramz amplified false claims tied to Tory Lanez’s conviction for shooting her in the foot. Ross, however, has petitioned the court to quash the subpoena or issue a protective order. “The complaint doesn’t mention Ross at all. Without any legal or factual tie, requests like this are just harassment,” he argued in a recent filing. Ross’s involvement is underscored by his vocal support of Tory Lanez earlier this year. On one of his January streams, he declared, “Free motherf—ing Tory Lanez. And I will always stand by this statement — I don’t give a f—k where I’m at in life. Free Tory Lanez.” He later sharpened his criticism of Megan’s account of events, saying, “She got caught lying. She got caught lying in 4K.”

LeBron James is finally addressing the rumors about his friendship with Drake. In a recent interview with Complex, the Los Angeles Lakers star spoke carefully about where things stand between him and the Toronto rapper, choosing to keep his response positive. James made it clear that he still respects Drake, even if their bond isn’t as close as it once was. “Always wish him the best. Obviously, different places right now. He’s doing his thing. I’m doing mine. But, it’s always love for sure,” he said. He did not go deeper into what may have caused the distance between them. LeBron James spoke for the first time about where things stand with Drake after the Kendrick Lamar feud “Always wish him the best… obviously, different places right now, currently… but it’s always love for sure.” pic.twitter.com/D01M41loJF — Raphouse TV (RHTV) (@raphousetv7) September 18, 2025 The talk of tension first began in 2024, when James showed up at Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out concert in Los Angeles. The show came in the middle of Lamar’s heated battle with Drake, following the release of diss records like “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us.” Fans quickly noticed James’ attendance and began to speculate that it signaled a break in his longtime friendship with Drake. Months after the concert, Drake released his “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” a move that many interpreted as a subtle swipe at James’ past. James played for St. Vincent–St. Mary in Akron, a team famously nicknamed the Fighting Irish. More fuel was added recently when Drake dropped his single “What Did I Miss?” with the lyric: “I saw bro went to Pop Out with them, but been d*ck riding gang since ‘Headlines.’” The line appeared to reference James’ support of Kendrick during the feud. Despite these apparent shots, neither side has given a clear explanation about what caused the rift. Drake has remained focused on his upcoming ninth studio album Iceman, which includes tracks like “Which One” with Central Cee and “Dog House” with Yeat and Julia Wolf. The album still has no official release date.

Kid Cudi is making it clear he had no part in blocking a potential Drake and Kanye West album. The Ohio-born rapper went on Instagram Stories on Thursday, September 18th, to address statements made by Consequence, who accused him of derailing the collaboration and even connecting him to West’s 2016 breakdown. “The other day rapper Consequence made some allegations that were extremely false. The things he said were pretty f—king disturbing,” Cudi said at the start of his video. He went on to stress, “Let me be clear: I had nothing to do with Kanye not doing that collab album with Drake. And I damn sure had nothing to do with him being hospitalized and going to the psych ward.” Moreover, Cudi argued that Ye has always made his own decisions, shutting down the idea that he could have convinced him to cancel such a big project. “Kanye gon’ do whatever Kanye wanna do. What I look like being like, ‘Yo, I don’t want you to do this album.’ And him being like, ‘OK.’ Yeah, right, in what universe?” He also shared that legal measures are already underway, revealing that his team served Consequence with a cease-and-desist letter. Cudi demanded the claims be pulled back immediately. “We sent a cease-and-desist, told him to take it down and retract his statement … I need to get a retracted statement tomorrow,” he warned. “Saying that is extremely false and if not, you’ll be hearing from my lawyer, period. I’ma hit you in them pockets. That little bit of change you got gonna be mine. Keep f—ing with me, s—t is not a game.” Although Consequence deleted his initial remarks, he reposted Cudi’s response with a sarcastic caption, hinting at “receipts” to back up his story. Drake and Ye teased a joint album in 2017, rumored to be titled Calabasas Is the New Abu Dhabi, but they never followed through with the project.

On a recent episode of the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game podcast, Lizzo reflected on the roots of hip-hop. She highlighted the genre’s struggle for recognition within a music industry long dominated by established players. Her comments offered insight into the challenges faced by Black artists, particularly around sampling—a practice central to hip-hop’s identity and creative innovation. Speaking with hosts Gillie and Wallo, Lizzo explored hip-hop’s complicated relationship with sampling. By borrowing sounds, rhythms, and melodies from existing recordings, artists have built the foundation of the genre. Yet she emphasized that copyright laws have often constrained Black creativity rather than safeguarding it. Recalling Biz Markie’s legal battles over “Alone Again,” Lizzo noted how disputes like his led to albums being pulled from stores. These actions reveal the broader consequences of restrictive sampling rules on Black musicians. Tracing the earliest pioneers of sampling to Black rappers of the 1980s and ’90s, Lizzo highlighted the ingenuity behind the practice. “They were sampling records because they didn’t have access to big studios,” she said. Many repurposed their parents’ vinyl to forge new sounds, often without formal musical training. “They were just outside, just like, ‘OK, this is just what it is.’ And then hip-hop was born, and it was this beautiful thing,” she added. This underscored the genre’s organic and innovative beginnings. Policing Black Creativity Reflecting on contemporary perceptions, Lizzo criticized the framing of sampling as theft. “The theft of it all, putting theft on Black culture, that’s the part that kind of turns me off,” she said. For her, sampling is a legitimate and essential creative practice, embedded in hip-hop’s DNA. Yet, it is often mischaracterized as criminal. She suggested that these restrictions may have racial undertones, functioning as a means to limit Black artistic expression. Fans can also expect Lizzo’s involvement on Cardi B’s forthcoming album, Am I The Drama?, set for September 19. The collaboration hints at further explorations across hip-hop, pop, and R&B. It signals the evolution of her artistry while honoring the foundational roots of the genre.

Jermaine Dupri stopped by HOT 97 to talk with Nessa about his new album Magic City, dropping this Friday, September 12. He reflected on being named Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Producer of the 21st Century and whether he expected to land at the top of that list. They discussed some of the biggest moments in his career, including working with Mariah Carey, Usher, Xscape, Bow Wow, and Da Brat, and what he credits his longevity to. The conversation also touched on his new album and working with Rich Homie Quan. Nessa asked him about his time at Magic City, the impact the club had on Atlanta’s music culture, the most he’s seen spent in a night and some tips on how to throw money at the strip club. They got into personal stories about his friendships with Da Brat, Mariah Carey, and Janet Jackson, and why marriage may or may not be in his future. He talked about what he learned from Quincy Jones and Ray Charles. He also shared his thoughts on the mistakes artists make today, what advice he’d give to them, and if Confessions was a true story from Usher’s life. Jermaine Dupri’s album Magic City is out this Friday, September 12.

In June 2024, Odell Beckham Jr. drew widespread attention after posting a lively video of himself driving while dancing to Drake‘s hit Family Matters. The clip showcased not only his energy but also his unwavering support for the Toronto rapper during a period of friction with Kendrick Lamar. Far from a casual fan, Beckham Jr. has emerged as a steadfast ally in the evolving dynamic between the two artists. Speaking with Jordan Rose for Complex News, Beckham Jr. reflected on the viral video and the broader context of Drake’s rivalry with Lamar. When asked about the social media reaction, which has inspired a flood of memes, he remained unfazed. “I’m not bothered at all,” he said, demonstrating confidence and self-awareness. He added, “the joke was all in good fun,” framing the moment as playful rather than provocative. Beckham Jr. Praises Drake and Kendrick Ahead of New Album Buzz Beckham Jr. also expressed admiration for both musicians, revealing a nuanced perspective. “I’ve always supported Drake,” he said. “Before the feud, I was listening to Kendrick’s music too—he’s undeniably talented. Music has been a fundamental part of my life since childhood.” His remarks underscore a respect for artistry that transcends the competitive tensions surrounding the feud. As Drake readies his ninth studio album, ICEMAN, anticipation is mounting. While the official release date has yet to be announced, early tracks like What Did I Miss and Dog House have already generated buzz. These previews suggest another defining moment in Drake’s career, and Beckham Jr.’s endorsement adds extra weight to the excitement. Odell Beckham Jr. speaks on the viral clip of him dancing to Drake’s “Family Matters” and shares his thoughts on the Kendrick Lamar / Drake beef (via @ComplexMusic / @jrosethereturn) pic.twitter.com/IiHciAZivt — Kurrco (@Kurrco) September 17, 2025

Meek Mill is mapping out the next chapter of his career with unusual candor. His vision includes a new album, a book, and a short film—projects he says cannot move forward without outside investment. To get there, he has made a public appeal for $5 million. He casts the request as both a personal necessity and a broader indictment of the music industry’s financial structures. On X, Meek Mill vented frustration at record labels he argues have stifled innovation. “I need 5 million in funding for a book, album, and short film,” he wrote. “These label deals are not looking fair at all… they essentially ruined the game… but I have the potential to reboot everything!” The post doubled as a critique of entrenched industry practices. It also served as a call for alternative financing models. He went further, questioning why artists—despite generating billions for the business—struggle to secure straightforward bank loans for their projects. Meek mill Sparks Debate Over Wealth, Funding, and Creative Independence The reaction from fans was swift and divided. Some expressed skepticism, noting Meek Mill’s proximity to wealthy figures in sports and business. “Surrounded by billionaires. I’m so confused,” one user remarked. Others pointed to his history of charging significant sums for appearances, questioning why he could not bankroll the projects himself. Meek Mill countered with a blunt response. “I’m blackballed if I can’t get 5m in funding for my album, book, and short film lol,” he wrote. The remark highlighted the paradox of being both connected and constrained. His name is linked to billionaires like Michael Rubin and Robert Kraft, yet financial backing remains uncertain. Behind the back-and-forth lies a larger tension within music. The question is whether artists can shed traditional label deals and still secure the capital to innovate. For Meek Mill, the $5 million ask may be deeply personal. But for others, it underscores a more pressing question—how creative independence can truly be financed in an industry still shaped by old rules. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Rising artist d4vd has pulled back from touring as investigators press ahead with a case involving the death of a teenage girl. The 20-year-old, who had continued performing after the inquiry began earlier this month, has now canceled an upcoming show in Seattle as new developments place him under growing scrutiny. The case took a sharper turn on September 9, when d4vd went onstage even as questions mounted. Authorities later confirmed that remains found in his vehicle belonged to 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been missing since April. She stood 5’1” and weighed 71 pounds, and her identification has shifted attention squarely onto the singer, complicating his rising career. One detail has fueled public speculation: a tattoo on Celeste’s finger that reads “Shhh…,” a design the musician also carries. Images of d4vd displaying the same tattoo have circulated since last year. Before her disappearance, Celeste was said to have mentioned a boyfriend named David, though investigators have not drawn a connection. Speculation Grows as d4vd’s Tour Remains Uncertain So far, officials have not named d4vd a suspect, and no charges have been filed. His representative emphasized the artist’s cooperation, saying, “d4vd has been informed about what’s happened. And, although he is still officially out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.” Still, the statement has done little to calm speculation spreading quickly across social media. The tattoo, while central to the discussion, is not exclusive—celebrities including Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan have displayed the same design. Even so, the overlap has intensified scrutiny at a time when his tour plans remain in doubt. Fans have also circulated alleged screenshots suggesting Celeste may have interacted with the artist online, though those claims remain unverified. As of now, his next concert is scheduled for Friday, September 19, in San Francisco. Whether he takes the stage will likely hinge on how the investigation develops in the days ahead. D4vd has reportedly canceled his Seattle show tonight after authorities identified the body found in a Tesla registered to him. pic.twitter.com/yTUhbATuKX — Kurrco (@Kurrco) September 17, 2025