Boosie Badazz revealed over the weekend that he’s accepted a federal plea deal related to a gun charge. The Louisiana native—whose real name is Torrence Hatch Jr.—first faced weapons charges in 2023, only for the case to be dismissed. However, a new indictment followed the next year, reviving federal scrutiny. “JUST ACCEPTED A PLEA FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON MY GUN CASE,” Boosie wrote on Twitter on August 4, as reported by The Shade Room. “I THOUGHT THIS CASE WAS OVER N I WAS GOING TO GET ON WITH MY LIFE BUT ‘GOD DONT MAKE MISTAKES’ N IM TIRED OF FIGHTING.” In his post, Boosie underscored the emotional toll of the case and how family factored into his decision to stop contesting the charges. “TALKED TO MY FAMILY N THIS IS THE RIGHT DECISION,” he said, later adding, “TO ALL MY FANS ACROSS THE WORLD SAY A PRAYER FOR YA BOY N GO GET THE NEW ALBUM #wordsofarealone.” While the full terms of the plea remain sealed, the announcement leaves open questions about what lies ahead for the outspoken artist. Boosie backs Arenas, fuels hip-hop bias debate Boosie’s legal issues have been both persistent and public. After the initial 2023 charge, prosecutors brought fresh allegations in July 2024, including a drug-related count. The artist has also inserted himself into other high-profile controversies, most recently weighing in on the federal arrest of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. Arenas was briefly detained and later released on a $50,000 bond in connection to an alleged illegal gambling ring. Boosie responded online, not only questioning the charges but defending Arenas’s actions. “HE SET A POKER GAME AT HIS SPOT N WON OFF THE HANDS PLAYED. WTF. THATS THE SAME AS A GETTING A CUT OFF A DICE GAME THATS AT YOUR HOME N TO MILLIONAIRES THATS A CLEANING FEE,” he wrote. “YOU KNOW HOW MANY SUCCESSFUL ATHLETES, RAPPERS, COACHES, BUISNESS MEN N WOMEN CALL THEY FRIENDS OVER TO F*CKING GAMBLE. THESE R X PROFESSIONALS WHO ENJOY GAMBLIN.” His comments reflect an ongoing frustration with what some artists see as double standards in how celebrity behavior—particularly in hip-hop—is policed. Boosie’s case, while unique in its details, echoes a broader pattern in hip-hop where legal entanglements often intersect with questions of profiling, cultural expression, and reputation. For some, these battles serve as cautionary tales. For others, they fuel conversations around systemic disparity. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Megan Thee Stallion turned into the ultimate fan-girl after running into the legendary Patti LaBelle during the filming of KPopped. The Apple TV+ series will premiere on Friday, August 29, and consist of eight episodes. According to Kpopped‘s synopsis, “A group of western artists reimagine their hit songs in collaboration with K-pop idols. They compete in battle performances judged by an audience in Seoul.”  Patti LaBelle is just one of the industry heavyweights expected to take the stage at KPopped. However, for Megan Thee Stallion, meeting with Patti seemed to be all that mattered. The two were spotted embracing one another, sharing a sweet conversation. At one point, the pair can be overheard discussing recipes, to which Megan reveals she’s a huge fan of LaBelle’s cookbooks. “Teach me,” the rapper says as she and Patti hold hands, to which she responds, “Yes.” Megan was presently surprised and overjoyed at the singer’s reaction. Patti LaBelle has authored over five cookbooks — three of which were New York Times bestsellers. Megan Thee Stallion meets the legendary Patti LaBelle. pic.twitter.com/Vy5dgWgoH7 — music data (@music__data) August 3, 2025 On a more sour note, the legal clash between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez has taken a sharp turn, as the rapper’s attorneys accuse Lanez of launching “petty, misogynistic jabs” during a recent deposition. The allegations inject fresh tension into an already high-profile case that has remained in the public spotlight. In a filing submitted in Florida federal court, Megan’s legal team is asking the judge to sanction Lanez—born Daystar Peterson—who is currently behind bars. They argue he violated a court order that required him to explain why he should not be held in contempt. Their motion stems from a deposition earlier this month, which they described as “disruptive and inflammatory.” According to Megan’s lawyers, Lanez used the deposition to mock the opposing counsel’s physical appearance and hair color—behavior they say amounted to harassment rather than a legitimate legal exchange. “This was not about answering questions,” they wrote, “but undermining the process with targeted disrespect.” 

Cardi B is pulling out all the stops to promote her highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama? For her latest stunt, Cardi B chose one of the world’s biggest stages: WWE SummerSlam 2025. On Saturday (Aug. 2), WWE kicked off its 38th annual SummerSlam wrestling event in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at MetLife Stadium. The two-day event will conclude on Sunday (Aug.3). For its host, the iconic sports professional wrestling and entertainment company chose native New Yorker Cardi B. Cardi B opened the event, previewing her track, “Hello, It’s Me,” which is expected to appear on her upcoming album. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper donned an all-black, sculptured Schiaparelli fringe-collared gown. The style choice is on par with her past bird-inspired looks. Her ensemble choices lately have been a prevalent theme in the promotion of Am I The Drama? EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 2: Cardi B speaks during SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 2, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images) Last month, while attending Schiaparelli’s Paris Couture Week, the rapper made quite the entrance. She rocked another Schiaparelli gown with a major twist: a live crow as an outfit accessory. Not only is Cardi B entering into a new era musically, but she’s also finding new ways to expand her business portfolio. Back in April, the rapper sat down with ELLE to discuss the launch of her beauty and fashion line. This launch is in partnership with Revolve Group. “Revolve knows the formula,” Cardi B told the outlet. “They’re experienced when it comes to pushing a brand and building it up.” The “I Like It” rapper says she’s “seen how they work,” and that she won’t accept anything “cheap” looking. “I want everything to feel good, look good, and still be accessible. They really listen.”

Despite being released nearly three years ago, SZA’s Grammy-winning album, S.O.S, continues to break records. According to Chart Data, SZA’s sophomore album is now the second most-streamed album by a female artist in Spotify’s history. Released in December 2022, the 23-track project could serve as the alternative R&B star’s magnum opus. S.O.S spawned several hit singles, including “Good Days,” “Kill Bill,” and “Snooze.” The album debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and spent nearly thirteen non-consecutive weeks atop the chart. Along with critical acclaim, the former TDE singer earned nine nominations at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. While she didn’t take home Album Of The Year, she was able to walk away with Best Progressive R&B album. Before that, she had just wrapped up a successful tour in support of the album, which grossed over $100,000,000 — making her the fourth Black female artist to achieve this milestone. Only Beyoncé, Tina Turner, and Rihanna ran ahead of her. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: SZA accepts the Best R&B Song award for “Snooze” onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) Oddly enough, despite the album’s commercial success, the singer was hesitant about whether fans would like it. “I never thought in a million years that people would like it,” she told the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast in 2022. Luckily, SZA was able to get the burst of confidence from peers, along with friends and family, and decided to put the project out. “…A part of me was just like, I just wanna get it over with. I wanna meet my own fate. If n*ggas hate it, then great. I can never do music again,” she said. She added, “And it is also really scary that it didn’t go that way because I’m like, now what do I do? And what does this actually mean, and when do the tides turn? When does everyone decide that they hate me again or that this sucks?”

In a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Former VP Kamala Harris stops by for a special extended interview. She reveals to the host her decision to step away from politics. She notes, while she loves being a public servant, the political system is too “broken.” Harris had been in talks to run for Governor of California in 2026. However, earlier this week, she announced that she would not be a part of the race. Colbert jokingly hinted that she had her eyes on something bigger — possibly the 2028 Presidential Election. Despite sharing a brief laugh with Colbert and the audience, Harris declared at this point in her life, she “doesn’t wanna go back” into politics. She added,” I always believed that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think right now that they’re not as strong as they need to be. For now, I don’t want to go back into that system.” On Wednesday (July 30), Kamala Harris released her official statement regarding her decision not to run for the governorship of California. In the letter, Harris writes, “Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation’s history, and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear.” She continues: “I am a devout public servant, and from the earliest days of my career, I have believed that the best way I could make a difference in people’s lives and fight for a better future was to improve the system from within. And it has been a profound honor to do that work and serve the people of California and our nation—as a prosecutor, Attorney General, United States Senator, and Vice President.” She added, “In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor. I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”

Meek Mill is sharing his thoughts on Shannon Sharpe after he was let go from ESPN, claiming he didn’t mean any harm to the NFL legend. Earlier in the week, Meek caused a stir after he replied to a tweet about Sharpe being fired from the sports network.. “Yall too old to be getting fired fr…..,” Meek responded. After catching some heat for his response, with numerous people saying the timing was bad and reminding him of his own indiscretions. I was being sarcastic with that tweet about Shannon sharpe we see him as a GOAT! He shouldn’t be able to get fired from anything…..seeing him talk about others almost made me forget that’s Shanon sharpe the legend! I understand why they tell me get off twitter! — MeekMill (@MeekMill) August 1, 2025 “I was being sarcastic with that tweet about Shannon Sharpe, we see him as a GOAT! He shouldn’t be able to get fired from anything…..seeing him talk about others almost made me forget that’s Shannon Sharpe, the legend!” Meek wrote. “I understand why they tell me get off Twitter!” On Thursday (July 31), Sharpe broke his silence about his dismissal from ESPN on his Nightcap podcast. While he knew in advance, he hoped that the news wouldn’t take away from his brother, Sterling Sharpe, being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Obviously, I’m sure everybody’s heard the news by now that I will not be returning to ESPN,” he said during an episode of his Nightcap podcast. “I found out this information a little earlier in the week, and really, the only thing that I really ask is like, guys, could we wait until Monday.” “My brother’s going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I really wanted it to be about him, and I wanted it to be about my family,” he added. The departure followed a civil lawsuit filed in April by Gabriella Zuniga, an OnlyFans model who accused Sharpe of sexual assault, rape, and abuse during a two-year relationship. The case settled in July without criminal charges or admission of guilt. Sources suggest the confidential agreement may have reached $23 million.

When it comes to acting, Spike Lee claims that A$AP Rocky was not intimidated by the prowess of Denzel Washington. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lee lauded Rocky’s performance in his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest. “Yeah, don’t sleep on A$AP,” Lee said. “In this film, Denzel and A$AP go toe to toe.” “What’s interesting is, even before I got involved with this film, I always thought that A$AP looked like he could be Denzel’s son. There’s a big resemblance. So when you see it on the screen, it adds an element of father and son. Don’t sleep on A$AP. Don’t sleep on A$AP,” he added. Lee also said that Rocky was not overwhelmed by Washington’s aura like he had seen with other actors. “I’ve done five films with Denzel, and when he’s in a scene with somebody, they just get overwhelmed. He’s one of the world’s greatest living actors. But A$AP wasn’t having that,” Lee explained. “Toe to toe. I mean, they were going at it.”  Slated for release in theaters on August 15, Highest 2 Lowest, and then on Apple TV+ on Sept. 5, the film is Lee’s movie is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese kidnapping drama High and Low, which is loosely based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain (Evan Hunter). Along with Washington and Rocky,  Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Ice Spice, Dean Winters, John Douglas Thompson, LaChanze, Aubrey Joseph, Michael Potts, Wendell Pierce, and Elijah Wright star in the film.

Donald Trump has been reconsidering his thoughts on pardoning Diddy; the President tells NewsMax that it’s become “more difficult” because of the mogul’s “hostile” behavior amid his 2020 Presidential campaign. While Trump believes that the now-disgraced mogul is “half-innocent,” his position on possibly pardoning Diddy — who was convicted on prostitution charges in May — has seemingly shifted. Five years ago, the Bad Boy founder told Charlamagne tha God in an interview, that “white men like Trump” and should be “banished. “ During the interview, Trump recalls his relationship with Diddy as “very friendly.” He continued, “I got along with him great, and [he] seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well.” However, today, their relationship is strained. “He made some terrible statements,” Trump Says Q: Sean Diddy Combs. Would you consider pardoning him?  Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half innocent. Probably— I was very friendly with him but when I ran for office he was very hostile and it’s hard. So, I don’t know, it’s more difficult. Q: More likely a no?… pic.twitter.com/FrrzquR6qs — Acyn (@Acyn) August 2, 2025 He added,”…When I ran for office, he was very hostile. It’s hard, you know? We’re human beings. And we don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements. So I don’t know …. it makes it more difficult to do.” Back in May, during a press conference, when asked about pardoning Diddy, Trump said he’d have to “look” into what transpired in the case. At the time, he revealed despite the trial against Diddy being highly publicized, he hadn’t been following the case. As he recently noted during his NewsMax interview, his friendship with Diddy took a turn after he gained an interest in politics. “He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, it busted up that relationship from what I read.” Despite that, Trump said he would look at the “facts” involved and make a decision based on that.

CNN reported that Donald Trump’s recent claim that Beyoncé had been paid almost $11,000,000 to endorse Kamala Harris for president was false. According to the outlet, campaign spending records did indeed reveal that a payment of $165,000 was paid to the singer’s production company, Parkwood Entertainment. However, this amount was significantly lower than what the President had claimed. The expense had been listed as a “campaign event production.” Last week, Trump took to his Truth Social platform and accused Beyoncé, along with a few others, of being paid to endorse Kamala Harris’ presidential election campaign. He revealed he’d concluded this after examining the “large amount of money” owned by the Democratic Party. According to Trump, Beyoncé’s endorsement of Harris was pointless. He mentioned that she “never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!” HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 25: Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris embraces singer Beyoncé at a campaign rally on October 25, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Harris is campaigning in Texas, holding a rally supporting reproductive rights with recording artists Beyoncé and Willie Nelson. (Photo by Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images) Last October, with Kelly Rowland by her side, Beyoncé joined Kamala Harris at a campaign rally in her hometown of Houston, Texas. Freedom was the main topic that night, especially regarding the freedom of women and young girls. “Imagine our daughters growing up and seeing what’s possible with no ceilings. No limitations.” She continued: “Imagine our grandmothers. Imagine what they must feel right now…those who have lived to see this historic day. Even those who are no longer physically with us. Imagine all their sacrifice. The sacrifices made so we can witness the strength of a woman.” The mother of three also urged those present at the rally and her fans across the U.S. to hit the polls. “For the men and women in this room and watching around the country, we need you. Your voice has power and magnitude…Your vote is one of the most valuable tools, and we need you. Your freedom is your God-given right…” Queen Bey also showed love to Houston’s “third ward,” and other neighboring communities. “We all have a role to play to make this a reality.”

Earlier this week, Bas came to Drake’s defense against Ebro Darden’s comments on the latest episode of Apple Music’s Rap Life Review. According to Darden, he’d been pondering attending an event in Toronto, where the “Nokia” rapper was scheduled to appear. However, he feels his critics of him in the past could cause some issues. In his opinion, a lot of artists — specifically Drake—and their fan groups “don’t even love hip-hop like that.” He added, “You’re just fans of an individual. We are having hip-hop conversations about something that has literally saved our lives, put food on people’s plates, and a culture that has been [an] inclusive culture of all different types of ideas, and music, and expression, and all of these things for f*cking 50 years.” Darden later shared a clip of the conversation on his Instagram. Not long after, Bas fired back in the comments, writing, “My two cents, Ebro. Drake is among the most, if not the most, inclusive of artists [in] our culture.” Drake is “among the most, if not the most, inclusive of artists our culture has put forth”, says Dreamville’s Bas in a response to Ebro “I don’t get this “culture” narrative that’s persisted since the battle. If it’s the Canadian thing, Toronto a hour flight from NYC lol.”… pic.twitter.com/fbUkUYsSSK — Kurrco (@Kurrco) August 1, 2025 The Dreamville rapper believes that Drake has “pushed countless rappers to the forefront, dancehall artists, afrobeats artists, R&B artists, reggaeton, older artists, [and] newer artists.” He continued, “I don’t get this ‘culture’ narrative that’s persisted since the battle. If it’s the Canadian thing, Toronto [an] hour flight from NYC lol.” Bas added, “I’d argue their culture and ethnic makeup is more akin to NYC than pretty much any city in the States. NYC, Toronto, [and] London are a triumvirate culturally. Surely it’s not his pen? He’s arguably the greatest writer of a generation. So what is it?” Judging by the replies under Bas’ post, a lot of folks seem to agree with him. “@bas bro they hate the man and that’s a fact. They need him to push narratives so they gon keep talking about him, but that just shows how much of an influence he is to the culture. And now they’re downplaying what he has done for the culture by calling him a “Culture Vulture, “ like wtf did he steal?? Drake, the greatest of his generation period!!!” one person wrote.