Kirk Franklin is firing back at critics who have scrutinized his recent collab with GloRilla, stating the backlash has been “heartbreaking” to witness. The 19-time Grammy winner appeared on “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” Tuesday to address the controversy surrounding their latest collaboration, “This Time.” Since the song’s release, some segments of the religious community have argued that the “Yeah Glo!” rapper is too secular to participate in faith-based music. “It’s been breaking my heart some of the ridicule that some of the religious have given her,” Franklin said during the interview. He noted that critics have frequently claimed the rapper is not “holy enough or churchy enough” to record alongside a gospel artist. The tension between the traditional gospel world and secular hip-hop is not new for Franklin, who has spent decades blending urban sounds with spiritual messages. However, the singer indicated that the personal nature of the attacks against GloRilla felt particularly egregious given her own background and willingness to share her faith. Franklin revealed that the rapper shared her discomfort with him regarding the judgment she faced after the song’s debut. Despite the noise from detractors, the duo has already found significant success within the industry. In 2025, they took home the BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational for their first joint effort, “Rain Down On Me.” GloRilla, known for her deep-voiced delivery and gritty anthems, has often spoken about her upbringing in the church. Franklin argued that exclusionary attitudes only serve to alienate people rather than inspire them. The gospel artist has long been a lightning rod for similar criticism himself. Throughout his career, Franklin has faced pushback from traditionalists for his use of hip-hop beats and collaborations with artists like Kanye West and Chance the Rapper. Fans of both artists have largely defended the track, praising the message of redemption and resilience that anchors the collaboration.

A youth soccer game in Central Florida ended in controversy this week after league officials called law enforcement to remove the family of a 3-year-old boy whom his parents claim was being targeted for his superior skill on the pitch. The incident involving the toddler, named Nevada, has sparked a firestorm of social media debate after video footage surfaced showing police responding to the i9 Sports youth league game. The boy’s parents allege that the league discriminated against their son because his advanced playing ability made other parents and coaches uncomfortable. “They’re literally kicking him out of this place because he’s good at soccer,” the boy’s mother told responding officers in body camera footage. The family maintained that they purposefully sat away from other spectators to avoid conflict, yet felt the league was unfairly restricting Nevada’s participation. League officials, however, offered a different account of the afternoon. Thomas Hayes, a director for the youth league, told police that the call was not about the child’s talent, but rather the behavior of the adults. Hayes alleged that Nevada’s parents created a “big scene” and argued with other families after being asked to address their son’s aggressive style of play. Hayes acknowledged Nevada’s talent to the officers, calling him a “phenom” and noting that he is “really good.” However, the director expressed concerns that the 3-year-old was physically pushing other children, some of whom are one or two years older, in his effort to score goals. Hayes said the family refused to leave the premises when asked, prompting the call to 911. The story has gained significant traction online, drawing the attention of celebrities like YouTube educator Rachel Accurso, known as Ms. Rachel, who expressed support for the young athlete. While many commenters have rallied behind the family, others have defended the league’s right to enforce conduct policies for parents and ensure the safety of all participants. In a statement posted to Facebook, i9 Sports said it is “aware of concerns being shared regarding an incident at a local i9 Sports program” and is currently investigating the circumstances. The organization said it takes the well-being of every family seriously but declined to share further details while the review is ongoing. The family reportedly turned down the league’s offer of a refund, with Nevada’s mother telling media outlets that she found it impossible to explain to her toddler why he was no longer allowed to play the sport he loves.

Russell Wilson is showing Ciara plenty of birthday love. The singer celebrated her 41st birthday on October 25, and her husband marked the occasion with an Instagram tribute expressing his appreciation for the life they share. “Happy Birthday my Everything. @ciara I love you so much,” Wilson wrote. In the caption, Wilson praised Ciara’s strength and the impact she has on those closest to her, offering a personal look at what she means to their family. “Your heart and strength inspire everyone around you. You are our rock and there are no words to describe the gratitude I have in being able to share my life with you,” he continued. View this post on Instagram Wilson also celebrated the many roles Ciara balances, calling her “the best mom, wife, best friend, and hardest worker.” The message centered on gratitude, with Wilson recognizing both her dedication to their family and the work she puts into everything she does. He closed the tribute with a declaration of lasting love. “You are our world. I love you in every lifetime Mrs. Wilson,” he wrote, adding a red heart emoji. The birthday celebration comes after another milestone for the couple: Ciara and Wilson celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in July.

The NFL announced Monday that hip-hop icon and business mogul Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show. The announcement was made during the halftime broadcast of the “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, confirming that one of the most influential figures in music history will take the stage at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 14, 2027. The selection carries a unique layer of industry significance, as Jay-Z’s entertainment company, Roc Nation, has partnered with the NFL to produce the league’s halftime performances since 2019. While various reports suggested that pop stars Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber were also under consideration for the slot, the league ultimately moved forward with the 25-time Grammy Award winner. Jay-Z to Headline Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show Super Bowl LXI will return to the Los Angeles area for the first time since the 2022 season, utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities in Inglewood. For Jay-Z, the performance serves as a crowning achievement in a career that has spanned more than three decades. The rapper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and currently holds the record for the most No. 1 albums by a solo artist, with 14. “Jay-Z is a global icon who has redefined the intersection of music, culture, and business,” the NFL said in a statement accompanying the reveal. The performance follows a massive year for the artist, who recently completed a stadium concert series celebrating the anniversaries of his landmark albums “Reasonable Doubt” and “The Blueprint.” Those shows included sold-out runs at major venues like Yankee Stadium and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Brooklyn-born artist follows in the footsteps of his wife, Beyoncé, who headlined the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show and appeared as a special guest during Super Bowl 50. Jay-Z’s upcoming performance follows last year’s show headlined by Bad Bunny, continuing the NFL’s recent trend of focusing on global superstars with massive streaming footprints. Super Bowl LXI will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, marking a significant milestone for the network’s rotation in the championship cycle. Fans can expect a high-production spectacle, as Roc Nation has been credited with modernizing the halftime format over the last seven years, bringing in acts like Rihanna, Usher, and the 2022 hip-hop showcase featuring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. With the game set for Valentine’s Day in 2027, the choice of Jay-Z ensures that the NFL will remain at the center of the cultural conversation. View this post on Instagram

President Donald Trump sparked both cheers and social media controversy Sunday after he made suggestive comments regarding rapper Nicki Minaj’s physical appearance during a campaign rally in Michigan. The event, held at the McMorran Place Sports & Entertainment Center, was intended to bolster support for Republican candidates ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. During a lengthy speech spanning nearly two hours, Trump addressed previous media coverage regarding his comments on male politicians’ physiques before pivoting to Minaj, who was seated nearby. “By the way, I looked at one hell of a beautiful a*s before: Nicki Minaj,” Trump told the crowd. He added that her appearance was “hard to miss” and asked the “Super Freaky Girl” rapper to stand up and wave to the audience. The remarks immediately drew a sharp reaction from fellow hip-hop mogul 50 Cent, who shared his disbelief on social media. In a since-deleted post, 50 suggested the political climate had reached a confusing breaking point. “Man I got feeling we fvcked, you know what’s going on because I don’t know what’s going on!” 50 Cent wrote. Minaj, 43, has become an increasingly visible surrogate for the Trump administration, traveling to the Michigan rally aboard Air Force One. The rapper has identified herself as the President’s “No. 1 fan” and has used her massive platform to defend his policies. During the rally, she delivered a two-minute speech stumping for U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers and gubernatorial hopeful John James as they face off against Democratic opponents Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson. The alliance between the Grammy-nominated artist and the Republican party has led to speculation that Minaj could be considered for a formal role in the administration. Some allies have floated her name as a potential White House Press Secretary, citing her ability to handle intense media scrutiny and her combative, charismatic personality. While the idea originated as an internet meme, political analysts say her devotion to Trump has made it a genuine topic of discussion within his inner circle. Trump’s comments come at a critical time for Republicans, who are working to fend off projections of a “blue wave” in the midterms. By bringing Minaj to Michigan, a key battleground state, the campaign hoped to reach a younger, more diverse demographic. However, the President’s focus on Minaj’s backside has divided her fanbase, known as the “Barbz,” with some praising her influence and others questioning the nature of the partnership. Despite the stir caused by his remarks, Trump maintained that his relationship with the rapper is rooted in mutual respect. “I hope Nicki wasn’t insulted, but we love Nicki,” Trump said following his comments. “She’s been with us for a long time.” Minaj appeared unfazed by the attention, waving to the crowd and continuing her vocal support for the Republican ticket throughout the evening.

Jay-Z brought his yearlong “JAŸ-Z 30” celebration to a thunderous conclusion Saturday night, transforming SoFi Stadium into a monument of hip-hop history. The final performance of the tour served as both a victory lap for the Brooklyn native and a star-studded tribute to West Coast rap culture. The second of two sold-out nights in Southern California saw the rap mogul joined by a revolving door of regional icons. The energy shifted early when Bay Area legend Too $hort took the stage for a performance of “Blow the Whistle.” Snoop Dogg maintained the momentum with “Murder Was the Case” before Dr. Dre arrived to deliver a high-octane medley featuring “The Next Episode,” “California Love,” “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang,” and “Still D.R.E.” Beyond the living legends, Jay-Z took a moment to honor the late Nipsey Hussle in his home city. The rapper, whom Jay-Z called “Nip the great,” was memorialized through onscreen imagery and a clever sonic weave that blended Hussle’s tracks into Jay-Z’s own hits. Notable transitions included “Hussle & Motivate” mixed into “Hard Knock Life” and “Last Time That I Checc’d” layered with “On to the Next One.” The “JAŸ-Z 30” series was designed to commemorate three decades of the artist’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” and 25 years of “The Blueprint.” The journey began in late May with a headlining set at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia and evolved into a global retrospective of one of music’s most decorated careers. However, the evening was not without its moments of tension. During a performance of the hit song “Encore,” Jay-Z paused to address viral social media rumors claiming the stadium was sparsely populated or that tickets had been distributed for free. He urged the audience to remain vigilant against misinformation in the modern age. “You gotta be really real with what’s going on in the world,” Jay-Z said to the capacity crowd. He specifically targeted the rise of artificial intelligence and digital propaganda, telling fans to “question everything in this world of AI.” “People will tell you that nobody was in here tonight but you got eyes,” he said. “They’ll tell you that Jigga ain’t Jigga. Hov is motherfucking Hov.” The two-night stand at SoFi Stadium followed a Friday night performance that featured appearances by Blue Ivy Carter, DJ Khaled, and John Legend. View this post on Instagram

Chris Brown received an eight-month suspended prison sentence Monday following a 2023 physical altercation at a London nightclub. The 37-year-old artist had previously pleaded guilty to a count of affray in July regarding an incident where he was accused of striking a man with a tequila bottle. The sentencing took place at Southwark Crown Court, where Judge Tony Baumgartner ordered the eight-month term to be suspended for one year. Under the conditions of the ruling, Brown will avoid serving time in a British prison provided he maintains good behavior and does not commit further offenses during the 12-month period. The case originated from a February 2023 confrontation at Tape, a private club located in the Mayfair district of London. According to evidence presented in court, Brown used a glass bottle to strike his former friend and music producer, Abraham Diaw, twice in the head. Video footage played during the proceedings showed bystanders having to pull Brown away from the victim during the dance floor brawl. Judge Baumgartner described the use of the bottle as “plainly dangerous” and noted it carried the potential for far more serious injuries. However, the judge ruled that Brown did not qualify for an immediate custodial sentence. Chris Brown Avoids Prison time: The decision factored in Brown’s guilty plea and what the court described as a relatively clean record in recent years despite his well-documented history of legal troubles. Affray, the charge to which Brown pleaded guilty, involves the use or threat of unlawful violence that would cause a person of “reasonable firmness” to fear for their safety. While the charge can carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison, Brown’s legal team had actively sought a suspended sentence since the initial plea. Brown’s vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, was also involved in the case and pleaded guilty to affray alongside the singer. Chris seemingly shares his reaction to the eight-month suspended prison sentence, with a thumbs up. View this post on Instagram The incident occurred while Brown was in the United Kingdom as part of his international touring schedule. The “Under the Influence” singer has remained a fixture in the news cycle recently, balancing the legal fallout from the London case with his professional commitments. In addition to this sentencing, Brown has been focused on his tour with Usher and managing separate civil litigation involving a former employee in the United States. The victim in the London case, Diaw, had previously described the attack as a betrayal by a longtime associate. With the 12-month suspension now in effect, Brown is permitted to continue his career activities as long as he adheres to the court’s mandate for lawful conduct.

Yung Miami stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her debut solo album, “Watch dis,” and why she spent two years making the 20-song project after being doubted and counted out. She opened up about her emotional song “Dear JT,” whether JT heard it before its release, where their friendship stands today, and the possibility of a City Girls reunion. She also addressed Joe Budden’s criticism, why she turned down an appearance on his podcast, and whether she’d ever sit down with him. Yung Miami also discussed working with Travis Scott and Bryson Tiller, her favorite rappers, and why she wanted Trina, Trick Daddy, and Rick Ross on the album. Yung Miami also revealed what happened when she reached out to Drake for the “Spend That” remix, whether Megan Thee Stallion could appear on a deluxe album, and where things stand with Tyla following their “Take Me to Chanel” controversy. She reflected on record labels rejecting her before the success of “Spend That,” its Grammy submission, and why she delayed her album’s release. She also talked about dating, wanting more meaningful connections, and her relationship with God. Plus, Yung Miami played “Spend That or Save That,” revealed whether she’d spend $100,000 on a watch for her boyfriend, discussed throwing real money into the crowd at HOT 97 Summer Jam and her Goyard bag giveaways, and reacted to a surprise gift from Nessa! Stream Yung Miami’s debut solo album “Watch This,” out now!

Yung Miami has officially entered a new era with the release of her debut solo album, “Watch Dis!,” a 20-track project that seeks to silence critics while addressing the fractured relationship with her former City Girls partner, JT. The album features a track titled, “Dear JT,” which seemingly serves as an open letter to her longtime collaborator, marking the first time the Florida rapper has fully detailed the emotional toll of their public fallout. The song finds Yung Miami, born Caresha Brownlee, reflecting on the shared history that propelled the duo to the top of the hip-hop charts before their bond dissolved under public scrutiny. On the track, she admits that falling out with her “sister” in the public eye was embarrassing and confesses that she often turned a blind eye when JT was wrong to protect their friendship. She raps about the sadness of growing apart, noting that the pair could have continued to make history together. In a recent interview following the album’s launch, Yung Miami revealed that she did not share the song with JT prior to its release. The rapper confirmed that JT heard the lyrics at the same time as the general public and noted that she has not received any communication from her former groupmate since the project went live. Despite the tension, she said she would be open to a reconciliation, stating that a potential reunion is in “God’s timing” and she would answer the phone if JT called. The road to “Watch Dis!” was a lengthy process that involved scrapping an earlier version of the album originally titled “Yams.” Yung Miami said the previous iteration felt “lazy” and uninspired, leading her to ask her label to delay the release so she could record more personal material. She admitted to feeling immense pressure to prove herself as a solo artist after facing rejection from several record labels during the early stages of her solo career. The album also features collaborations with artists including Bryson Tiller, Summer Walker and Travis Scott. While the album is a commercial statement, Yung Miami said the inclusion of “Dear JT” was a necessary emotional release. She admitted to crying during the recording process, explainig that she wanted to address the situation on her own terms rather than letting outside narratives define her legacy. As for future collaborations, she shared a lighthearted moment regarding Drake, mentioning that while a remix of her hit “Spend That” never materialized after he left her on read, she still maintains respect for the Toronto superstar.

Kanye West aka Ye, is reportedly preparing to return to the fashion spotlight with a new Yeezy runway show. The event, which would mark the brand’s first major runway appearance in over four years, is expected to take place at the new Yeezy flagship store in Los Angeles. According to reports, the show is slated for the brand’s recently opened location at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Kingsley Drive. While an official date has not been announced, the move signals a significant shift toward physical retail and traditional presentation for the brand following a period of relative quiet. The proposed show follows a soft relaunch for the Yeezy label this year. Since severing ties with Adidas, Ye has focused on independent distribution, selling basic apparel through his website and partnering with JD Sports to stock Yeezy Slides and other footwear. The last time the designer held a significant runway event was Yeezy Season 9 in Paris in 2022. That presentation was followed by a more experimental, low-key Season 10 event in Los Angeles that featured minimal garment displays. By choosing his own flagship store for the upcoming show, Ye maintains full control over the environment and the presentation of his latest designs. Recent activity suggests the brand is rampaging back into the public eye. Ye was spotted wearing the unreleased YZY AB-01 model earlier this month, and several other footwear designs, including the Yeezy 800 High Tactical Boot, are reportedly in the production pipeline. His former wife, Kim Kardashian, recently discussed his impact on her personal style in the new book “Citizen Kim,” saying he “absolutely changed” her life and her approach to fashion. Neither Ye nor official Yeezy representatives have issued a formal statement regarding the specific timing of the Los Angeles show.