Colin Kaepernick can officially add another accomplishment to his résumé. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s new memoir, “The Perilous Fight,” debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. The book landed atop the hardcover nonfiction rankings following its Sept. 15 release. Kaepernick celebrated the news on social media shortly after the ranking was announced. “#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER,” Kaepernick wrote. He also thanked readers who purchased the memoir and attended stops during his book tour.’ “It’s been a long time coming,” he wrote. The achievement comes a decade after Kaepernick’s national anthem protest became one of the biggest stories in professional sports. “The Perilous Fight” was published by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Journalist and author Nick Chiles collaborated with Kaepernick on the memoir. The 288-page book traces Kaepernick’s childhood, football career and evolution as an activist. It also revisits his controversial departure from professional football. An audiobook version is narrated by Kaepernick and was released alongside the hardcover and e-book editions. Kaepernick tells his story in his own words Kaepernick entered the NFL after the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the second round of the 2011 draft. He eventually became the team’s starting quarterback and helped lead San Francisco to Super Bowl XLVII. However, his career took a dramatic turn during the 2016 NFL preseason. Kaepernick initially sat during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police violence against Black Americans. He later began kneeling after discussing his protest with former NFL player and Green Beret Nate Boyer. The demonstration sparked a national debate surrounding race, policing, patriotism and athletes using their platforms for social causes. Kaepernick has not played in an NFL regular-season game since the 2016 season. In “The Perilous Fight,” he provides his perspective on the events surrounding his protest and subsequent exit from the league. The memoir also explores the experiences that influenced his political and social awareness. Kaepernick writes about being adopted by white parents and navigating predominantly white environments while growing up. He also discusses his growing interest in Black history and racial justice. His reading included “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” which became influential in the development of his worldview. Kaepernick also addresses several high-profile moments that followed his protest. That includes his relationship with the NFL and his disagreements with some prominent figures in sports and entertainment. A new chapter beyond football “The Perilous Fight” arrives as Kaepernick continues building projects outside professional football. He founded Know Your Rights Camp, an organization focused on education and empowerment for Black and brown youth. His other ventures include Kaepernick Publishing and Kaepernick Media. Kaepernick previously expanded his story into television with Netflix’s “Colin in Black & White.” The scripted limited series examined his teenage years and experiences surrounding race and identity. His newest project gives readers a more extensive account directly from his perspective. The memoir also arrives roughly 10 years after his protest first drew widespread national attention. Kaepernick has continued discussing the decision during interviews surrounding the book’s release. He told Time that he intentionally avoided becoming the only voice associated with the movement after leaving football. Kaepernick said he wanted other athletes and activists to have room to speak. Now, readers appear eager to hear more of his own story. With “The Perilous Fight” reaching No. 1, Kaepernick’s story has found a sizable audience beyond the football field.

Keke Wyatt is pushing back against reports surrounding her recent arrest in Georgia. The R&B singer was booked into the Henry County Jail on Sept. 20 under her legal name, Ketara Wyatt Darring. She was released two days later after posting a $1,050 bond. Initial reports said Wyatt was booked on several charges following an alleged confrontation. Those included terroristic threats, assault and third-degree cruelty to children. However, Wyatt’s representatives now say those reports do not reflect the case currently before the court. “Contrary to information currently being circulated, the Henry County court documentation reflects one charge: simple assault,” her representatives said. Her team specifically denied that Wyatt was charged with cruelty to children, terroristic threats and acts or aggravated assault. The statement comes as public booking information appears to conflict with the account provided by Wyatt’s representatives. CBS News Atlanta reported that Henry County booking information listed aggravated assault and terroristic threats and acts. The entry also listed third-degree cruelty to children as a misdemeanor. Wyatt’s team disputes child cruelty reports Wyatt’s representatives expressed particular concern about reports involving children. “We are not offering excuses or asking anyone to prejudge the circumstances surrounding the case,” the statement said. Her team said Wyatt plans to address the matter through the appropriate legal process. The child cruelty designation reported in the booking information does not necessarily allege that Wyatt physically harmed a child. The booking entry reportedly identified the allegation as third-degree cruelty to children involving a witness. Georgia law can apply that provision when a child witnesses or hears certain alleged acts of violence. New details about the alleged confrontation also emerged after Wyatt’s statement was released. An arrest warrant affidavit reportedly claims the incident occurred during a child custody exchange on Sept. 20. A witness alleged Wyatt displayed a black 9mm Beretta during an argument and threatened another woman, according to reports. Three children were reportedly nearby during the confrontation. Wyatt reportedly acknowledged having the firearm when speaking with authorities. However, she denied pointing it through a vehicle window or threatening anyone. The allegations contained in the warrant have not been proven in court. Conflicting records leave questions about case The case now carries two conflicting descriptions of the charges connected to Wyatt’s arrest. A Henry County booking entry reportedly lists aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts and third-degree cruelty to children. Meanwhile, Wyatt’s representatives maintain court documentation reflects only a simple assault charge. The team has not publicly explained whether the initial allegations were changed, reduced or declined after Wyatt’s booking. Wyatt, 44, rose to prominence through her collaborations with fellow R&B singer Avant. Their recordings included “My First Love” and “Nothing in This World.” Both appeared on Wyatt’s debut album, “Soul Sista.” She later expanded her career into reality television. Wyatt appeared on all three seasons of TV One’s “R&B Divas: Atlanta.” She later starred in “Keke Wyatt’s World,” which followed her career and family life. Despite the ongoing legal matter, Wyatt’s representatives said her scheduled performances remain unchanged. Her team said she intends to fulfill her existing professional commitments while the case moves through the legal system.

SZA has added another major honor to her résumé, and this one hits especially close to home. The Grammy-winning singer was officially inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame on Thursday, Sept. 24. The ceremony took place at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. SZA was recognized in the Performing Arts & Entertainment category. Actor and fellow New Jersey Hall of Famer Danny DeVito hosted the ceremony. Although SZA was born in St. Louis, the singer was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey. She also attended Columbia High School. The Garden State played a major role in shaping her identity before she became an international star. “I just want to say, I love Jersey, every corner of Jersey,” SZA told the crowd during her acceptance speech. The singer also gave a special shoutout to her home county. “I love my county. Shout out to Essex County,” she said. SZA Reflects On Her New Jersey Roots SZA, whose full name is Solána Imani Rowe, reflected on several places connected to her upbringing. She recalled attending Maplewood Middle School and working at local businesses before her music career. Those jobs included Village Trattoria in Maplewood and a sneaker store in Irvington. SZA also spoke about New Jersey’s diversity and the experiences that helped shape her worldview. She described growing up around different cultures and communities throughout the state. She also mentioned Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood while reflecting on her memories. For SZA, New Jersey deserves more recognition within the larger tri-state area. “Sometimes people [skip] over Jersey and go straight to New York,” she said. Her parents, Audrey and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe, were also part of the celebration. Both spoke about watching their daughter develop into an artist. Her mother recalled knowing SZA would accomplish something special, even if she did not know what path she would take. Her father reflected on hearing “Ctrl” and discovering another side of his daughter through her songwriting. SZA later called the induction “one of the biggest honors I’ve ever had.” A Career Filled With Milestones The Hall of Fame honor arrives as SZA continues expanding an already decorated career. She has won seven Grammy Awards and accumulated more than 70 billion streams across platforms, according to the organization. Her 2017 debut album, “Ctrl,” helped establish her as one of R&B’s leading voices.

Jazzma Kendrick has come forward with allegations of physical abuse against rapper Rick Ross, sharing photos of facial injuries to her social media accounts early Sunday morning. Kendrick, who has been in an on-and-off relationship with the Florida rapper since early 2025, posted images to her Instagram Story that she claims show the aftermath of an assault. In one post, Kendrick shared a photo of a bruised and swollen lip, captioned as the day Ross allegedly “busted” her lip and the day she decided to leave the relationship. Responding to a follower who commented on her beauty, Kendrick wrote, “He saw a punching bag.” The model also included an emotional message for other women in similar circumstances, warning that domestic violence often escalates if the victim does not leave immediately. “I don’t know a lot of things, but I do know that a man that puts his hands on me, is a man that never loved me and never will,” Kendrick wrote. She urged her followers to value their lives and walk away after the first instance of violence, stating that “if a man hits you one time, he will do it again.” The posts did not provide a specific location or date for the alleged incidents. 50 Cent quickly weighed in on the allegations. While the G-Unit mogul has spent years trading insults with Ross over album sales and business ventures, he took a more serious tone regarding the domestic abuse claims while still taking a jab at the rapper’s career. “This punk put his hands on baby girl, he stressed that album didn’t sell,” 50 Cent wrote Sunday. “I’d laugh at him, but domestic violence is not a joke.” View this post on Instagram The reaction follows a recent string of social media spats between the two, including 50 Cent mocking Ross for canceling tour dates and Ross questioning 50 Cent’s business dealings in Shreveport, La. Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, has not yet issued a public statement regarding Kendrick’s accusations. Although Kendrick announced a split in September 2025, the couple appeared to have reconciled and were seen together in public as recently as July 2026.

A woman who accused hip-hop mogul Jay-Z of sexual assault has recanted her allegations in a new federal court declaration, saying she never met or spoke with the rapper. Jane Doe filed the 12-page declaration Thursday in Manhattan federal court, reversing claims that Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter sexually assaulted her after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards when she was 13. “Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter never raped me,” Doe wrote. “I have never met or spoken to Mr. Carter.” According to Rolling Stone the Jane Doe that made claims against Jay Z has now fully recanted their statements pic.twitter.com/UIgaiI4muv — 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) September 25, 2026 “Mr. Carter never engaged in any inappropriate conduct toward me whatsoever,” she added. Doe also stated there was “no truth” to her allegations against Carter and said they caused him significant harm. She claimed attorneys filed allegations against Carter without conducting an independent investigation. Her new attorney, James Blair Newman Jr., said Doe maintains she was sexually assaulted but was “entirely mistaken” in identifying Carter. Jane Doe Recants Sexual Assault Claims Against Hip-Hop Mogul Jay-Z “Mr. Carter did not rape her, sexually assault her, engage in any inappropriate conduct towards her, and she has never met him,” Newman said. Doe initially accused Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault. An amended complaint later identified Carter as the second alleged assailant. Carter denied the allegations and later sued Doe and her attorneys, including Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee. His federal suit alleges malicious prosecution and related claims. Doe withdrew her underlying lawsuit with prejudice in February 2025 after acknowledging inconsistencies in her account. Buzbee has disputed claims that he pressured Doe to accuse Carter. He has said multiple attorneys interviewed Doe before his involvement and that his firm believed her account at the time. Carter’s litigation against Buzbee continues despite Doe’s dismissal as a defendant. The recantation comes as Carter marks the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and promotes the eight-part documentary series JAŸ-Z IN 8. Carter has not publicly commented on Doe’s latest declaration.

Joh’Vonnie Jackson is opening up about the complicated reality of growing up connected to one of music’s most famous families. Jackson is the daughter of late Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson and Cheryle Ann Terrell. Joe fathered Joh’Vonnie while married to Katherine Jackson. During a recent appearance on “The Portia Show,” Joh’Vonnie discussed growing up largely separated from her famous siblings. She also addressed being labeled the “bastard child” because of the circumstances surrounding her birth. The phrase would eventually become the title of her memoir, “Bastard Child.” “I gave the title of the book that — bastard child,” she explained. Joh’Vonnie began secretly writing about her experiences when she was 15. She did not complete the book until decades later. She described the memoir as a “book of grievances” and a way to release emotions she carried for years. “It’s my experience, nobody else’s,” she said. Learning The Truth About Her Parents Joh’Vonnie said she eventually learned the truth about her parents’ relationship during a conversation with her mother. “I got a little bit older, and my mother had a conversation with me and let me know the situation between Dad and her. So, that’s when I learned that my mother was a mistress to my father,” Jackson said. “I really didn’t even know what that meant.” Understanding the situation left her angry with her mother. “I was very angry. I was very upset. I was feeling like, how can I ever get advice from her when she’s out here doing this. It was really abnormal because I saw my father every day… he was at home with us.” Joe remained an active presence in Joh’Vonnie’s childhood despite maintaining his marriage and family with Katherine. However, Joh’Vonnie said secrecy surrounding the relationship affected her everyday life. She knew the Jackson children were her siblings. Still, she could not freely interact with them. That became especially difficult as the family’s fame continued growing.

Rap star Cardi B is thinking about her legacy beyond the music she leaves behind. The rapper recently opened up about motherhood, wealth, and entrepreneurship during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Her goal, she explained, is to build assets that can benefit her four children long after she is gone. “I was panicking,” Cardi said. “It’s like, yo, I leave this earth and my kids are going to have just music royalties.” The “Am I the Drama?” artist said her children could inherit royalties, properties, and liquid assets. Still, she wanted to create something they could call their own. “What is something that, God forbid, something happens to me, I leave behind that is for them?” she asked. Cardi pointed to her haircare company, Grow Good, as one answer. “This is, God forbid, something happened to me; this is theirs,” she said. For Cardi, motherhood has become intertwined with how she thinks about her career and future. She welcomed her first child, daughter Kulture, with Offset in 2018. The former couple later had son Wave and daughter Blossom. Cardi welcomed her fourth child with NFL player Stefon Diggs after announcing her pregnancy in September 2025. She has since continued balancing motherhood with music, business, and her fashion-forward public persona. Rap Star Cardi B Plans To Leave Huge Fortune For Her Children Motherhood, however, hasn’t convinced Cardi to abandon her signature style. “Motherhood has not changed my style, honey,” she said during a May interview with E! News. “They haven’t changed me for s–t.” There are limits, though, especially when her children are involved. Cardi joked that Kulture has become a frequent visitor to her closet. “This girl is always in my closet,” Cardi said. “I’m just about sick of it.” Kulture knows the rules, particularly when it comes to Cardi’s handbags. The rapper recalled that her daughter previously wrote on one of her purses. Now, Cardi wants to turn the closet chaos into a parenting lesson. “Maybe that’s what I’m going to start teaching her,” she said. “If you want to play in my closet, you got to clean.” For Cardi, the lesson extends beyond a messy wardrobe. She’s teaching her children responsibility while building something they can inherit.

Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather has withdrawn his $175 million New York lawsuit against former business manager Jona Rechnitz and investment executive Ayal Frist, according to court records. Mayweather filed the suit in May, alleging Rechnitz and Frist committed fraud and breached fiduciary duties involving multiple business transactions. Floyd Mayweather Drops $175M Fraud Lawsuit Against Ex-Biz Associates https://t.co/l5HMC1OwML — TMZ (@TMZ) September 24, 2026 Frist operates Frist Apex Ventures, a real estate and investment firm where Mayweather alleged he maintained substantial funds. The complaint accused Rechnitz, his former investment manager, of participating in the alleged misconduct. Mayweather’s attorney, Leo Jacobs, confirmed the withdrawal Thursday. “At this time, our client has decided to withdraw its claim without prejudice,” Jacobs told ESPN. The dismissal without prejudice allows Mayweather to refile the claims. However, it remains unclear whether the former champion intends to pursue the litigation again. Boxing Icon Floyd Mayweather Dismisses$175M Lawsuit Against Ex-Business Manager Jona Rechnitz Rechnitz’s attorney denied the allegations after Mayweather filed the complaint. Counsel characterized the claims as “utterly baseless and refuted by substantial documentary evidence.” A source close to Rechnitz reiterated that position Thursday. The source said Mayweather’s “baseless claims wouldn’t have held in a court of law.” Rechnitz and Frist had been scheduled to respond to the allegations Friday, according to court records. Mayweather’s withdrawal came before that deadline. The lawsuit marks one of several legal disputes involving Mayweather. He continues to pursue a separate $340 million federal lawsuit against Showtime Networks. Mayweather alleges fraud and conspiracy in that case. Mayweather also faces civil litigation involving alleged unpaid debts for goods and services. Additionally, he and Frist Apex are defendants in a breach-of-contract dispute involving potential fights with Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson and Mike Zambidis. In Nevada, Mayweather faces criminal charges stemming from an alleged $200,000 bad check used to purchase a Las Vegas watch. The charges include theft and intent to defraud, according to the supplied allegations. The Internal Revenue Service also filed a nearly $7.3 million tax lien against Mayweather in March. The lien concerns alleged unpaid taxes from 2018 and 2023. Mayweather has not indicated whether he will refile the $175 million claims against Rechnitz and Frist.

Russell Simmons channels a popular Migos’ song, “Hotel Lobby,” trend while reflecting on his decades-long relationship with ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons as renewed attention surrounds their history. On Thursday, Sept. 24, the controversial music executive, who uses @UncleRush on Instagram, shared an AI-generated video featuring digital versions of himself and Kimora. The pair appeared to perform “Hotel Lobby,” the 2022 hit by Migos rappers Quavo and Takeoff. Simmons accompanied the clip with a message about his relationship with Kimora. His post came after a clip from her upcoming documentary resurfaced online. In the footage, Kimora recalls meeting Simmons as a teenager while working in fashion. She says he regularly appeared at the end of runways and later came backstage. “I definitely was like, ‘Who is the weird guy at the end of the runway?’” Kimora says. View this post on Instagram Kimora recalls being 16 when she met Simmons, who she says was 18 years older. She also remembers supermodel Tyra Banks trying to keep her away from him. “I remember Tyra kept me in her apartment through the weekend trying to avoid me going home and checking my voicemail,” she says. Kimora says she initially viewed Banks’ actions as interference. “I felt a little bit like she was hating for sure,” she says. “She was trying to protect me.” Russell Simmons Drops Migos AI-Trend Video Featuring Ex-Wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, Daughter Aoki Lee Simmons Reacts She also speculates that Banks may have previously dealt with Simmons romantically. “I’m sure he had already tried to date her,” Kimora says. “I thought she was a little bit hating, but just how a girlfriend would do.” Simmons, meanwhile, focused on their lasting connection. “We worked good as a team,” he wrote, describing 15 years of dating and marriage. He added that they spent another 20 years as “very close friends and co parents.” Simmons also referenced their “conscious uncoupling and coparenting” and said he remains available to their three godchildren. “I am sincerely Praying for your continued success,” he wrote. “Congratulations on your new documentry.” Aoki Lee Simmons, Russell and Kimora’s daughter, responded in the comments. “Shit like this is why Ming and I don’t follow you,” she wrote. Russell ended his message by wishing Kimora well in her “next chapter.”

Oakland rapper Ovrkast, whose real name is Silas Wilson, has denied signing an agreement with hip-hop duo Outkast requiring him to change his stage name. Wilson made the assertion Wednesday after High Schoolers LLC, a company tied to OutKast members Big Boi and André 3000, sued him in federal court. The lawsuit accuses Wilson of trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of agreement. High Schoolers alleges Wilson agreed to change Ovrkast to “OVERKXST” by July 15. According to the complaint, Wilson delayed filing paperwork needed to make the change. The company also alleges he proposed two alternative names after missing the deadline. Wilson disputes that account. “For the record, I NEVER signed any agreement,” Wilson wrote on X. “I tried my hardest to cooperate with different options every step of the way.” There’s honestly so many good jokes I could be getting off about this whole thing but I have to practice delayed gratification with this one — Ovrkast. (@ovrkast) September 24, 2026 “This narrative that I’ve done wrong is also wrong,” he added. “(had to clarify) peace.” High Schoolers alleges Wilson continued using Ovrkast after receiving a breach notice on Aug. 5. The company says a subsequent letter set Aug. 11 as a final compliance deadline. The complaint also cites a 2025 Rolling Stone interview in which Wilson acknowledged confusion between his name and OutKast. The plaintiffs seek a jury trial and damages tied to Wilson’s alleged use of the disputed mark. They also seek profits generated from sales associated with the name. Rapper Ovrkast Reacts To Hip-Hop Duo Outkast’s Federal Lawsuit Over Name High Schoolers is asking the court to bar Wilson from using Ovrkast or similar variations. The requested injunction would cover social media, websites, merchandise and performances. The company also seeks destruction of promotional materials and merchandise bearing the allegedly infringing name. Wilson previously described the dispute as emotionally difficult. He said he had been dealing with its effects privately for the past year. “There’s a lot that I’ve been dealing with emotionally/mentally this past year behind closed doors regarding this whole situation,” Wilson wrote. “So before you criticize please remember that I am the newer and younger artist trying to figure my way.” Big Boi and André 3000 have not publicly commented on the litigation. Wilson’s statements instead place the existence and terms of the alleged agreement at the center of the dispute. The case now presents competing accounts over whether Wilson accepted obligations to abandon the Ovrkast name.