Usher is known for his stellar performances, but a new segment he’s included in past years has earned the ire of many—including Sabrina Carpenter’s father. Earlier this week, the who’s who of the entertainment industry attended the annual Met Gala in New York City. However, the celebrities’ outfits weren’t the only thing that caused a stir online. Usher’s performance that night quickly took over the social media timeline after he put on his now-infamous cherry segment to which Sabrina Carpenter was the recipient. The “Espresso” singer later shared a picture of the intimate moment with her father, to which he replied, “Weird?” Not long after, Carpenter shared her dad’s response on Instagram. Usher caught wind of the post and quickly hopped into the comment to offer his apologies to the singer’s father. “My apologies, Mr. Carpenter,” he wrote. Usher comments on Sabrina Carpenter’s post featuring her father’s reaction to their photo: “Apologies Mr Carpenter ” pic.twitter.com/cYDWPd0QQR — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 8, 2025 Back in February, Usher addressed another viral incident he shared with a popular female entertainer. The Confessions singer joined Keke Palmer on her podcast to reflect on the now-infamous concert interaction that sparked a heated debate online. The moment unfolded at an Usher concert, where Palmer, dressed in a sheer black gown, joined the R&B star for a playful dance. While the exchange was lighthearted, it set off a firestorm when Palmer’s then-partner, Darius Jackson, publicly criticized her outfit. “You a mom tho…” he wrote under a post of the performance, igniting a conversation about parenting, public image, and personal freedom. Palmer’s presence at the concert had already drawn attention, but Jackson’s comment turned it into a viral spectacle. Some defended his stance, arguing that motherhood comes with certain expectations. Others saw it as an attempt to police Palmer’s choices, reinforcing outdated notions about how women, especially mothers, should present themselves.

Swizz Beatz, the legendary producer, is debuting his latest jewelry collection, ARA x MR DEAN—a striking assortment of pieces that includes brooches, cufflinks, necklaces, chain bracelets, and bold two-finger rings. In collaboration with renowned Brazilian jeweler Ara Vartanian, the collection is described as “an exploration of structure, boldness, and a shared creative language.” Crafted for everyday wear, it seamlessly blends sophistication with practicality. With a vibrant mix of rubellites and emeralds, the collection reflects Swizz Beatz’s signature style, fusing luxury with contemporary flair. As reported by Something About Rocks, the inaugural collection will center on men’s jewelry, with plans to eventually explore designs that defy traditional gender norms. Ara Vartanian expressed his excitement about the collaboration, remarking, “Swizz possesses an extraordinary creative presence. From the beginning, he engaged deeply in the process—offering ideas, references, and artistic insights. His capacity for attentive listening, combined with clear proposals, made the collaboration both dynamic and intense. It’s rare to find someone so committed to their craft—someone who views jewelry as a form of communication and cultural representation.” The ARA x MR DEAN collection is now available for online purchase, with exclusive editions set to release later this month at Ara Vartanian’s flagship store and select retail locations. In a related update, Swizz Beatz teased the return of Verzuz, the music battle series he co-founded with Timbaland. Following a divisive partnership with Elon Musk’s platform X last summer, Beatz sparked excitement on Instagram with a mysterious post showcasing new Verzuz merchandise, captioned: “2025 Loading.” Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s Verzuz Partners with X, Sparking Mixed Reactions In June, the partnership was revealed through a joint social media post, where Swizz expressed his excitement about teaming up with X. “We are extremely excited to have found the ideal partner for Verzuz,” he said. “Not only are we eager to bring Verzuz to X, but we also look forward to helping X become the largest entertainment company in the world. I am grateful to Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith, and the entire X team for their faith in the Verzuz vision. We are ready to embark on this journey.” Timbaland expressed his excitement, emphasizing the potential of the groundbreaking platform. “We are delighted to partner with X, the most groundbreaking platform globally. Our goal has always been to elevate Verzuz to new heights, which we can now achieve.” Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, shared her thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “X is proud to collaborate with pioneering creators, artists, and entrepreneurs like Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. Our platform leads in innovation, and Verzuz exemplifies an engaging content experience.” While the partnership has generated significant attention, some fans have questioned its authenticity, labeling it a “sellout” and suggesting other platforms might be more suited to the duo.

A$AP Rocky gave a rare peek into his growing family’s future as he and Rihanna prepare for baby number three. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, seated next to fashion icon Anna Wintour, the rapper was pressed about their children’s names. With Riot and RZA already setting an ‘R’ theme, Meyers asked whether the couple plans to keep the streak going with their next child. Rocky answered without pause—“For sure,” he said—suggesting their next child’s name might follow the same ‘R’ tradition. But that choice could clash with a lighthearted request from his attorney, Joe Tacopina, who’s been campaigning for the name A$AP Joe. After securing Rocky’s acquittal in a widely publicized shooting case, Tacopina quipped, “They grabbed me and they said, ‘Listen, our next baby is A$AP Joe.’” He’s since joked that he plans to hold them to it. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Reveal Baby No. 3 at the Met Gala Rihanna debuted her pregnancy with trademark flair at the Met Gala on May 5, making a late entrance in a sweeping, head-turning look that subtly emphasized her growing bump. Without a word to the press, she posed with calm confidence, gently cradling her stomach as cameras snapped away. A$AP Rocky, serving as the evening’s co-chair, took a moment on the red carpet to speak on their growing family. “It is time to just show the people what we were cooking up,” he said. “I’m glad everybody’s happy for us because we’re definitely happy.” The news of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky expecting their third child sparked instant excitement, underscored by the singer’s long-standing admiration for Rocky’s role as a father. In an interview with Access Hollywood, she expressed, “I love him differently as a dad. This is major, major like — it’s a turn on. It’s just like, ‘Wow! What a leader, what a great, patient, loving [dad].’” She spoke warmly about the deep connection their children share with Rocky, who often becomes the center of their world, while joking that she’s happily taken on the role of the quiet anchor in the background. The couple is about to welcome their newest addition, and with it, the next ‘R’ name that will carry forward a tradition now firmly rooted in their family’s legacy.

SZA recently hosted a pop-up event to promote her new beauty brand, Not Beauty. The two-day event — spanning from Thursday (May 8) to Friday (May 9)— took place in her hometown, East Rutherford, New Jersey at the American Dream Mall. Before the event, the singer shared the news with her fans via Instagram: “JERSEY and NEW YORK WE DOING IT MAJORRR . MEET ME AT AMERICAN DREAM MALL TOMORROW AND FRIDAY !! ( there’s a pathway that connects to the stadium ) . So excited to see you at our first mall pop up !!” she wrote in the post’s caption. In a huge surprise to the singer and her fans, Kendrick Lamar stopped by the event to show some support. The singer’s products are exclusively available to Grand National Tour attendees. The pair’s tour kicked off on April 19 and is expected to hit several major cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. THANK YOU KENDRICK FOR COMING TO TODAYS NOT BEAUTY POP UP !!!! SEE YALL ON STAGE !!! pic.twitter.com/tYd0sPf3AO — SZA (@sza) May 9, 2025 SZA Reveals The Inspiration Behind Her Not Beauty Brand Her first product release features a trio of lip gloss shades—ones she’s been quietly wearing for months, including during standout public moments like her appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show. Not long ago, the singer sat down with Vogue and opened up about her inspiration behind the brand. “I’m not a beauty maven, but I know lips.” “I know what I like, and I’m diligent about finding the best quality ingredients. I wanted to fill a need with something that works for me and that I use daily. Following your passion and letting it lead you, and letting the story develop itself by following the throughline of risk, trust, and willingness is literally what my entire life and career has been about.” Explaining the brand’s name, she said, “[It] was representative of a reminder of: Don’t try to be these other brands, don’t try to be anything. Don’t just make a random celebrity brand just because you can. My whole life is about being pressure-free but still trying your best, and that’s what Not is about.”

Chris Gotti, Irv Gotti’s brother, is not feeling  Ashanti. The Murder Inc. co-founder says she is lying about not being in a relationship with his brother in the early 2000s. During an interview on the Lets Keep it 100 Podcast, Chris shared why he believes the former “Princess of Murder Inc” has not been honest about her past with Irv. “For her to act like it ain’t Murder Inc. that made her is f**king bullsh*t—or Irv made her, it’s crazy,” Chris explained. “Like, something with y’all chemistry worked out! Respect it. That’s all. Not saying you have to talk about the n***a, but respect the magic that was made. That’s all I said.” Chris went on to say that he will always defend his brother’s honor and will not allow anyone to deny the contributions that he made. “I’m not gonna let no one talk about my brother, [we’re] gonna have a problem, simple and plain. Especially someone who he made that career. Like, I was there. He made you sing records the way you sang them ‘cause you would’ve never sang it that way if it was up to you,” he continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LETS KEEP IT PODCAST (@letskeepit100podcast) He also said that the two were an item, a claim that Ashanti had denied on numerous occasions. “She says they weren’t in a relationship. They was in a relationship,” Chris stated. “I was they therapist. Like come on now, don’t do that. But at the end of the day that’s what makes what went on with them so real.” At 50 years old on February 5, 2025, Irv passed away after sustaining a hemorrhagic stroke. In March, Ashanti addressed her complicated relationship with Irv and revealed it was “a lot to process” following the news of his death. She adds, “It was a lot of different feelings and emotions. I think, honestly, what I said is how I feel. Ashanti had been referring to an Instagram post she shared in honor of his memory. “I was really sad…and I’m still sad it ended like this. Because there was a time when everything was just like amazing.” The John Tucker Must Die actress says “in her heart” she always desired to squash the tension between her and the former Murder Inc. CEO before his untimely death. “I wished peace for him…I prayed for him to be at peace.”

Coi Leray is basking in her pregnancy glow as she prepares to welcome her first child with rapper Trippie Redd. With her 28th birthday just days away on May 11th, the mom-to-be has plenty to celebrate. Speaking exclusively to The Shade Room, Coi opened up about her baby’s name, her body changes, and how her life has shifted during this special time. She revealed that her baby girl’s name, Miyoco, was inspired by a friend’s sister and means “beautiful child.” But the name holds even more meaning: “It also kind of has me and her father’s name kind of tied together,” Coi said. “‘Mi’ is the first part of Trippie Redd’s first name, Michael, and ‘Co’ is the first half of Coi’s name.” Coi recalled the moment she found out she was expecting a baby. “When I found out I was pregnant, I was feeling sick, and I missed my period… I took a pregnancy test, and I was like, Oh my God. — I was excited. I’m getting older now, and I think God’s time is always on time.” Since finding out she was having a baby, she’s made big lifestyle changes, cutting out weed and alcohol. “I’m 100% sober… and my mind is so much more clear,” she said. As her due date nears, she admits it’s getting harder to move around. “I could barely walk right now. I’m running out of breath,” she said, laughing. Her beauty routine has changed too, especially due to dry skin and scalp issues. “Moisturizing is everything,” she explained. Even her family has noticed some physical changes. “They like, girl, did you get a little BBL?” Despite past tensions with her father, Benzino, Coi says she feels protected. “I’m the only girl… my brothers and all the men in my family… I feel very protected [by] them.”

SZA is giving Beyoncé her flowers, literally and financially. In a recent Instagram comment, the “Kill Bill” singer revealed she technically owes Queen Bey a huge cut of her SOS album earnings thanks to a key interpolation. The title track of her 2022 project samples “Listen,” Beyoncé’s powerful ballad from the Dreamgirls soundtrack, which usually comes with a hefty publishing fee. But according to SZA, Bey never made her pay up. “I literally owe her half my publishing off interpolation alone on SOS and she never pressed me lmao. A generous QUEEN,” she wrote in the comments of a reel poking fun at the long list of writers on Beyoncé songs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zuhaila (@zuhailajama) Their mutual respect clearly goes both ways. After SZA took home three Grammy Awards in 2024, Best R&B Song for “Snooze,” Best Progressive R&B Album for SOS, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Ghost in the Machine” with Phoebe Bridgers, Beyoncé sent her a bouquet to celebrate. The handwritten note read: “I’m so happy for you beautiful! Watching you grow and watching you win is an honor. Sending you a huge congrats talented queen. All my love and respect, B.” SZA was touched, later writing in her Instagram Stories: “Thank you for seeing me before anyone else saw me. Thank you for making me feel valuable when I was the tiniest in the room… May God continue to protect and bless you queen.” SZA has always been vocal about her love for Bey. In a past Instagram Live with Lizzo, she admitted she’s only seen Beyoncé live once, at Coachella, and was stunned to learn Lizzo had seen her 11 times. “I don’t give a f***, I’m getting tickets. I’m a fan, I deserve. F*** y’all, I deserve.”

Fat Joe believes that no other West Coast rapper dominated the game like Kendrick Lamar has over the past year. On the premiere episode of Joe and Jada, his new podcast series that he co-hosts with fellow rap legend Jadakiss, Joe shared his thoughts on Kendrick’s unprecedented run of success. Jada started the conversation by stating he was amazed that it’s been a year since Kendrick took on Drake.  “One year since the Kendrick and Drake discrepancy. What they like to call it ‘beef’ in the media world,” Jada replied. “Thank God nothing really happened to anybody, physically. Personally, I thought it was about four or five months ago. I can’t believe it’s already been a year.” “How is it a year?” Joe said. “But what I can tell you is, boy, that Kendrick Lamar gets some spins on LA radio…” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe & Jada (@joeandjada) Jadakiss noted that every L.A. artist gets spins on the local radio, but Joe argued that Kendrick’s run was the greatest that he’s ever seen. “I was there last week. I’ve never seen nothing like that: Every single song, ‘Turn his TV off…’ What?” he continued. “It’s a fact. Kendrick Lamar gets played nine out of every 10 songs in L.A. right now. Not even Snoop Dogg, not even Tupac Shakur — nobody from L.A. has dominated the paint like this guy… If you’re from L.A., you probably think there’s only one guy on Earth, Kendrick Lamar. I’m just keeping it a buck with you,” Joe said. While Jadakiss acknowledged that K-Dot and “a helluva career,” he said that today’s rap beefs were “getting out of hand.” “It’s always good as long as it stays on wax,” Jada said. “Now, when it first started, somebody say something about you, you gotta go to the studio, you gotta immediately work on getting one back at there… Now, as the technology evolved, it turns into movie skits, animations, retrieving fake information… It got a little wacky for me. I like it to be beats and rhymes, and keep it like that. Once it got out of my pay grade, it’s a little bit of disinterest to me… I just wanna see rhymes and song and hip-hop shit.”

Vic Mensa is throwing his support behind Kehlani for her stance on the war on Gaze. Taking to Instagram, Mensa lauded Kehlani for her bold support of Palestine following two of her shows being cancelled. “Few artists, and even fewer at your level of success, have chosen to center humanity and courage as boldly and uncompromisingly as you have, let alone at the peak of their popularity,” Mensa wrote in an open letter to Kehlani. “Although newer to religion, I have a deep-seated belief that god, or the universe, or however you categorize the all-powerful presence of the divine, is taking note of every selfless action, of every sacrifice, of every time we [jeopardize] our security to do what’s right. I toe the line with you.” Mensa went on to say that he remained silent on the issue because of financial concerns and his growing family. In February,  he announced the birth of his son Mansa Musa Mensa. “I’ve been awe-inspired by the way you’ve stood up,” he wrote. “Especially at a time when I fell back. and I asked myself, ‘although I need to feed my son, what kind of man do I want to inspire him to be?’” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vic Mensa (@vicmensa) In April, Kehlani was slated to perform today at the annual Slope Day concert at Cornell University, but the show was canceled because Michael I. Kotlikoff, the university’s president, said the decision to have her perform “injected division and discord.” In the aftermath of the cancellation at Cornell, Kehlani released a statement clarifying that her views are not antisemitic. “I’m not antisemitic or anti-Jew,” the singer said. “I’m anti-genocide, anti-actions of the Israeli government, anti-extermination of entire people, anti-bombing of innocent children, men, and women. That’s what I’m anti.” On Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams announced that Kehlani’s SummerStage concert has been canceled because of security concerns, due to her pro-Palestine views.

After rallying from 20 points down for the second consecutive game, the New York Knicks stunned the Boston Celtics in a 91-90 thriller on Thursday, (May 7) night.  As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, the Knicks now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Also, the squad holds the distinction of being the first team in NBA playoff history to come back from 20 points down in consecutive games. Trailing for most of the contest, the Knicks closed the game on a 38-17 run, while Boston shot just 2-15 from long range in the fourth quarter, almost mirroring what happened in the first game.  Jalen Brunson, who had his struggles throughout the game, came up big as usual during clutch time, scoring nine of his 17 points in the final period. His backcourt partner Mikal Bridges was held scoreless first three quarters, dropped 14 points in the fourth, and  added another game-saving defensive stop by blocking Tatum’s last-second shot attempt Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about the resilience of his team following the game  “People always talk about offensive runs, but teams go on defensive runs as well. Rebounding runs,” Thibodeau said. Josh Hart led the Knicks with 23 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns had a monster game with 21 points and 17 rebounds. Bridges, who scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, pulled down eight rebounds with five assists. For the Celtics, Derrick White poured in 20 points and snatched nine rebounds for the Celtics in the loss. Jaylen Brown added 20 points, too, and Tatum finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds.  As a team, the Celtics made just 10-of-40 from the 3-point line. Last game, they set an NBA playoff record with 45 missed 3-pointers in Game 1.