Lil Nas X has entered a difficult chapter after being arrested in Los Angeles following an incident that drew widespread attention. The rapper was seen last week wandering the streets in only his underwear and cowboy boots, before removing the rest of his clothing in front of startled bystanders. Police eventually stepped in, and reports suggest there was a struggle before he was taken into custody. Officers first brought him to a nearby hospital, saying they believed his erratic actions might have been linked to possible drug use. After being cleared, he was transferred to Van Nuys jail where he spent the weekend awaiting his court appearance. On Monday, the 26 year old appeared before a judge and was hit with four felony counts. These include three charges of battery on a police officer causing injury and one charge of resisting an executive officer. Together, they carry the possibility of up to five years in prison. Court filings show he pleaded not guilty and waived a formal arraignment. His bail has been set at seventy five thousand dollars, with conditions that require him to enter an outpatient program and avoid any possession or use of illegal substances. The rapper himself has not released a statement since the arrest. His father, Robert Stafford, spoke to TMZ and asked the public to support his son. “He’s great. God is good, God has a plan,” Stafford explained. “I think you all know everything that you need to know about what happened Thursday.” When asked if drugs played a role, he responded, “absolutely not.” Stafford stressed that his son is in strong mental health and remains hopeful. “He’s in good spirits,” he shared. “He’s very remorseful for what happened, but you know, it can happen to any family. He’s gonna get the help that he needs, and just keep him in your prayers.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have cut ties with rookie safety Shilo Sanders less than 24 hours after he was ejected from a preseason game for throwing a punch at a Buffalo Bills player. The altercation occurred on Saturday, August 23, 2025, during Tampa Bay’s preseason finale against the Bills. Sanders, the 25-year-old son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, threw a punch at tight end Zach Davidson after a heated exchange at the line of scrimmage. The punch led to an immediate ejection and quickly drew criticism from Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, who labeled the act “inexcusable.” Footage from the game showed Davidson’s fingers caught in Sanders’ facemask just before the scuffle, but the rookie’s retaliation sealed his fate in what was already a tight roster battle. On Sunday morning, August 24, the Buccaneers officially announced that Sanders had been waived as the team worked to finalize its 53-man roster ahead of the regular season. The move ended his brief stint in Tampa Bay, where he had signed earlier this year as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Preme Sports (@nflpreme) Sanders’ agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, expressed hope that another team might claim him off waivers, emphasizing his potential despite the setback. Before joining the Buccaneers, Sanders played college football at both South Carolina and Colorado, following his father’s coaching path. Known for his physicality and coverage skills, he entered the NFL with aspirations of carving out a role on special teams and as a depth safety.

After working with the STARZ network for over a decade, 50 Cent might be headed out the door. In a now-deleted Instagram post, the rapper shared a screenshot, revealing the once-popular drama network’s ratings were at an all-time low. “It’s not that hard to say goodbye. Bye,” 50 Cent wrote in the post’s caption. According to the screenshot the rapper posted, STARZ has “reportedly lost 42.5M dollars.” They also lost over “410,000 subscribers” over the past three months. The low ratings are “partly due” to the network’s biggest shows, like BMF, “underperforming.” Complex reports that during an after-market analyst call, STARZ president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch did, in fact, blame the network’s “underperformance” on BMF’s latest season. That said, the 50 Cent-produced series may not be completely at fault. Back in May, Lionsgate issued a public statement, revealing that the company officially cut ties with STARZ. This separation could’ve played a significant role in the declining viewership. Ooops 50 Cent responds to the rumors that STARZ is losing money & subscribers because of BMF #50cent #bmf #hiphopculture #jviewsdaily #follow pic.twitter.com/QbmqyiWzxf — JViews (@jviewsdaily) August 17, 2025 This wouldn’t be the first time the rapper’s revealed his frustrations with the network. Back in April, Fif took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I have the number 1,2,3, and 4 top TV shows in African American and Latina households, and I hate that I did them with the wrong people. I’m not doing any BMF spin-offs or selling any other shows to STARZ. GLGGreenLightGang #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi.” On the bright side, back in 2023, Fif brokered a “non-exclusive broadcast direct deal” with FOX, per Variety. The deal will give the rapper the power to “develop scripted dramas, live-action comedies and animated series.” He will do so through his production company, G-Unit Film & Television. “Whether it’s music, film or television, Curtis always delivers premium entertainment that captivates millions of fans across the globe,” said Michael Thorn, Fox Entertainment‘s president of scripted programming, in a statement around that time. “He is the rare multi-hyphenate with a deft hand at storytelling, no matter the format or medium. We’re looking forward to developing new and exciting series for Fox with him and his team.”

Ciara recently sat down with Associated Press to discuss her new album, CiCi— her first project in nearly six years. It works as a follow-up to her 2019 album, Beauty Marks. Released on August 22, CiCi is an expanded version of her 2023 EP of the same name and marks her first release as an independent artist. Back in 2017, the Grammy-winning artist founded her independent label, Beauty Marks Entertainment. “It’s time. Honestly, I’ve been working on this album for almost five years,” she tells the outlet. “I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, as they would say, into this project…” The singer also revealed to the outlet that while recording CiCi, she had given birth to two of her youngest children: Win Harris and Amora Princess. “I literally gave birth to two babies while I was making this project, too. So, a lot has happened,” she said. Source: Associated Press (AP) While Ciara did take a brief reprieve to raise her ever-growing family, the singer made it clear that she wasn’t just “chillin’” the last five years and had always “actively put out music on the project.” With a career spanning over two decades, Ciara noted that she still enjoys creating music after all these years; however, if she ever happens to “stop loving the process,” she’ll “stop.” The “Level Up” singer continued, ” I have so much passion for it and I just feel so fortunate that 21 years later, from my first album ‘Goodies’ to now, that I still have the same excitement I had as a little girl.” “Success to me is yes, putting out music. Being the best artist I can be, hopefully being known as one of the best to ever do it …” she adds. “But it’s not solely in that,” she said. “People lose themselves because they didn’t live. I don’t want to be that girl – I’m not going to be that girl.”

On what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 47th birthday, Vanessa shared a deeply touching tribute on Instagram that resonated widely. Vanessa posted a throwback photo of herself kissing Kobe on the cheek—set against a romantic European backdrop—and captioned it: “We love and miss you and Gigi so much. Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Natalia Bryant, their eldest daughter, also honored her father with her own heartfelt gesture. She posted a playful snapshot of herself and Kobe mimicking a nearby statue, simply captioned: “Happy Birthday Daddy” followed by a red heart emoji. Keeping Kobe’s legacy alive, as previously reported, in a heartfelt gesture that resonated deeply with fans across Los Angeles. Lakers star Luka Dončić has donated $5,000 to help restore a beloved mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, which was recently defaced with black spray paint. The mural, created by Los Angeles-based street artist Sloe Motions—whose real name is Louie Palsino—featured the powerful message “Mamba Forever” alongside a portrait of Kobe and GiGi. It had become a cherished local landmark and a symbol of resilience, legacy, and community healing following the Bryants’ tragic passing in 2020.

Despite one Grammy win, five nominations, and becoming the third female hip-hop artist to have an album peak at number one on the Billboard 200, Eve surprisingly “doesn’t think about” her legacy in music. “I don’t think about it. I just, it’s not something that comes to my mind, it is not something I think about,” she tells the Associated Press in a new interview. In Eve’s opinion, she doesn’t mull over how much credit she receives because she knows what she’s “done and have accomplished,” and according to her, “that’s something no one could ever take” away from her. The “Tamborine” rapper acknowledges the impact she has had on her fans, who have told her how she inspired them; however, she didn’t understand the gravity of her career for herself until she wrote her 2024 memoir, Who’s That Girl? Eve continues, “I think the only time I kind of allowed myself to really reflect on it is after I finished my book and I did the audiobook. And literally, as soon as I got in the car, I called Cathy, my co-writer, and was like, ‘Yo, I did a lot, like, and I’m proud of myself, you know!’” In other news, Eve recently sat down for the Joe and Jada podcast with Fat Joe and Jadakiss. At one point in the conversation, the pair asked the rapper what motivates her to go on tour, considering her billionaire husband is waiting for her at home. The former “First Lady of Ruff Ryders” says she still likes getting her own checks. When Jadakiss asked how the tour was going, Eve said, “The tour’s good. So far we, um, we’ve only done three, four, we’ve done four shows. I did Europe first.” Fat Joe went on to ask why that “Rich Girl” is still doing shows. To which she responded with, “I like money. Okay? I like checks. So if there’s, I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t a check involved, I wouldn’t be doing it if the check wasn’t right.” The “Let Me Blow Your Mind” rapper also made it clear that no man “saved her.” She added, “First of all, nobody ever saved me. I saved myself. I got my own money. If I wanted to stop working, my man wouldn’t care. But why would I not do something that I love?”

During a recent interview with the Associated Press, Mariah the Scientist addressed the critics of her relationship with Young Thug. “I’m used to people scrutinizing my relationship,” she tells the outlet. “It’s almost like I expect them to do that.” According to Mariah the Scientist, she wants to avoid the public having any say or “heavy impact” on her relationship with the rapper. She continues, “I just want to be able to actively decide on my own if it’s something that I want to do or not. Or, if it is something that’s serving me or not serving me. And I think it’s definitely been a process.” Rumors first circulated about the pair back in 2021. However, amid the early stages of their relationship, Young Thug and his YSL (Young Stoner Life) label mates became embroiled in a highly-publicized racketeering trial. The “Digits” rapper was arrested in May 2022 and would ultimately spend two years in prison. After agreeing to a plea deal in October 2024, the rapper was released in November. Aside from talking about her relationship with Thug, Mariah also spoke about her new album, Hearts Sold Separately. The project was released via Epic Records and the singer’s imprint Buckles Laboratories on Friday, August 22. Along with a new project, her single “Burning Blue” has become a No. 1 hit track on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart. The catchy tune also cracked the top 30 on the Billboard 200 chart. When asked about her feelings on becoming R&B’s next up-and-coming star, the former biology student-turned-singer said her hard work is “paying off.” Mariah added, “Just people appreciating the art I make, not on just an acknowledgment level, but actually digesting it and appreciating it. …It’s really not necessarily about the accolades, but I feel like accolades are indicative of the exposure and being perceived in a flattering way.”

Charley Crockett is making it clear that Beyoncé belongs in country music. In a lengthy Instagram post, the Texas artist pushed back against critics of Cowboy Carter while accusing the industry of hiding behind double standards. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charley Crockett (@charleycrockett) “Hey country folks,” Crockett wrote. “Beyoncé ain’t the source of your discontent. It was 25 years of bro country.” His words came as a response to the wave of backlash Beyoncé has faced since releasing the record, which blends traditional country with other genres. Crockett pointed out how some of today’s biggest stars built their reputations while borrowing from Hip-Hop and pop. “#1 country artist on earth listens to nothing but rap,” he said. “Openly says he doesn’t really know any country music. Gotta respect his honesty.” He added, “These ‘country boys’ been singing over trap beats for years. So what’s different now? Authenticity.” He went on to highlight Beyoncé’s accomplishments, noting that she became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album at the Grammys in 2025, while still being overlooked by the Academy of Country Music Awards. “The machine points to a black woman who’s making a statement about marginalized people being removed from the conversation altogether,” Crockett wrote. Sharing his own experience, he revealed that Nashville executives once attempted to mold him into a prefabricated star. “Many of those business folks called me early on. They had whole albums pre-written and recorded, ready to just plug me in. I have receipts.” Crockett closed his message by stating, “I don’t need to put down a black woman to advance my music. That’s just embarrassing to the idea of America and I got no respect for it.” He even praised Texas rapper BigXThaPlug as “genuine” and “a true story teller.”

Ciara’s latest Billboard feature was supposed to spotlight her new album CiCi, but it was her daughter, Sienna, who stole the show. The eight-year-old stepped into the interviewer’s chair, asking her mom questions that had fans laughing and melting at the same time. During the sit-down, Sienna threw a playful curveball by asking, “Do you know my favorite song of yours?” Ciara leaned back and confidently guessed “Level Up,” but she was quickly shut down. “No, Mom, say the real answer,” Sienna insisted. Trying to brush it off, Ciara begged her not to reveal it, but the little one shouted, “It’s ‘Ride!’” Without hesitation, Sienna began singing the track’s chorus while Ciara dropped her head into her hands, jokingly acting defeated. “Mom, you knew the answer, you’re just trying to act like you don’t,” Sienna teased, grinning from ear to ear. Ciara eventually gave in, laughing as she admitted, “I know, I just wish you’d pick another song!” She explained that her daughter grew attached to “Ride” while joining her on tour and has been hooked ever since. Sienna’s questions kept rolling, and she wanted to know which collaborators stood out most in her mother’s career. Ciara admitted it was tough to choose, but one name was easy to highlight. “Some of my favorites are people like Auntie Missy [Elliott],” she said, making Sienna’s face light up. She also mentioned her current single with Chris Brown, “How We Roll,” and longtime partner-in-music Ludacris, who has joined her on tracks like “Ride” and “Oh.” “Those are moments that just felt so special,” she reflected. Between the playful back-and-forth and Sienna’s proud little cheers, the interview became less about Ciara’s upcoming album and more about the joy of watching a mother and daughter share an unforgettable bond.

BigXthaPlug’s album rollout hit a serious snag after the Dallas rapper, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was arrested late Thursday in North Texas. The 27-year-old was booked into the Dallas County Jail on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana under two ounces. Police reports say the arrest stemmed from a traffic stop just before 9 p.m. when officers noticed his pickup truck driving without a front license plate near South Great Trinity Forest Way and US 175. Officers questioned Landum about weapons, and he admitted to having one in the vehicle, pointing them to its location. Authorities later said a criminal database flagged him as having gang ties in Arlington, which prevents him from legally owning a firearm. A small quantity of marijuana was also recovered during the stop. This is not the first run-in the rapper has had with police this year. Back in February, he faced marijuana charges in Arlington. The arrest created chaos around his scheduled celebrations for I Hope You’re Happy, his new album featuring Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Shaboozey, and Jelly Roll. Landum was supposed to attend a release party Thursday night at a Deep Ellum nightclub, followed by another event Friday at a Dallas Wingstop. He never made it to the stage, as he was already behind bars before the first party even started. Despite the setback, BigXthaPlug had just marked a major career achievement. His 2024 project Take Care reached platinum certification, signifying more than one million copies sold. So far, his team has not commented on the arrest or whether his planned events will be rescheduled, leaving fans wondering what comes next.