As 2026 begins, 50 Cent is already making waves, cementing his status as one of New York’s most-streamed rappers on YouTube. Central to this early momentum is the enduring hit “In Da Club,” which has now surpassed two billion streams on Spotify. According to uDiscoverMusic, fewer than 300 songs in history have achieved such a milestone. Decades after its release, the track continues to captivate listeners, blending nostalgia with ongoing relevance in today’s music landscape. Originally released in January 2003 as the lead single from his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, “In Da Club” rapidly ascended the charts, reaching the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100. It marked 50 Cent’s first chart-topping success and eventually earned Diamond certification from the RIAA. The track’s production was helmed by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo, who had initially considered giving the song to Eminem’s group D12, a decision that inadvertently launched 50 Cent into mainstream superstardom. Its music video also achieved monumental acclaim, winning MTV Video Music Awards for Best Rap Video and Best New Artist in 2003, and has since amassed over 2.5 billion views on YouTube. Streaming Momentum and What Comes Next The triumph of “In Da Club” is just one highlight in a year that has already begun on a high note for 50 Cent. Throughout early 2026, he has maintained his position as New York’s most-streamed rapper on YouTube, a fact he humorously shared on Instagram: “I thought we got over this guys, it is what it is. LOL.” His continued popularity reflects both the enduring power of his early hits and his ability to engage audiences in the digital age. Looking ahead, 50 Cent has hinted at upcoming projects, including a potential response to a diss track titled “Squatters,” which involves Maino, Fabolous, Jim Jones, and Dave East. The ongoing conflict stems from criticisms these artists made about his Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, discussed on their podcast Let’s Rap About It. Reflecting on his outlook for the year, 50 Cent remarked during recent festivities, “Let’s toast to success, health, and prosperity. I’m planning my new year; when I’m done, I’ll come out to play. You know everyone who plays with me wishes they didn’t in the end.”

Kanye West has taken another definitive step toward releasing his next album, Bully, confirming a January 30 release date and unveiling a 13-song tracklist split across two sides. The update followed the quiet appearance of a pre-save link on his official YouTube channel, first spotted by @GoodAssSub on X. After a series of false starts and shifting timelines, the announcement offers the most concrete sense yet that the project is nearing completion. For listeners, it brings long-running speculation into sharper focus regarding Kanye West’s release strategy. West is also leaning into physical media, launching a dedicated website offering Bully on vinyl, CD, cassette, and in collectible box sets. The move reflects his continued belief in albums as objects, not just streams. Adding to the spectacle, he has introduced a custom set of grills modeled after the album’s cover, blurring the line between merchandise and art. As with past releases, Kanye’s rollout positions the album as a broader cultural statement rather than a standalone drop to display West’s artistry. Bully Tracklist Side One Preacher Man Beauty and the Beast Last Breath White Lines I Can’t Wait Bully All The Love Side Two Losing Your Mind This One Here Highs and Lows Mission Control Circles Damn The Pre-save link for BULLY is now displayed in Ye’s bio on his YouTube pic.twitter.com/ccpB8rN3Ba — GoodAssSub (@GoodAssSub) January 6, 2026 As Bully nears release, scrutiny lingers Production choices have remained a central point of curiosity, particularly amid rumors about artificial intelligence. Those questions were addressed directly by music manager Peter Jideonwo, who wrote that “there is no AI on Bully,” a statement later highlighted by Complex. The clarification follows West’s own comments earlier this year, when he described AI in an interview with Justin Laboy as a potential next phase of sampling. For now, the album is being presented as grounded in more traditional methods, showcasing the artistic decisions of Kanye West. Bully was first introduced in September 2024, initially taking shape through unfinished material and a short film created with Hype Williams. Since then, the project has cycled through multiple anticipated release dates, each passing without arrival. That stretch coincided with renewed backlash over Kanye West’s public conduct, often eclipsing discussion of the music itself. As the album finally comes into view, it arrives not just as a long-delayed release, but as a moment that may determine whether the work can stand apart from the noise surrounding West’s public controversies.

Cardi B is once again locked in a familiar fight with blogger Tasha K, reviving a defamation battle that has lingered long after the courtroom verdicts. The latest tension surfaced after Tasha K floated online suggestions that Cardi could be connected to alleged witness intimidation tied to a case involving her boyfriend, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Cardi was not named outright, but the implication was enough to trigger a swift and public response. For both sides, it marked yet another turn in a dispute that has already carried significant financial and reputational consequences. Addressing listeners on X Spaces, Cardi flatly rejected the insinuations and accused Tasha K of continuing a pattern of provocation. The rapper, who is still owed millions from their prior defamation case, warned that legal technicalities would not shield ongoing attacks. Her frustration spilled over in a blunt statement that quickly circulated online: “You gonna be in your fcking hospital bed owing me, btch.” The remark intensified a conflict that has rarely stayed confined to legal filings. Tasha K responded by shifting the focus to personal identity and self-image. Speaking to her audience, she framed the moment as one of self-affirmation, saying, “My original face, my original hair, and my hairline. It will always stay like this.” She emphasized pride in her appearance and described her confidence as inseparable from who she is. The response reframed the clash as cultural rather than purely legal. Cardi answered just as directly, dismissing any suggestion that race was at the center of her remarks. “Don’t be trying to use your skin color. It’s not about your fcking skin color, it’s because you’re fcking ugly,” she said. She rejected what she viewed as an attempt to recast the dispute and insisted her criticism had nothing to do with complexion. The exchange highlighted how quickly the feud slips from legal argument into deeply personal territory. View this post on Instagram The Stefon Diggs Case Adds Another Layer The online back-and-forth has unfolded alongside serious legal allegations facing Stefon Diggs. The Patriots receiver is charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault following claims from a former private chef. The accuser alleges a financial disagreement last December escalated into violence, an account Diggs has firmly denied. The case remains pending. Cardi briefly weighed in on the situation with a post on X that was later deleted. “Not once has that woman said anything to me about being touched.. NOT ONCE!!,” she wrote, according to TMZ. Her statement signaled public support for Diggs while drawing further attention to an already complex legal moment. Together, the overlapping disputes have kept Cardi B at the center of an increasingly fraught public conversation.

Aaron Pierre sends social media in a frenzy as he shares a post via Instagram amid Teyana Taylor breakup rumors. As previously reported, Pierre and Taylor has reportedly end their year-long relationship, according to sources who spoke with Page Six. The couple went public at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles in early 2025. In June, Taylor celebrated Pierre’s 31st birthday with a touching tribute on social media. Back in June, Taylor posted a sweet birthday tribute to Pierre with a photo of the two looking cozy — she’s hitting a kissy face, and he’s all smiles behind her. Her caption read, “Cheers to Thirty-WON & many more wins around the sun. H‘AP’PY BIRTHDAY Woody” Pierre responded in the comments: “Now and always. Thank you Tey,” sending fans into a frenzy. Aaron Pierre also starred as Taylor’s love interest in her upcoming visual album The Escape Room, appearing in both the teaser trailer and the sultry music video for “Long Time.” The visuals, full of passion and emotional tension, had already sparked rumors — now confirmed by their public display. Pierre nor Taylor have addressed the speculation as of yet, however, Pierre did share a photo via Instagram and social media went wild. “Heard you alone now….need some company?” commented one fan. “Heard the contract has expired. Tragic!” reacted another. “If u ever need a shoulder to cry on…. View this post on Instagram

The year opened on an unsettling note for Hit-Boy, who disclosed that his California studio was broken into during the early morning hours. The Grammy-winning producer shared security footage of the incident on social media, showing intruders moving through the space before leaving nearly empty-handed. The breach, which occurred around dawn, drew swift attention across the hip-hop community. For an artist known for discipline and focus, the intrusion felt personal, if not entirely unexpected. Hit-Boy detailed the moment in a post, writing, “This morning around 4 am, some idiots broke into my office/studio and went through a hassle just to get next to nothing.” He noted that his most meaningful possessions—his Grammy awards and jewelry—were untouched. Rather than expressing fear, his message conveyed frustration mixed with calm. The emphasis was less on loss and more on resilience. True to form, Hit-Boy processed the moment through music. He released a freestyle titled “Crow Bars,” transforming the incident into a creative release. One line landed with particular clarity: “they brought crow bars, and left with karma.” The track felt less like retaliation and more like a reminder of where his power actually resides. This morning around 4am some idiots broke into my office / studio and went thru a hassle just to get next to nothing. i had my grammys there and i know they wanted my jewels but not today champions FOH. i did a freestyle called “Crow Bars” watching the footage of these low life’s… pic.twitter.com/AzXdhdsU5W — Hit-Boy (@Hit_Boy) January 5, 2026 Break-Ins and Bounce-Back The incident echoed a similar experience shared recently by producer Sonny Digital, who also turned to social media after a burglary. In a candid video, Sonny said, “Yesterday, some bum as n***s came in here and stole all my keyboards, all my equipment… Don’t worry about the materials, I’m going to get this back. It’s just the principle of it though, you know what I’m saying?” Together, the stories have renewed quiet conversations about safety and vulnerability within creative spaces. Despite the disruption, Hit-Boy enters 2026 with momentum firmly intact. His 2025 output included collaborations with emerging West Coast artists and GOLDFISH, a joint album with The Alchemist that drew wide praise for its textured production and veteran presence. The project reaffirmed his standing as one of hip-hop’s most dependable architects. If the break-in marked a jarring start to the year, his response made clear it will not define what comes next.

When 50 Cent took his seat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the Eastern Conference Finals in Indianapolis, the appearance itself drew little attention. Yet it coincided with a quieter development off the court: a noticeable cooling of tensions between the rapper and boxing champion Claressa Shields. After weeks of social media friction, Jackson appeared to dial things down. The shift suggested a rare pause in his usually unrelenting public sparring. In an Instagram post, Jackson addressed Shields directly, writing, “The truth is, I’m a Claressa Shields fan. I think she is an amazing fighter, and she has a big fight coming up. So, I’m going to chill and let her focus. Let’s go, champ!” The message marked a clear change in tone following a stretch of online exchanges that had pulled Shields into a broader rap feud. Its timing, just ahead of her next bout, appeared deliberate. The moment read less like retreat and more like restraint. View this post on Instagram A brief truce amid lingering rivalries Shields responded without escalation. She shared a clip of Jackson introducing her at a past event, pointing to an earlier chapter in their relationship that predated the recent tension. In her caption, she recalled how Jackson arranged her travel and invited her to attend an upcoming fight, describing the experience as “VIP treatment.” The gesture reframed their history as cooperative rather than combative. The conflict itself stemmed largely from Jackson’s ongoing rivalry with Shields’s partner, Papoose. That dispute intensified last month through taunts, AI-generated videos, and public commentary, eventually drawing Shields into the conversation. She voiced her frustration plainly on X, writing, “These rappers don’t get their a** beat enough—that’s the problem.” Jackson, meanwhile, has continued trading shots with other artists and has hinted that a response to a recent freestyle could arrive in 2026. For now, the exchange has settled into an uneasy calm. Whether the détente holds is an open question, particularly given Jackson’s long history of public feuds. Still, the moment offers a reminder that even in hip-hop’s most performative rivalries, acknowledgment and respect can surface—if only briefly.

North West is beginning to attract measured attention within music circles, not simply as a celebrity child. Instead, she is seen as a young creative quietly learning the mechanics of production. At 12 years old, she has already shown a sustained interest in shaping sound rather than merely performing it. Growing up at the intersection of music, fashion, and media has given her unusual access. Those close to her work say her curiosity appears deliberate. The focus, so far, has been on process over spectacle. Her father, Kanye West, remains one of the most influential producers of his generation, and his presence naturally informs her early development. During the VULTURES era, North contributed in ways that suggested experimentation rather than imitation. She appeared on tracks like “TALKING” and “BOMB.” Those moments felt exploratory, offering glimpses of rhythm, timing, and vocal confidence. The work suggested a young artist absorbing structure rather than chasing polish. NORTH WEST ANOTHER NEW BEATYou can tell that North West is Ye (Kanye West)’s daughter, because she’s creating some INCREDIBLE beats! Posted 8 hours ago on his TikTok. pic.twitter.com/1LDzmsMyLW — YEFANATICS (@yefanatics) January 5, 2026 A Studio Glimpse Signals the Shape of What’s Next More recently, North has been seen spending extended time crafting beats. She shares brief windows into that process online. A clip posted through the @kimandnorth TikTok account shows her experimenting with heavy 808s and digital textures that lean toward a futuristic edge. The sound draws from rage rap influences, marked by distortion and urgency. The moment feels closer to a studio notebook than a finished statement. That steady output has fueled speculation about what may come next. While no formal project has been announced, North has already released instrumental work. This includes a track created for Lil Wayne’s son, Lil Novi. In 2024, reports indicated Kanye was working closely with her on a possible debut titled Elementary School Dropout. If realized, the project would likely signal not a splashy arrival, but the early stages of a longer creative path taking shape.

On NYE, Ice Spice rang in the New Year and her birthday; however, according to TMZ cameras, it seems she had a little too much fun. The Bronx rapper was spotted getting some assistance as she departed from a local New York club. At one point, as Ice Spice is being rushed to the car, she slightly trips over her feet. Not long after, the “Deli” rapper caught wind of the story; however, her response was lighthearted. “Best birthday ever,” she wrote with a GIF of SpongeBob in the comment section of a TikTok video posted by TMZ. The year has kicked off with quite a bang for the rapper already. Ice Spice recently made her voice acting debut in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. The rapper also cameoed in Spike Lee’s 2025 film, Highest 2 Lowest, which stars Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky. Her recent moves to expand her business portfolio haven’t gone unnoticed. The rapper is eager to retire at 35, she tells Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen. Ice Spice turned 26 and turned up — maybe a little too much — during her birthday celebrations. pic.twitter.com/Fh50svnYVF — TMZ (@TMZ) January 1, 2026 Ice Spice Receives Backlash Over SpongeBob Screening Outfit Not long ago, Ice Spice found herself at the center of online debate after stepping onto the red carpet at a kids movie premiere in New York City, where her fashion choice drew both praise and criticism from fans and parents alike. The Bronx rapper attended the premiere of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, marking her animated film debut. For the occasion, Ice Spice wore a white lace, semi-sheer dress that quickly became the focal point of social media chatter following her arrival. Excitement initially surrounded her involvement in the beloved franchise, especially given her breakout hit “Bikini Bottom,” which nods directly to the SpongeBob universe. However, attention soon shifted from celebration to scrutiny as photos and videos from the event spread online.

KTLA reports that prosecutors are preparing a grand jury to bring charges against singer, d4vd. Prosecutors plan to present evidence discovered during the raid on his home in the Hollywood Hills. The evidence includes an unused burn cage incinerator and a chainsaw. Steve Fischer, a private investigator who’s been following the case, noted in an X post that while the cage was unused, it was “an item you would expect to find on a farm rather than in a home in the Hollywood Hills.” Fischer noted that the burn cage found in d4vd’s home is “advertised to burn at 1,600 degrees.” He also suggested that human cremations are “typically performed at approximately 1,400 degrees,” implying d4vd might have had sinister intentions with the cage. Additionally, Fischer reveals that incinerators are illegal within city limits and “serve no legitimate purpose at a residential property in the Hollywood Hills.” PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 12: d4vd poses with 5 Gum during Interscope and Capitol Records Coachella Party 2025 on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Interscope/Capitol) D4vd Likely To Face Murder Charges According to TMZ, the singer will more than likely face murder charges. The grand jury that convened last month is expected to give an indictment any day now, the outlet reports. It’s also been confirmed by sources that one of the lead prosecutors, Beth Silverman, believes d4vd is guilty of murder. The outlet reported that the singer’s former manager, Robert Morgenroth, recently testified in court. Morgenroth claims he didn’t call the police because it “wasn’t his responsibility.” Last September, the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas was discovered in the truck of d4vd’s Tesla. The teen had been missing for nearly two years, last seen in April 2024 at age 13. The singer had a rumored romance with the missing teen and has now become the center of a possible murder investigation. Prior to the discovery, the singer was on a meteoric rise, with his track “Romantic Homicide” trending all over TikTok.