Young Thug’s jail call leaks have just revealed that he paid for fake streams, also known as “bots,” for his album and his YSL artist Gunna’s album to reach the top of the charts. The conversation, reportedly with a close associate, begins with Thug’s frustrations over Business Is Business, his 2023 album recorded while incarcerated. The project opened with 88,000 units, but failed to debut at No. 1, blocked by Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time, which sold 108,000. Thug allegedly laments the missed opportunity, questioning why no one considered pairing him with Wallen to bridge audiences. Young Thug says he spent $50K on fake streams aka (K-BOTS) on Gunna’s ‘DS4EVER’ for it to debut at #1 over The Weeknd’s ‘Dawn FM’ pic.twitter.com/bRlrNofeLq — DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) August 31, 2025 The discussion then shifts to Gunna’s breakthrough moment. According to the leaked recording, Thug claims he spent $50,000 on artificial streams to push Gunna’s DS4EVER past The Weeknd’s Dawn FM in January 2022. “You didn’t honestly earn a number one album over The Weeknd,” Thug is heard saying. “I paid for that.” The audio also captures Thug expressing disappointment with Gunna’s actions since that milestone. He accuses Gunna of charging young, aspiring rappers thousands for features, despite the support Thug says he provided without ever taking a cut. Young Thug finds out ‘Business Is Business’ is at risk of not debuting at #1 and tells his team to contact their fake streams “plug” “You still got that plug, right? That sh*t that we did with Gunna and them?”pic.twitter.com/7L3UwtSrfT — Kurrco (@Kurrco) August 31, 2025 The tone suggests a deep sense of betrayal. “I protected you,” Thug implies, painting a portrait of loyalty met with disloyalty. The leaked remarks add turbulence to an already complicated chapter. Business Is Business was marketed as a triumphant statement from behind bars, but the specter of bot allegations and fractured relationships now colors its legacy. The tape also references Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape, which broke hip-hop’s long absence from the top of the Billboard 200 in July 2023, underscoring how fragile rap dominance was that year. This is not the first time private calls have been made public. Previous leaks captured conversations with 21 Savage and Lil Baby, as well as claims of behind-the-scenes conflicts involving Quality Control. Neither Gunna nor The Weeknd has responded to the latest allegations. Whether verified or not, the recordings reveal how Thug’s incarceration has become a spectacle, reshaping narratives around loyalty, success, and survival in hip-hop.

Kid Cudi has announced that he won’t have guest features on his albums anymore.  Taking to X(formerly Twitter), Cudi explained why he will be solo on the rest of his forthcoming projects. “No features, just me. I think im over features unless it happens organically. There are people I’ve had on my albums that i havent talked to in years. Didn’t promote the album, just went ghost,” Kudi said. “Makes me feel weird. So w this one, I was like, fuck that. I dont need anyone else on this one. Im enough to keep u engaged,” he continued. Some people need features. Not me.” No features, just me. I think im over features unless it happens organically. Theres people ive had on my albums that i havent talked to in years. Didnt promote the album, just went ghost. Makes me feel weird. So w this one, I was like, fuck that. I dont need anyone else on… — The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) August 2, 2025 Back in June, Cudi announced that his new project Free will drop on all streaming services on Friday, August 22. The album’s second single, “Grave,” dropped on this Friday, July, and featured cover art from Norman Jean Roy. I wanted something that really expressed freedom, so the concept of me leaping into the clouds made so much sense,” Cudy wrote in a post on Instagram describing the album. “Inspired by The Truman Show. I can’t WAIT for u guys to hear this album and really see the album art brought to life. You’re in for a beautiful ride. Promise.” Cudi also got married to fashion designer Lola Abecassis on July 11. “Nan, I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. A truly special day with amazing friends and loving family. I love this woman so so much, and I know she loves me in the same way. Its always a battle sayin “I love you more” because she always wins that battle haha My best friend,” he wrote on Instagram. My ride or die. To all of the fam that came thru, it was truly a pleasure having you with us on our special day. I love each and everyone of you. To Alain, you designed a fuckin BEAUTIFUL AND STUNNING wedding dress for Lola, and im so happy we have you in our lives. T

Drake has never hidden where his artistic instincts lead him: toward women and toward the nightlife spaces where their energy sets the tone. That perspective anchors Magic City: An American Fantasy, a new docuseries he both produced and appears in. The project explores the cultural weight of Atlanta’s storied strip club while offering Drake a platform to explain how it shaped his sound and sensibility. In the series, he casts his music as less an abstraction than a tribute. “I make my music for those girls,” he says, underscoring his devotion to the women who bring those spaces to life. For him, strip clubs are not just backdrops but creative engines—environments that fueled some of his most enduring songs. His choice to embrace that influence, despite predictable judgments, reflects both intent and self-assurance. That confidence extends to his public image. When pressed about his romantic life, Drake shrugged off the fascination with a laugh, a gesture that conveys ease rather than evasion. His response signals not secrecy but a determination to define the narrative on his own terms. Confronting the Critics Drake has been equally blunt about how his music is received. In a recent exchange with Bobbi Althoff, he argued that reviews of his albums often feel orchestrated. “When I’m dropping an album, they have phone calls deciding what stance so-and-so is gonna take within the first hour,” he said, suggesting that criticism can be prearranged rather than rooted in genuine listening. The remark speaks to a larger reality: in today’s music economy, pushback can be as engineered as acclaim, designed to generate clicks as much as critique. For Drake, that only sharpens his focus on the listeners he has always prioritized. Conclusion Through Magic City, Drake presents himself not just as a hitmaker but as a chronicler of the spaces and communities that shaped him. His blend of defiance and devotion—toward women, nightlife, and authenticity—remains central to his longevity in a culture quick to question and quicker to judge. Drake speaks on making music for women and not caring about what another artist has to say: “I care so little about another artist that someone might respect not liking my music. I don’t give a fuck. Maybe that’s why I’ve been here so long” pic.twitter.com/1y4jlCLsAb — ALMIGHTEE. (@realalmightee) September 12, 2025

In hip-hop’s shifting landscape, Jay-Z still stands as one of its most enduring figures. His last solo album, 4:44, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim, but new remarks from producer Cash Cobain have stirred speculation that fresh music from the Brooklyn rapper may be on the horizon. Appearing on Billboard Unfiltered Live, Cobain suggested Jay-Z has new material in the works—music, he said, that could “shake the world.” Cobain did not hold back in praising Jay-Z’s stature in New York rap, calling him the undisputed king. “The king of New York is Jay-Z. It’s Jay-Z. Multi-platinum albums and president of Def Jam. He’s like the richest rapper, right? What didn’t he do?” he said. He added, “I heard Jay-Z is about to drop some sh*t that’s gonna shake the world. That’s what I heard.” His comments have only intensified speculation that a comeback may be underway. Hints of new music have already ignited a wave of reactions online. On X, formerly Twitter, fans voiced both humor and anticipation. “If Jay Z get on a cash beat ima really be weak but ima def need front row seats too,” one user wrote. Another suggested the resurgence of creativity in the genre—highlighted by the Clipse’s recent Let God Sort Em Out—could be pushing Jay-Z back to the studio. “THIS BETTER BE TRUE,” one fan declared, capturing the broader sense of expectation. 4:44 marked reflection—his next move could reshape rap Jay-Z’s most recent solo release, 4:44, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 with 262,000 album-equivalent units and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys. Beyond its commercial impact, the record was celebrated for its candor, with songs like “The Story of OJ” marking one of Jay-Z’s most introspective turns. The Billboard segment also featured Zeddy Will, who named Nicki Minaj as New York’s reigning queen. “Her fanbase is still crazy to this day, and she got all the hit records. The numbers don’t lie,” he said, pointing to her back-to-back sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. For Jay-Z, expectation is nothing new. If Cobain’s prediction proves true, his return would not only mark a new release but also add another chapter to a career that has long shaped hip-hop’s narrative. “I heard Jay-Z is about to drop some shit thats gonna shake the world that’s what I heard” -Cash Cobain pic.twitter.com/71y4Fcb1FS — Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) September 4, 2025

As excitement builds for his upcoming album, Iceman, Drake is addressing the media attention that often shadows his releases. In a recent interview with Bobbi Althoff that has gone viral online, the Toronto artist suggested that critics may coordinate their responses to ensure negative coverage surrounds his projects. Drake elaborated on his perspective: “It appears that the first critics to respond are not necessarily offering genuine reactions to my albums. Instead, it seems there are strategic discussions taking place among media members, determining their individual stances—often negative—before my project even has a chance to be fully heard.” He added, “These discussions happen in a collective setting, where different critics decide their narratives to ensure there’s no overlap. Someone might declare, ‘I dislike the album,’ even before they have fully engaged with it, aiming for comments that generate the most interaction.” Drake on Media and ‘Iceman’ The remarks, shared widely by DJ Akademiks on social media, sparked a range of reactions. Some fans praised Drake for his candor and defense of his work, while others questioned his critique, pointing to his long-standing navigation of media cycles. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between artists and critics in an era where social media magnifies every opinion and reaction. Beyond discussing the press, Drake delved into more personal topics, including his approach to relationships and the continuing conversation around his authenticity and public image. These reflections, paired with his critique of media behavior, portray an artist both guarded and self-aware as he prepares for one of the year’s most anticipated releases. While an official release date for Iceman has yet to be confirmed, Drake’s comments provide fans a window into the mindset he hopes will frame the album. As anticipation grows, his observations about perception and criticism offer context for how the work may be received when it finally arrives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Lil Baby is preparing to release his long-awaited album, The Leaks, due Friday, September 5. The project arrives after a short delay from its original August 15 date, a postponement that has only added to the buildup. With features from Playboi Carti, Young Thug, and Lil Yachty, the Atlanta rapper is leaning on familiar collaborators to anchor what may be his most discussed release in years. The 17-song tracklist stretches wide, pulling in G Herbo, LUCKI, Veeze, Rylo Rodriguez, and Skooly. On the production side, Lil Baby has enlisted an equally heavy roster—Wheezy, Murda Beatz, TM88, and BabyWave among them—a lineup that all but guarantees a range of sounds. For the rapper, The Leaks serves as both an archival release and a chance to fold once-unfinished tracks into his official catalog. Lil Baby Turns ‘Leaks’ into a Statement Much of the conversation around the album has unfolded online, where fans have long circulated snippets of these songs. On Reddit, the idea of reclaiming leaked material has been met with enthusiasm. “It’s refreshing to see an artist embrace their unreleased material—there’s no revenue in songs that stay hidden away. As a devoted fan of Lil Baby, I’ve been enjoying many of these leaks unofficially for years,” one commenter wrote. Another pointed to “Get Along,” a posse cut featuring Lil Yachty, LUCKI, and Veeze, adding, “Track 14 has immense potential; it’s great to see a mainstream posse cut making its way into the spotlight.” The rollout, however, hasn’t been free of speculation. On the track “Otha Boy,” listeners anticipate thinly veiled jabs at Gunna and Offset, with lyrics rumored to reference Gunna’s fitness regimen. Whether those rivalries surface directly or not, the breadth of the project suggests Lil Baby is aiming to balance sharp-tongued bars with crowd-pleasing anthems. And this release may only be the beginning. In a recent live stream with PlaqueBoyMax, he confirmed more music is already lined up. “I’m actually dropping two albums, though. I’m dropping another album, like, four weeks after that, something like that. I wasn’t even planning on releasing this one,” he said—a signal that The Leaks could mark the start of an unusually prolific stretch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @lilbaby

Young Thug is back in the headlines—and not for his music. In recent weeks, the Atlanta rapper has become the target of intensifying criticism after the leak of an interrogation tape revived long-simmering accusations of betrayal in hip-hop. Through it all, his partner, singer Mariah the Scientist, had remained silent, until a brief but pointed gesture at a recent performance cut through the noise. The controversy stems from audio of Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, allegedly naming fellow rapper Peewee Roscoe during questioning by police. What could have been seen as a routine exchange was quickly branded “snitching,” a charge that carries particular weight in a culture where loyalty is prized and public perception can define a career. The clip spread fast, transforming what might have been a footnote into a full-fledged storm, stoked by rivals and critics alike. The backlash has pulled in some of the industry’s most prominent voices. Quality Control executive Pierre “P” Thomas and rapper Ralo have openly distanced themselves, while commentators like Wack 100 and Joe Budden added their disapproval to the chorus. Thug has tried to push back online, but the steady stream of criticism has left his image under siege. Mariah Stays Calm as Fans Debate Loyalty and Drama Mariah the Scientist, by contrast, has opted for quiet defiance. During a recent set, a concertgoer lifted a phone screen that read, “Tell thug he’s a [rat emoji].” She simply flashed a thumbs-up. The small act ricocheted across social media, with some praising her composure and others questioning why she should be dragged into her partner’s battles. Reactions piled up in the comments section of DJ Akademiks’ posts. Some fans warned about the dangers of provoking artists in public settings, while others lamented the theatrics. A few framed the YSL case as something larger: a flashpoint in hip-hop history that could one day be remembered as a cautionary tale about loyalty, downfall, and spectacle. Meanwhile, the feud shows no signs of cooling. Thomas recently mocked Thug with an Instagram post teasing a faux documentary titled The Rat That Just Keep On Tellin’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Two decades ago, a teenage Rihanna left her home in Barbados with a dream. At just 17 years old, she released her debut album Music of the Sun on August 29, 2005. Now, twenty years later, Rihanna is celebrating the milestone with gratitude, nostalgia, and fresh surprises for fans. To mark the anniversary, Rihanna shared a moving message on Instagram, reflecting on the moment that changed her life forever.“20 years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music… Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) Her words not only honored the album but also highlighted the personal sacrifices she made in pursuit of her career—a journey that has since made her one of the most influential artists and entrepreneurs of her generation. As part of the celebration, Rihanna launched a campaign branded R20, updating her X (formerly Twitter) profile with visuals spotlighting all of her albums. The sleek campaign is both a nod to her roots and a reminder of the powerful discography she’s built since Music of the Sun. Rihanna also teamed up with Roc Nation to release exclusive merchandise inspired by her debut album. The limited-edition drop, arriving on August 29, gives fans a chance to relive her early era through fashion, while celebrating the record that introduced her Caribbean-infused sound to the world. When it was first released, Music of the Sun stood out for its unique blend of dancehall, Caribbean rhythms, R&B, and pop. Its breakout single, “Pon de Replay,” became a worldwide hit, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing Rihanna’s place in the global music conversation. The album itself debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified Platinum by the RIAA. While critics noted the unevenness of a debut project, many praised the cultural authenticity Rihanna infused into her music—a quality that would continue to define her artistry. Twenty years later, Rihanna is not just a music icon but also a fashion mogul, beauty entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Still, her anniversary celebration reminds fans of where it all began: a young artist with a vision, unafraid to carry the sound of Barbados into the global mainstream.

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.”