The WNBA announced that the Golden State Valkyries and the San Francisco Bay Area will host the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in 2027. It marks the first time the league’s premier midseason event will be held in the region. According to the press release, the 2027 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will take place on Saturday, July 31, 2027, at Chase Center. The weekend will also feature events across the Bay Area. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement confirming the news. “We are thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time,” said Engelbert. “The Golden State Valkyries have brought incredible energy and excitement to the WNBA. And the response from fans across the Bay Area has been remarkable. Valkyries fans have embraced this team with an extraordinary level of passion. And enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to see that energy on full display for an unforgettable All-Star weekend next summer.” “Hosting the AT&T WNBA All-Star in only our third season is an incredible honor. And a reflection of everything this fanbase, this region, and this organization has built together,” said Jess Smith, President, Golden State Valkyries. “From day one, the Bay Area has shown up for this team. And we can’t wait to put that same energy on display for the entire league next summer.” THE BAY AREA WILL HOST FOR THE FIRST TIME At the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, fans can look forward to numerous events. Starting with the Kia WNBA Shooting Stars and State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest at the Chase Center on Friday, July 30. The celebration will continue throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with the sixth annual WNBA Live presented by AWS at the Moscone Center, local community impact initiatives, and various regional watch parties and fan experiences, with additional details to be revealed in the coming months. Friday night All-Star festivities will air Friday, July 30, on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET, The 2027 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will air Saturday, July 31, on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Rapper Rod Wave is facing more than 90 gigabytes of evidence as prosecutors prepare to advance a criminal case stemming from a 2025 shooting outside his Milton, Georgia, home. Prosecutors disclosed July 31 that they had provided Rodarius Green’s defense with roughly 1,900 photographs and 111 videos. Green faces 14 charges related to the April 2025 incident. The allegations include aggravated assault, firearm possession during a felony, pointing or aiming a gun, reckless conduct and criminal property damage. According to police, a verbal dispute involving Green and an associate escalated into gunfire. Investigators allege Green fired multiple shots outside the residence, striking several vehicles. The shooting followed a reported burglary at Green’s home. Green has pleaded not guilty and has disputed the allegations through his attorney, Drew Findling. “There is no truth to these charges,” Findling said in a statement. “Rod Green was a victim of a burglary and committed no crimes,” Findling said. “How he was even charged as a result of this situation is incomprehensible.” Prosecutors Submit 90gb of Evidence In Rapper Rod Wave’s 2025 Shooting Case Involving Ex-Girlfriend Findling also predicted a favorable outcome for his client. “This will absolutely be resolved favorably to Mr. Green,” he said. The latest disclosure provides Green’s attorneys with a substantial volume of material to examine before the next court proceeding. Prosecutors have not publicly described every photograph or video included in the production. The evidence could contain additional material concerning the alleged shooting and events surrounding it. Green’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 28 in Georgia. The criminal case unfolds as Green prepares to release his next album, Don’t Look Down. He is also scheduled to begin a tour supporting the project Sept. 12. The parallel legal and music schedules place Green’s criminal defense alongside a major period in his recording career. The 90GB evidence production represents the latest development in the Milton case. Green’s defense team must now review the materials as the prosecution moves toward the next stage of the proceedings. The case remains pending, and the allegations against Green have not been proven in court.

Mayor Ray Giacobbe of Rahway, NJ sits down with DJ Drewski on HOT 97’s Midday Movement with DJ Drewski for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond politics. They talk about the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series (featuring Jim Jones, Maino, Memphis Bleek, and more), Rahway’s hip-hop roots, and why the city is embracing — not banning — rap events. Then things get real: Mayor Giacobbe opens up about losing his 22-year-old daughter Bella in 2022, how fitness helped him battle depression, and what keeps him going every single day. He also discusses the Bella Kind Foundation, Rahway’s booming redevelopment, and what it really means to lead a community. This one hits different. Mayor’s Summer Concert Series — Every Thursday in August at Union County Performing Arts Center Learn more about Bella Kind Foundation Rahway, NJ — Come experience it for yourself

All eyes are on Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty right now with the release of his new album, All Eye On Shiest, which debuted at #1 across the Apple Music charts on Monday, August 10. The achievement arrives as Shiesty continues navigating his federal criminal case. Released Friday, the 16-track project features a heavyweight lineup of Southern rap talent. GloRilla, Sexyy Red, BIG30 and K Carbon all appear across the album. Pooh Shiesty’s ‘All Eyes on Shiest’ has now reached #1 on US Apple Music across all genres It dethrones Ariana Grande’s ‘Petal’. pic.twitter.com/8SXCHmovga — Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDay) August 8, 2026 For Shiesty, the Apple Music milestone lands without the usual machinery behind a major rap release. He remains incarcerated and cannot promote All Eyes On Shiest through traditional appearances or performances. Instead, his music and supporters are carrying the rollout. The project continues Shiesty’s gritty Memphis sound while expanding his palette through high-profile collaborations. One standout is “Mane,” featuring GloRilla, another major voice from Memphis. The album also includes “FDO” and “Last Man Breathin.” Both tracks helped build momentum before the full project arrived. Memphis Rap Star Pooh Shiesty’s New Album, All Eyes On Shiest, Soars To #1 Across The Apple Music Charts Shiesty’s latest success has also resonated beyond Memphis. His music has developed a strong audience across Southern hip-hop markets, including Dallas, Texas, where his hard-edged style has found a receptive audience. That connection reflects the broader reach of Memphis rap. Shiesty has helped carry the city’s street-centered sound into a national conversation. All Eyes On Shiest reaching No. 1 also places Shiesty above releases spanning multiple genres. Apple Music’s overall chart includes hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and country. The accomplishment carries added significance given his circumstances. Shiesty cannot host release events, appear on radio shows or perform concerts supporting the album. His absence, however, has not slowed the response. The rapper remains incarcerated while awaiting trial, which is currently expected in February 2027. His legal situation has kept him away from the spotlight during a pivotal moment in his career. Still, All Eyes On Shiest shows his audience remains locked in. For Shiesty, the message is clear. The music continues traveling, even when he can’t.

Drake put generosity at the center of his annual Strong Women, Stronger Drinks celebration, reportedly giving away more than $1 million in cash and luxury prizes during the exclusive Toronto event. Held Tuesday night at Casa Loma, the invitation-only gathering honored Canadian women making an impact in business, entrepreneurship and digital media. The third annual edition quickly became one of the city’s biggest social media moments as videos of the giveaways spread online. View this post on Instagram According to multiple reports, Drake awarded 10 attendees $50,000 each, while six others received $100,000. The giveaways surpassed the $1 million mark before additional prizes entered the picture. Video from the event captured emotional reactions as the Toronto rap superstar personally surprised one guest with a $50,000 gift. Another clip revealed a lineup of luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUVs and BMWs, waiting for winners. Rapper Drake Hands Out Millions In Cars & Gifts At 3rd Annual Strong Women, Stronger Drinks Event In Toronto The gifts did not stop there. Guests also reportedly received Birkin handbags and other premium prizes, turning the evening into one of Drake’s most lavish community events to date. Strong Women, Stronger Drinks has become an annual tradition in Drake’s hometown, celebrating women whose work has influenced their communities and industries. While the event is known for extravagant giveaways, its focus remains on recognizing women who continue to make an impact across Canada. Drake spent the evening greeting guests, celebrating winners and taking part in the festivities. His appearance reinforced the event’s reputation as more than a celebrity-hosted party. Instead, it served as a celebration built around appreciation and opportunity. The rapper has long maintained close ties to Toronto despite his global success. Strong Women, Stronger Drinks has become another example of that connection, combining philanthropy with the larger-than-life moments fans have come to expect from the OVO boss. This year’s event generated widespread conversation across social media, with clips of the giveaways drawing millions of views. Although Drake did not publicly address the night’s donations, the scale of the cash awards and luxury gifts spoke for themselves, making the latest Strong Women, Stronger Drinks gathering one of the biggest feel-good moments of the week in hip-hop.

Hip-Hop mogul Ye (Kanye West)’s 2025-2026 global stadium run has been a massive success fueled by new powerhouse touring company IKON Presents. The independent promoter has reached a defining moment in its rapid ascent through the live entertainment industry. The Las Vegas-based touring company is now producing and promoting Ye’s upcoming 2026 and 2027 stadium run, marking its largest collaboration since launching in 2018. View this post on Instagram Ye continues to unveil dates for the expansive stadium trek. IKON Presents will oversee a multi-city run across some of the nation’s largest venues, underscoring the company’s growing influence in large-scale concert production. The partnership follows years of steady expansion. Since its debut, IKON Presents has welcomed more than one million fans across more than 200 live events. The independent company has staged concerts in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Tampa, San Antonio, Hawaii and London, selling hundreds of thousands of tickets while building a national presence. IKON Presents Becomes New Touring Powerhouse After Powering Hip-Hop Mogul Ye (Kanye West) Stadium Run “Now the company is taking on one of the most ambitious undertakings in live music: Ye’s stadium run,” IKON said. “As Ye continues to announce his 2026 and 2027 stadium run, IKON is promoting and producing a multi-city series across some of the largest venues in the country — exactly the kind of large-scale, artist-driven production the company has built its name on.” The promoter has assembled an impressive résumé spanning music and comedy. Its roster includes Lil Wayne, Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Kevin Hart, and Future. Those productions have ranged from intimate theater performances and extended residencies to arena concerts and stadium spectacles. IKON’s schedule remains packed beyond Ye’s tour. The company will co-present Legends of Gospel: Vegas Residency on Oct. 8, 9 and 11, 2026, at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The event features The Clark Sisters, Deitrick Haddon and Fred Hammond in partnership with Dr. Holly Carter and Relevé Entertainment. Alongside concert promotion, IKON operates the KLTRE Creative Campus venue business and maintains partnerships with MGM, AEG and BPC. Those relationships have strengthened its footprint. Allowing the company to preserve the independent, artist-focused approach that has fueled its rise in the live music business.

A federal judge has dismissed all legal claims brought against singer Cassie by an individual alleging he was harmed during sexual encounters involving her and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The ruling marks a significant legal victory for Cassie, born Casandra Ventura, in a case that had sought to link her to the controversial “freak-off” events described in various lawsuits against Combs. The plaintiff, identified as former male escort Clayton Howard, had filed a lawsuit against both Cassie and Combs. Howard alleged that the singer had coerced him into taking illegal drugs, specifically ecstasy, and claimed she was responsible for transmitting a sexually transmitted disease to him. Additionally, Howard’s suit included claims regarding a secret abortion and various psychological injuries he said were sustained during his involvement with the former couple. According to court documents obtained by media outlets, the judge found the current claims insufficient to proceed. While every claim against Cassie was thrown out, the court did provide Howard with a window to amend certain parts of his filing. This procedural allowance means that while the case is currently dismissed, it could potentially be revived if the plaintiff can provide more robust legal arguments or evidence in a future filing. Cassie’s legal team argued that Howard’s motivations were purely financial. They contended that he only pursued legal action after news broke that Cassie had settled her own massive lawsuit against Combs for an estimated $20 million. Her attorneys pointed to a text message Howard reportedly sent to her husband, Alex Fine, before the settlement was reached. In that message, Howard reportedly described Cassie’s own allegations against Combs as “100% valid” and expressed relief that she was seeking justice. Howard has countered that the text message does not invalidate his claims and that his trauma is legitimate. He remains one of several individuals who have come forward with allegations regarding the lifestyle and private parties hosted by Combs over the last two decades. Combs has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing across the multiple civil suits filed against him recently. The dismissal is seen as a pivotal moment for Cassie, who has transitioned from a victim in the court of public opinion to a defendant in this specific matter. Her 2023 lawsuit against Combs, which was settled within 24 hours of filing, sparked a wave of similar litigation against the Bad Boy Records founder. This latest ruling suggests that the judiciary is carefully scrutinizing the merits of secondary claims brought against her as the broader legal battles surrounding Combs continue. Legal experts suggest that the “freak-off” allegations remain a central component of the ongoing federal scrutiny into Combs’ past activities. However, for now, the court has determined that the specific allegations leveled by Howard against Cassie lack the necessary legal standing to move toward a trial. Cassie has not made a public statement regarding the dismissal, though her representatives have characterized the lawsuit as an attempt at extortion.

Rapper Lil Wayne voiced support for President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom on Monday, saying the project would improve how the executive residence hosts performances, diplomatic events and major ceremonies. During an appearance on the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, the Grammy-winning rapper, whose legal name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., said he believes critics misunderstood Trump’s explanation for building the venue. Lil Wayne pointed to the president’s comments about the limitations of hosting large gatherings outdoors. “I’m so glad to hear Trump say — when they was mad at him about building the ballroom — and he was like, everything we do we have to do it on the d*** lawn,” Carter said. “People who don’t know nothing hear that and think he’s just being Trump. No, for real, I was glad to hear him saying that.” Lil Wayne connected those remarks to his own experience performing at former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2023 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebration. The event took place outside at Number One Observatory Circle, the vice president’s official residence. The rapper mistakenly recalled the celebration as being held at the White House. He said the outdoor setting felt like a “backyard barbecue” and expressing surprise that guests were not brought inside. Rapper Lil Wayne Excited For President Donald Trump’s White House Ballroom Plans On Friends Keep Secrets Podcast The White House frequently stages large events on the South Lawn because of space and logistical requirements. Trump has argued that a permanent ballroom would provide a more suitable indoor venue for state dinners, cultural performances, diplomatic receptions and other high-profile gatherings. The president renewed that argument after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting earlier this year. He writes on Truth Social that a ballroom would offer a “magnificent, safe, and secure” location for future events. Trump has also defended the project’s rising price tag, rejecting criticism over construction costs. The estimated budget has increased from about $200 million to roughly $600 million, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers. Trump has attributed the higher cost to a significantly larger design and upgraded construction standards. He argues the expanded ballroom would better accommodate future inaugurations and major White House events. The project is expected to be financed through a combination of private donations and taxpayer funding.

Drake’s multimillion-dollar sports wagers have once again fueled the internet’s favorite superstition after the rapper lost a $1.5 million bet on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. The Canadian superstar watched his latest high-profile prediction fall short Sunday when Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to capture the FIFA World Cup title. Drake had backed Argentina through a $1.5 million wager placed on Stake, a bet that would have returned more than $5.1 million had the defending champions lifted the trophy. DRAKE LOSES $1.5 MILLION ON WORLD CUP BET Drake’s latest sports bet didn’t go as planned. The Iceman reportedly lost $1.5 million after backing Argentina to defeat Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Spain ultimately came out on top, handing Drake another high… pic.twitter.com/0FpJnGVzct — Diverse Mentality (@DverseMentality) July 20, 2026 Instead, Spain’s victory handed Drake another expensive defeat and immediately reignited discussion surrounding the so-called “Drake Curse,” the viral theory that athletes and teams publicly supported by the Grammy-winning rapper are destined to lose. While the phrase remains an internet meme rather than a proven phenomenon, another headline-grabbing loss gave social media users fresh material. Drake faced a setback at the World Cup just days after losing a $1 million bet on Conor McGregor. McGregor’s comeback fight against Max Holloway ended quickly due to a serious knee injury. The referee awarded Holloway a first-round technical knockout, extending Drake’s string of costly public betting losses. Drake’s Curse Continues With $1.5 Million Loss To Argentina In FIFA World Cup Final The back-to-back defeats quickly dominated social media, where fans joked that the “Drake Curse” had claimed two more victims in less than a week. The theory has become a recurring fixture in sports culture whenever Drake publicly shares a betting slip before a major event. Despite the online narrative, Drake’s gambling history tells a more balanced story. The rapper has also collected several multimillion-dollar payouts on successful wagers, although those victories rarely generate the same attention as his losses. Sports betting has become a defining part of Drake’s online persona, with the rapper regularly placing seven-figure wagers on championship games, title fights and other marquee sporting events. Each bet draws widespread attention before the competition begins. Spain’s World Cup triumph added another chapter to that ongoing storyline. Whether viewed as coincidence or internet folklore, the “Drake Curse” continues to dominate conversation whenever 6 God’s publicly backs a favorite, ensuring his latest loss becomes another memorable entry in one of social media’s most enduring sports jokes.

The New York Knicks’ championship celebrations have brought a wave of excitement across the city. Players appeared at events and enjoyed the spotlight after capturing their first NBA title in 53 years. But Jordan Clarkson’s celebration reportedly took an unexpected turn during a night out at one of Manhattan’s most exclusive clubs. The NBA veteran became part of a conversation surrounding an alleged incident involving rapper Travis Scott at Zero Bond. According to TMZ, Clarkson was present when tensions reportedly developed between Scott and another person inside the club on July 18. The exact details of what led to the confrontation remain uncertain. However, reports suggest the situation escalated before Clarkson attempted to step in. The outlet reported that the issue began after someone allegedly recorded Scott while he was speaking with another attendee. Reports described the moment by saying, “a man was allegedly filming Travis Scott chatting with another attendee inside the NYC hot spot when Travis allegedly confronted him.” The report further claimed that members of Scott’s entourage allegedly began throwing bottles, prompting Clarkson to intervene and help calm things down. Both Clarkson and Scott were later escorted out of the venue. View this post on Instagram Questions linger over reported club confrontation Furthermore, speculation has circulated online about who the other attendee may have been. Some fans have pointed toward Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native who has become close with Clarkson. He is often seen with Clarkson around the city. However, there has been no official confirmation identifying the person involved or explaining what sparked the reported disagreement. The private gathering featured several recognizable names, including 50 Cent, Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and Alix Earle. This added to the attention surrounding the night. As of now, those involved have not publicly shared a complete account of the incident. More details could emerge as additional information becomes available about what happened inside the club.