Earlier this week, Rolling Stone dropped its “The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far” list. According to the outlet, Missy Elliott’s iconic track, “Get Your Freak On,” is the No.1 song of the 21st century. “…It was a challenge, a dare, the sound of Miss E and Timbaland defying everyone else to keep up with the future or get left behind,” the outlet wrote. The outlet continued: “And after more than two decades, ‘Get Ur Freak On’ still sounds like the future — everything vibrant and inventive and cool about 21st-century pop is in here somewhere.” The track, which dropped in 2001 and featured on the rapper’s third studio album Miss E… So Addictive. Upon its release, the track landed at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. That said, Miss E… So Addictive debuted at No.2 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 250,000 copies in its first week. It’s also been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2002, at the 44th Grammy Awards, Missy Elliott walked away with a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Get Ur Freak On.” Missy Elliott Reaches Settlement In Long-Running Lawsuit In other news, back in August, Missy Elliott finally put an end to a lawsuit that followed her for years. On August 22nd, just as jury selection was about to begin in a Philadelphia courtroom, she and producer Terry Williams agreed to settle their dispute, closing a chapter that had been active for seven years. The conflict stemmed from Williams’ claims that he helped write several songs during Elliott’s early career. He pointed to four tracks from her group Sista’s 1994 project 4 All the Sistas Around Da World and argued that Elliott went on to publish the material without giving him the credit or payment he believed he deserved. He later tried to connect his argument to Aaliyah’s 1996 single “Heartbroken,” but in August 2024, U.S. District Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro ruled that the attempt came too late after more than two decades had already passed.

Lil Wayne has revealed that Drake deserves credit for changing the way he performs onstage, admitting the 6 God introduced him to using teleprompters during live shows. The Young Money founder shared the story during the July 21 episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast while speaking with Lil Dicky, Lil Twist and producer Benny Blanco. The conversation began after Lil Dicky asked Wayne whether he performs with a teleprompter displaying his lyrics. Wayne didn’t hesitate to credit Drake. “I got that from Drizzy,” Wayne said. “He asked me to come out one night… I had to pop out from the middle of the stage, and I saw there were TVs. I started looking at them sh*ts and saw my lyrics.” Lil Wayne recalls how he started using teleprompters during his performances: “I got that from Drizzy. He asked me to come out one night… I had to pop out from the middle of the stage, and I saw there were TVs. I started looking at them sh*ts and saw my lyrics. I was like,… pic.twitter.com/AHiBXmxdWh — Kurrco (@Kurrco) July 21, 2026 The five-time Grammy winner said he had no idea artists could project lyrics onto screens positioned around the stage. Seeing the setup instantly changed his perspective. “I was like, ‘You could do this? This is awesome,’” Wayne recalled. The discovery became a permanent part of his concert routine. “Ever since I seen them, I’ve never not had them,” he said. “I don’t care if we doing a Bar Mitzvah, I need it.” Lil Wayne Credits Drake For Beginning To Use Teleprompter At Concerts Wayne’s comments offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at the practical side of touring. With an extensive catalog that includes Tha Carter series, countless mixtapes and hundreds of guest appearances, remembering every verse can become a challenge, even for one of hip-hop’s most accomplished lyricists. Rather than viewing teleprompters as a shortcut, Wayne described them as an essential performance tool that allows him to focus on connecting with fans while delivering songs accurately. The revelation arrives as Wayne celebrates the 20th anniversary of Tha Carter with his Carter Classics tour, revisiting records that have defined multiple generations of rap. His story also highlights Drake’s influence beyond music, showing how one backstage production detail evolved into a staple of Wayne’s live performances. For one of hip-hop’s greatest performers, a lesson learned from “Drizzy” has become part of every show.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, Snoop Dogg, and the estates of The Notorious B.I.G. and Angie Stone are among the names involved in a new copyright lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that two songs used elements from an earlier composition without authorization. It was filed by David Bravo and Jean Albert Renaud. Furthermore, the complaint claims that “Nasty Girl” and “I Wanna Thank Ya” incorporate parts of their 1980 song “Skatin’,” originally performed by Eumir Deodato. The plaintiffs argue that the earlier track’s “harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic” elements were used as the foundation for the later recordings. Bravo and Renaud say they co-wrote and produced “Skatin’”. They also claim that portions of the song were used to support newly recorded vocals and rap performances. The lawsuit includes an assessment from musicologist and record producer Thomas Z. Shepard. The plaintiffs say Shepard identified similarities between the two works. The filing names Combs, Biggie’s estate, and Nelly in connection with the 2005 song “Nasty Girl.” Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg’s and Angie Stone’s estates are linked to the 2004 track “I Wanna Thank Ya.” Producer Jazze Pha, who received credits on both songs, is also named as a defendant. The complaint also takes aim at Sony Music Publishing, accusing the company of failing to act on behalf of the original songwriters. Moreover, Bravo and Renaud allege that the publisher ignored its obligations after determining that pursuing a claim involving “Nasty Girl” presented a “conflict of interest.” This is because of Sony’s connections to other writers involved. Lawsuit Raises Questions Over Sony Publishing’s Copyright Practices “Sony Publishing deliberately turned a blind eye to the unauthorized use of Plaintiffs’ four-bar foundational backing track,” the lawsuit states. The complaint adds, “This flagrant disparity highlights that Sony Publishing’s refusal to protect Plaintiffs’ copyright was not an administrative oversight, but a calculated decision to maximize the profits of its other lucrative clients at the direct expense of Plaintiffs.” According to the filing, Bravo and Renaud did not discover the alleged unauthorized use until May 2024. As a result, the lawsuit now places renewed attention on long-running debates over music sampling, copyright ownership, and the role publishers play in protecting creators’ work.

The reggae community is mourning the loss of Fantan Mojah, the roots reggae singer whose spiritually charged anthem “Rasta Got Soul” helped define a generation of conscious music. The Jamaican artist died Tuesday at age 49, just weeks before his 50th birthday. Born Owen Moncrieffe, Fantan Mojah died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering complications related to a heart condition, according to people close to the singer. His booking agent, Vertex, said the artist’s health deteriorated quickly after returning from the United States. “Since he came back from the United States, he was hearty, but over the past week he started to ‘tek down’ and he was admitted to the UHWI,” Vertex told Observer Online. “Last night, he was vomiting blood, and that was it. He passed away.” The news comes as Fantan Mojah was preparing to return to the international stage with a scheduled appearance at Germany’s Reggae Jam Festival after reportedly receiving approval for his Schengen visa. “Rasta Got Soul” Reggae Hitmaker Fantan Mojah Passed Away From Heart Complication At 49 The singer had faced significant health challenges in recent years. In 2024, he was hospitalized in Martinique after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest pains. Reports at the time indicated his heart was functioning at roughly 15 percent capacity. By early 2025, however, his condition had improved enough for him to resume touring across Europe. Fantan Mojah’s journey to reggae prominence began far from the spotlight. Before launching his recording career, he worked as a window washer in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. His breakthrough came after meeting DownSound Records founder Joe Bogdanovich. “When I met him as a kid, he was a window washer,” Bogdanovich recalled in an earlier interview. “We got into a conversation that ended up with me recording him, and I made some really, really big records with him.” Following his 1997 debut, Fantan Mojah emerged as one of roots reggae’s defining voices. Songs including “Hail the King,” “Stronger” and the enduring “Rasta Got Soul” blended Rastafarian spirituality, social consciousness and cultural pride, earning him a devoted global following. Fantan Mojah leaves behind his children and a body of work that continues to inspire reggae fans worldwide. It ensures that the message of “Rasta Got Soul” will resonate for years to come.

JAŸ-Z turned Yankee Stadium into hip-hop’s biggest stage on July 11, drawing a record-setting 45,832 fans for the second night of his three-show residency celebrating the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint. The crowd eclipsed the opening night’s attendance of 44,916, setting a new single-show record for the Bronx ballpark. Nearly 25 years after The Blueprint redefined rap’s creative landscape, the album once again proved its enduring power, this time before the largest audience ever assembled for a single performance at Yankee Stadium. JAY-Z officially sets a new Yankee Stadium attendance record 44,916 fans attended for Night One pic.twitter.com/kN4J5eOEdE — Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) July 11, 2026 Rather than relying on a greatest-hits set, JAŸ-Z built the evening around one of hip-hop’s defining albums. The Blueprint, released in 2001, reshaped mainstream rap with soulful production, razor-sharp lyricism, and a renewed focus on storytelling. Hearing those songs inside a stadium reinforced the album’s lasting influence on the genre. The celebration also reunited some of the artists who helped define that era. Eminem appeared for “Renegade,” revisiting one of rap’s most celebrated collaborations before launching into “Lose Yourself.” Hip-Hop Mogul JAŸ-Z Sets New Record At Yankee Stadium Pharrell Williams joined JAŸ-Z for “Excuse Me Miss,” “I Just Wanna Love U” and “Frontin’,” while Slick Rick made a surprise appearance that underscored the night’s multigenerational spirit. The audience reflected the event’s cultural reach. Former Yankees stars Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Canó attended alongside Fat Joe, Dave Chappelle, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. The residency opened with JAŸ-Z30, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt. That show featured Nas, Memphis Bleek and Jaz-O, while Beyoncé joined JAŸ-Z for “Can’t Knock the Hustle.” Blue Ivy Carter later appeared on piano during “Feelin’ It,” creating one of the weekend’s most memorable moments. The record-breaking turnout confirms what fans have known for decades. JAŸ-Z’s catalog has outgrown arenas and become stadium music. Yankee Stadium wasn’t simply hosting a concert. It became a monument to one of hip-hop’s most influential careers, with The Blueprint continuing to shape the culture a quarter-century after its release.

Legendary R&B singer Bobby Brown’s 1988 debut album, Don’t Be Cruel, which featured classic hits “Every Little Step,” “Rock With You,” and “Tender Roni,” turns 35. Nearly four decades after changing the sound of contemporary R&B, Brown says his landmark 1988 album, Don’t Be Cruel, still feels as alive as ever. As the multiplatinum classic celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2026, Brown reflected on why the album remains a defining part of his career. For the New Edition icon, the music has never faded because it remains at the center of his live performances. “It really feels more like 20 years… because I constantly perform these songs,” Brown said. Bobby Brown is commemorating more than 35 years since the release of his iconic 1988 solo album Don’t Be Cruel, a project that sold over 12 million copies worldwide and delivered enduring hits including “My Prerogative,” “Every Little Step,” and the title track. Reflecting on… pic.twitter.com/8WRXIkJ6em — Blackish Press (@blackishpress) July 10, 2026 Released in 1988, “Don’t Be Cruel” produced a string of era-defining hits, including “My Prerogative,” “Every Little Step,” “Roni,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Rock Wit’cha.” Those records helped establish Brown as one of R&B’s biggest solo stars while influencing generations of singers who followed. Brown said the album’s lasting impact comes from the connection he continues to share with audiences. “It [is] just pure energy… My energy and the energy of the people… It just makes me feel good,” he said. “I have so much gratitude for people loving that album.” Legendary R&B Singer Bobby Brown Remembers Debut Album, Don’t Be Cruel, As It Turns 35 The singer also recalled the unexpected moment when he realized “Don’t Be Cruel” had become more than a successful release. Brown pointed to his widely publicized arrest in Georgia, saying the incident brought even greater attention to the album. “Unfortunately, it would have to be the time I got arrested in Georgia,” Brown said. “That was unfortunate but that’s when the record actually went viral… Everybody started buying the album.” Although he described the experience as difficult, Brown said the surge in public interest confirmed the album’s cultural reach. “That’s when I knew that this was something special, coming from my heart and from the producers [Babyface and L.A. Reid] that I worked with,” he said. Today, Don’t Be Cruel remains one of R&B’s defining albums, celebrated for its blend of new jack swing, pop and soul. For Brown, its legacy is measured not only by its commercial success but by the generations of fans who continue to sing every word, proving the album’s energy has endured well beyond its original release.

The relationship between Young Thug and Gunna has changed dramatically since the fallout surrounding the YSL case, ending a partnership that once stood among the most recognizable in Atlanta rap. The two artists were closely linked before the legal proceedings began, and both were initially taken into custody as part of the broader investigation. Gunna’s release after accepting a plea deal before the trial fueled speculation and criticism from some fans, while Young Thug remained involved in the case for a much longer period. Young Thug eventually resolved his own legal situation through a plea agreement, but the distance between the two artists has continued. In the years since, Young Thug has signaled that his connection with Gunna is no longer what it once was. That divide became especially noticeable during a recent incident at a store before a YSL performance at Irving Plaza in New York. When Gunna’s song “Dollaz On My Head” began playing, a track that includes a Young Thug verse, Thug reportedly asked the manager to turn the music off. The moment quickly spread online, offering another glimpse into the tension surrounding the former collaborators. Young Thug asked the store manager to skip a Gunna song pic.twitter.com/qUufa9aBPf — GUNNADAILY. (@Gunnadaily4ever) July 9, 2026 Young Thug and Gunna’s Uncertain Next Chapter For many fans, the situation represents the end of one of rap’s most promising creative partnerships. Young Thug and Gunna previously built a strong catalog together, delivering collaborations that helped shape the sound associated with YSL. Their chemistry on records made them a duo that many listeners expected to remain connected for years. Instead, their paths have moved in separate directions. A future reconciliation remains unclear. Gunna has continued releasing successful songs and maintaining a consistent presence in hip-hop, while Young Thug has faced the challenge of rebuilding his career after a lengthy legal battle. Their separate trajectories have sparked ongoing conversations among fans about how each artist has handled the aftermath. With more new music arriving from Atlanta’s rap scene, listeners are still watching closely to see what the next chapter looks like for both artists.

Jay-Z is using two major anniversaries to frame a brief run of stadium shows this year. He is returning to the albums that helped define both his own catalog and a larger chapter in rap history. Reasonable Doubt turns 30 in 2026. Meanwhile, The Blueprint reaches its 25th anniversary. This gives the rapper two milestones substantial enough to anchor a live celebration. The run begins this weekend in New York. Jay-Z is scheduled to headline Yankee Stadium. For fans, the draw is straightforward: a chance to hear songs from two records that still sit at the center of his legacy and the sound of modern hip-hop. The New York dates are only the opening leg of what is shaping up to be a tightly plotted international run. Jay-Z is also set to perform Sept. 10 at Stade de France in Paris. This will be followed by an October stop at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Now another date has been added, widening the itinerary beyond what first appeared to be a short anniversary engagement. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium announced this week that Jay-Z will perform in London on Sept. 4. As a result, this places one more major venue on a schedule. It is beginning to feel less like a one-off and more like a carefully staged retrospective. Three decades. Countless classics. One icon. JAŸ-Z is celebrating 30 years of an unparalleled career with a special show in London on Friday 4 September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. From the music that changed the game to the moments that shaped culture, this is a celebration… pic.twitter.com/RPC4RJZkhZ — Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (@SpursStadium) July 7, 2026 A Selective Run, Not a Full Tour “From the music that changed the game to the moments that shaped culture, this is a celebration of the legacy,” the stadium wrote on X while announcing the show. The wording reflects the way these concerts are being positioned: not merely as another tour, but as a public look back at a catalog that has shaped rap for three decades. With London, Paris, and Los Angeles now confirmed alongside the Yankee Stadium shows, attention has already turned to whether more dates might be added if demand remains strong. At the moment, though, the schedule feels intentionally selective — less an extended road run than a compact victory lap. Tickets for the London performance are scheduled to go on sale Friday at noon EST, according to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s website. The venue holds more than 60,000 people. However, demand is expected to exceed that figure given how rarely Jay-Z tours at this scale. Also, Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint remain central to his audience.

A$AP Rocky’s “Don’t Be Dumb” tour has taken on the shape of a summer event, with sold-out crowds turning out at nearly every stop. Part of the appeal is straightforward: Rocky has been building his sets around both the newer material and the songs that made him a rap star in the first place, giving the shows the feel of both a rollout and a retrospective. That balance has helped the tour land as something more substantial than a standard victory lap. At its best, it feels like a reminder of how firmly Rocky still occupies his corner of rap stardom. The run has not unfolded without distractions. In recent weeks, Rocky drew criticism for comments about women in the crowd, remarks that struck some fans as needlessly crass, particularly with Rihanna appearing at several of the tour dates. But by Tuesday night in Vancouver, the conversation had shifted again, this time because of a fan-made sign that quickly found its way online. It was the sort of arena-side provocation that can instantly become part of a performer’s mythology. A$AP Rocky holds up a fan-made flag about Drake’s three new albums “This cutie smoked all 3 of your f*cka** albums” pic.twitter.com/xBo7wk49tq — Kurrco (@Kurrco) July 2, 2026 Rocky folds Drake tension into tour spectacle The sign featured Rocky’s face, an American flag and a taunt aimed squarely at Drake. “This cutie smoked all 3 of your f*ckass albums,” it read, a message referencing Drake’s recent releases “ICEMAN,” “MAID OF HONOUR” and “HABIBTI.” Whether meant as trolling, praise, or both, the sign tapped directly into a rivalry that has been simmering in public for years. It also gave Rocky one more bit of stage-side theater to absorb into a tour already full of spectacle. That history matters here. Drake has thrown lyrical barbs at Rocky and Rihanna before, and Rocky has shown little appetite for acting above the fray. Still, the larger story may be less about rap antagonism than about endurance. “Don’t Be Dumb” has emerged as one of the year’s most visible hip-hop tours because the performances feel loose, alive, and connected to the room—less like a product being delivered than a party still finding its shape in real time.

On Thursday (June 25), journalist and author Sowmya Krishnamurthy took advantage of hip-hop’s celebration for JAŸ-Z’s 30th anniversary debut album, Reasonable Doubt, by previewing a page from her upcoming book about Roc-A-Fella Records, The Blueprint. “To celebrate Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt, here’s a sneak peek from my new book, The Blueprint [diamond emoji],” Krishnamurthy tweets in celebration of JAŸ-Z’s legacy. To celebrate Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt, here’s a sneak peek from my new book THE BLUEPRINT https://t.co/NuPX2lldbz pic.twitter.com/o98JaAJxBb — Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) June 25, 2026 Leading up to the anticipate Yankee Stadium concerts in July, JAŸ-Z and Roc Nation unveiled multiple commemorative pop-ups throughout New York City. The activations support the classic 1996 album that includes memorable songs such as “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” “Ain’t No N***a,” and “Dead Presidents II.” Krishnamurthy’s The Blueprint retraces the steps that took Roc-A-Fella Records — founded by JAŸ-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke — from an unknown independent to one of the most influential brands in hip-hop. Titled, “Reasonable Doubt,” the chapter 8 excerpt opens Jay’s reflection on the album that began his legendary career. The debut album that redefined East Coast Hip-hop was originally meant to be Jay’s last album. “When I made my first album, it was my intention to make it my last,” said Hov. Early in the chapter, Krishnamurthy recreates the signature atmosphere Hov and Roc-A-Fella created in the “Dead Presidents” music video, where Jay, BIggie Smalls., Dame, Biggs, AZ, Lil’ Cease, Smoothe da Hustler and Ty Ty gathered around a Monopoly board stacked with real cash and bottles of Cristal. It inspired a generation as it became one of 90s hip-hop’s most memorable moments. Author Sowmya Krishnamurthy Previews The New Roc-A-Fella Book In Celebration Of JAŸ-Z’s Legacy “Aight now, fittin’ that we’re all playing games here, being that we’re all players, you know? Monopoly is the perfect game for us,” Jay-Z says before shaking the dice in “Dead President II” and asking, “Where we at?” Krishnamurthy spoke to rap legend AZ about the game and it’s authenticity. “It was like a Brooklyn thing,” he recalled. “Everybody wanted to play Monopoly with real money, so we just brought it to life, man.” The page focuses on “Dead Presidents II,” with the author talking to the song’s producer, Ski Beatz, about the song’s samples. Most fans know the classic track has a sample from Nas, but also hall-of-fame rap group A Tribe Called Quest and legendary pianist Lonnie Liston Smith. Krishnamurthy teases the untold story behind how Ski Beatz originally left the Nas sample on the track, which Jay agreed to. The Blueprint will be released by publisher Simon & Schuster on November 30. The upcoming book marks Krishnamurthy’s second release with the publisher, following her debut book, Fashion Killa, which is a Ptichfork’s Best Music Book of 2024. Krishnamurthy’s upcoming book promises an in-depth chronicle of JAŸ-Z from Brooklyn hustler to one of hip-hop’s most influential moguls. She announced The Blueprint last March, describing it in a tweet as: “Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records are a testament to the American Dream. This is the story of ambition, innovation, and the cost of success.” The legacy of Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt: Authenticity, independence, and the rise of the hip-hop hustler https://t.co/RaDWaDwbSz#hiphop #rap #jayz pic.twitter.com/OOW7Wp0yD3 — Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) June 26, 2026 Chapter 8 is fans’s first glimpse inside the book. Krishnamurthy has been regularly promoting The Blueprint on her YouTube channel alongside relatable content. Pre-orders are available now, here. JAŸ-Z’s upcoming Yankee Stadium concerts will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt on Friday, July 10, 25th anniversary of Blueprint on Saturday, July 11. A third show, known as the “extra innings” will be on Sunday, July 12. An 8-part Jay-Z interview with legendary hip-hop producer Rick Rubin was announced on Thursday, set to premiere on HBO this Fall.