SZA is giving Beyoncé her flowers, literally and financially. In a recent Instagram comment, the “Kill Bill” singer revealed she technically owes Queen Bey a huge cut of her SOS album earnings thanks to a key interpolation. The title track of her 2022 project samples “Listen,” Beyoncé’s powerful ballad from the Dreamgirls soundtrack, which usually comes with a hefty publishing fee. But according to SZA, Bey never made her pay up. “I literally owe her half my publishing off interpolation alone on SOS and she never pressed me lmao. A generous QUEEN,” she wrote in the comments of a reel poking fun at the long list of writers on Beyoncé songs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zuhaila (@zuhailajama) Their mutual respect clearly goes both ways. After SZA took home three Grammy Awards in 2024, Best R&B Song for “Snooze,” Best Progressive R&B Album for SOS, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Ghost in the Machine” with Phoebe Bridgers, Beyoncé sent her a bouquet to celebrate. The handwritten note read: “I’m so happy for you beautiful! Watching you grow and watching you win is an honor. Sending you a huge congrats talented queen. All my love and respect, B.” SZA was touched, later writing in her Instagram Stories: “Thank you for seeing me before anyone else saw me. Thank you for making me feel valuable when I was the tiniest in the room… May God continue to protect and bless you queen.” SZA has always been vocal about her love for Bey. In a past Instagram Live with Lizzo, she admitted she’s only seen Beyoncé live once, at Coachella, and was stunned to learn Lizzo had seen her 11 times. “I don’t give a f***, I’m getting tickets. I’m a fan, I deserve. F*** y’all, I deserve.”

Fat Joe believes that no other West Coast rapper dominated the game like Kendrick Lamar has over the past year. On the premiere episode of Joe and Jada, his new podcast series that he co-hosts with fellow rap legend Jadakiss, Joe shared his thoughts on Kendrick’s unprecedented run of success. Jada started the conversation by stating he was amazed that it’s been a year since Kendrick took on Drake.  “One year since the Kendrick and Drake discrepancy. What they like to call it ‘beef’ in the media world,” Jada replied. “Thank God nothing really happened to anybody, physically. Personally, I thought it was about four or five months ago. I can’t believe it’s already been a year.” “How is it a year?” Joe said. “But what I can tell you is, boy, that Kendrick Lamar gets some spins on LA radio…” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe & Jada (@joeandjada) Jadakiss noted that every L.A. artist gets spins on the local radio, but Joe argued that Kendrick’s run was the greatest that he’s ever seen. “I was there last week. I’ve never seen nothing like that: Every single song, ‘Turn his TV off…’ What?” he continued. “It’s a fact. Kendrick Lamar gets played nine out of every 10 songs in L.A. right now. Not even Snoop Dogg, not even Tupac Shakur — nobody from L.A. has dominated the paint like this guy… If you’re from L.A., you probably think there’s only one guy on Earth, Kendrick Lamar. I’m just keeping it a buck with you,” Joe said. While Jadakiss acknowledged that K-Dot and “a helluva career,” he said that today’s rap beefs were “getting out of hand.” “It’s always good as long as it stays on wax,” Jada said. “Now, when it first started, somebody say something about you, you gotta go to the studio, you gotta immediately work on getting one back at there… Now, as the technology evolved, it turns into movie skits, animations, retrieving fake information… It got a little wacky for me. I like it to be beats and rhymes, and keep it like that. Once it got out of my pay grade, it’s a little bit of disinterest to me… I just wanna see rhymes and song and hip-hop shit.”

Rumors are once again swirling that Rihanna is with child after a recent social media post. On Thursday (May 1), the “Diamonds” singer shared a photo rocking a black two-piece from her Savage x Fenty line. While fans love it when Ri bears it all, this time it’s what she’s not showing that caught fans’ attention. The singer’s comment section was flooded with questions from fans, wondering if the singer was covering her midriff because she and A$AP Rocky were preparing for baby No.3. “Rihanna and I have been pregnant at the same time every time so yeah she’s gonna announce soon,” one fan joked on X(formerly Twitter). Another X user wrote, “She got that pregnancy nose. Lawd A$AP gotta get off of her.” “I’LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, A$AP RRRRRRRROCKY!!! IT SHOULDA BEEN ME!!!!!!!!!!” one fan commented. Other fans predicted that if Rihanna were, in fact, pregnant it would be announced at the annual Met Gala. “Baby bump debut at the met – u heard it here first,” someone else wrote. softNsavage pic.twitter.com/T6xSiNfGv8 — Rihanna (@rihanna) May 1, 2025 Rihanna Named #2 Billboard’s Top 100 Women Artists Of 21st Century When she’s not on mommy duty, Rihanna is making music history. The singer recently secured the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century. Second only to Taylor Swift, her influence extends far beyond music, shaping fashion, business, and culture. With an unparalleled ability to evolve, Rihanna has redefined what it means to be a global icon. Her impact on music is undeniable. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, she has delivered hit after hit, crafting a discography that spans genres. From the moody intensity of Rated R (2009) to the vibrant energy of Loud (2010), Rihanna has never been afraid to reinvent herself. Songs like Only Girl (In the World) and What’s My Name? became instant classics, showcasing her ability to dominate both pop and R&B.

Due to popular demand, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is returning to IMAX theaters for an additional week. Per a recent announcement, tickets for the film are currently on sale for the “limited screenings, which will take place from May 15-21 across nine IMAX 70mm theaters nationwide.” According to Warner Bros., due to the “overwhelming popular and critical response” to the film was “the catalyst behind the re-release.” Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. Pictures’ president of global distribution, confirmed the demand and rerelease in an official statement. “Audiences have spoken, and we listened. If ever a film needed to be experienced in this incredible, larger-than-life format, it’s Sinners,” Goldstein’s statement read. “Ryan has delivered a film that has been embraced by fans who appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating a film for this screen-filling format, and we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to see it — or see it again — in 70mm IMAX.” Already regarded as a cinematic classic, Sinners debuted at No. 1 at the box office, and it became the biggest debut for an original film since 2019. According to Variety, the film has grossed $122.5 million domestically and $161.6 million worldwide so far. A financial success, Sinners was made on a $90 million production budget, and 20% of the film’s revenue came from IMAX viewers on its opening weekend. Set in the 1930s, the film centers on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) trying to leave their troubled past behind and return home to Mississippi, “only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back,” per the film’s synopsis. Alongside Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Wunmi Mosaku also star in the film’s cast. One of the striking elements of the film is its use of music, namely the blues. The film is a study in the blues,” Coogler told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I feel that this is America’s most significant contribution to world popular culture. It all started right there in Mississippi. When you delve deeper into it, you’ll discover a lot of spiritual and supernatural elements.” “The musicians are playing songs about enduring demon torment and making agreements with malevolent deities,” he continued. I also learned that church members judged the relationship, which was fascinating. Many of the most significant musicians emerged from the church.”

50 Cent is raising eyebrows after learning about the slow ticket sales for Beyoncé’s upcoming Cowboy Carter tour. According to a report from TMZ, around 3,800 tickets are still available for the tour’s launch at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday, April 28th, with prices ranging from $47 to $331. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) Clearly surprised by the news, 50 Cent shared a screenshot of the headline and thumbnail on Instagram, captioning it: “ shit getting real out here,” adding, “ Hey the tickets ain’t selling?” As USA Today points out, ticket sales experts expect prices to keep fluctuating leading up to each concert date, a trend that has become more common with major tours recently. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour will cover massive stadiums across North America and Europe, kicking off with five nights at SoFi Stadium. Additional stops include Soldier Field in Chicago, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite the slower start in ticket sales, Beyoncé has been building excitement with a new cinematic teaser for the tour posted on Instagram, showing off a moody, Western-inspired visual aesthetic that ties into the Cowboy Carter album era. The album, which blends country, pop, and R&B influences, has already sparked massive conversation and debate online, especially after Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart earlier this year with “Texas Hold ‘Em.” While it’s still early, and industry insiders predict strong last-minute sales, 50 Cent’s reaction highlights a new reality many major artists are facing: in 2025, even music royalty like Beyoncé has to work a little harder to fill stadiums.

In 1994, Nas forever changed the landscape with the release of his seminal debut, Illmatic. More than 30 years later, the album his regarded as a classic, a touchstone moment in history where the Queensbridge native ..To pay tribute to the album, Nas has partnered with the Gotham Dispensary to premiere its inaugural show, “The World is Yours,” a collaborative exhibition between legendary rapper Nas and future-conscious design studio Objects Are By and named after one of his signature songs. Featured in the groundbreaking exhibition are never-before-seen photos of Nas from 1994, captured by Danny Hastings, the Creative Director of Wu-Tang Productions. These striking images, “taken during a pivotal moment in Nas’s rise to fame, offer a glimpse into a young artist on the brink of changing the world of hip-hop. The exhibition is not just a visual journey but an immersive experience that speaks to the stillness before the storm—the quiet before Illmatic reshaped the genre.” Along with the iconic photography, “The World is Yours” will feature a limited-edition collection of homeware and apparel, created in collaboration with Nas and Objects Are By, inspired by the unseen photographs. The collection includes “woven tapestry blankets, heavyweight hoodies, long-sleeve tees, collectible rolling trays, and ashtrays.” Each item is designed with OBJECTS ARE BY’s signature bone-free china and is available exclusively at Gotham. Curated by Danny Hastings, the exhibit features never-before-seen images of the legendary rapper from 1994. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gotham (@gotham.ny) In a statement, Hasting spoke about curating the exhibit and collaborating with Nas.  “In 1994, a young Nas stood beside me on a subway platform, the city buzzing above us, destiny waiting in the shadows. Illmatic had yet to be released. There was no entourage. No flashing cameras,” Hastings told HOT97. “Just two kids from the boroughs—one with rhymes, the other with a camera. I titled that first portrait Last Train to Queensbridge, a poetic timestamp of a moment before it all began. You can see the wonder in his eyes, the weight of dreams just beginning to take form.” “Five years later, in 1999, I photographed Nas again—this time for his I Am… album. He had arrived. The innocence had shifted into certainty. The raw energy matured into vision. These portraits are styled, polished, intentional. They reflect not just his rise, but mine as well,” his statement continued. “By then, I was pushing my technique—refining light, playing with texture, treating each frame like a cinematic painting. “Together, these images create a dual narrative: a coming-of-age story told in silver halide and shadow. One subject, two eras, bound by art and ambition. This is not just a portrait of Nas,” Hastings added. ‘It’s a portrait of time, of transformation, and of trust between a rapper and a photographer, both carving space for their voices in a world that didn’t hand anything out. These photographs are windows. They look back, but they also echo forward. In them, you see not only what was, but what was coming.” For more information, visit here.

Megan Thee Stallion is facing allegations from fellow Houston femcee Ivy K, who claims the rapper stole elements from her 2024 song “It’s Whateva” for Megan’s new single, “Whenever.” Ivy went on Instagram Live to accuse Megan’s team of contacting her a month ago but going ahead with a “remix” of her track without her approval or knowledge. In the video, you can hear both songs, which have distinct sounds but share a similar hook: Ivy’s “B***h it’s whatever / He, it’s whatever” and Megan’s “It’s whenever, b***h / It’s whatever, he.” Some fans have pointed out that Khia’s 2008 track “It’s Whatever” could have influenced both songs, suggesting that the hook might be an original sample or interpolation used by both artists, either intentionally or not. The connection seems weak due to the differences in tempo and flow between the tracks. However, if Ivy K can prove that Megan’s team reached out to her, the situation may become more complicated. This isn’t the first time Megan Thee Stallion has been accused of copyright issues. In the past, she has managed to avoid significant repercussions, but Ivy K’s claims could bring more attention to the matter. Meanwhile, Megan is continuing to generate excitement for her upcoming album, although no official release date has been set. She recently mentioned her desire to collaborate with Doechii, saying, “I see Doechii, b***h, I love Doechii,” and expressed a desire to challenge herself by rapping over beats she typically wouldn’t choose. As her legal battles seem to be fading, Megan appears more focused on showcasing her musical skills and consistency.

Slim Thug isn’t backing down, even after Megan Thee Stallion made it crystal clear that her Coachella tribute wasn’t a flirtation, but a rejection. The Houston rap vet is keeping things light and optimistic, poking fun at the situation in a recent Instagram video captured by Billboard. “I can’t do Megan Thee Stallion. Gotta do Megan Thee Auntie, 10 years later,” he joked, brushing off the rejection with a smile. Though Megan laughed off his claims of a crush, Slim still saw her nod as a win. “She gave me a shout-out, said my name on Coachella stage,” he said. “And then she called me ‘babe.’ Come on now, that’s a lot. That was a good shout-out. Played my songs, everything. Streams up on ‘Thug From Around the Way.’ We good… Imma be patient, man. Gotta come home. Slim ain’t going nowhere.” The buzz began after Megan hyped the crowd with his records “Thug From Around The Way” and “Still Tippin’” during her first Coachella set. Slim Thug took it as a green light and told fans online, “If that ain’t a ‘I want you, daddy’ call, I don’t know what is. I know she got a crush on me by this point. She danced to two of my songs!” But Megan put that theory to rest during weekend two. “And no Slim Thug, this don’t mean I want you,” she said with a laugh. “I just like your music.” Megan’s set was one of the festival’s biggest moments, featuring appearances from Queen Latifah, Victoria Monét, and Ciara. With hit after hit, she commanded the stage, but made it clear: the only thing romantic going on was her love for Houston music. Slim Thug, meanwhile, is staying hopeful, and staying in the mix.

Ja Rule is an unquestioned legend in hip-hop. The Queens native holds the distinction of being one most successful artists of the 90s and 2000s. Launching his rap career in 1994 with the group Cash Money Click, Ja linked up with Irv Gotti, an up-and-coming producer and mogul at the time, who signed him to Def Jam Records. He made his first solo appearance on Mic Geronimo’s “Time to Build” in 1995, alongside future fellow icons, Jay-Z and DMX. In 1999, Ja released “Holla Holla,” his first hit from his platinum-selling album Venni Vetti Vecci, which was a sign of things to come. His sophomore project, Rule 3:36, debuted at the number of the US Billboard 200, selling more than 276,000 copies in its first week of release as the flagship artist of Murder Inc. Records. Eventually, the album went triple platinum. The smash hits on the album were “Between Me & You” featuring Christina Milian, “Put It on Me” featuring Vita and Lil Mo, and “I Cry” featuring Lil Mo. In 2001, Ja appeared on Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real (Murder Remix)”  which held the number one spot on the Billboard 100 for five consecutive weeks. Throughout the 2000s, Ja would release several more chart-topping songs such as  “Living It Up,” “Thug Lovin’,” “Always on Time,” and “Mesmerize,” making him a global superstar. Almost 30 years after his debut in the game, Ja is still in demand all over the world, playing sold-out concerts and festivals. A veteran of the Summer Jam stage, Ja played one of the biggest shows in the history of the event in 2001 and several other shows throughout the years. At Summer Jam 2025, “Ja and Friends” will honor the life and legacy of Irv Gotti, who passed away in February. To catch “Ja on Friends” on stage, make sure you get your tickets to Summer Jam 2025, which will be returning to Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center on Friday, June 20.

Ryan Coogler’s sexy, R-rated, vampire-thriller Sinners debuted at 45.6 million at the box office its opening weekend, making it the biggest film debut since Jordan Peele’s Us, released in 2019. According to Variety, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners collected “a solid $45.6 million from 3,308 North American theaters.” Internationally, the film made an additional $15.4 million, which would push the film’s global sales to around $61 million. Set in the 1930s, the film centers on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) trying to leave their troubled past behind and return home to Mississippi, “only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back,” per the film’s synopsis. Alongside Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Wunmi Mosaku also star in the film’s cast. Sinners also highlights Black musicians’ impact on Blues music and its roots in the Mississippi Delta. “The film is a study in the blues,” Ryan Coogler told The Phildelphia Inquirer. “I feel that this is America’s most significant contribution to world popular culture. It all started right there in Mississippi. When you delve deeper into it, you’ll discover a lot of spiritual and supernatural elements.” He continues, “The musicians are playing songs about enduring demon torment and making agreements with malevolent deities. I also learned that church members judged the relationship, which was fascinating. Many of the most significant musicians emerged from the church.” Coogler says he wanted to show the “duality” of the people “going to church on Sunday or in a nightclub hours before on a Saturday night.” He added, “I wanted to investigate and convey that dichotomy, as well as the link to the continent and what storytelling and musical storytelling meant to us there.”