Kid Cudi accused Drake of “kicking him while he was down.” During an interview with CBS Mornings, Cudi detailed how he and Drake had a fallen out over ghostwriting allegations. In a tweet at the time,  Cudi said that Drake and Kanye West can’t be the greatest rappers with “30 people writing songs for them.” Drake responded in 2016 with a diss track “Two Birds, One Stone” and named Cudi who was in a rehab at the time. “I was like, oh okay, you wanna kick me when I’m down. Great,” Cudi said. “But he wanted to play the game with me. He wanted me to put him in my song or whatever and I’m not that type of artist. “I’m not going to the studio angry rapping about some other man and putting him in my art. That’s not what we’re gonna do here,” he contined. “I’m gonna come to your doorstep and I’mma let you know that I’mma see you. I’mma see you and that’s a promise.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by CBS Mornings (@cbsmornings) Eventually, the two rap stars were able to patch things up after West who set up a meeting between them. Cudi gave a guest verse on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy. “I went on to do a record for him for his album, but granted, I haven’t heard from him ever since,” he expressed.  “It just let me know that time is over. We’ll never be homies like we were before. I don’t have any beef with him anymore and I’m not mad at him or anything,” Cudi said. “It’s just time has gone by. We are in different places. It’s all good. I know he loves me. I know that. And I know he respects me as an artist. That’s good enough for me.”

Chance the Rapper is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, Star Line, and tour. Due to drop on August 15, the project will be his first since his divorce was finalized from Kirsten Corley. In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Chance spoke about co-parenting in this new phase of his life. “She’s good. Hey Kirsten! And hey, Kensli and Marli. You know, family is one of the biggest things for me, for her, for my kids, for my mom and dad,” Chance said. “So I think the most important thing for anybody that’s having to navigate that is making sure you keep an environment for the kids where they understand that’s the priority.” He also described his song “Space and Time” as one of his most “well-written” songs that he wrote after he and Corley split. “I think it’s a very personal song about, you know, what we were just talking about, navigating that relationship with the mother of my children,” he said. Chance said the song is his version of Homer’s  The Odyssey.  “I love to build a larger story. So it kind of reads as like an epic, like The Odyssey or anybody that’s like a seafaring or adventurous character in a book, Chance explained. “They go out on the search for some sort of success or thing that they value, and then they find that the thing that they value the mos,t they might have left at home.”  “It’s just coming to terms with the fact that sometimes it’s best if you love somebody the most, you let them go and you let them grow,” he added. In April 2024, Chance announced that he and Corley were separating. “After a period of separation, the two of us have arrived at the decision to part ways. We came to this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together,” Chance wrote on Instagram at the time. “God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters who we will continue to raise together. We kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate this transition. Thank you -Chance & Kirsten.”

Teyana Taylor stopped by HOT 97 to talk with Nessa about her highly anticipated new album Escape Room, dropping August 22nd. She opened up about why she returned from her brief retirement and the meaning behind the album title. They talked about the new single “Bed of Roses” and the steamy visual with Aaron Pierre. Teyana gushed about how safe, loved, and understood Aaron makes her feel—and shared where their relationship stands today. She also explained why it was important for her to clear the air during her public breakup and make sure the narrative didn’t paint Iman as a villain. Teyana also shared how she chose Taraji P. Henson to narrate the powerful opening monologue in her song “Long Time,” which dives into heartbreak beyond just relationships—covering family, career, and friendship too. Teyana reflected on the hardest and most personal songs on the project, what moved her to tears while making the album, and how she uses narration to carry emotion throughout. She also spoke about her work as a creative director and her new film One Battle After Another with Leonardo DiCaprio, out September 26th, and how people describe her energy on set. From her music industry journey—including her return to Def Jam—to co-parenting, career pivots, and culinary school, Teyana shared insight into the many chapters of her life right now. Stream “Bed of Roses” now and get her album Escape Room on August 22nd!

Drake is once again in rollout mode—or at least that’s what fans are betting on. A recent Instagram post, packed with fan edits, TikTok jokes, and a cameo from soccer phenom Erling Haaland, has ignited buzz around his upcoming project Iceman and the tour he’s calling “$ome $pecial $hows 4 U,” with longtime collaborator PARTYNEXTDOOR. Alongside the images, Drake captioned the post, “Tired…too many bangers,” a nod, perhaps, to the project’s creative pace. Whether it’s a cryptic update or a playful brush-off, the sentiment has only sharpened curiosity. Tracks like “What Did I Miss?” and “Which One,” featuring Central Cee, suggest a stylistic range that could stretch from tightly wound bars to festival-stage anthems. With no official date yet, the rollout appears to be unfolding in real time, one post at a time. The bigger question is whether Iceman is days away or still getting polished in the studio. Either way, the breadcrumbs are multiplying. What once felt like distant hype now reads more like a calculated warm-up act. Legal drama brews, but Drake stays locked in Offstage, though, Drake is juggling more than music. His name has surfaced in a defamation lawsuit tied to “Not Like Us,” the viral diss record from Kendrick Lamar. The case targets Universal Music Group but intersects with Drake’s feud, dragging the narrative into legal territory. He was recently cleared to subpoena Kojo Menne Asamoah, a figure alleged to hold relevant details surrounding the case and UMG’s role in the matter. It’s the kind of legal entanglement that could rattle a less seasoned artist. But for Drake, who’s long operated at the center of pop culture crossfire, the balance of public spectacle and private litigation is familiar terrain. And if the rollout of Iceman is any indication, he’s not backing off—he’s doubling down. As fans wait, refresh, and speculate, the Toronto native remains locked in: teasing bangers, navigating lawsuits, and fine-tuning the next chapter of his catalog. View this post on Instagram A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi)

Kid Cudi is revealing the details of his near-fatal overdose. In his upcoming memoir, Cudi,  described the fateful night when he was alone at his New York apartment in Tribeca, where he indulged in copious amounts of cocaine and that he “cryedg for hours.” “I was at peace with dying,” Cudi writes, according to  GQ, before he collapsed to the floor, almost comatose. “‘You made great music that people loved,’ I thought. ‘But this is the end.’” He also shared that he was doing cocaine lines as wide as his pinky finger “I couldn’t make sense of what was plaguing me. It was all happening so fast. The first Man on the Moon had been out for about a year and I was on a rocket ship,” Cudi continued. “Grappling with fame pushed me toward cocaine, which I only ever did alone. I was drawn to it in isolation, and my time by myself was increasing.” “I was feeling shut-in and I could barely even leave my house. The coke felt like a necessary countermeasure for my celebrity, but it was wreaking havoc on my life, creatively and personally. I had become super volatile emotionally,” he added. “My relationships were in shambles, and I couldn’t get songs out like I wanted. The anger was boiling in me. My rage came from my reality not aligning with my dream.” “My rage came from my reality not aligning with my dream,” he confessed. “I thought being set financially was going to save me and make everything all right. I thought being Kid Cudi would transform my life in all the best ways. It didn’t.” Cudi also acknowledged that his suicidal ideation returned during recording sessions for Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven. “After we’d finished a session, I’d be alone Googling exit bags,” he wrote. “I was thinking about a way I could actually do it. I was plotting it. There’s a song at the end of Speedin’ Bullet where I say good-bye, and that was meant to be my final album. I was going to kill myself at the end of that album, or before it came out, or during that cycle. I was not planning to live that year. Not many people around me expected me to either.” Cudi: The Memoir hits stores on Aug. 12.

Megan Thee Stallion turned into the ultimate fan-girl after running into the legendary Patti LaBelle during the filming of KPopped. The Apple TV+ series will premiere on Friday, August 29, and consist of eight episodes. According to Kpopped‘s synopsis, “A group of western artists reimagine their hit songs in collaboration with K-pop idols. They compete in battle performances judged by an audience in Seoul.”  Patti LaBelle is just one of the industry heavyweights expected to take the stage at KPopped. However, for Megan Thee Stallion, meeting with Patti seemed to be all that mattered. The two were spotted embracing one another, sharing a sweet conversation. At one point, the pair can be overheard discussing recipes, to which Megan reveals she’s a huge fan of LaBelle’s cookbooks. “Teach me,” the rapper says as she and Patti hold hands, to which she responds, “Yes.” Megan was presently surprised and overjoyed at the singer’s reaction. Patti LaBelle has authored over five cookbooks — three of which were New York Times bestsellers. Megan Thee Stallion meets the legendary Patti LaBelle. pic.twitter.com/Vy5dgWgoH7 — music data (@music__data) August 3, 2025 On a more sour note, the legal clash between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez has taken a sharp turn, as the rapper’s attorneys accuse Lanez of launching “petty, misogynistic jabs” during a recent deposition. The allegations inject fresh tension into an already high-profile case that has remained in the public spotlight. In a filing submitted in Florida federal court, Megan’s legal team is asking the judge to sanction Lanez—born Daystar Peterson—who is currently behind bars. They argue he violated a court order that required him to explain why he should not be held in contempt. Their motion stems from a deposition earlier this month, which they described as “disruptive and inflammatory.” According to Megan’s lawyers, Lanez used the deposition to mock the opposing counsel’s physical appearance and hair color—behavior they say amounted to harassment rather than a legitimate legal exchange. “This was not about answering questions,” they wrote, “but undermining the process with targeted disrespect.” 

Megan Thee Stallion’s business portfolio continues to expand as she embarks on her next big role: producer. According to Deadline, the Houston native is executive producing a new Korean dance competition series— Kpopped. The Apple TV+ series will premiere on Friday, Aug. 29. It will consist of eight episodes. According to Kpopped‘s synopsis, “A group of western artists reimagine their hit songs in collaboration with K-pop idols. They compete in battle performances judged by an audience in Seoul.” Industry heavyweights such as Patti Labelle, Boys II Men, and Eve are expected to guest star. Along with the rapper, Moira Ross, Lionel Richie, Miky Lee, Stallion, Greg Foster, and others are also credited as producers. Megan Thee Stallion will also serve as the series’ host, side by side with Psy. He is the voice behind the 2012 viral hit, “Gangnam Style.” The dance competition will occur in the heart of Korea, specifically in the city of Seoul. Check out the trailer below. Megan Thee Stallion’s 2025 has been off to a great start, especially in the relationship department. Not long ago, the rapper shared a video on TikTok and Instagram of her and NBA star Klay Thompson having a golfing date. In the nearly 10-minute video, Megan documents her trip to Arkansas. She reveals that, along with handling some business, she made sure to sneak in some one-on-one time with her new beau. Along with giving the Houston native some tips to up her golf game, Klay Thompson shared that her “love” had helped his skills improve. He called Megan his “good luck charm.” Toward the end of the almost ten-minute video, as they board a golf cart, Thompson said, “Ever since I’ve been in love, my golf game’s reaped all the benefits.” Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson have been spotted quite a lot since making their public debut at the rapper’s annual Pete & Thomas Foundation gala. From gym sessions to even the golf course, it seems the two can’t get enough of each other.

Busta Rhymes is receiving his long-overdue flowers The hip-hop legend will be honored with the 2,818th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony is slated for Friday, August 1, at 11:30 am PT at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard in front of East Town. Rhymes will be honored with his star in the category of Recording. Guest speakers for the ceremony include Chris Rock, LL Cool J, Chuck D., and Big Boy. “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will be adding Busta Rhymes, one of Hip-Hop’s most enduring and electrifying voices, as a new member of Hollywood’s iconic sidewalk, “ said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. ”His talent and influence are undeniable. His star on the Walk of Fame will stand as a testament to his lasting impact on hip-hop music and how important it is to the American culture,” added Martinez.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ana Martinez (@stargirl_stuff) Regarded as one of the best rappers of all-time, Busta Rhymes has earned 12 GRAMMY® nominations and sold over 60 million records certified gold and platinum songs in his catalog. He has had eight songs reach the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. These include hits like “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check”, “Dangerous”, “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”, “What’s It Gonna Be?!”, “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II”, “I Know What You Want”, and “Touch It”.  Also, Busta Rhymes has released several classic albums such as The Coming, When Disaster Strikes, and Extinction Level Event, just to name a few. He has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, landing seven Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200.

Clipse and Travis Scott’s Jackboys took over the hip-hop scene last weekend, while established and emerging artists such as Awich, Abrina, Dorrough, and Fordo weathered the storm. As the “Song of the Summer” race heats up, more of hip hop’s biggest stars prepare to join the battle royal. Summer 2025 is quickly becoming the season of seasoned artists. The legends and established acts continually prove how to create impactful music, while new artists struggle to maintain their relevance or find their unique sound. However, there are numerous new artists establishing their cult followings with unique new music. As the debates begin, blockbuster tours continue, and anticipated albums arrive, there’s still a lot of amazing new music that has gone overlooked this week. From Awich’s continued takeover to Tay Money and Rob 49’s surprise collab to Fordo doubling up, here’s all the new music you might have missed this week. Awich Proves Her Skills With FERG & Lupe Fiasco In “Wax On Wax” The rising female rhymeslayer sharpens her skills against credible master craftsmen such as the Trap Lord and Fiasco. The song is a sensual, confident anthem blending Japanese and English lyrics to explore empowerment through intimacy. She asserts control in both romantic and artistic expression. Abrina & DCMBR Show Us That “Good Love Forever” Inspired by San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs, a place in her hometown for clarity, reflection, and personal growth, the “Actin Up” hitmaker transforms her favorite escape into a bold, musical state of mind. The collaboration delivers undeniable chemistry and sensual energy. It re-enters the singer and her amazing talent into today’s music, while reuniting her with loyal fans who have been supporting her through all the ups and downs. Tay Money & Rob49 On The Search For A “Snow Bunny” More “Baddie Music” from the popular Dallas rap star. Linking with Rob for the infectious new party anthem, Big Tay brands herself the baddest with obligations of being dripped with the finer things and nothing less. The single promises an exciting new album from the “Assignment” hitmaker later this year. Dorrough Music Takes Us On A Wild Night Through “Uptown” The Legendary Dallas rapper blends swagger and Southern charm, contrasting past struggle with hard-earned rewards. It’s not just a party track—it’s a reflection of perseverance, elevated living, and the triumph of Southern rap resilience. Fordo Makes Moves To The Top Like “Nobody’s Watching” From his debut album, 2001, the Milwaukee rap star addresses public appearances and how the world perceives you. It is an anthem for anyone ready to drop the masks and be unapologetically themselves. Young Dro & K Carbon On “I Go” Bonding the past with the present in a bold anthem of confidence, hustle, and Southern bravado. Over a hard-hitting beat, both artists trade verses packed with swagger, flexing street credibility and lyrical dominance. The track celebrates relentless ambition, fast living, and unshakable self-assurance in the face of doubt. Kaash Paige Got “2BadBitches” The bona fide hit takes fans into Kaash Paige’s life after-dark. Surrounded by a crew of alluring women, the Dallas recording artist embraces her “toxic alter ego” in full form. It marks her return with a big bounce back to the top of music on the way. Da’Ville Is Ready For “Sunshine Days” Making a triumphant return after over a decade’s absence, the Reggae superstar picks up where he left off with the high-energy single. “This is the most personal and spiritual chapter of my journey,” he said. “Sunshine Days is about gratitude, love, and walking through life with your head up. The world needs that energy right now, and I’m here to give it.” Da Deputy & Big A Show Off Their Wheelpower The Fort Worth, Texas rapper takes us on a ride in his vibrant, quick tape that connects his love for car culture with his love for hip-hop. The tricked-out wordplay blends perfectly with Big A’s bass-driven production. It’s a go-to soundtrack for those long rides or meet-ups.

Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians of all time and at 75 years old, he has no plans to retire anytime soon. During a new interview with BBC’s Sidetracked podcast on Monday, July 21, the Motown legend revealed that he will keep performing as long as he can. “For as long as you breathe, for as long as your heart beats, there’s more for you to do,” Wonder told host Annie Mac. “I’m not gonna stop the gift that keeps pouring through my body.” He went on to explain that “an artist doesn’t stop drawing just because.” Instead, “you keep on. So as long as you can imagine, as long as you are going to be creative, and as long as you let your mind work, you don’t have to retire.”  The 25-time Grammy Award winner said he still gets excited about music just like he did when he released his first album at 12. “I love playing music, that’s like my mantra. I think I can do all the stuff I want to do – still have fun and do what I need to do – but I’m not going to stop the gift that keeps pouring through my body,” he said. “I love doing what I’m doing,” Wonder added. While some artists may have an issue playing their hits, Wonder loves to play the hits from his enormous catalog. “Songs are like children, they’re with you forever,” he said. ‘They are statements from the spirit within you, and singing those songs is like me taking another breath.”  Recently, Wonder answered all the conspiracy theories about him not being blind. “I must say to all of you, something that I was thinking, ‘When did I want to let the world know this?’ But I wanted to say it right now,” Wonder said at tour stop in Wales. “You know there have been rumors about me seeing and all that? But seriously, you know the truth.” “Truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind,” Wonder continued. “Now, that was a blessing because it’s allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight. See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. Not what color they are, but what color is their spirit?” Currently, Wonder is performing on the “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart Tour,” with shows in Pittsburgh, New York City, and Atlanta.