Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is facing serious legal trouble after being indicted in connection with an illegal gambling ring based in Southern California. According to federal prosecutors, Arenas and several others allegedly ran underground poker games out of his Encino mansion, turning the property into a high-end venue for high-stakes gambling between late 2021 and mid-2022. Authorities say the operation went far beyond casual games. Arenas is accused of working with others to organize and profit from the events, which reportedly featured hired staff, including servers, chefs, valets, and security. Prosecutors also claim that Arenas brought in a 51-year-old associate to help manage the setup and collect rent from the players. The alleged gambling ring was discovered during a raid in 2022, when LAPD officers and federal agents found more than two dozen players and a dozen staff members at Arenas’ home. Officials believe the group was earning money by taking a portion from each pot played during the games. “Gilbert Arenas was arrested in Southern California on Wednesday after authorities say he ran an illegal gambling business,” according to court records obtained by NBC. In total, Arenas and five other individuals are facing two charges each: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Each charge carries a possible five-year prison sentence. In addition, Arenas has been hit with a separate charge for allegedly lying to federal investigators during the probe. The 43-year-old former Washington Wizards player is currently in custody and was scheduled to appear in court later on Wednesday. The case is still developing, with more information expected to emerge in the coming days as the investigation continues.

Metro Boomin is finally giving fans what they’ve been waiting for. His new mixtape, A Futuristic Summa, originally expected on July 22, is now officially slated for release on August 1. The delay only seems to have heightened anticipation, especially with the St. Louis producer dropping teasers in the days leading up to the announcement. The rollout began with a trailer shared by Kurrco on X, featuring Metro previewing scenes from what looks like the “Slide” music video—a track that enlists Roscoe Dash. Since the July 4 announcement, Metro has also released a visualizer for “Slide,” giving fans a first taste of the project’s sonic palette. Hints at the full roster followed soon after. Quavo was the first major name revealed, but the lineup has grown. Short clips and cheeky voicemails posted by Metro confirmed appearances by Future, Lil Baby, and Gucci Mane. Longtime Southern staples like T.I., 2 Chainz, Waka Flocka Flame, and Young Dro are also expected to appear, rounding out a lineup that bridges past and present trap. Metro Boomin reinvents the mixtape with new voices and retro flair Metro has signaled a creative shift with A Futuristic Summa, noting in response to a fan on X that he’d be switching things up. “New cast,” he replied, emphasizing that the project won’t just rely on familiar names but will introduce a broader range of collaborators. In keeping with the nostalgic tone, the mixtape is accompanied by a Myspace-style website—an homage to early internet culture and mixtape-era digital rollouts. Sonically, “Slide” taps into a retro trap bounce, nodding to the roots of the genre while pushing it forward. As August 1 approaches, A Futuristic Summa is shaping up to be a carefully curated blend of classic Southern trap and forward-thinking production. For Metro Boomin, it’s not just another tape—it’s a statement. METRO BOOMIN A FUTURISTIC SUMMA(MIXTAPE) FRIDAY FUTURE LIL BABY QUAVO T.I. 2CHAINZ WAKA FLOCKA FLAME TRAVIS PORTER YOUNG DRO ROSCOE DASH JMONEY RICH KIDZ MORE pic.twitter.com/CUf9dwlrnd — Kurrco (@Kurrco) July 29, 2025

ONE Musicfest, “the nation’s largest Black-owned, open-air, multi-stage music festival,” will make its highly anticipated return to Atlanta’s Piedmont Park on Oct. 25 and 26.  Presented by P&G and co-produced by Live Nation, Urban festival is known as “the South’s biggest cultural celebration.” In alphabetical order, this year’s performers include, 803 Fresh, Ari Lennox, Bankroll Ni, Bobby V, Boosie, Busta Rhymes, Carl Thomas, Case, Chief Keef, Clipse, Cupid, DJ Smooth, Flippa T, FLO, Greg Street & Friends (Plies, Project Pat, Rich Kidz, Trinidad James, Trick Daddy), Havoc of Mobb Deep, Jagged Edge, Jazmine Sullivan, KenTheMan, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Lloyd, Marvin Sapp, Mike Clark Jr., Odeal,  Organized Noize, Pleasure P, Rasheeda, Ray J, Ray Vaughn, Sammie, Tonio Armani, Trick Daddy, Trinidad James, Tweet, Wale, Yakiyn. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ONE Musicfest (@onemusicfest) Jason “J.” Carter, Founder of ONE Musicfest, released a statement about this year’s extravaganza. “Atlanta is our home, and this year we’re celebrating it in the biggest way possible — with Future, Ludacris, and a historic Dungeon Family Reunion honoring the life and legacy of Rico Wade, a true giant in hip hop,” Carter said. “ONE Musicfest has always been about uniting legends, elevating new voices, and creating unforgettable cultural moments. While we’re paying tribute to Atlanta’s legacy, this year’s lineup reflects the richness and diversity of Black music and culture from across the globe.” Since its launch, the One Music Festival has had a significant annual economic impact of more than $61 million and employs more than  5,000 people annually, comprising event staff, production crews, security personnel, hospitality staff, vendors, and artists. OMF powers Atlanta’s creative economy, supports Black-owned businesses, and fosters partnerships that last beyond festival weekend. It’s more than a festival — it’s a cultural engine for Atlanta and the global community.” For more information, check out www.onemusicfest.com.

Common is never shy when it comes to sharing his love for his partner, Jennifer Hudson. Appearing on the July 28 episode of the podcast Mama, I Made It!, Common described their relationship as one of his “greatest blessings” and among one of the most “important things” to him. “The friendship, the partnership, the life partnership, just the connection, it’s one of those things where you don’t know truly what true partnership and relationship is until you get there,” Common told host Samantha Chatman. After being in high-profile relationships with Erykah Badu, Sernea Williams, and Tiffany Haddish, the legendary rapper acknowledged that he needed to grow to get to a place to be in the right relationships with Hudson. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha Chatman (@samantha.chatman) “It’s like those things you pray for and you don’t get them until you’re ready,” he said about their relationship. “Whatever growing I had to do, it was the divine time in alignment when Jennifer and I started like being interested in each other.” Common also noted that he had  “been around each other” and “worked together before,” as the two starred in Breathe, which came out in 2024. “But this was the time when we just felt and got to see each other in that way,” he continued. “It’s inspiring to have somebody who’s as talented and just soulful and gifted and can do all these different things and is one of the greatestvocalists of all time.” According to Common, he and Hudson are “equally yoked” and with her, he’s learned so much about “partnership and love.” When you get there, you recognize what it is. And I hold her up high and God willing, I keep praying for that–we just continue to be at our best with each other,” he said.

Shannon Sharpe has reportedly parted ways with ESPN following the settlement of a high-profile sexual assault lawsuit filed earlier this year. According to reports, the former NFL star and television personality is no longer with the network after quietly reaching a confidential settlement in a $50 million lawsuit brought by Gabriella Zuniga in April 2025. The lawsuit, filed in Nevada, alleged multiple incidents of sexual assault, rape, and emotional distress. Sharpe denied all allegations. Though neither ESPN nor Sharpe has publicly confirmed the separation, sources say the split was finalized in the wake of the settlement, which was reached on July 18 and led to the dismissal of the case with prejudice—meaning it cannot be refiled. ESPN reportedly opted not to bring Sharpe back to First Take, where he had been a marquee guest debater alongside Stephen A. Smith since joining the show in August 2023. Sharpe had stepped away from his ESPN duties shortly after the lawsuit became public, with his last appearance airing in late April. At the time, he stated that he intended to return once the legal matter was resolved. In the meantime, Sharpe has remained active in the media space through his independently operated podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, which have maintained strong followings on platforms like YouTube and social media. The case adds to a pattern of legal scrutiny surrounding Sharpe’s media career. Reports resurfaced earlier this year of a 2021 incident during his time at FS1’s Undisputed, in which a former production assistant accused him of choking her during an altercation. That matter was reportedly settled out of court, and Sharpe has also denied any wrongdoing in that case. Though ESPN has not issued a formal statement, multiple sources confirmed the network’s decision not to reinstate Sharpe after the lawsuit’s resolution. As of now, no replacement for his role on First Take has been announced.

Doja Cat has sparked a viral moment after mocking Sydney Sweeney’s new American Eagle campaign, adding fuel to a growing wave of criticism surrounding the ad. In a TikTok video, Doja used an exaggerated Southern accent to imitate Sweeney’s delivery from the commercial, where the Euphoria star says, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color… my jeans are blue.” What was meant to be a playful pun didn’t sit well with many, and Doja’s parody highlighted how absurd some viewers found it. The ad quickly came under fire online, with users accusing American Eagle of pushing outdated and harmful beauty ideals by spotlighting Sweeney’s blue eyes and blonde hair. Some even went so far as to draw comparisons to propaganda promoting selective traits—criticizing the message as tone-deaf in today’s cultural climate. Doja’s post only amplified the backlash. Her sarcastic tone struck a chord with viewers who were already questioning the campaign’s direction and messaging. While some defended the ad as harmless wordplay, others found it to be a careless attempt at blending science, fashion, and identity. American Eagle initially promoted several clips featuring Sweeney across social media, but the specific “blue genes” spot has since been taken down. Neither the brand nor Sweeney has publicly responded to the controversy, despite the growing discourse. Billboard has reached out to both parties for comment, but as of now, the silence continues. Meanwhile, the internet keeps the conversation going—thanks in part to Doja Cat’s viral takedown.

Draya Michele claps back at a TikTok user who called her out over her relationship with Jalen Green. Tiktoker Boujeebrownskin took to his page to react to a recent appearance on Whistle’s “Home Team” relationship quiz, where the couple playfully tested how well they know each other.. Brownskin says Michele and Green relationship is seemingly one of a “mother/son” rather than a romantic one.  “It’s the fact that you are aware that he is significantly younger than you, and you think that it’s a joke,” Boujeebrownskin said in the video. “It’s clear you are leaning into this intentional age gap that y’all have, and I think that’s pretty f***ing weird.” Michele caught wind of the video and shared her sentiments. “One more thing … this is AGEIST !! No different from being homophobic — you can’t be woke about one thing, babe and not the other,” Michele commented on the video. “Discrimination is discrimination. Imagine if somebody told you couldn’t love who you wanted to because they felt like it was ‘wrong.’” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk) As previously reported, while on Whistle’s “Home Team” relationship quiz, one of the lighthearted questions asked was who slid into whose DMs first, and without hesitation, Green owned up to it: he was the one who initiated contact. Despite the scrutiny their relationship has faced—particularly due to their 17-year age gap—the couple seems unfazed. In fact, Draya has leaned into the humor of their dynamic as when the couple was asked who is the better driver between the two- Draya says she’s had a “drivers license [his] whole life.”

Mariah Carey shared that her ex-husband, former Columbia Records music executive Tommy Mottola, did not want her to sing R&B. Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Carey spoke on her relationship with Mottola, who was 20 years her senior, and how he sought to keep her away from the R&B sound of the day. “I wanted to do more R&B, more urban music, and any time I would bring that up, it would get shot down,” Carey explained. “It wasn’t that I didn’t like the music I was making – I just felt there was more inside me that I wanted to release. Eventually, Carey and Mottola separated in 1997. The same year, she released her critically acclaimed LP Butterfly because Carey “felt free for the first time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harper’s Bazaar UK (@bazaaruk) “Sometimes I feel angry about that time, but I think I’ve made peace with it – in any case, I vowed I’d stop talking about it,” she said. Almost 30 years later, Caryey attempts to put a “light-hearted spin on” that dark time in her life. “Humor is my release, and people who know me know that. I’ll make little jokes about what happened because otherwise I could make every day a sob story. It’s a coping mechanism, but it’s in my nature to laugh.” On Sept. 26, Carey will release her 16th studio album, Here For It All. Along with her new music, Carye is also planning to release a documentary about her life and a scripted series adapted from her bestselling memoir.

After his cancer diagnosis, Deion Sanders revealed that one of his biggest supporters was fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss. During his press conference on Monday (July 28), where Sanders and his medical team shared that he beat bladder cancer, he expressed his immense gratitude for Moss’ support. “Randy Moss called me every other day to make sure I was straight,” the Colorado Buffaloes head coach said. “Randy Moss prayed for me. He and his wife told me what I needed to be doing. He’s gone through some things very similar.” “Randy Moss, man. I love him to life. Love him more than ever,” Sanders continued. “He gave me so much strength and so much guidance. And so much love and respect and appreciation.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by CFB on FOX (@cfbonfox) While Sanders was experiencing health challenges, Moss revealed his own battle with bile duct cancer, which caused him to take a leave of absence from ESPN’s NFL coverage in early December. When he returned to ESPN’s “Sunday Night Countdown” for Super Bowl 59, Moss shared that he was cancer-free In early July, ESPN announced that Moss would return to “Sunday Night Countdown” full-time for the upcoming  2025 season. At the press conference, Sanders said he decided to have his bladder removed for his family and his hope of returning to the sidelines for the season. “The decision I chose was based not just on family, it was based on football,” Sanders said. “I didn’t want to be going weekly to the hospital when I know I’ve got practices.” Sanders also encouraged others to get physical examinations as soon as possible. “There’s a lot of people out there going through what I’m going through and dealing with what I’m dealing with,” Sanders said. “Let’s stop being ashamed of it and let’s deal with it and let’s deal with it head on.” “Get checked out,” he added. “Because it could have been a whole ‘nother gathering if I didn’t.”

Ray J feels like he’s“not a brother” to Brandy. Appearing on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, Ray J made some wild claims about how he perceives his relationship with Brandy now. When Newton called him the brother of Brandy in his introduction, Ray J immediately took issue with the description. “That’s a big intro, but I’m not a brother no more, man,” Ray J said. “Just because I’m not bro,” Ray J said after Newton kept questioning him.“I mean, I love my sister. But I don’t think I’m her brother no more.” After going through bizarre explanations of his sentiments, he went on a tirade about his “new phase of life.” “You grow out of, like, this first phase of life, and there’s a second phase. In the second phase, a lot of the people in the first phase are no longer there,” he said. “It’s, like, a love changes, a thug changes, and best friends become strangers, and that’s not me, Nas said that.” “It’s so accurate in today’s time, and as you grow, people grow, and you grow away,” Ray J continued. “And when you grow away, sometimes you’re gone, sometimes it’s don,e and you try to get it back and try to, like, understand this first wave of things but when you’re treated exactly like it was in the first wave then you understand what you have to do, you know what I’m saying? So that’s just where I’m at, like, I care, but I don’t give a f**k.” The “Wait a Minute” singer also claimed that he’s been disinvited from family functions. He noted that his cousin, who is Brandy’s manager, said that he and his daughter, Melody Love Norwood, couldn’t attend a Disney premiere featuring Brandy “because it was supposedly an ‘18 and over’ event.” Following his comments, Ray J thanked his sister for giving him an opportunity in the entertainment business. “I have to walk a certain line because I want everybody to know Brandy’s the first person who ever put me on, believed in me, took me out of town when I was getting in trouble,” he said. “Her and my mom brought me out on tour, saved my life, moved me to the valley, and so I’m always grateful.” Interestingly, after expressing his gratitude to Brandy, he then again doubled down on his claim that he’s not her brother anymore. “I don’t know why I said that. I can’t believe I said it. I’m gonna keep it real with you, I don’t know why I said that. But I said it, so fuck it, and I meant it.”