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.

R&B singer Nivea has revealed she is battling leukemia, a diagnosis the artist says has fundamentally altered her perspective on life and her career. The “Don’t Mess With My Man” singer shared the news during a recent interview on the digital program Cadillac Chronicles, marking the first time she has spoken publicly about the serious health challenge. During video shoot, Nivea disclosed that she was diagnosed with the blood cancer earlier this year. While she did not specify the exact type of leukemia or the current stage of the disease, she confirmed that she has been undergoing medical treatment for several months. Throughout the discussion, the singer credited her faith for providing the strength necessary to navigate the physical and emotional toll of the illness. “Everything has been put into perspective,” Nivea said regarding the diagnosis. She explained that the health scare has taught her to live with a deeper sense of gratitude and has refocused her energy on the things that matter most. The singer emphasized that she is choosing to focus on her daily progress rather than dwelling on the hardships she has faced since the beginning of the year. View this post on Instagram The Atlanta-born vocalist, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like “Laundromat” and “Okay,” told interviewers that she is currently feeling encouraged by her recovery process. Despite the rigorous nature of her medical regimen, she expressed a strong desire to return to the recording studio and resume her musical career, which has spanned more than two decades. Fans and members of the music community have begun pouring out support for the 44-year-old mother of four. Nivea, known for her unique soprano voice and collaborations with high-profile artists like Lil Wayne and Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, noted that she is embracing each day with a “renewed appreciation” for her life and the people surrounding her. The singer concluded the interview on an optimistic note, signaling that new music may be on the horizon as she continues to prioritize her health and well-being. “I’m just getting back to what I love most,” she said, indicating that her creative drive remains a central part of her healing journey.

Rapper T.I. announced his retirement from music after new album but what’s next for the King of the South includes hotels. The Atlanta rap veteran revealed that his next chapter could include everything from filmmaking and stand-up comedy to an unexpected venture in real estate. During a recent interview with Keke From The Fred Show, T.I. explained that he rarely pauses to celebrate his accomplishments, despite building one of hip-hop’s most decorated careers. Instead, the Grammy-winning rapper said his focus remains fixed on the future. “I don’t feel the moment,” T.I. said. “I’m turning in this album and looking for the next moment.” That mentality helped shape Kill the King, a title that flips the image T.I. spent years cultivating as the King of the South. Rather than signaling another victory lap, the rapper said the album reflects personal growth and the decision to let go of ego after decades at the top of the rap game. According to T.I., the project is about “starving out the ego,” making it one of his most introspective releases to date. The album explores maturity, accountability and evolution instead of chasing status or proving dominance. Rapper T.I., The King of The South, Will Probably Be Building Hotels After ‘Kill The King’ Album Although retirement is not official, T.I. suggested his days of making albums may eventually give way to new ambitions. He said the creativity that fueled his music career could be redirected into entirely different pursuits. “Ain’t no telling what else I’ll be able to do,” he said. “I might start building hotels or something.” The comment drew laughs, but it also reflected T.I.’s growing interest in entrepreneurship beyond music. Outside the recording studio, the rapper continues expanding his résumé. He recently premiered an independently produced romantic comedy that he co-wrote, directed and stars in. He also confirmed that Departments 2 is on the way. Stand-up comedy has become another passion. T.I. described performing in comedy clubs as his “happy place” and said he plans to devote more time to the craft after completing the Kill the King rollout and tour. For T.I., Kill the King represents more than another album. It signals a new era for one of Southern hip-hop’s most influential voices, proving the next move could be even bigger than the last.

Rapper Blueface, born Johnathan Michael Porter, was the target of an apparent swatting incident this week after a false emergency call prompted an armed response by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies to his Santa Clarita home, authorities said. According to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, deputies responded around 2:50 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. The caller falsely claimed Porter had fatally shot his girlfriend, was under the influence of drugs and had restrained the couple’s young daughter inside the residence. Law enforcement officers treated the report as a credible threat, detaining the home’s occupants at gunpoint while conducting a protective search. The response unfolded as Porter was livestreaming on the Kick platform, with portions of the encounter broadcast online. Authorities Investigate Rapper Blueface After Swatting Incident That Claims He Short Girlfriend & Daughter After securing the property, deputies determined the allegations were unfounded. Authorities found no evidence of a shooting, no injured victims and no ongoing danger to the public. Everyone detained during the operation was released without arrest. The sheriff’s department said investigators now believe the incident was a swatting attack, a criminal scheme in which a false emergency report is made to provoke a heavily armed police response. Detectives are working to identify the caller. No arrests have been announced. Following the search, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station said deputies conducted “a thorough investigation” and determined “the report was unfounded.” Authorities also confirmed there was “no threat to the public” after completing the search. The investigation focuses on identifying the individual responsible for the alleged hoax rather than any criminal conduct by Porter. Swatting incidents have increasingly drawn scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. The significant risks they pose to officers, emergency personnel and residents caught in high-risk tactical responses. The incident comes as Porter remains in the public eye following recent legal matters. He recent had a highly publicized dispute with rapper Chrisean Rock. However, authorities have made clear that the current investigation concerns only the allegedly fabricated emergency call.

Rapper Pooh Shiesty will remain in federal custody after a Texas federal judge denied his second bid for pretrial release in a kidnapping and extortion case accusing him of forcing rapper Gucci Mane to terminate a recording contract at gunpoint. U.S. District Judge David Godbey ruled Tuesday that Lontrell Williams Jr., the Memphis rapper known professionally as Pooh Shiesty, failed to demonstrate that any proposed release conditions could protect the public while he awaits his scheduled February 2027 trial. @TheJusticeDept v. @pooh_shiesty / @BigThirty375: Judge David C Godbey DENIED the Bond request made by Pooh Shiesty in a federal hearing on Tuesday, July 21, according to new court doc. Pooh Shiesty’s trial for the alleged kidnapping and extortion of rapper @gucci1017 is set… pic.twitter.com/SCB1dLInaN — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) July 21, 2026 “There is no condition or combination of conditions that would protect the public,” Godbey said during the detention hearing, describing Williams as “a dangerous person.” Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Defense counsel proposed a stringent supervision plan that included retaining Houston-based PPI Security for 24-hour monitoring at a projected cost of up to $700,000. Brandon Bess, the firm’s chief investigator, testified that the security measures would mirror those provided to a state attorney general and would ensure immediate reporting of any violations. Godbey rejected the proposal. Judge Denies Rapper Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr) Bond Again Over Gucci Mane Case In Dallas Federal Court Federal prosecutors argued that Williams allegedly committed the charged offenses while serving a term of supervised release following his 2022 federal firearms conspiracy conviction. They contended that prior court supervision failed to deter the alleged conduct. According to the indictment, Williams arranged a January 2026 meeting with Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radric Davis, at a Dallas recording studio under the pretense of discussing business. Prosecutors allege Williams then displayed an AK-style Draco pistol and compelled Davis to release him from his contract with The New 1017 Records. Court filings further allege that fellow Memphis rapper Big30 recorded part of the encounter. Prosecutors contend the video captures Davis verbally releasing Williams from the recording agreement. The government also alleges Williams received unauthorized travel passes from a former community supervision officer who was later dismissed. Prosecutors argue those violations further support continued detention. Williams is scheduled to stand trial on Feb. 22, 2027, and will remain in federal custody pending trial.

Hip-Hop mogul 50 Cent mocked the reported commercial performance of rapper Rick Ross’ new album, Set In Stone, with a pointed Instagram post that quickly ignited debate across social media. On Tuesday, July 21, the G-Unit mogul shared a photo of himself grinning before taking aim at Ross’ reported first-week numbers. “I just saw your record sales! LOL 2,000 WTF,” 50 Cent wrote. View this post on Instagram The jab arrived after reports claimed Set In Stone generated about 1.38 million Spotify streams during its first day of release. Using standard streaming conversion estimates, that figure equates to roughly 1,220 album units from Spotify streams alone. Official first-week totals, however, combine streaming activity with digital and physical album sales. Rick Ross and his label had not publicly confirmed the album’s opening-week figures. Many fans viewed 50’s post as retaliation after Ross and comedian Deon Cole recently joked about the rapper’s former girlfriend and the mother of his son, Sire, during a promotional interview for Set In Stone. Hip-Hop Mogul 50 Cent Mocks Rapper Rick Ross’s First-Day Sales Of New Album, Set In Stone The comment section quickly became another battleground. Hip-hop outlet Diverse Mentality joked, “Tory Lanez who is locked up released an album too and did better than Ross .” Another user, @bagluck_, added, “1220 in the first week is tuff, I did better than that .” Instagram user @tar.zan_ piled on, writing, “Someone said he Took the biggest loss that i seen thus far. .” Others linked the latest exchange to the pair’s decades-long feud. User @hhf_2050 commented, “He still mad about you bringin’ his kids to Floyd’s crib .” Still, not everyone agreed with the criticism. User @deeboi_130 defended the project, writing, “That album is fire I ain’t going to hold you album is fire I don’t care what he sold in the first week the album is fire.” Whether the jokes centered on streaming numbers or old grudges, the exchange proved one thing: 50 Cent and Rick Ross remain as competitive as ever. More than 15 years after their feud began, every album release, interview and Instagram post still gives each side another chance to trade shots in one of hip-hop’s most enduring rivalries.

Joey Bada$$ is looking to add another major acting opportunity to his growing résumé. The Creed franchise is one project he hopes to join. The rapper and actor recently spoke with Ty Cole for the With Love talk series on Patreon. There, he discussed his interest in becoming part of the boxing drama’s expanding world. After making appearances in projects including Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Badass said stepping into the Creed universe would be a meaningful next move. “I would love to play in Creed,” Badass said during the interview. Cole pointed out that while the next steps for the franchise remain unclear, more films involving Michael B. Jordan and the larger cast are expected. When it comes to the kind of character he would want to portray, Badass suggested he would rather take on a role with a physical presence. He would prefer that over simply appearing on the sidelines. “I’m open, you know what I’m saying?” he explained. “But, like, I definitely see myself playing a fighter.” Badass Eyes Role In Creed’s Future The possibility comes as the Creed series continues to build momentum following the release of Creed III in 2023. The film marked Jordan’s directorial debut while bringing him back as Adonis Creed. Notably, it became both a commercial success and a critical favorite. Since then, conversations around a fourth installment and a larger expansion of the franchise have continued. There are now plans to grow the series beyond the original films. Jordan previously discussed the future of Creed during an appearance on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast. He said another chapter is “eventually, definitely” happening. He also reflected on the franchise’s importance in his career, explaining that it has been “really kind” to him “in a big way.” For Bada$$, joining the series would represent another crossover moment between his music career and his work as an actor. While there is no indication that casting decisions have been made, his interest highlights the continued appeal of a franchise. Performers are still looking for roles with both dramatic weight and physical intensity.

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.

According to TMZ, Migos rapper Offset has avoided jail time after resolving a criminal assault case arising from an altercation at a Los Angeles cannabis dispensary, with a California court imposing one year of probation and several additional conditions. Court records show Offset, whose legal name is Kiari Cephus, was sentenced to 12 months of probation in connection with a March 2025 confrontation at MedMen LAX. The resolution requires the rapper to stay away from the dispensary, refrain from making threats against any person and not own or possess dangerous weapons during the probationary period. Offset sentenced over assault at L.A. weed shop, gets community service. https://t.co/sb2MF4zjKj pic.twitter.com/0SAG6PvLpm — TMZ (@TMZ) July 20, 2026 The court also ordered Offset to complete an anger management course, perform community service and pay restitution. The amount of restitution has not yet been determined. The criminal case stemmed from allegations that Offset assaulted security guard Jim Sanchez after being asked to provide identification before entering the dispensary. Migos Rapper Offset, REal Name Kiari Cephus, Hit With Probation In Weed Shop Assault Case According to the prosecution’s allegations, the encounter escalated after Sanchez requested identification. It prompts that Offset to strike the guard in the face. Sanchez further alleged that members of the rapper’s entourage joined the altercation, leaving him with injuries that required hospital treatment. Offset has denied the allegations. He maintains that Sanchez initiated the physical confrontation by spitting on him. Offset contends that any actions he took occurred only after the incident escalated. The probationary sentence resolves the criminal prosecution without a custodial term. However, Offset must comply with all court-ordered conditions throughout the next year or risk additional legal consequences for violating probation. The disposition closes another legal matter involving the Atlanta rapper. While the case has concluded, the underlying allegations remain disputed. The prosecutors and the defense are offering sharply different accounts of the confrontation that unfolded. The court’s judgment resolves the criminal charges without making findings on the parties’ competing factual narratives.

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.