SZA is showing her gratitude to Kendrick Lamar for bringing her on the record-breaking Grand National Tour. Taking to Instagram, SZA thanked K-Dot for allowing her to take the stage with him in some of the biggest venues in the world. “This tour was the craziest, most once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ve ever had. Like all my childhood thoughts in one bang… WHAT WAS THAT? Lmao not a lot of words,” SZA wrote. “Thank you to every single person involved that made this happen. Especially Kendrick Lamar.” “This tour was the craziest most once in a lifetime experience I’ve ever had……… Thanks to every single person involved that made this happen. Especially Kendrick Lamar” — SZA via IG pic.twitter.com/V3oFgabzKS — kendrick Lyrics (@WordFromKdot) August 10, 2025 During the tour, an emotional SZA paid tribute to Kendrick. “He put me onto the biggest moment of my life. This is also the biggest moment of my life… I’m so thankful, and I’m so thankful to y’all,” she said before they embraced on stage. Speaking with Interview Magazine, SZA told Chappell Roan that she suffered from anxiety and was apprehensive about going on tour. “Every time I had to go on stage, every time I had to get on a carpet, I’d have full-on panic attacks,” SZA explained. “ I used to not show up to something because it was like, ‘I’m never going to win. No one cares that I’m here. Why would I go?’” “Same thing with the Kendrick tour. Everybody’s going to see Kendrick. I don’t even know if I have anything to show these people that’s exciting and new,” she added. “Now it’s just like, ‘F**k it. I don’t have anything else to do, and I want to see where this door is going to lead.’ I want to walk through the door. I want to see what happens in the uncertainty,” continued.
Eminem Shares His 17 Year Sobriety Journey
Eminem is opening up about his 17-year sobriety journey During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Eminem experienced a near-fatal overdose in 2007, which caused him to radically change his life. In his new documentary STANS, he reveals the steps he took to save his life. “After the overdose, I came home going, ‘Yo, bro, I need something… I’m going to die if I don’t do something,” Em said. He went on to describe he was coming off a “vicious cycle” of feeling “depressed” and needing “more pills “ and woke up one day in the hospital. “I didn’t know what the f— happened. It seemed like I fell asleep, and I woke up with tubes in me and s—. I wanted to get up. I couldn’t move,” he said. Following overdose, made his 2009 album Relapse and began the recovery process. You’ve gotta do something different,’” Em said after the lukewarm response the the LP. “Why don’t you try embracing sobriety?” He continues, “I realized I’m not embarrassed anymore about it, and I started treating sobriety like a superpower. I was proud of the fact that I could quit.” In STANS, which takes his name after his classic song from 2000, viewers will witness the “complicated relationship between one of the world’s most private artists and his massive public persona,” according to the synopsis of the doc. “Through stylized recreations, rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and an exclusive original interview with Eminem himself, it offers a raw, loud, and revealing journey across his career — and the passionate audience that has grown with him,” it continues. STANS will be available to stream internationally on Paramount+ later this year.
Kash Doll & Za’Darius Smith Call It Quits: ‘We Can’t See Eye To Eye’
After what appeared to be a whirlwind romance, Kash Doll and her boyfriend, Za’Darius Smith, the Detroit Lions defensive lineman, have split up. On Sunday (Aug.10), Kash Doll shared the news with her fans online. The “Ice Me Out” rapper took to X, writing, “At this point of my life, I just need to be single.” The rapper noted that while Smith was a great partner, the pair can no longer “see eye to eye.” She added, ” With all due respect, we decided to part ways [heart emoji], I’m giving the internet a break also so I’m done with y’all too right now.” At this point of my life i just need to be single.. Zadarius a great guy but we can’t see eye to eye and with all due respect we decided to part ways I’m giving the internet a break also so I’m done with yall too right now — KEISHA (@kashdoll) August 10, 2025 While the rapper doesn’t reveal too much about what led to the breakup, in another post on X, Kash Doll cited that she’s been dealing with some mental health issues. “Mental health is real…. U gotta Make sure everyone around you means well.” Smith later confirmed the news on his Instagram Story, writing, “Single.” On a happier note, while Kash Doll’s relationship may be ending, her acting career is starting to take off. Last month, it was announced that the Detroit native has joined the third season of Reasonable Doubt as Nisha, a sharp and resourceful assistant to lead character Jax Stewart. Filming is underway in Atlanta, and her casting has sparked excitement from longtime fans and new viewers alike. This isn’t Kash Doll’s first acting venture. Her portrayal of Monique on Starz’s BMF earned praise for its emotional depth and authenticity. She also appeared on Empire, showcasing her versatility as a performer beyond the mic. With Reasonable Doubt, she continues her transition from rap icon to multi-dimensional actress.
Drake Reveals He’s Been ‘Staying Up All Night’ Recording ‘Iceman’
While helping Stake celebrate its eighth anniversary during a livestream, Drake opened up about the recording process for his forthcoming album, Iceman. According to the Toronto native, he’s been keeping some odd hours as he works to complete the album. Iceman would count as the rapper’s ninth studio album and works as the follow-up to 2023’s For All The Dogs. “I’ll stay up all night f*cking recording for Iceman,” Drake said in the livestream. He also mentioned that he is working to find a healthy balance between work and play. He enjoys partying with friends when possible, but he also makes time to return to the studio to record. “They’re having a full-blown party outside,” Drake said. “I can hear people and having a street festival all day. I’ll go out there. I’ll f*cking run out there. I’ll turn up with them, do shots, come back— like, I just want a little, you know, I wanna feel it.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by NFR Podcast (@nfrpodcast) In other news, a federal judge in Manhattan has allowed Drake’s legal team to serve a key third-party witness using alternative methods, after repeated attempts at personal delivery failed in the rapper’s ongoing lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). In a memorandum opinion filed earlier this week, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas granted the motion permitting service of a subpoena on Kojo Menne Asamoah, who Drake claims knows UMG’s alleged efforts to manipulate streaming numbers tied to a recording the artist says is defamatory. “Plaintiff alleges that Mr. Asamoah possesses knowledge relating to UMG’s use of covert tactics to promote the Defamatory Material,” the court wrote, “including because Plaintiff believes that Mr. Asamoah was involved in directing payments and/or financial incentives from UMG to third parties involved in online botting.” Drake’s legal team has listed Asamoah as a relevant witness in their initial disclosures.
The Weeknd Reaches Record-Breaking Milestone For Canadian Artists
According to Billboard Canada, The Weeknd has set the record for most performances by a Canadian artist at one of Toronto’s biggest stadiums — the Rogers Centre, which also houses the Toronto Blue Jays. The singer performed four shows on his After Hours Til Dawn Tour at the Rogers Centre, which began on Thursday, August 7. The outlet also reported that he set the record for “most shows at the venue by a male solo artist on the same tour.” This trek would count as The Weeknd’s seventh concert tour. The stadium tour was in support of his fourth, fifth, and sixth studio albums: After Hours (2020), Dawn FM (2022), and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025). This tour serves as a victory lap for the “Timeless” singer and marks the end of his Weeknd era. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NFR Podcast (@nfrpodcast) Last month, The Weeknd was awarded the ultimate honor from his hometown of Toronto by receiving the Key to the City and a citywide proclamation of “The Weeknd Weekend” from July 26-27. Complex reported that the City of Toronto recognized” the pop star actor for his accomplishments as a singer-songwriter and producer, his enduring humanitarian efforts, and his dedication to giving back to his city.” During the private ceremony, The Weeknd was presented by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who was attended by youth from West Scarborough and The Weeknd’s alma mater, Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home,” The Weeknd said. “Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs. That’s why I’m proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and my former high school, Birchmount Park, providing youth with the means to unlock their full potential.”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Mother Recalls His ‘Kind, Loving’ Spirit In Tribute Post
The sudden passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner not only sent a shock through Black Hollywood, but also those closest to him. His mother, Pamela, recently paid tribute to former Cosby Show actor in a lengthy social media post. “Needless to say, our hearts are heavy with the loss of Malcom,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Friday (Aug 8). “He was a kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity.” She continued: “He wanted all to be aware of their inner strength and that they could succeed, accomplish, and transform. This was his latest mission and work, transformation, in order for you to be fully present in your life.” While Malcolm was most known for his acting and musical talents, Pamela notes he was an “exceptional father, husband, and son.” She added, “He was not only my son, but also my teacher, coach, confidant, business partner, and best friend. He was the son that his father was immensely proud of and loved fiercely and unconditionally.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malcolm-Jamal Warner Living Legacy (@mjwlivinglegacy) On July 20, news broke that Malcolm-Jamal Warner had tragically passed away during a trip to Costa Rica. According to sources, the actor’s official cause of death was asphyxia. While tragic for his mother, Pamela, his death was a full-circle moment. “Malcolm was birthed through water and he transitioned through water,” she says. “He departed as he arrived, through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.” Toward the end of the note, she explained what fans can expect moving forward regarding his legacy. “In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be sharing updates on the work being done in his memory. Thank you for being here and staying connected,” she wrote.
Ice Cube Stands Up For WBNA Players After Sex Toy Debacle
For the past two weeks, WNBA players have dealt with several incidents of fans throwing sex toys on the basketball court. In Ice Cube’s opinion, the people responsible should be barred from attending games. “Somebody doing that, man, should really be kicked up out the building and not allowed back in,” the rapper-actor tells REAL 92.3 LA. “I don’t know what people think they could get out of that.” According to Cube, it’s beyond “foul” and “unnecessary” that the players have to experience this. Later, the Friday creator was asked about his reaction if this behavior were to take place at one of his BIG3 games. Cube made it clear that if one tries to pull a stunt like that, “somebody might have to put hands on them.” “Not only put ’em out, but touch him up a little bit on the way out. Let him remember, let anybody who do some stupid sh*t like this know that it going to be consequences and repercussions,” he added. AYO! @icecube tells us what’ll happen if a sex toy gets thrown on a @thebig3 court @TheCruzShow @jcruzshow @WORLDSTAR @HipHopDX @ComplexSports pic.twitter.com/9qtDcPd9uZ — REAL 92.3 LA (@Real923LA) August 7, 2025 Cube wasn’t the only one to speak out; Indiana Fever player, Sophie Cunningham, claimed incidents such as this make the WNBA look like a “joke.” “First of all, the bounce that thing had, if that smacked someone in the face, that’s going to be plastered everywhere,” Cunningham told the Show Me Something podcast. “I just know that if things go viral now. … If that thing even came from the rafters or bounced and slapped me in the face, that would be what I would be known for, for life.” One of the perpetrators, 18-year-old Kaden Lopez, was recently arrested for throwing a green dildo on the court during the recent Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun game. The WNBA recently issued a statement declaring that any fan caught throwing objects on the court would be “immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban.” This punishment could also mean facing possible criminal charges. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league,” the statement continues. “Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.”
Offset Reveals Where He Stands With Quavo: ‘That’s Family’
Despite Offset and Quavo’s past tension, the rapper makes it clear that their familial bond remains unbroken. “That’s family at the end of the day,” he tells the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast in their latest episode. “You’re gonna bump heads with your family sometime,” he added. “In the day, a n*gga ain’t finna play with him, or a n*gga ain’t finna play with me.” The pair’s tension started around 2022 after rumors swirled that Offset had slept with Quavo’s then-girlfriend, Saweetie. This had also been what allegedly led to the disbandment of the Migos. However, after Takeoff was shot and killed in November 2022, the pair only became further estranged. Eventually, things came to a head at the 2023 Grammys, where the two reportedly got into a brief scuffle over the direction of Takeoff’s tribute. Luckily, Offset and Quavo were eventually able to settle their beef. Set revealed to the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast hosts, he and Quavo talk at least once a week, saying “It be the internet trying to do some old sh*t, but with us, it ain’t about that. Like, we holla at each other.” In 2013, Migos — which consisted of Offset, Quavo, and the late Takeoff— burst onto the scene with their track, “Versace.” After dropping hit singles like “Fight Night” and “Look At My Dab,” they landed a record deal with Quality Control Music and 300 Entertainment. They went on to release four albums, Yung Rich Nation (2015), Culture (2017), Culture II (2018), and Culture III (2021). The trio even earned two Grammy nominations: one for Best Rap Album for Culture 1 and Best Rap Performance, for their “Bad and Boujee.” In other news, Offset is preparing to drop off his forthcoming solo album, Kiari, on August 22, just weeks before his former partner, Cardi B, unveils her highly anticipated project, Am I the Drama?, scheduled for September 19. The announcement, made via social media earlier this week, included the album’s cover art and full tracklist, quickly stirring anticipation among fans.
Drake Hosts Livestream In Honor Of Stake’s Eighth Anniversary
On Friday (Aug.8), Drake hopped onto his Instagram Story to share some exciting news about Stake. In honor of the gambling platform’s eighth anniversary, the “Nokia” rapper will be hosting a livestreaming event on the following day, Saturday (Aug.9) at 8 p.m. While the majority of the livestream will be focused on celebrating Stake’s birthday, some fans are wondering if there’s a chance the rapper may drop snippets from his upcoming project, Iceman. Prior to releasing “What Did I Miss?” Drake had shared a snippet of the song on a live stream. In a recent Instagram post, the rapper-actor wrote in the caption, “too many bangers,” which some believe is him hinting at the impending hits off his next project. So far, Drake or his team has not confirmed if he will share any more new music he’s been working on, but fans can only hope. At the moment, the rapper appears to be breadcrumbing his audience for something big. instagram.com/champagnepapi instagram.com/champagnepapi In other news, a federal judge in Manhattan has allowed Drake’s legal team to serve a key third-party witness using alternative methods, after repeated attempts at personal delivery failed in the rapper’s ongoing lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). In a memorandum opinion filed earlier this week, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas granted the motion permitting service of a subpoena on Kojo Menne Asamoah, who Drake claims knows UMG’s alleged efforts to manipulate streaming numbers tied to a recording the artist says is defamatory. “Plaintiff alleges that Mr. Asamoah possesses knowledge relating to UMG’s use of covert tactics to promote the Defamatory Material,” the court wrote, “including because Plaintiff believes that Mr. Asamoah was involved in directing payments and/or financial incentives from UMG to third parties involved in online botting.” Drake’s legal team has listed Asamoah as a relevant witness in their initial disclosures.
Ciara and Russell Wilson-Produced Project, ‘Sarah’s Oil’ Hitting Theaters In December
Coming this winter, Ciara and Russell Wilson, with the help of their production company, Why Not You Productions, will bring Sarah Rector’s story to life on screen, with Sarah’s Oil. In the 1900s, Rector became America’s first Black female millionaire at just 11 years old. According to Deadline, the film is inspired by Tonya Bolden’s book Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America. The film will follow Rector, who was born in Oklahoma Indian Territory and “believes there is oil beneath the barren land she’s allotted and whose faith is proven right. As greedy oil sharks close in, Sarah turns to her family, friends, and some Texas wildcatters to maintain control of her oil-rich land,” per the film’s synopsis. Alongside Ciara and Russell, Wyldwood’s Sherry Kang, Kingdom Story Company’s Tony Young and Katelyn Botsch, and Robert Scott Fort are also credited as executive producers, Deadline reports. Zachary Levi and Naya Desir-Johnson (The Equalizer) are set to star as the film’s leads. Other cast members featured in the Amazon MGM Studios project include Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery), Garret Dillahunt (Raising Hope), Bridget Regan (Jane the Virgin), Kenric Green (The Walking Dead), Adyan Copes (Who Is Christmas Eve?), Stelio Savante (The Cleaning Lady), and Mel Rodriguez (The Last Man on Earth). “Sarah’s Oil is a film that is truly a labor of love,” Julie Rapaport, Head of Film, Production and Development at Amazon MGM Studios, told Deadline. “We’re honored to take part in telling the inspiring true story of Sarah Rector, and we cannot wait for audiences to experience it on the big screen.” Ciara shared the film’s official trailer on her Instagram, writing in the caption, “Remember her name…Sarah. Let’s share her faith-based story with the world!” Sarah’s Oil is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 25, 2025.