James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers have come to terms on a three-year, $97 million contract. The deal that will keep the former in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season, according to ESPN. By the end of his current deal, James Harden will eclipse $500 million in career earnings. He’s now just the eighth player in NBA history to hit that incredible mark. He joins LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, and Joel Embiid.  Turning 37 next week,  Harden joined the Cavaliers before last season’s trade deadline and helped propel Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals. By opting out of his player option for next season, Harden aims to secure a final multi-year contract at a lower annual salary, giving the Cavaliers the financial flexibility needed to target wing upgrades this summer.  Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in his 26 regular-season appearances with the Cavs last season. In the playoffs, he posted 19.2 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in the playoffs. Cleveland  reached the conference finals, but was swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks. HARDEN’S REMARKABLE CAREER Regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive guards in basketball history, Harden began as an explosive second-unit scoring option. He won the 2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Houston Rockets. Harden earned the 2017–18 NBA Most Valuable Player award, three consecutive scoring titles (2018–2020), and two assist titles (2017, 2023). Beyond individual hardware, Harden revolutionized the game with foul-drawing, isolation efficiency, and signature step-back three-pointer. Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, “The Beard” boasts 11 NBA All-Star selections and eight All-NBA Team honors (including six First Team selections).  Along with Harden, the Cavaliers traded for Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets where he inked a four-year, $88 million deal.  

The latest installment of the Verzuz series turned into a celebration of late-1990s and early-2000s R&B as veterans Joe and Donell Jones faced off in a nostalgia-heavy hits battle. While the event was framed as a tribute to two storied careers, Joe emerged as the night’s standout performer following a high-energy surprise appearance by rapper 50 Cent. The evening began with a warm-up set by Estelle before the two headliners took the stage to trade their most iconic tracks. Donell Jones, who expressed prior to the event that he viewed the night as a celebration rather than a rigid competition, brought early momentum by inviting the group 702 to the stage. The trio performed their 1996 classic “Get It Together,” a track Jones famously wrote and produced. Joe responded to the challenge by leaning into a catalog that social media users and live voters found increasingly difficult to beat. After performing staples such as “Don’t Wanna Be a Player” and his contribution to Big Pun’s “Still Not a Player,” Joe shifted the atmosphere by bringing out 50 Cent. The Queens rapper, joined by G-Unit associates Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, performed the 2003 collaboration “Wanna Get to Know You.” View this post on Instagram The collaborative energy continued as Joe and 50 Cent performed “Big Rich Town,” the widely recognized theme song for the television series “Power.” The surprise guest appearance appeared to tilt the scales in Joe’s favor, as fans on social media noted the singer’s vocal consistency and stage presence throughout the later rounds of the matchup. Despite the competitive nature of the event, both artists emphasized the importance of the era they represented. The battle served as a reminder of the deep influence both singers held during the peak of the hip-hop soul movement. While Jones was praised for his songwriting legacy and the 702 reunion, the general consensus among viewers was that Joe’s deep catalog and surprise guests secured him the win for the night. View this post on Instagram

Pierre “P” Thomas, the influential cofounder of Quality Control Music, has been hospitalized in Las Vegas after suffering a heart attack, according to TMZ. Thomas is currently being treated in the intensive care unit as medical professionals monitor his condition and evaluate his recovery options. Family members have reportedly traveled to Nevada to be by his side. The music executive remains under the close supervision of doctors who are consulting with his inner circle regarding the next steps in his treatment. Thomas is widely recognized as a titan in the modern music industry, having cofounded Quality Control Music alongside Kevin “Coach K” Lee in 2013. Based in Atlanta, the label rose to prominence by identifying and developing some of the most successful acts in hip-hop, effectively reshaping the sound of the genre over the last decade. Under his leadership, Quality Control became a powerhouse synonymous with the “Atlanta sound.” The label’s roster has featured global superstars including the Migos, Lil Baby, and the City Girls. Thomas has been credited by industry peers for his keen eye for talent and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of independent and major label partnerships. News of the medical emergency sparked an immediate outpouring of concern from the entertainment community. Thomas is viewed not only as a business leader but as a mentor to dozens of young artists who have found commercial success under his guidance. The situation remains fluid as Thomas continues his stay in the ICU. View this post on Instagram Representatives for Quality Control Music have not yet released a formal statement regarding his long-term prognosis or the impact his absence may have on the label’s immediate operations. Quality Control’s influence extends beyond music into sports management and film, a testament to the expansion Thomas helped lead. The label was recently acquired in a high-profile deal by HYBE America, further cementing Thomas’s status as a top-tier executive in the global market. This story is developing, and further updates are expected as more information regarding his health becomes available.

Award-winning comedian Jamie Foxx is returning to his comedy roots with “Take Care of Yourself,” a new stand-up special premiering Oct. 7 on Hulu. The streamer announced the special Thursday, revealing its title, premiere date and first-look image. U.S. viewers can watch the special on Hulu, while eligible bundle subscribers can access it through Hulu on Disney+. “Take Care of Yourself” marks Foxx’s latest project under Hulu’s Hularious comedy banner. The Academy Award-winning actor, comedian, singer and producer takes a personal approach in the new hour. View this post on Instagram Hulu characterizes the special as Foxx’s “most honest, evolved, and unforgettable chapter yet.” The description also points to themes of self-care and personal growth. The project arrives as Foxx continues a career spanning stand-up, television, film and music. His comedy work helped establish the versatility that later fueled his Hollywood career. Award-winning Comedic Actor Jamie Foxx Prepares New Comedy Special, “Take Care Of Yourself,” On Hulu Foxx’s Hularious special also places him among a broad collection of contemporary comedy performers. The lineup includes Hannah Berner, Ralph Barbosa, Bill Burr and Chris DiStefano. Jim Gaffigan, Zarna Garg and Nikki Glaser are also featured. The roster includes Ilana Glazer, Jessica Kirson, Matteo Lane and Sebastian Maniscalco. Kumail Nanjiani, Atsuko Okatsuka and Frankie Quiñones also appear under the Hularious banner. Andrew Santino and Roy Wood Jr. round out the announced lineup. For Hulu, Foxx’s special adds a major name to its stand-up slate. For Foxx, it represents a return to a foundational part of his entertainment career. The comedian has long moved between genres and mediums. He has earned acclaim for dramatic performances while maintaining his identity as a performer rooted in comedy. Hulu has not disclosed the special’s runtime or whether it includes guest appearances. The streamer’s first-look announcement gives audiences an early glimpse at Foxx’s latest comedy chapter. “Jamie Foxx: Take Care of Yourself” premieres Oct. 7 on Hulu. The special will also stream internationally on Disney+.

Yung Miami recently detailed her struggle with mental health challenges, revealing that she fell into a “deep depression” before her solo career found its footing. During a recent interview, Miami discussed the emotional toll of transitioning into a solo act. The Florida native explained that the shift away from her former partner JT and the subsequent public scrutiny of her early solo releases led to periods of isolation. “I plan on just letting people really know, you know, what it took me to get here, because it took a lot,” Yung Miami said. She noted that while she appears positive now, she was not always happy. The rapper, whose legal name is Caresha Brownlee, said she used her work ethic as a coping mechanism to avoid falling further into despair. She says that she intentionally kept a packed schedule to keep negative thoughts at bay, often requesting studio time the moment she felt her mood dipping. “When you have a lot of time to think, that’s when you get pulled into that deep depression,” she said. “I’m around people, I’m doing something I love—music. But I ain’t gone lie, there was some days where I was just laying in the bed crying.” The period of struggle preceded the massive success of her single “Spend Dat,” which eventually climbed to No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of summer playlists. The success marked a significant turnaround for the rapper after her previous track, “Tea Time,” received a mixed reaction from fans. Yung Miami also announced plans to release a documentary that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of her solo journey. She said the film will clarify the narrative surrounding her career, which she believes has been misunderstood by critics. Despite the difficult transition from the group dynamic of the City Girls, which released its final album “RAW” in 2023, the rapper said she has learned to “trust the process.” She emphasized that staying active in the recording booth allowed her to process her emotions productively rather than being overwhelmed by social media criticism.

Druski is addressing the viral speculation surrounding his loyalty during the highly publicized musical feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. In a new cover story for GQ, the Atlanta native clarified that his personal relationship with the Canadian superstar remains unshaken despite the industry-wide tension that defined much of the past two years. “That’s my brother. I don’t care about what’s hot at the moment or what’s going on,” Druski said regarding his friendship with Drake. He emphasized that his support for the rapper was a matter of principle rather than a professional calculation, adding that he is “big on loyalty” and simply stood by a friend throughout the ordeal. The professional relationship between the two stars dates back to 2020 when Druski made a memorable appearance in the “Laugh Now Cry Later” music video. That collaboration occurred just as Druski’s digital comedy sketches were beginning to catapult him into mainstream stardom. According to the comedian, Drake was one of the first major industry figures to embrace his talent early in his career. Public scrutiny regarding Druski’s stance intensified following a series of viral clips from an awards show in June 2025. Fans on social media suggested the footage showed Druski intentionally avoiding Kendrick Lamar backstage to avoid appearing disloyal to Drake. Druski, however, dismissed these claims as a misunderstanding fueled by internet culture. “That was not intentional,” Druski said while laughing during the interview. He explained that social media users often take short clips out of context to spin narratives that fit their own theories. While fans at the time debated whether the comedian was being a dedicated friend or an unnecessary participant in a rap war, Druski maintains there was no malice behind the encounter. The comedian’s defense of his friendship comes as he transitions into a significant film career. Druski is slated to appear in the upcoming baseball-themed romantic comedy “The Catch,” starring alongside Academy Award winner Emma Stone and Chris Pine. The film is directed by Dave McCary. Stone praised her co-star’s work ethic and collaborative spirit during the production. She told GQ that the comedian is “incredibly generous” and noted that he consistently uses the word “we” instead of “I” when discussing the creative process. As Druski moves into the world of major motion pictures, he appears intent on maintaining the same personal ties that helped him rise to fame.

PART 1: Tsu Surf sits down with DJ Drewski on Hot 97’s Midday Movement for his first in-depth interview since coming home from a 4-year federal bid. Fresh off his surprise Summer Jam performance with Fetty Wap, Surf opens up about everything — surviving being shot five times, the spiritual recalibration that changed his mindset behind bars, and why he refused to jump right back into the streets upon release. He breaks down his approach to battle rap vs. his music career, explaining why a potential Murda Mook battle has to make business sense for the team, and how he’s transcended the battle rap world with records alongside Chris Brown, G Herbo, Coi Leray, and more. Surf also shares incredible stories of support during his bid — from Chris Brown checking on his mom and daughter, to Kevin Durant handing him $50,000 in cash within 48 hours of getting home. The conversation also tackles a bigger conversation about New Jersey hip-hop: why Jersey artists aren’t collaborating enough, the need for a unified front, and Surf’s vision for a DJ Drewski x Tsu Surf Jersey collaborative tape. With a new project on the way and a Coi Leray record dropping soon, Tsu Surf is locked in, focused, and ready to prove he came home stronger than he left.

Reginae Carter is sending a clear message to her social media followers that she is an independent adult capable of making her own choices, despite any potential disapproval from her father, rap icon Lil Wayne. The 27-year-old media personality recently took to Instagram to defend herself after a video of her pole dancing sparked a wave of criticism and threats from fans claiming they would notify her father. The controversy began when Carter, who hosts the popular podcast “Heir Time,” shared a clip of herself returning to a pole dancing class for recreation. While many supporters cheered her athleticism, a vocal segment of her audience suggested that Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., would be unhappy with the display. Carter wasted no time in shutting down the narrative that she is still under parental supervision. “Wayne can’t stop nothing!” Carter wrote in a sharp retort to the commenters. She emphasized her autonomy, reminding her five million followers that she is nearly 30 years old and was fully clothed during the workout session. The social media influencer urged her critics to mind their own business and let her “live my grown a** life” without unnecessary interference. Lil Wayne has not publicly commented on the video or his daughter’s response. View this post on Instagram

A new study is forcing a fresh look at the relationship between album releases in music, smartphones and traffic deaths. Researchers found that fatal crashes increased on days when major artists released highly anticipated albums. The findings suggest the distraction may involve more than texting or phone calls. Dr. Vishal Patel, a physician at Mass General Brigham and researcher at Harvard Medical School, first considered the question after a personal driving scare. Patel was searching Spotify for Taylor Swift music when he realized his car had drifted from its lane. That moment became the starting point for research published in JAMA Network Open. The study examined the 10 most-streamed albums released between 2017 and 2022. The projects included albums from Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West. Researchers compared traffic fatalities surrounding major release dates. They found an average of 139 deaths on album release days, compared with 121 on nearby dates. That amounted to a 15% increase, or roughly 18 additional deaths on release days. Music’s Big Album Releases Are Connected To Surge In Traffic Deaths, Per New Study The pattern was particularly pronounced among younger drivers and motorists traveling alone. Researchers also found stronger effects among sober drivers. The increase did not center on nighttime hours, challenging the idea that parties or alcohol explained the results. “What convinced me it was real was the pattern underneath it,” Patel said. Still, the researchers stopped short of establishing a direct cause. Federal crash records cannot determine whether drivers used phones before fatal collisions. Dr. Anupam Jena, a Harvard Medical School professor, said several explanations remain possible. “Is it that the music is louder?” Jena asked. “Is it that it’s a new album, and people are just excited to hear it?” He also pointed to drivers handling phones while searching, downloading or selecting music. The study broadens a conversation that has long centered on texting behind the wheel. Smartphones now offer countless other distractions, from navigation to social media. “The technology is competing with the attentional resources needed to safely operate the vehicle,” said Dr. Despina Stavrinos. Dr. Christopher Worsham said listening to music itself may not pose the greatest danger. “Our study suggests that the dangerous part here is the fiddling with the phone or the infotainment system,” Worsham said. His advice carries a simple soundtrack: “Queue up your music before you put the car in drive.”

Young Thug visited students at Cirrus Academy Charter School this week to deliver a candid lecture on the weight of celebrity and the necessity of discipline when achieving high-level success. During the assembly, the influential musician emphasized that cultural capital often carries as much weight as financial wealth, urging the middle schoolers to prepare themselves for the scrutiny that comes with a public platform. Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffrey Williams, addressed the crowded room alongside his manager, Isaiah Reid. The rapper told the students that maintaining a reputation requires a level of strategic precision he described as “militant.” He argued that for many individuals in the entertainment industry, fame serves as a primary currency that can open doors previously closed to them. “So fame is really the most important,” Young Thug told the gathered students. “If you famous, you almost as important as the richest person in the world. So fame is like more so the money for us. So fame is really the most important.” The rapper further explained that visibility requires a shift in lifestyle and personal security. He cautioned the youth that once a person gains a following, they must be intentional about their associations and their environment. He noted that achieving longevity in the spotlight requires one to “always make sure it leads to the right room” and to “move totally different” than the average citizen. The surprise school visit took place amid significant developments for the rapper’s family. Just days prior to the event, Young Thug’s older brother, Quantavious Grier, was released from Macon State Prison. Grier, who performs under the stage name Unfoonk, was granted parole on Aug. 11 after serving time for a probation violation stemming from the widely publicized YSL RICO case. Grier had originally accepted a plea deal in 2022 that commuted a 12-year sentence to time served plus a decade of probation. However, he returned to custody in 2023 following a traffic stop where authorities reportedly discovered a firearm, leading to a new sentence of nine years and six months. Neither brother has made a public statement regarding Grier’s recent release.