Cardi B has revealed that she was once approached to perform on one of the world’s biggest stages — the Super Bowl Halftime Show — but ultimately turned the opportunity down. In a new interview with Billboard, the Grammy-winning rapper shared that she was asked to headline the coveted event but declined, explaining that she wants to wait until she feels more musically and personally ready. “I got asked to do the Super Bowl and I denied it,” Cardi admitted, noting that her goal is to deliver a show-stopping performance when the time is right. “If I get to do it, I’m going to have more hits and I’m going to eat that up.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked) This isn’t the first time Cardi has passed on the Super Bowl stage. Back in 2019, she also turned down an invitation to perform at Super Bowl LIII. At that time, her decision was tied to standing in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback who sparked a movement by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. Cardi explained then that she couldn’t accept the performance while supporting his cause.

Young Thug is once again under pressure, caught in a swirl of scrutiny that has spilled from social media into the wider hip-hop world. On Wednesday, the Atlanta rapper took to X, formerly Twitter, with a pointed warning for his critics. “Criticizing me will only damage the rap community further; I’m the truth in this fake industry,” he wrote, casting the uproar not only as an attack on himself but as a threat to rap culture more broadly. The reaction online was swift and split. Some fans questioned his credibility outright. One user wrote, “You were bullying Gunna behind the scenes, though. You know what needs to be done to resolve things, but do you possess the emotional awareness to execute it?” Another added, “You’re calling others out for actions you’ve taken, yet expect to be free from backlash?” Others, however, urged him to tune out the noise and focus on what they are waiting for most: the release of his upcoming album, UY Scutti. Rumors spread, Thug stands firm The latest controversy was sparked by the leak of an interrogation clip in which Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, appeared to reference fellow rapper Peewee Roscoe. The brief mention ignited accusations of cooperating with police—a charge that carries particular weight in a genre where loyalty is sacred. Thug has rejected the suggestion outright, and Roscoe himself stepped in to defend him. “That’s what one is supposed to do. In the interrogation room, you tell them ‘We sold Dwayne Carter weed.’ What’s wrong with you? A statement is simply this… He acted as a responsible citizen should, a genuine street individual. He kept it real and tried to help me,” Roscoe said in a video. Still, the rumors have lingered, eroding confidence in Thug’s standing inside rap’s unwritten code. Complicating matters further are leaked jailhouse calls connected to the YSL RICO case, in which Thug allegedly disparaged other artists, including Gunna and Kendrick Lamar. His post on Wednesday was not his only defense this week. A day earlier, he shared a line from actor Denzel Washington on Instagram, a simple dismissal of cancel culture that read, “Who Cares?” Bashing me only goin fuck that rap community up more, I’m the blue to this fake ass game — Young Thug ひ (@youngthug) September 3, 2025

Lil Baby is preparing to release his long-awaited album, The Leaks, due Friday, September 5. The project arrives after a short delay from its original August 15 date, a postponement that has only added to the buildup. With features from Playboi Carti, Young Thug, and Lil Yachty, the Atlanta rapper is leaning on familiar collaborators to anchor what may be his most discussed release in years. The 17-song tracklist stretches wide, pulling in G Herbo, LUCKI, Veeze, Rylo Rodriguez, and Skooly. On the production side, Lil Baby has enlisted an equally heavy roster—Wheezy, Murda Beatz, TM88, and BabyWave among them—a lineup that all but guarantees a range of sounds. For the rapper, The Leaks serves as both an archival release and a chance to fold once-unfinished tracks into his official catalog. Lil Baby Turns ‘Leaks’ into a Statement Much of the conversation around the album has unfolded online, where fans have long circulated snippets of these songs. On Reddit, the idea of reclaiming leaked material has been met with enthusiasm. “It’s refreshing to see an artist embrace their unreleased material—there’s no revenue in songs that stay hidden away. As a devoted fan of Lil Baby, I’ve been enjoying many of these leaks unofficially for years,” one commenter wrote. Another pointed to “Get Along,” a posse cut featuring Lil Yachty, LUCKI, and Veeze, adding, “Track 14 has immense potential; it’s great to see a mainstream posse cut making its way into the spotlight.” The rollout, however, hasn’t been free of speculation. On the track “Otha Boy,” listeners anticipate thinly veiled jabs at Gunna and Offset, with lyrics rumored to reference Gunna’s fitness regimen. Whether those rivalries surface directly or not, the breadth of the project suggests Lil Baby is aiming to balance sharp-tongued bars with crowd-pleasing anthems. And this release may only be the beginning. In a recent live stream with PlaqueBoyMax, he confirmed more music is already lined up. “I’m actually dropping two albums, though. I’m dropping another album, like, four weeks after that, something like that. I wasn’t even planning on releasing this one,” he said—a signal that The Leaks could mark the start of an unusually prolific stretch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @lilbaby

As excitement builds for his upcoming album, Iceman, Drake is addressing the media attention that often shadows his releases. In a recent interview with Bobbi Althoff that has gone viral online, the Toronto artist suggested that critics may coordinate their responses to ensure negative coverage surrounds his projects. Drake elaborated on his perspective: “It appears that the first critics to respond are not necessarily offering genuine reactions to my albums. Instead, it seems there are strategic discussions taking place among media members, determining their individual stances—often negative—before my project even has a chance to be fully heard.” He added, “These discussions happen in a collective setting, where different critics decide their narratives to ensure there’s no overlap. Someone might declare, ‘I dislike the album,’ even before they have fully engaged with it, aiming for comments that generate the most interaction.” Drake on Media and ‘Iceman’ The remarks, shared widely by DJ Akademiks on social media, sparked a range of reactions. Some fans praised Drake for his candor and defense of his work, while others questioned his critique, pointing to his long-standing navigation of media cycles. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between artists and critics in an era where social media magnifies every opinion and reaction. Beyond discussing the press, Drake delved into more personal topics, including his approach to relationships and the continuing conversation around his authenticity and public image. These reflections, paired with his critique of media behavior, portray an artist both guarded and self-aware as he prepares for one of the year’s most anticipated releases. While an official release date for Iceman has yet to be confirmed, Drake’s comments provide fans a window into the mindset he hopes will frame the album. As anticipation grows, his observations about perception and criticism offer context for how the work may be received when it finally arrives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Claressa Shields took to the stage in Atlanta for an unexpected singing collaboration with Summer Walker at Breezy Bowl. On Monday, September 1st, the boxing champion shared clips of the performance with her more than 1.5 million Instagram followers, revealing both excitement and nervousness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ClaressaTheGWOATShields (@claressashields) “Today I faced my fears done sang in front of thousands of ppl, Summer made a special request! GWOAT X @summerwalker : 32 sessions ! Atlanta never fails to amaze me! #claressashields #GWOAT #atlanta#breezybowl,” Shields captioned her post. The message highlighted her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and take on a challenge outside the ring. Shields admitted that performing in front of a massive audience was intimidating, but she also expressed admiration for the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. Fans were quick to notice this side of the athlete, appreciating her vulnerability and courage to try something new. The performance showed that Shields is more than a champion in the ring; she is open to exploring her passions in creative ways. Reaction online was mixed but mostly positive. Some fans found humor in the unexpected pairing, while others applauded Shields for staying true to herself and following her interests regardless of public judgment. The moment sparked conversations about authenticity in celebrity culture and the value of seeing stars take risks outside of their usual roles. Supporters also pointed out that Shields continues to thrive despite criticism, noting her financial success and evident happiness as signs that she is making choices that work for her. Many admired her youthful energy and willingness to experiment, seeing it as a refreshing change in a world where entertainment often feels overly planned. Claressa Shields’ performance with Summer Walker highlighted her versatility and her ability to embrace new challenges with confidence.

Drake and Bobbi Althoff are back together on a podcast, bringing their signature humor and pulling in some big names for laughs, including Tyga, Rick Ross, and Kendrick Lamar. The two first collaborated on Bobbi’s podcast two years ago, but rumors about her allegedly being involved with Drake while married created a major stir. The controversy even led to the episode being removed from YouTube, leaving fans speculating for months. Drake Subs Tyga, Rick Ross in New Bobbi Althoff Podcast https://t.co/IWYL3WGw7L pic.twitter.com/YIfs64Dazn — TMZ (@TMZ) September 2, 2025 In the latest episode, Bobbi addressed some of the lingering rumors, including the idea that playing a Tyga song caused the previous episode to be taken down. Drake used the moment to tease Bobbi about the speculation surrounding their relationship. Fans may remember that Bobbi and Tyga were seen spending time together last year around his birthday. The pair denied anything romantic, but Drake jokingly suggested that Tyga had been “pulling a plug” and made playful references to the music business, including his ongoing lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” diss track. The conversation took a lighthearted turn when Drake joked about Tyga’s popularity in Russia and pretended the Wi-Fi needed a NATO code to access. Later, Bobbi commented on the sparkling wine they were sharing, saying, “I’ve never seen someone ‘ice’ rosé.” Drake seized the moment to tease Rick Ross about wearing “fake jewelry.” Even though the joke went over Bobbi’s head, the two shared a clear sense of camaraderie and comfort. By the end of the show, it was evident that Drake and Bobbi are close again. Their playful banter, jokes about the music industry, and shared inside humor reminded listeners why their past collaborations were so entertaining. Even with past controversies and online rumors, Drake and Bobbi proved they can keep the energy fun, light, and engaging.

An interrogation recording of Young Thug has resurfaced, drawing renewed attention to the rapper and reigniting tensions within hip-hop. The clip, in which he mentions Peewee Roscoe while speaking with investigators, spread rapidly across social media, feeding speculation and sparking commentary from fans and critics alike. At nearly the same time, 6ix9ine fanned the flames by targeting Meek Mill on Instagram, posting what appeared to be an old tweet attributed to Meek about “rats” and the late Nipsey Hussle. The post’s authenticity, however, remains in doubt, given its outdated photo and unclear origin. The viral screenshot reads, “I hope that rat goes live to apologize to the people he informed on or the victim… Y’all quickly forgot that a ‘rat’ killed Nipsey, and he shouldn’t have been on the streets! That’s all I’ll say since he’s dead… left his baby mama and child like a coward as targets!” Alongside the alleged remarks, 6ix9ine mockingly called Meek the “Hood President” and pressed, “Since you always have something to say, are you still performing ‘WE BALL?’” Young Thug and the Snitching Dispute Meek’s 2017 track “We Ball,” featuring Young Thug, has become entangled in conversations about loyalty and betrayal in rap culture. The return of the interrogation clip only added fuel, though Roscoe himself has pushed back against the interpretation. “That’s standard procedure,” he said. “When you go into an interrogation room, you might say something like, ‘We sold Dwayne Carter weed.’ What’s wrong with that? This statement right here… He behaved like a responsible citizen, a genuine street individual. He was honest and attempted to assist me.” Meek Mill has not addressed 6ix9ine directly but did post a broader message on Instagram. “Street glorification is a joke. There are inherently no morals. You cannot maintain a code of ethics when your actions lack ethical grounding. Focus on investing, trading, technology, and entrepreneurship. The alternative is a chaotic circus without a ringleader. In my next interview, I will explain why the streets are a ‘FULL MYTH’ !!!!!!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Drake and Bobbi Althoff have reunited for another conversation, this time turning to one of the more persistent criticisms of his career. The Toronto rapper has built his global influence on a willingness to bend genres, moving fluidly between rap, R&B, dancehall, U.K. grime, Afrobeats, and pop. That chameleon-like range has expanded his reach—but also sparked debate over cultural appropriation. The charge is familiar. Detractors have often labeled him a “culture vulture,” accusing him of profiting from scenes he did not create. Drake has bristled at that characterization, insisting his collaborations are about connection, not exploitation. “I hate that people think that me being into music from these kids that are trying to make it… is some culture vulture behavior,” he said in a past exchange, pointing to what he sees as a double standard. From Rift to Reunion, Drake and Althoff Reset In his latest discussion with Althoff, recorded for the NFR Podcast, Drake revisited the criticism with blunt honesty. “I experience a lot of guilt tripping in my life where people are like, ‘No, this is your fault,’ essentially… My intentions are pure,” he said. What he finds disheartening, he added, is the suggestion that championing younger artists could be mistaken for self-interest. Their reunion comes months after a viral interview in July 2023, a deadpan back-and-forth that dominated social feeds before disappearing without explanation. That vanishing act fueled speculation about a rift, though Althoff has since dismissed the chatter. “Drake flew me to Manchester, then Belgium, and finally Switzerland, where this episode was filmed, to make amends,” she recalled. The new installment, pointedly titled Not This Again, is intended as the start of a recurring monthly series. Unlike their first meeting, this one is here to stay. For Drake, the return offers more than a viral clip—it provides a stage to reframe how his eclectic career, and the cultural borrowing that defines it, is understood.

Young Thug is back in the headlines—and not for his music. In recent weeks, the Atlanta rapper has become the target of intensifying criticism after the leak of an interrogation tape revived long-simmering accusations of betrayal in hip-hop. Through it all, his partner, singer Mariah the Scientist, had remained silent, until a brief but pointed gesture at a recent performance cut through the noise. The controversy stems from audio of Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, allegedly naming fellow rapper Peewee Roscoe during questioning by police. What could have been seen as a routine exchange was quickly branded “snitching,” a charge that carries particular weight in a culture where loyalty is prized and public perception can define a career. The clip spread fast, transforming what might have been a footnote into a full-fledged storm, stoked by rivals and critics alike. The backlash has pulled in some of the industry’s most prominent voices. Quality Control executive Pierre “P” Thomas and rapper Ralo have openly distanced themselves, while commentators like Wack 100 and Joe Budden added their disapproval to the chorus. Thug has tried to push back online, but the steady stream of criticism has left his image under siege. Mariah Stays Calm as Fans Debate Loyalty and Drama Mariah the Scientist, by contrast, has opted for quiet defiance. During a recent set, a concertgoer lifted a phone screen that read, “Tell thug he’s a [rat emoji].” She simply flashed a thumbs-up. The small act ricocheted across social media, with some praising her composure and others questioning why she should be dragged into her partner’s battles. Reactions piled up in the comments section of DJ Akademiks’ posts. Some fans warned about the dangers of provoking artists in public settings, while others lamented the theatrics. A few framed the YSL case as something larger: a flashpoint in hip-hop history that could one day be remembered as a cautionary tale about loyalty, downfall, and spectacle. Meanwhile, the feud shows no signs of cooling. Thomas recently mocked Thug with an Instagram post teasing a faux documentary titled The Rat That Just Keep On Tellin’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Nelly Furtado has to be in the discussion for “Woman of the Summer 2025,” as she continues to deliver one viral moment after another with her new curvy look. The Canadian pop star who has built a career on reinvention is once again commanding attention—this time for her presence as much as her voice. A clip from her “Better Than Ever” tour, filmed during a recent summer performance, has gone viral, amassing more than 800,000 views. In the video, the 46-year-old singer takes the stage in a striped maxi dress with high slits, delivering a confident performance that sparked a wide-ranging conversation about her evolution. @nellyfurtadofr SUMMER TOUR / HAMBOURG 2025 – Nelly Furtado a interprété la chanson Say It Right le 27 août 2025 à Hambourg @Nelly Furtado #nellyfurtado #timbaland #hamburg #sayitright ♬ son original – Nelly Furtado France “Her body, her energy, everything—this is what these girls pay for,” one fan wrote in response to the footage. Another praised her unapologetic stage presence, noting how far the culture has shifted from the early 2000s, when women in pop were often pressured into thin, rigid body standards. The comments have not all been celebratory. Some critics leaned on familiar fatphobic tropes, framing her appearance as a liability. But Furtado, who has spoken candidly about her experiences with weight fluctuations during the pandemic and the changes brought on by motherhood, has long rejected outside narratives about her body. At Manchester Pride in 2024, she responded to detractors with humor, wearing a shirt that read “Skinny” in an optical illusion font, a wink at those policing her appearance. “Everyone’s human,” she said in a recent interview, acknowledging the scrutiny while emphasizing her comfort in her own skin. For many fans, the viral moment underscored a larger cultural shift. Where performers once faced unforgiving standards, Furtado’s confidence was read as a declaration of resilience and authenticity. “She looks better than ever—free and real,” one user commented on TikTok. The singer’s reinvention extends well beyond image. Furtado has spoken about her ADHD diagnosis, her renewed creative drive, and her perspective as a mother. Onstage, whether revisiting hits from “Whoa, Nelly!” or “Loose” or debuting new material, she performs with the assurance of an artist no longer chasing approval. The viral footage reframed her tour not as nostalgia, but as testimony to her endurance. At a time when social media amplifies both celebration and critique, Furtado appears to be thriving on her own terms—better than ever.