Nelly says that his first date with Ashanti was like taking a “test drive,”  During an interview with People, Nelly shared why he believes his relationship with Ashanti is thriving now. “It’s about the good outweighing the bad,” Nelly said.  “What you thought mattered a lot, once you go through other scenarios, you realize that’s not really as big of a deal as you thought it would be.”  “Or you get something that you thought you was missing, and it still doesn’t compensate or fill a void, and you’re like, ‘Damn, I thought that would mean more,’ but that doesn’t. It’s just growth,” he added. In 2003, Nelly and Ashantly broke up 10 years later. After being separated for another decade but they rekindled their love in September 2023. Three months later, they married in a private ceremony.  Last July, Nelly and Ashanti also welcomed their first child together, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, a baby boy. “Everybody don’t get a chance to, if you could say, take a test drive,” Nelly continued. “It’s like when people say, ‘You should always test drive a car before you buy it.’ I hate to minimize that because this is real life, so you don’t want it to feel like that.” “We had a chance to test drive a relationship to understand that, ‘Yo, that car was the best thing I had riding around that thing, man. Fire it back up, baby,” he said. In June, the power couple debuted their Peacock reality show reality television show, We Belong Together, where they share their journey back to love. Along with their reality show, Nelly released “Spin the Block” which is inspired by his love for Ashanti. Nelly raped, “When we said goodbye / Guess it wasn’t what we really meant / ‘Cause mile aftеr mile / I keep passing up places we been / And wе kicked up some dust and got stuck in some mud / But we got back to us in the end / Yeah that look in your eyes looks like this old truck / Like we spinnin’ the block today.”

Walter Scott, a co-founder of The Whispers, one of the greatest R&B acts of all time, has passed. He was 81. Desirae L. Benson, a member of the Whispers promotional team, confirmed Scott’s passing in a statement to Soul Tracks. “We all are incredibly heartbroken. It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Walter Scott, beloved member of the legendary R&B group The Whispers. His voice, presence, and contributions helped shape a musical legacy that touched millions. Walter’s impact on the industry and in the hearts of fans will never be forgotten. Memorial details will be shared at a later date. Sending love and light to his family, friends, and all of the millions of fans around the world. We lost a legend!“ Formed in the early 60s in Los Angeles,  the Whispers struggled for more than a decade, achieving success..  Founded by twin brothers Walter and Wallace (Scotty) Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson, and Leaveil Degree (who replaced departing member Gordy Harmon in 1973), the Whispers charted their first pop and R&B hit with “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong” in 1970.   Throughout the 70s, they recorded on the Don Cornelius/Dick Griffey “Soul Train” label where saw moderate success but gained a cult following for seductive slow jams such as “I Only Meant to Wet My Feet” (1972), and “Lady“ (1979).  When they signed Griffey’s label, SOLAR label, the fountains began to change on their SOLAR debut album Headlights, with the classic “Olivia” (Lost and Turned Out). In 1980, they began working with writer/producer Leon Sylvers, and they scored their signature hit “And the Beat Goes On,” which peaked at 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. They followed up with many more hits such as “Are You Going My Way,” “Say Yes,”“It’s A Love Thing,” “Keep On Lovin Me,” and “Tonight.” Just when they seemed to slow down,  Babyface, who was a member of the Deele, wrote and produced  “Rock Steady,” peaking at #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100.  After Hutson and Caldwell passed away, the group continued as a trio and played to sold-out crowds across the globe. We at WBLS send our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Walter Scott.

Drake had some time recently to get at  T-Pain. The 6 God is responding to a recent episode of the Crash Dummies podcast, where T-Pain said Drake inspired him to exit the music industry on his own terms. But the “I’m In Love With a Stripper” artist also said that Drake has not taken his own advice. “One thing I learned from Drake, but one thing he hasn’t followed his own words,” T-Pain explained. “Drake said, ‘I wanna be one of them people that gracefully bow out and not get kicked out.’” “I have ever since said, ‘Thank y’all, I appreciate y’all. I’ll see y’all when I drop — don’t worry about it, I’ll just drop something. Let me know if you heard it,” T-Pain joked. “Drake is like, ‘No, listen. OK, I got another one. Hold on, check this out. Y’all ain’t like that one? OK, real quick, just one more. Let me try one more.” Not feeling T-Pain’s comments, Drake committed on the Toronto Rappers’ Instagram post that showed a clip from the interview. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TorontoRappers.com (@torontorappers) “This guy always had resentment for me [laughing emoji],” Drake wrote on Thursday (June 26). “You can hear it every time he speaks on my name” Coming to Drake’s defense, Offset agreed with his former collaborator. “Da Boy is da boy shit ain’t gone change,” he wrote in the comments section of a Complex IG post. “All dat hating on another grown man who do more numbers than everybody is Diabolical !!!!” Apparently, T-Pain referenced a  conversation between Drake and Lil Yachty from 2023 where he spoke about making “a graceful exit.” “Well, I think like on a broader scale, I think I’m at the point now where I just wanna, like — I feel like maybe we talked about this the other day — but I feel like I’m kind of introducing the concept in my mind of a graceful exit,” Drake explained at the time. “Sometimes it’ll baffle you, like why are these people still making attempts at trying to be present in the space?” he went on. “And then you’ll realize they probably, their needs and desires and their soul was probably fed for so long off of being a guy, or the guy, that they can’t let it go.”

Kendrick Lamar’s explosive collaboration with SZA, “Luther,” has crossed the one billion stream threshold on Spotify, hitting the mark faster than any of his previous records. Dropped in November, the track took just seven months to reach the milestone—outpacing the eight-month climb of his viral hit “Not Like Us.” It’s the eleventh time Lamar has joined Spotify’s billion-stream club, a space he already occupies with chart heavyweights like “HUMBLE.,” “Money Trees,” and “All the Stars.” The speed of “Luther’s” ascent underscores Lamar’s unmatched momentum in today’s rap landscape. Beyond its streaming success, “Luther” has dominated the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top slot for 13 straight weeks and leading the hip-hop chart for a staggering 25. The track has become a cultural mainstay, cementing its presence across radio, social media, and live stages alike. Lamar’s BET wins and tour cement his reign Lamar’s recent sweep at the BET Awards added to the victory lap. Returning to his hometown of Los Angeles, he walked away with five wins, including Album of the Year and Best Collaboration—sharing two of the honors with creative partner Dave Free. “I haven’t been here in a long time, but my heart has always been with BET,” he told the crowd. “I’ve made sure they represent our culture authentically, placing me in the heart of the music that resonates with people.” He added, “To my folks in the building and my LA natives in the back, I see you. God first and foremost, to my company pgLang, SZA in the crowd—we’re currently on tour, so don’t miss our show. We’re going to keep this momentum going, and I truly appreciate all of you.” The duo is currently mid-run on their Grand National Tour, closing out North American stops before taking their stage show to stadiums across Europe. The run has drawn massive crowds and critical praise, reinforcing both artists’ cultural and commercial dominance.

Ebro Darden is known for making bold statements about Hip-Hop, a fact that is well-documented.In the latest episode of Ebro in the Morning, the media personality recognized the contributions of legendary recording artist Nas in an unexpected hot take, stating that Nas has done more for Hip-Hop than any other rapper in history. Ebro’s mentions of Nas are related to the rapper’s company, Mass Appeal, which is preparing to release the highly anticipated sequel to Ghostface Killah’s album, Supreme Clientele 2. “New Ghostface,” said Ebro, following Peter Rosenberg’s announcement of the sequel album. “Shout out to Mass Appeal.” Ebro says Nas has done more for Hip Hop than any other rapper in history pic.twitter.com/ZmpDVpW172 — Navjosh (@Navjosh) June 25, 2025 Ebro’s hot take came after co-hosts Laura Styles and Peter Rosenberg acknowledged the excellent work being done at Mass Appeal right now. Abruptly, he says, “Hot take: Nas has done more for hip hop than any rapper in history.” Rosenberg followed Ebro’s claim, welcoming the debate. “That’s in the convo, right there,” Rosenberg replies. Ebro elaborated further, stating: “He has given back more to hip-hop than any rapper in history.” Nas, arguably one of the greatest lyricists of all time, created a classic catalog of timeless hits throughout the 90s and 2000s, including “If I Ruled The World,” “Street Dreams,” and “One Mic.” By the 2010s, he flipped the script from mic to millions, investing early in tech giants like Coinbase and Ring through QueensBridge Ventures. From bars to boardrooms, he turned hip-hop clout into Silicon Valley cash, building a legacy off equity and vision. In 2013, Nas joined Mass Appeal as investor and creative force, helping relaunch the former hip-hop mag into a multimedia brand. He expanded its reach with a record label and documentaries like Rapture, turning it into a platform that bridges hip-hop roots with bold, future-focused storytelling. Ghostface Killah’s upcoming sequel is a part of a highly publicized music series, titled “Legends Has It.” The Mass Appeal series will drop seven albums in 2025 from icons such as DJ Premier, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, De La Soul, Big L, Mobb Deep, and Nas himself. Honoring hip-hop’s roots and legends, the series celebrates New York’s legacy while spotlighting rap’s most influential voices and timeless impact. Ebro’s Nas claim would receive attention on social media, ranging from fans agreeing with the statement to disagreeing regarding other artists and their contributions. An X user tweeted, “True in the context of championing hiphop globally too. As a rapper, yes, but even more so as an entrepreneur.” Ebro’s comment sparks an ongoing debate that seems never-ending.

On Wednesday (June 25), Fat Joe took to Instagram, issuing a blistering response to a recent lawsuit filed by his former hypeman, Terrance Dixon. “I’ve been tested the last few months- I’ve lost my big brother, my father, my mother, and now I’m fighting against these disgusting lies,” the post begins. “…Please know I will not break and I will never back down,” the post continues. “I’ve had individuals in my circle take my love and kindness for weakness, but how many times must we forgive them? I’ve had people steal from me, grow jealous of me, lie on me. Through it all, me and my family are the ones stuck dealing with the consequences of their bad decisions.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by FAT JOE (@fatjoe) As the lengthy post continues, the Terror Squad rapper says, “If you get fired for doing something wrong, just take the L and live with it. But instead, they plot on your downfall as they watch you move on with your life. They decided to go after one of the things you value the most – your reputation.” Toward the end, Joe makes it clear that he’s “never let anyone on the streets” extort him and states, “so how would I ever let a crooked attorney and a coward ex-hype man extort me??? I’m from the Bronx!” Last week, news broke that a $20 million lawsuit was filed against New York rap legend Fat Joe by former hypeman, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, accusing the rapper of “coercive labor exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation, and psychological coercion.” Following the allegations dropping, Fat Joe issued an initial statement via his lawyer, Joe Tacopina, on Thursday, denying the claims. Tacopina told The Independent, addressing Dixon and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, that the claims were a “complete fabrication.”

Lizzo may be known as a pop diva, but she’s ready to remind folks of her rap skills with a new mixtape. On Tuesday (June 24), Lizzo jumped on Instagram to announce that her latest mixtape, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING, is set to release on Friday (June 27). Along with sharing the project’s cover art, which features a photo of Lizzo with her middle fingers raised and smiling faces on them. She also rocks a cropped wife-beater and shorts, flaunting her newly slim figure. In the other part of the post, the Special singer unveiled its tracklist, which features two industry heavyweights and friends of hers: Doja Cat and SZA. Lizzo’s new mixtape features Doja Cat & SZA. Out this Friday. pic.twitter.com/eBz4obROLR — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 24, 2025 Lizzo Breaks Silence On Body Changes And Ozempic Talk In other news, Lizzo recently appeared on the Just Trish podcast and opened up about her physical transformation, making it clear that it had nothing to do with trying to fit into Hollywood’s mold. Reflecting on her past, Lizzo revealed she attended major red carpets like the Met Gala at her heaviest and never once felt like her size held her back. Confidence was never the issue. But now, she says, she’s stepped into a new chapter where she genuinely feels the compliments she’s always received. “I actually believe the compliments,” she told host Trisha Paytas. Her recent changes, she explained, weren’t just about dropping weight—it was about taking care of herself from the inside out. That meant prioritizing skin care, dental work, and regular gym sessions. “I’ve tried everything,” Lizzo said when asked about Ozempic, but she stressed that her results weren’t the product of any shortcuts. The hard work, discipline, and consistency are what reshaped not just her body, but her mindset. With a 16% reduction in body fat, Lizzo says the most significant transformation has been internal. Feeling stronger and more in control, she’s found a new kind of power that doesn’t rely on public validation.

Megan Thee Stallion’s music isn’t the only thing that grabs fans’ attention; it’s her superior marketing skills. So it’s no surprise that Blumhouse Productions asked the rapper to help promote the second installment of the M3GAN film series, M3GAN 2.0. In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday (June 24), we see the rapper minding her business while enjoying some leisure before she is interrupted by an unexpected guest: an adorably made but very dangerous AI bot, with whom she shares the same name. “M3GAN X MEGAN THEE STALLION ,” she writes in the post’s caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion) Released in 2022, the campy-inspired horror film centers on “a lifelike doll that’s programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally.” However, after its creator, a brilliant roboticist, Gemma, becomes “the unexpected caretaker of her 8-year-old niece,” Cady, with whom she decides to give a M3GAN prototype. This decision ultimately leads to “unimaginable consequences,” per the film’s synopsis. For the sequel, M3GAN 2.0, we see Gemma, M3GAN, and Cady come together once again to face a newer, more dangerous AI bot named Emilia. The film is set to release on Friday (June 27). Megan Thee Stallion Turns Up The Heat With ‘Love Island USA’ Cameo Megan Thee Stallion’s face has been everywhere lately – in fact, the rapper recently made another cameo on the popular dating show, Love Island USA. Last week, the popular dating series premiered its latest episode, where Megan Thee Stallion stops by to give the cast a few challenges. From twerking to doing the limbo, the Houston native kept the contestants on their toes while hilarity ensued. The “Everything Bigger In Texas” rapper also made it clear who the “Real Hot Girl” was as she flaunted her voluptuous frame, donning a slinky, gold, two-piece from her new swimwear brand, Hot Girl Swim. After the episode’s premiere, in an Instagram Story post, Megan unveiled a new, limited edition one-piece inspired by the series.

Offset’s latest appearance is turning heads, and not because of his music. The rapper recently sat down with magician Anna DeGuzman for Complex’s new series Interview With A Magician, and things got interesting fast when she attempted to pull a secret from his mind: his celebrity crush, which was revealed to be Sabrina Carpenter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by COMPLEX (@complex) While Offset played it cool and avoided dropping a name at first, he hinted that the person in question had impressive “taste in her total artistry.” But the real reveal came when DeGuzman magically produced a crumpled piece of paper with the name Sabrina Carpenter written on it. Offset’s reaction? Shocked, amused, and maybe just a little caught off guard. The moment comes at a time when fans are closely watching Offset’s every move, especially following Cardi B’s official announcement of her long-awaited album Am I The Drama? just a day prior. Despite once encouraging her to release it, even after their split, Offset stayed completely silent on her big news. No reposts, no shoutouts, no mentions. While the internet expected some kind of reaction from her ex, Offset seems focused on other things. His magician-revealed admiration for Carpenter, who happens to be on the same label, sparked talk of a possible collaboration or at least a new muse. Insiders previously said Offset had been one of Cardi’s biggest supporters while she was working on the album. But now, with her release date locked in and the spotlight back on her, he’s shifted his attention elsewhere. Whether it was just a fun moment on camera or something deeper, Offset’s unexpected Sabrina Carpenter reveal has added a new twist to the post-breakup narrative. One thing’s clear: Offset’s keeping fans guessing, both with his silence and his new crush.

Nick Cannon may finally be done adding to his large family. During an appearance on The Really Good Podcast, Cannon gave a surprise reply when asked if he was done having children. “I think I’m done,” he said with a smile. As HOT97 previously reported, Cannon has admitted to having trouble remembering the names of all his children.  “You want all 12?” Cannon asked. “This is where I usually get in trouble… I know all of ’em, but can you rattle off just 12 of anything?” There’s Roc, Roe, Golden, Powerful, Rise, Onyx, Legendary, Zion, Zillian, Zen, and…” he began. “And see this is where I, uh…” Cannon admitted that he was “missing two” children, adding Beautiful and his youngest daughter, Halo Marie Cannon.  “There’s a song, and I was like, I don’t want to do that,” Cannon said about his tactics of remembering his children’s names. “I wrote a verse that had all their names in it, and I just, sometimes I recite that,” he said. When asked why he has 12 kids, Cannon said he has a “king complex” while comparing himself to the biblical character King Solomon, who had 700 wives and 300 concubines.  “I don’t want no wives, I just want kids,” Cannon explained In March, Cannon revealed that his family’s size has caused a strain on his finances.  “The way my bank account is set up, I’m going to press hold on this 12 for right now.” In total, Cannon shares twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey; sons Golden Sagon and Rise Messiah Cannon and daughter Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell; twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; son Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; and daughter Onyx Ice Cole with LaNisha Cole. Cannon is also father to two children with Alyssa Scott — son Zen, who died at five months old in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer. His daughter Halo Marie Cannon was born on Dec. 14, 2022.