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.

Cassie has reappeared online with a small but telling update that many fans are taking as a sign she is easing back into the spotlight. The singer shared an Instagram Story on August 7th that mixed humor with a nod to her postpartum experience. The video she reposted from @momswithplans showed a man slowly getting into his groove on the dance floor, paired with the caption, “When your old self slowly starts coming out postpartum.” Cassie added her own short remark: “Factual. Little by little. lol.” Her quiet return follows an intense period in her personal life. Months earlier, on May 13th, she testified in federal court against Sean “Diddy” Combs, accusing him of years of manipulation and abuse. “Sean controlled a lot of my life,” she told the court, “whether it was career, the way I dressed, everything.” Cassie described being forced into drug-fueled sex parties and threatened with revenge porn. Nine days after taking the stand, she welcomed her third child with husband Alex Fine on May 27th. Even while adjusting to life with a newborn, reports say she wrote a letter to the judge presiding over Combs’ case, urging them to deny his early release. Her legal team publicly praised her willingness to continue advocating for survivors during such a personal time. Since giving birth, Cassie has largely stepped away from public view, focusing on her family and her own healing. Her latest post did not directly address the case or her past testimony, but it struck a chord with those who have followed her journey. The lighthearted tone hinted at a woman gradually reclaiming her energy and sense of self. For many, it was a quiet but powerful message that she is still moving forward, one step at a time.

Fat Joe and Jadakiss are voicing their frustrations after BET confirmed major changes to two of its most recognizable events. During an episode of their Joe and Jada podcast, the longtime friends discussed the network’s choice to pause the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards, questioning what it means for Black culture in entertainment. Fat Joe described the situation bluntly. “This is a form of gentrification, what’s going on. I don’t know if you really want to ask me about this s**t,” he said. Reflecting on BET’s history, he noted that it began as a space dedicated to Black audiences before being sold by founder Bob Johnson to Viacom Paramount. According to him, the shift in ownership brought quiet but consistent staff cuts, especially targeting those who voiced concerns. The Bronx rapper recalled working on the BET Hip-Hop Awards for three years and watching the event’s resources dwindle. “S**t was like the budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting chopped and chopped and chopped.” He contrasted that with the production levels at the Video Music Awards. “Last year, I debuted my single with [DJ] Khaled at the VMAs, and Katy Perry still flying through the air… They still got all the tricks. They still got the budgets. They got the s**t… They kept underfunding them… They ain’t had no bread.” Jadakiss added, “They have bread for what they wanna have bread for,” suggesting the issue lies in priorities rather than capability. Earlier this week, BET CEO Scott Mills addressed the changes, stating the awards are not canceled but could shift to a new home as the media environment changes. He emphasized that other programs like the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards will continue, while a team explores the best future for the Hip-Hop and Soul Train brands.

Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion’s relationship is still going strong, and their latest appearance together put them in the middle of a baseball field instead of a basketball court. The Dallas Mavericks guard took part in the first-ever Sandlot Classic on August 7th, trading hoops for a bat and glove. Surrounded by family and friends, Thompson spent the day playing ball while Megan supported him from the dugout. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Klay Thompson (@klaythompson) Photos from the event appeared on Thompson’s Instagram, showing him mid-game and later posing in uniform with his arm around Megan. The post also included a celebration of the win, with Thompson proudly noting the championship title and giving recognition to his cousin AJ for his performance during the game. Supporters of the pair quickly noticed Megan’s presence in the pictures and expressed excitement over seeing them together again. Observers also pointed out that Thompson was representing her business during the outing, as Chicas Divertidas Tequila, Megan’s own brand, served as one of the event’s sponsors. The partnership blended her entrepreneurial work with their public time as a couple. Their appearance at the Sandlot Classic comes only weeks after stepping onto the red carpet together for the first time. On July 16th, they attended the inaugural Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City, hosted by Megan. The event served as the first official confirmation of their relationship after months of speculation. During the gala, Megan spoke warmly about Thompson, praising his character and kindness. From charity events to sports games, the two continue to share moments that reflect both their personal bond and their willingness to support each other’s endeavors. Whether on a baseball diamond or a formal gala, Thompson and Megan appear to be building a relationship that thrives in every setting they step into together.

Toni Braxton is celebrating one year of marriage. On August 8, 2025, the Grammy-winning singer took to Instagram to commemorate her first wedding anniversary with Birdman, revealing a dazzling ring that had fans buzzing. In the photo, Braxton is seen holding a bouquet of white calla lilies while flaunting a stunning emerald-cut diamond ring, along with a matching diamond wedding band, with the caption “Happy Anniversary.” The pair quietly tied the knot on August 8, 2024, but just two days later, Braxton filed for divorce, citing an “irretrievably broken” marriage. She listed their official date of separation as August 10, 2024. Despite the rocky start, the two ultimately decided to stay together. Braxton dismissed the divorce petition in January 2025 with Birdman’s consent, legally reaffirming their union. Toni’s sister, Tamar Braxton, shared her excitement for the couple as she commented, “Thank ya [fire emoji]” under a post shared by The Shade Room. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Teyana Taylor stopped by HOT 97 to talk with Nessa about her highly anticipated new album Escape Room, dropping August 22nd. She opened up about why she returned from her brief retirement and the meaning behind the album title. They talked about the new single “Bed of Roses” and the steamy visual with Aaron Pierre. Teyana gushed about how safe, loved, and understood Aaron makes her feel—and shared where their relationship stands today. She also explained why it was important for her to clear the air during her public breakup and make sure the narrative didn’t paint Iman as a villain. Teyana also shared how she chose Taraji P. Henson to narrate the powerful opening monologue in her song “Long Time,” which dives into heartbreak beyond just relationships—covering family, career, and friendship too. Teyana reflected on the hardest and most personal songs on the project, what moved her to tears while making the album, and how she uses narration to carry emotion throughout. She also spoke about her work as a creative director and her new film One Battle After Another with Leonardo DiCaprio, out September 26th, and how people describe her energy on set. From her music industry journey—including her return to Def Jam—to co-parenting, career pivots, and culinary school, Teyana shared insight into the many chapters of her life right now. Stream “Bed of Roses” now and get her album Escape Room on August 22nd!

Drake is once again in rollout mode—or at least that’s what fans are betting on. A recent Instagram post, packed with fan edits, TikTok jokes, and a cameo from soccer phenom Erling Haaland, has ignited buzz around his upcoming project Iceman and the tour he’s calling “$ome $pecial $hows 4 U,” with longtime collaborator PARTYNEXTDOOR. Alongside the images, Drake captioned the post, “Tired…too many bangers,” a nod, perhaps, to the project’s creative pace. Whether it’s a cryptic update or a playful brush-off, the sentiment has only sharpened curiosity. Tracks like “What Did I Miss?” and “Which One,” featuring Central Cee, suggest a stylistic range that could stretch from tightly wound bars to festival-stage anthems. With no official date yet, the rollout appears to be unfolding in real time, one post at a time. The bigger question is whether Iceman is days away or still getting polished in the studio. Either way, the breadcrumbs are multiplying. What once felt like distant hype now reads more like a calculated warm-up act. Legal drama brews, but Drake stays locked in Offstage, though, Drake is juggling more than music. His name has surfaced in a defamation lawsuit tied to “Not Like Us,” the viral diss record from Kendrick Lamar. The case targets Universal Music Group but intersects with Drake’s feud, dragging the narrative into legal territory. He was recently cleared to subpoena Kojo Menne Asamoah, a figure alleged to hold relevant details surrounding the case and UMG’s role in the matter. It’s the kind of legal entanglement that could rattle a less seasoned artist. But for Drake, who’s long operated at the center of pop culture crossfire, the balance of public spectacle and private litigation is familiar terrain. And if the rollout of Iceman is any indication, he’s not backing off—he’s doubling down. As fans wait, refresh, and speculate, the Toronto native remains locked in: teasing bangers, navigating lawsuits, and fine-tuning the next chapter of his catalog. View this post on Instagram A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi)

Kid Cudi is revealing the details of his near-fatal overdose. In his upcoming memoir, Cudi,  described the fateful night when he was alone at his New York apartment in Tribeca, where he indulged in copious amounts of cocaine and that he “cryedg for hours.” “I was at peace with dying,” Cudi writes, according to  GQ, before he collapsed to the floor, almost comatose. “‘You made great music that people loved,’ I thought. ‘But this is the end.’” He also shared that he was doing cocaine lines as wide as his pinky finger “I couldn’t make sense of what was plaguing me. It was all happening so fast. The first Man on the Moon had been out for about a year and I was on a rocket ship,” Cudi continued. “Grappling with fame pushed me toward cocaine, which I only ever did alone. I was drawn to it in isolation, and my time by myself was increasing.” “I was feeling shut-in and I could barely even leave my house. The coke felt like a necessary countermeasure for my celebrity, but it was wreaking havoc on my life, creatively and personally. I had become super volatile emotionally,” he added. “My relationships were in shambles, and I couldn’t get songs out like I wanted. The anger was boiling in me. My rage came from my reality not aligning with my dream.” “My rage came from my reality not aligning with my dream,” he confessed. “I thought being set financially was going to save me and make everything all right. I thought being Kid Cudi would transform my life in all the best ways. It didn’t.” Cudi also acknowledged that his suicidal ideation returned during recording sessions for Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven. “After we’d finished a session, I’d be alone Googling exit bags,” he wrote. “I was thinking about a way I could actually do it. I was plotting it. There’s a song at the end of Speedin’ Bullet where I say good-bye, and that was meant to be my final album. I was going to kill myself at the end of that album, or before it came out, or during that cycle. I was not planning to live that year. Not many people around me expected me to either.” Cudi: The Memoir hits stores on Aug. 12.

LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith have achieved a significant milestone as they celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. In an Instagram post, Simone shared a vintage photo, and she reflected on her more than three-decade journey with LL “30 years of marriage today. All glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ,” her caption read. “Marriage isn’t for the weak, it’s for the faithful. It takes work, love, listening, picking your battles, being a friend, a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, and a safe place,” Simone continued. She went on to explain that “every marriage has its own DNA” and that there is no “blueprint” for how to create a successful marriage. But “grace, commitment and two people willing to grow through every season together.” “We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, forgiven, and grown—together,” she said. “We did the work, and God did the rest. ” “30 years. Countless memories. One God who kept us. LORD I THANK YOU,” she added.  For meeting through a mutual friend n 1987 in New York City, the couple were an item for eight years before getting married. The union has produced four children: son Najee and daughters Italia, Samaria, and Nina. The Smiths are grandparents, as Italia has two children of her own. One of the Smiths’ biggest challenges was Simone’s health issues. In 2004, she was diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer that was discovered in her right leg. “I was training downstairs in my house and doing leg presses, and as I was doing the leg press, I had the weirdest feeling in my leg,” Simone told First For Women..” I stopped and said to my trainer, ‘Naomi, I feel like my leg wants to break right here.’ And she said, What? Okay, we’re done.” “That’s what sent me to the doctor and how I found out,” she continued. “Eventually, my leg would have broken if I ignored my body and kept training or running.”

Our very own, DJ and hip-hop pioneer Funk Flex is set to receive one of the city’s highest honors—the Key to the City of New York. The iconic Bronx native, known for his explosive radio sets, exclusive freestyle sessions, and long-standing influence on the culture, will be recognized for his decades of contributions to music, broadcasting, and New York City’s identity. The ceremony is scheduled to take place today on August 7th, and will celebrate Funk Flex’s legacy as a trailblazer in hip-hop and a champion of NYC talent. As one of the most recognizable voices in radio, Flex has played a pivotal role in breaking new artists and preserving the authenticity of the genre. Funk Flex took to social media to share the news, expressing his gratitude and reflecting on his journey to becoming a national figure in radio. “YALL READY FOR THE CELEBRATION EVENT AT ORCHARD BEACH AUGUST 7TH? I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING!” Flex wrote. “THANK YOU ERIC ADAMS, DAN, JOE JAXSON, TOMAS, ALBERT, KUDJO!” Congratulations to Funk Flex on this well-deserved honor! View this post on Instagram A post shared by FunkFlex (@funkflex)