Earlier this week, Monica and Brandy kicked off their highly anticipated Boy Is Mine tour. However, Monica recently revealed she faced a frightening diagnosis just two weeks prior. According to an Instagram Live from the singer’s account obtained by TheShadeRoom, Monica was diagnosed with temporary paralysis in her right vocal chord. That said, she took things in stride and was proud that she was to “get the songs out” without missing a beat. “I thank God for where I am because we found out what…two weeks before tour, that my right chord has temporary paralysis,” she said, looking to Brandy, who had joined her on the live. Brandy added that she couldn’t even begin to understand what Monica was “going through vocally.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice,” according to MayoClinic According to MayoClinic, Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice. It happens when the nerve impulses to the voice box, also called the larynx, are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles.” The condition can cause difficulty with speaking and breathing. “The vocal cords, also called vocal folds, do more than just produce sound. They also protect the airway. They prevent food, drink, and even saliva from entering the windpipe and causing a person to choke,” MayoClinic says. Back in June, Brandy and Monica announced they were co-headlining their first tour, aptly titled The Boy Is Mine Tour. The 24-city arena tour is an homage to their era-defining duet “The Boy Is Mine,” which ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks straight. Produced by the Black Promoters Collective, the event is a “cultural homecoming” of two of R&B’s greatest stars, said President Shelby Joyner. The tour is expected to conclude on December 7 in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Lil Wayne has officially come out on top after a long-running legal dispute with his former lawyer, Ron Sweeney. The feud, which began years ago, revolved around unpaid legal fees and a controversial payment arrangement. According to Digital Music News, a New York judge recently ruled in favor of the rapper, bringing the case to a close after nearly seven years of back-and-forth court battles. The disagreement started when Wayne filed a lawsuit in 2019, claiming Sweeney had unfairly charged him a 10 percent contingency fee from his profits. He argued that this amount was “double the customary rate for attorneys in the music industry” and should not have been enforced because their agreement was never signed before he fired Sweeney in 2018. Sweeney, however, fired back by suing Wayne in both New York and California, demanding $20 million. He insisted that the rapper still owed him money from several business deals made after their professional relationship ended, including a settlement with Cash Money Records and a deal involving Universal Music Group’s acquisition of Young Money masters. Judge James D’Auguste’s ruling on October 14 determined that Sweeney could not collect 10 percent of Wayne’s post-termination earnings. The court documents reportedly stated, “Counterclaim plaintiffs may not, under [the law], receive a contingency fee. As contemplated by the voided oral contingency fee arrangement or otherwise.” The judge also blocked Sweeney from seeking discovery into Wayne’s financial transactions but noted that he could still pursue “reasonable fees” for past services. Wayne’s attorney, Jonathan Davis, shared his relief with Billboard, saying, “After an almost seven-year battle in multiple courts in New York and California, lawyers can rest a little easier in knowing that the rule of law still matters and will be applied faithfully by courts.” With the decision finalized, Lil Wayne can now move forward without the weight of this legal fight hanging over him.

Diddy sends his youngest daughter, Love Combs, a heartfelt gift from behind bars. Diddy’s sentencing: As previously reported, Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder was convicted under the Mann Act, a federal law prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for prostitution. While jurors acquitted Combs of more serious charges — including racketeering and sex trafficking — the guilty verdict on two counts of transportation secured the prison sentence. Last week, a federal judge handed down a sentence of four years and two months behind bars. In addition, Combs will be required to pay a $500,000 fine and serve five years of supervised release once his prison term concludes. Diddy celebrates love’s birthday: The sentencing didn’t stop him from celebrating his daughter’s birthday. Diddy’s son, Justin Combs, shares a video via Instagram of Love holding a Build-a-Bear, with a personalized message from their father. “Happy birthday Love, it’s daddy, I love you I miss you..” the message could be heard saying. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

French Montana has secured a decisive win in a protracted copyright lawsuit concerning his 2013 track, Ain’t Worried About Nothin’. The case was brought by producer Eddie Lee Richardson, known professionally as Hotwire The Producer. Richardson alleged that Montana had illicitly sampled Richardson’s instrumental, Hood Pushin’ Weight. The dispute had drawn attention for its broader implications on music ownership and the boundaries of artistic influence. On October 17, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, under Judge Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, ruled in Montana’s favor. The court acknowledged striking similarities between the two tracks. However, auditory resemblance alone does not satisfy the legal standard for copyright infringement. “We concur with Richardson that HPW’s beat appears indistinguishable from the beat in AWAN when listened to casually. However, unsupported opinions and allegations do not suffice,” Judge Jackson-Akiwumi wrote. This ruling follows an earlier decision from a lower court, which highlighted the complex terrain of copyright law in the music industry. The judge noted the irony that imitation is often “the sincerest form of flattery,” while underscoring that legal protection requires more than perceived similarity between works. Copyright Claims Fall Short While Montana Celebrates Engagement A key factor in Richardson’s case was the type of copyright he held. He registered a sound recording copyright rather than one covering the underlying musical composition. U.S. law stipulates that claims based on sound recordings require evidence of direct copying or sampling. Mere stylistic imitation is insufficient. Judge Jackson-Akiwumi clarified, “Richardson could have provided either direct or circumstantial evidence to support his assertion that [Montana] copied HPW when creating AWAN. However, he has presented neither.” The lack of supporting evidence ultimately led to the lawsuit’s dismissal. While Richardson faces disappointment, Montana’s personal life has seen a brighter development. Reports indicate that he is engaged to Sheikha Mahra, Princess of Dubai. This is a milestone that follows months of speculation. With the legal matter resolved, Montana now looks ahead to balancing his creative work with his personal life. He demonstrates resilience amid both professional and emotional challenges.

As anticipation builds for his upcoming album, Rod Wave is poised to redefine both his career and artistic identity. The Florida rapper appeared on The Joe Budden Podcast, speaking candidly about his new music and his evolution as a self-reliant artist navigating the complexities of the music industry. His reflections offered insight into balancing creative ambition with entrepreneurial strategy. Amid the excitement, Rod Wave addressed legal disputes with a former tour promoter, describing them as pivotal in asserting his independence. He revealed that his merchandise revenue has surged from $200,000 to $14 million, underscoring both his business acumen and commitment to self-sufficiency. This growth stems from taking control of his merchandising operations rather than relying on outside management, illustrating how autonomy can drive lasting success. Reflecting on his journey, Rod Wave shared advice from his uncle: “You can buy your own clothes, pay to have them printed and transported, and handle it all yourself.” He added, “If you can make it in the street, you can make it anywhere. Your mind can be the key to innovation.” These words highlight his focus on personal agency and provide a blueprint for aspiring artists aiming to combine creativity with independence. Rod Wave on Music’s Business and Artist Independence Discussing the business side of music, Rod Wave was candid about the systemic exploitation many performers face. “It’s just business, bruh,” he said. “While I’m up on stage rapping, there’s a whole ecosystem profiting off my work.” He emphasized how artists often see only a fraction of the revenue they generate: “Even if someone makes a couple million off you, they could have multiple others like you.” His insights underscore the importance of understanding the broader business landscape in music. Looking ahead, Rod Wave’s forthcoming album promises to capture both his creative vision and the lessons learned from navigating the industry independently. While hints of missed collaborations, including a potential feature on the UY SCUTI project, linger, fans remain captivated by his story of resilience. His journey reflects empowerment through autonomy, offering a roadmap for artists striving for both artistic freedom and financial control. Rod Wave reveals that he makes $14 million from selling and making his own merch, an increase from $200k before doing it himself (via The Joe Budden Podcast: https://t.co/puAqnaAnAT) https://t.co/f9zpQwWEwC pic.twitter.com/UzGa1wxr1B — SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) October 17, 2025

Sauce Walka has reached a resolution in his high-profile legal case stemming from a high-speed police chase earlier this year. The Texas rapper was sentenced to 50 hours of community service. He was also placed on two years of probation, marking a significant turning point in his ongoing legal matters. On October 16, in Harris County court, Sauce Walka pleaded guilty to evading police, resulting in a two-year deferred adjudication probation. This arrangement allows him to avoid a formal conviction as long as he abides by the court’s conditions. Reports note that any violation could trigger a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years. This highlights the seriousness of compliance. In addition to probation, Sauce Walka was ordered to pay a $500 fine to the Houston Area Women’s Center. He had missed a court appearance the day before his plea, prompting a warrant for his arrest. He attributed this to a miscommunication with his legal team. The incident began on December 7, 2023, when Sauce Walka ran a red light on Homestead Road in north Harris County. He fled after being signaled to pull over, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour over more than two miles. The chase concluded when he crashed and was taken into custody. He later posted a $35,000 bond. Loss and Legal Struggles: Sauce Walka’s Creative Rise This year has also brought personal tragedy, including the shooting death of his associate, Sayso P. Sauce Walka was unharmed but publicly mourned his friend’s death, using his platform to address violence in the community. On the creative front, 2025 has seen a positive turn with the release of his collaborative project, Chicken & Sauce, alongside That Mexican OT. The project highlights their distinctive regional styles. It demonstrates Sauce Walka’s resilience amid both personal and legal challenges. Fans await his response to the court’s decision, and given his outspoken nature, he may address it directly. Observers hope he can navigate the remainder of the year without further legal setbacks, moving toward stability and creative focus. View this post on Instagram A post shared by XXL (@xxl)

Megan Thee Stallion is embracing her role as an NBA girlfriend in style. The rapper was spotted sitting courtside in Las Vegas this week to cheer on her boyfriend, Klay Thompson, during the Dallas Mavericks’ final preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans quickly noticed her front-row presence at T-Mobile Arena, where she looked radiant and relaxed while watching the action unfold. Megan Thee Stallion at the Dallas Mavericks game tonight in Las Vegas!pic.twitter.com/QVu51ppSCz — Stallion Stats (@MegansStats) October 16, 2025 During the live broadcast, commentator Kendrick Perkins couldn’t resist acknowledging the moment. “Ay, Klay, those Texas women, man, they somethin’ else!” he said, as the camera panned to Megan enjoying the game. The appearance marked her first time publicly supporting Thompson at a Mavericks matchup since they began dating, creating a buzz among fans both in the arena and online. Their relationship has been a favorite topic on social media ever since the two confirmed they were an item earlier this summer. Megan and Klay have spent plenty of quality time together, sharing glimpses of their connection with fans through affectionate posts and fun outings. They’ve been seen fishing, working out, and attending red carpet events side by side. In one video, Megan showered Klay with kisses, captioning it with the phrase “boyfriendaholic,” showing just how smitten she is. For the Grammy-winning artist, this new chapter blends her fierce independence with her softer side. Between promoting her music and enjoying life offstage, she’s clearly found balance and happiness in her relationship. Fans are excited to see her step into this new spotlight and show her support both personally and publicly. With the regular NBA season about to begin, Megan Thee Stallion’s courtside appearance might just be the first of many as she cheers on Klay and the Mavericks throughout the year.

Cardi B is making it known that social media drama will not interfere with her business empire. The Grammy-winning artist took to X Spaces on Wednesday, October 15, to address what she described as “fake stan Twitter sh*t,” after noticing online users trying to jeopardize her brand partnerships. Confident and unbothered, she made her stance clear: “Y’all not stopping no bags over here.” The rapper explained that certain accounts have been tagging companies she works with, hoping to convince them to end their collaborations with her. Cardi brushed off those attempts, saying it has never worked and never will. “A lot of y’all been tagging all the companies that I get endorsements from, trying to take the endorsements from me and do funny shit,” she said. “Guess what? It’s not gonna happen.” She added that, instead of losing deals, she’s actually been in talks with more brands eager to work with her once she’s back on tour. One of the companies she highlighted was Bobbie, an organic infant formula brand she’s currently partnered with. Cardi said her connection to the company is personal and meaningful because of its advocacy for mothers who rely on formula to feed their babies. “Not every woman has the luxury to breastfeed,” she said. “Some gotta go right back to work to feed their families. Pumping takes all day. Some women have to depend on formula, and that’s something Bobbie is fighting for every week at the White House.” She also pointed out that Bobbie focuses on improving care for Black and Brown mothers. While she didn’t address anyone directly, the statement followed a wave of online arguments and fan-driven disputes. Still, Cardi’s message was one of faith and focus: “I’ve been very, very blessed,” she said. “I help people behind the scenes and I trust God to handle the rest.”

In the fast-moving world of contemporary music, collaborations can shift as quickly as the headlines. The relationship between Ty Dolla $ign and Kanye West now appears strained. This is largely influenced by West’s controversial statements earlier this year. Once a consistent creative alliance, their partnership has become more guarded. This leaves fans uncertain about future joint projects. Ty Dolla $ign and Kanye West have a history of successful collaborations. Their tracks resonated across charts and audiences alike. But recent developments suggest those ties are loosening. In a conversation with Complex, Ty was asked about his connection with Kanye. He offered only, “6 7,” and added, “I don’t really wanna talk about it, next one.” His response signals little inclination toward reconciliation or immediate collaboration. Earlier this month, Ty echoed similar uncertainty regarding his upcoming project, Vultures 3. While acknowledging that a significant portion of the album was completed, he remarked cryptically, “there was a lot of music that was done… But, uh, how should I say this? Uh… 6 7.” Fans are left to interpret whether these comments hint at stalled collaborations or a more permanent rift with Kanye. Ty Dolla $ign and Kanye: Clash and Conviction The tension traces back to February, when Kanye’s widely criticized social media posts sparked public backlash. Ty responded directly, tweeting, “I do not condone ANY form of hate speech towards ANYBODY,” accompanied by fist emojis representing various skin tones. Kanye later addressed his disappointment in a discussion with DJ Akademiks. He asserted, “You letting these n***as put words in your mouth,” emphasizing that disagreements should be handled privately rather than publicly aired. Their evolving dynamic underscores the complexities of navigating professional relationships under constant public scrutiny. As both artists continue on separate creative paths, the influence of these exchanges will likely shape their reputations and future collaborations. This offers a glimpse into how personal convictions and public perception collide in modern hip-hop. Ty Dolla $ign speaks on his current relationship with Ye “6 7. I don’t really wanna talk about it, next one.” (via @ComplexMusic / @jrosethereturn) pic.twitter.com/tt3NoLXqNU — Kurrco (@Kurrco) October 16, 2025

On October 15, NBA YoungBoy performed at State Farm Arena in Atlanta as part of his Make America Slime Again Tour. Initial reports claimed the rapper had been awarded the key to the city, celebrating both his influence in hip-hop and his charitable work addressing gun violence. The announcement framed the moment as a significant civic honor, emphasizing his impact and commitment to social issues within the community. The City of Atlanta has since issued a statement to clarify the situation. According to the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment, and Nightlife, while officials including State Representative Ingo Willis, Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, and Fulton County Probate Judge Kenya Johnson recognized YoungBoy, the city itself did not present a key. “The City of Atlanta has not provided a Key to the City in a very, very long time and currently does not issue this commendation,” the statement read, highlighting the difference between county recognition and formal city honors. Looking Ahead Even without an official city key, the event remained a milestone for NBA YoungBoy. His contributions to the community and the messages woven into his music continue to resonate with fans and within broader societal conversations, reflecting the rapper’s ongoing cultural influence. While Ludacris remains the only rapper to have officially received the key to Atlanta, a distinction granted in 2004, NBA YoungBoy’s performance underscored his growing prominence and commitment to social impact. As his tour moves from Atlanta to Nashville and wraps on November 12 in Seattle, the rapper’s momentum continues to build, demonstrating the intersection of artistry, influence, and civic engagement in contemporary hip-hop.