Tinashe addressed her journey through the music industry Wednesday, reflecting on years of feeling marginalized and dismissed following the critical and commercial success of her eighth studio album, “Popstar.” In a candid message shared via social media, the singer described the project’s reception as a personal victory after a long period of being “misunderstood” and the “butt of the joke” within the entertainment landscape. The album, which debuted on Sept. 25, has garnered widespread acclaim from industry outlets, including a rare 9.0 rating from Pitchfork, which labeled the 16-track project the best pop album of the year. Industry projections indicate “Popstar” is on track to debut within the top 10 of the Billboard 200, potentially marking the first top-10 entry of Tinashe’s career. Reflecting on her resilience, Tinashe shared an iPhone note with fans explaining that she had to learn to ignore public skepticism. View this post on Instagram She said people frequently questioned why she continued to release music rather than quitting the industry. “This moment is a testament to never giving up on yourself,” she wrote, adding that she eventually reached a place where she stopped craving mainstream validation because the pursuit of it had become “too painful.” Tinashe’s career has seen a dramatic shift since she departed from RCA Records several years ago. After releasing three albums under the major label, she transitioned into a successful independent run. This era of her career was bolstered by the 2024 viral hit “Nasty” from her “Quantum Baby” project, which helped reintroduce her to a broader audience and paved the way for her current success. The singer told her followers that the recent praise for “Popstar” feels like it is “healing a huge part” of her in real time. She credited her persistence to a deep-seated passion for art and music that outweighed the desire for awards or accolades. She said that feeling truly “seen and heard” by both fans and critics after decades in the business is “unbelievably touching.” To celebrate the new era, Tinashe is set to embark on the Three Nights With a Popstar Tour. The limited engagement will feature performances in major hubs including Chicago, Brooklyn and Los Angeles.

Swae Lee is bringing his Mississippi roots, love of football and signature energy to Crown Royal’s latest game-day celebration. The Grammy-nominated artist has stepped into the role of Crown Royal’s first-ever “Crown Quarterback” as part of the brand’s “Royal Rituals” campaign, giving him an opportunity to return home and spotlight the traditions surrounding football culture in Oxford, Mississippi. For Swae Lee, the partnership was an easy fit. “Being from Mississippi, I was excited to come home and show people what makes Oxford game day so special,” Swae Lee told HOT 97. “I’m a huge football fan, so being part of Crown Royal’s ‘Royal Rituals’ was an easy yes.” While football may be at the center of game day, Swae says the experience goes far beyond what happens on the field. “As the first Crown Quarterback, I got to celebrate the whole game-day experience — the music, the style, the food and all the energy surrounding the game, not just what happens on the field.” Coming Home to Mississippi: Raised in Mississippi, returning to the state for the campaign gave Swae Lee an opportunity to celebrate a culture he grew up around. “Mississippi will always be home, so it felt good to come back and celebrate a culture I grew up around,” he said. According to Swae, football weekends in Mississippi represent something much bigger than four quarters of competition. “Football weekends here are bigger than the game. They’re about the music, food and drinks that bring everybody together,” he explained. “There’s a different kind of energy here, so getting to bring my own vibes and share that with people was special.” That sense of community is also at the center of Crown Royal’s “Royal Rituals” campaign, which focuses on the traditions friends, families and fans build around sports. Swae sees an immediate connection between that atmosphere and his own experiences performing for massive crowds. “That’s what I love about sports — it’s way bigger than the game,” he said. “It’s the same feeling I get onstage, when everybody’s locked in and matching your energy, the whole place becomes one.” “Everybody knows the same songs, has their go-to food and drinks and pulls up with the same crew.” He also appreciated the campaign’s decision to incorporate traditions unique to Oxford. “I liked that Crown Royal kept it local by pairing an Oxford classic like chicken on a stick with a Crown Royal cocktail,” Swae added. “That’s the type of moment you don’t forget.” Swae Lee’s Ultimate Game-Day Playlist: Of course, you can’t have a major game-day experience without the right soundtrack. If Swae Lee had control of the stadium speakers, he already knows exactly what he would play. “If I’m controlling the music at a major football game, I’m going with ‘Flammable,’ ‘Sicko Mode,’ and ‘Rockstar Raging,’” he said. “Those records bring that high-energy, turn-up feeling that you want in a stadium.” As for the Swae Lee record that deserves a permanent spot on everybody’s game-day playlist? “You definitely gotta have ‘Flammable’ on there.” And don’t expect him to quietly sit back and watch the action once kickoff arrives. “I’m definitely competitive,” Swae admitted. “I like watching the game, but once I’m locked in, I’m locked in.” “I’m talking trash, celebrating every play, all of that. I can be laid-back before the game, but once it starts, I’m in it.” Swae Lee’s Ultimate Game-Day Playlist Swae Lee says the partnership ultimately worked because both music and sports have the ability to create shared moments. “Every time I perform, I’m trying to bring people together and create a moment everybody can feel,” he explained. “That’s what Crown Royal is doing with ‘Royal Rituals,’ so the partnership made sense to me.” “I got to bring my own energy, represent Mississippi and show people what makes football culture back home different.” And when it comes to celebrating with his own crew, Swae keeps his Crown Royal order simple. “You can’t go wrong with a Crown & Cola,” he said. “It’s an easy go-to when the crew’s together.” Swae Lee Is Focused on His Next Chapter: Beyond football and the “Royal Rituals” campaign, Swae Lee is still focused on expanding creatively. After years of hit records, major collaborations and global success, the rapper and singer says evolving as an artist remains one of his biggest motivations. “Honestly, just continuing to evolve,” Swae said. “I’ve been blessed to experience a lot in this career, so now I’m focused on creating things that feel fresh and timeless.” “I want to keep pushing myself, trying new sounds, and making music that people can connect with years from now.” Despite everything he has already accomplished, Swae believes there is still plenty left for him to explore. “There’s still a lot I haven’t done yet, and that’s what keeps me motivated.” Fans also won’t have to wait long to see what comes next. Swae Lee revealed that the second European leg of his tour is set to begin in November, with tickets going on sale through his official website. He also teased new music and upcoming collaborations. “There’s a lot coming up,” he said. “European Tour Leg 2 kicks off in November and was just announced today, with tickets going on sale Friday at swaeleeofficial.com.” View this post on Instagram “And there’s definitely new music and some exciting collaborations on the way, so stay locked in. More surprises coming soon.” Between representing his Mississippi roots, bringing his energy to football culture and preparing another wave of music, Swae Lee appears ready to keep the momentum going both onstage and beyond it.

Kansas City Chiefs fans collectively held their breath Sunday after Patrick Mahomes absorbed a bone-jarring hit during their 24-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The star quarterback struggled to rise following the heavy collision, momentarily raising fears of a severe back injury. Even head coach Andy Reid was admittedly shaken on the sideline—joking afterward that every bone in his own body cracked just watching the impact. ​Mahomes quickly put those fears to rest postgame, offering an optimistic update on his status and confirming he expects to be fully ready for the Chiefs’ next matchup. ​On Wednesday, Mahomes addressed the vicious hit while speaking to the media. ​I’m doing great, you know, it was like a natural chiropractor, so I felt better after the game, so I’m doing fine,” Mahomes said, joking that Robinson hit him really hard. Robinson also spoke about the collision, saying “he just did what he was coached to do.” ​”I guess I could have put my hands out earlier,” he later admitted. mahomes is still one of the best qbs ​Despite the hard hit, Mahomes still looks like a top QB after missing the majority of last season with an ACL injury. He completed 20 of 24 passes (83.3%) for 246 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception for a stellar 119.8 passer rating. Anchored by a lethal play-action attack—where he went 11-of-12 for 183 yards—Mahomes continuously carved up Miami’s secondary while taking zero sacks behind a sturdy offensive line. Beyond securing a 3–0 start for the undefeated Chiefs, his touchdown pass to Travis Kelce pushed his career mark to 247, officially surpassing Hall of Famer Joe Montana for 20th place on the NFL’s all-time passing touchdowns list. Though the evening briefly took a terrifying turn when edge rusher Chop Robinson flattened him on a late-third-quarter hit, Mahomes brushed off the impact, stayed in the game, and smoothly steered Kansas City home.

Dwight Howard and his wife, Amy Luciani, appear to be giving their marriage another chance. Luciani confirmed the reconciliation while discussing the couple’s highly publicized marital problems during a recent interview. The rapper and reality television personality appeared on Atlanta’s Streetz 94.5 to address the status of their relationship. She also reflected on airing their private issues publicly. Luciani acknowledged that she regretted sharing details about her marriage during an emotional moment. “I was wrong for making that video, especially when you end up back with your person,” Luciani said. Her comments seemingly confirmed speculation that she and Howard had reconciled. The development comes months after Howard filed for divorce in Georgia in March. He described their marriage as “irretrievably broken” in court documents. At the time, the filing stated there was “no hope of reconciliation.” Howard and Luciani married in January 2025 after publicly confirming their relationship weeks earlier. Their marriage quickly became complicated by divorce filings, legal disputes and allegations exchanged between the couple. Luciani takes accountability for public fallout Before confirming their reconciliation, Luciani had already hinted that she and Howard were working through their differences. Those hints emerged through exchanges with followers on social media. One supporter reminded Luciani that marriage requires work. Luciani responded by acknowledging she was still adjusting to married life. “Thank you. I’m still learning. I’m listening too,” she wrote. Luciani also accepted responsibility for inviting the public into the couple’s disagreements. Her mother later left a supportive message beneath one of Luciani’s posts. She referenced the couple finding their way back together and choosing their marriage. Luciani responded by thanking her mother for supporting her during both difficult and positive periods. The comments fueled speculation that the couple had reconciled. Luciani’s subsequent interview offered more direct confirmation of their reunion. A turbulent first year of marriage The reconciliation follows a complicated period for Howard and Luciani. Howard filed for divorce in March 2026 after another public dispute between the couple. Luciani had made allegations about Howard’s behavior and alleged drug use during an Instagram Live broadcast. Howard denied allegations of wrongdoing made during the couple’s previous legal disputes. The March divorce filing was not their first attempt to end the marriage. Howard previously filed for divorce in June 2025. Luciani filed her own divorce petition the following month. Both of those cases were later dismissed after the couple reconciled. Their marital problems resurfaced again this year, leading to another round of legal proceedings. As recently as July, Luciani accused Howard of unnecessarily prolonging their ongoing divorce litigation. The former NBA star and Luciani eventually agreed to a confidentiality order involving sensitive financial information in the case. Now, their relationship appears to have shifted once again. Neither Howard nor Luciani has publicly confirmed whether the latest divorce case has formally been dismissed. Howard also has not publicly addressed the latest reconciliation reports. Luciani, however, has made it clear that she views her previous approach differently.

Lil Wayne appears to be heading down the aisle after seemingly confirming his engagement to 23-year-old Madi Cannon. The rapper unexpectedly revealed his relationship status while celebrating another engagement within the Cash Money family. Wayne appeared in a video shared by fellow Hot Boys member B.G. on Monday, Sept. 28. B.G. recently became engaged to his girlfriend, Brooke Jones. During the video, Wayne congratulated his longtime friend before turning the attention toward Cannon. “I’m marrying this one,” Wayne said. “This is Madison. This is my fiancée.” Cannon appeared beside Wayne and also offered her congratulations to the newly engaged couple. Wayne then jokingly began making plans for B.G.’s wedding. “Let us know what color we’re wearing. I’m the best man, you heard me,” Wayne said. B.G. shared the interaction on Instagram and celebrated receiving Wayne’s support. The moment marks Wayne’s clearest public acknowledgment yet that he and Cannon are planning to marry. It also follows months of conflicting reports surrounding their relationship. Wayne previously denied being engaged Reports about Wayne and Cannon first surfaced earlier this year. TMZ reported in May that Wayne had quietly become engaged to a woman in her 20s from Indiana. The outlet later identified the woman as Cannon. At the time, neither Wayne nor Cannon publicly confirmed those reports. Cannon is reportedly a social media influencer from Kokomo, Indiana. She has largely remained outside Wayne’s celebrity spotlight. Speculation continued after Cannon began appearing publicly alongside the rapper. In June, sports commentator Skip Bayless shared a photograph featuring Wayne and Cannon. Bayless and his wife, Ernestine, were also pictured with the pair. However, Wayne directly pushed back against engagement speculation in July. The Grammy-winning rapper posted a video addressing several topics, including his relationship status. “No, I am not engaged,” Wayne said at the time. Wayne explained that he previously had a relationship with someone he described as an “amazing person.” He also indicated they had separated. “So, we decided to part,” he said. Wayne did not identify Cannon by name during that announcement. His latest comments now suggest the relationship has changed significantly since that July statement. A reconciliation appears to have followed Neither Wayne nor Cannon has publicly explained when they reconciled. They also have not revealed when Wayne proposed or whether a wedding date has been selected. That leaves some uncertainty surrounding the timeline of their apparent engagement. Wayne, 43, has generally kept his romantic life more private in recent years. The rapper has previously been engaged to model La’Tecia Thomas and singer Nivea. He shares a son with Nivea. Wayne also shares children with Lauren London, Toya Johnson and Sarah Vivan. His newest apparent engagement comes during another busy period professionally. The New Orleans native has been performing on his “20 Years of Carter Classics” tour. The tour celebrates the music and legacy surrounding his influential “Tha Carter” album series. For now, Wayne’s introduction of Cannon as his fiancée offers the strongest confirmation directly from the rapper. The pair have not announced additional wedding plans publicly.

The second coming of Odell Beckham Jr. in Big Blue came to a swift end. On Tuesday, the New York Giants released the 33-year-old wide receiver after just three games into the season. The move marks a quiet finish to what was once one of the most electric player-franchise pairings in modern NFL history.  Also, the move reflects a pragmatism from the Giants’ front office. Rather than retaining a legacy name buried on the depth chart, New York opted to free up roster flexibility. For Beckham, the release marks another turning point in a career defined by massive peaks—including his 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign in New York and a Super Bowl LVI title with the Los Angeles Rams—alongside persistent injuries and late-career journeyman stints with Cleveland, Baltimore, and Miami.  Beckham Jr. established himself as one of the most dynamic wide receivers of his era. He wielded a combination of elite athleticism, highlight-reel skill, and historic production. Drafted 12th overall in 2014 by the New York Giants out of LSU—where he won the 2013 Paul Hornung Award as college football’s most versatile player. Beckham took the NFL by storm, capturing the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award despite playing only 12 games. He also made history by becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 200 career receptions and 3,000 receiving yards. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2014–2016) and two second-team All-Pro honors while captivating fans with iconic plays. His legendary one-handed touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys is an all-time classic.  Over his career, Beckham surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in five different seasons and reached the ultimate peak of team success as a key contributor to the Los Angeles Rams’ victory in Super Bowl LVI.  Ultimately, the release signals that sentimentality has no place on an NFL roster. While the nostalgic reunion thrilled fans during August, the harsh reality of NFL depth charts dictated the outcome. Beckham now hits the wire as a free agent looking for a team in need of veteran receiver depth. For the Giants, the chapter on OBJ is officially closed once again 

Former NBA player and two-time world champion J.R. Smith was arrested Tuesday in Hunt County on a charge of family violence, according to local law enforcement records. The 16-year league veteran was booked into the Hunt County Detention Center on a charge of assault causing bodily injury family violence. Jail records indicate that as of Tuesday afternoon, no bond had been established for the 39-year-old former athlete. In a booking photo released by authorities, Smith is seen wearing a dark jail-issued smock and maintaining a neutral expression. Details regarding the specific nature of the incident or the identity of the other party involved have not yet been disclosed by the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office. Smith is widely recognized for his successful professional basketball career, which included championship rings with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Known for his scoring ability and perimeter shooting, he retired from the NBA following the 2020 season. After his professional career concluded, Smith made headlines for pursuing higher education. He enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, where he notably joined the university’s golf team. He successfully completed his studies and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies in May 2026. This is not the first time the former shooting guard has faced legal challenges. In 2007, Smith was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a passenger. He eventually pleaded guilty to reckless driving in connection with that crash and served 24 days in jail. Local authorities said the current investigation into the assault charge remains active. Representatives for Smith have not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest or the allegations. Under Texas law, assault causing bodily injury family violence is typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor, though charges can be elevated depending on prior convictions or the specific circumstances of the encounter. Smith remains in custody pending a bond hearing.

Renni Rucci is getting back in the studio. The South Carolina rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta star announced her return to rap Monday (Sept. 28). Rucci shared an “A Day in the Life: Work Edition” vlog on Instagram. The video follows Rucci through a busy day as a mother and entertainer. She gets a manicure and pedicure before dropping her children off with babysitters. Rucci also appears as a guest during an entertainment taping. However, music remains the focus of her latest update. “I’m back in the studio on you bitches this week because I see y’all getting real comfortable around this motherfucka, like y’all really don’t know who really the ‘Carolina Queen,’” she says. View this post on Instagram Rucci’s announcement comes as her boyfriend, fellow South Carolina rapper Blacc Zacc, remains in federal custody. The couple has continued to draw attention within the state’s hip-hop scene. For Rucci, returning to recording also serves as a reminder of her place in Carolina rap. Her “Carolina Queen” declaration suggests she believes her absence has created room for other artists. South Carolina Rapper Renni Rucci Announces Rap Return While Her Boyfriend Blacc Zacc Awaits Federal Trial Her Instagram caption doubles down on that confidence. “You bitches be looking like road kill and have the audacity to speak on a bad bitchhhh?!?! These gas prices got yall losing money and yall mind. Anyway, tap in I’m back in this bitch!!!” The post combines Rucci’s personal and professional worlds. She showcases her responsibilities as a mother while preparing to resume her music career. Her return also arrives during a significant period for her relationship with Blacc Zacc. The rapper, who has built his own profile in South Carolina hip-hop, remains behind bars in federal custody. Rucci has not announced a release date for new music. She also has not revealed whether a new album, mixtape or single is coming. For now, her message is direct. Rucci says she is back in the studio and wants listeners to remember the “Carolina Queen.” The latest vlog gives fans a look at the woman behind the entertainer. It also marks the beginning of what could be a new chapter in Rucci’s rap career.

Jim Jones sits down to talk about the upcoming “Let’s Rap About It” Sneaker Ball Gala, hip-hop fashion, Wale’s emotional industry confession, and the legendary Dipset vs. The Lox Verzuz battle. In this interview, Jim Jones covers: The Let’s Rap About It Gala — The 1-year anniversary pod gala (sneaker ball edition) on October 10th. Dress up, stay fresh, and throw on exclusive kicks.Hip-hop fashion rankings — Jim names who’s really fresh in the game, from Fabolous to Lil Baby to Peezy. Wale’s viral Twitter rant — Wale opened up about the toll the music industry takes on artists. Jim gives his take: “He needs therapy,” but also relates to the struggle of staying creative, losing friends, and dealing with criticism.The Lox vs. Dipset Verzuz at Madison Square Garden — Jim breaks down why the planned Lox/Dipset tour never happened, calling Cam’ron a “hater and a sore loser” who snubbed the tour after the Verzuz loss. He also recalls catching COVID at the Garden and calls the event one of the most iconic moments in hip-hop history. The five P’s — “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” Jim tips his hat to The Lox for being ready.

Jasmine Guy is firing back at social media critics who targeted her appearance following the premiere of the highly anticipated “A Different World” revival. The actress, best known for her iconic portrayal of Whitley Gilbert, took to Instagram to address the “brutal” nature of online commentary regarding aging women in the spotlight. The backlash began shortly after the Netflix reboot debuted on Sept. 24, which featured Guy reuniting with former castmates Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell and Cree Summer. While many fans celebrated the return of the Hillman College crew, a vocal segment of the internet began drawing unfavorable comparisons between the 64-year-old actress and her appearance during the show’s original run in the late 1980s. Guy responded to the negativity by posting a striking new photo of herself, accompanied by a poignant message about the double standards women face as they age. She noted the irony of a society that encourages women to embrace life while simultaneously mocking the physical evidence of having lived it. “The internet can be brutal to women as we grow older,” Guy said. “It asks us to celebrate life while criticizing every sign that we’ve lived it. Growing older brings change, and I won’t pretend every change is easy. But beauty, style, and joy don’t have an expiration date.” The actress urged her followers to shift their focus away from superficial judgments and toward more meaningful pursuits. She advocated for a culture of support rather than scrutiny, asking fans to spend less time judging others and more time “loving each other, making memories, and living the life we’re here to live.” The revival marks a significant cultural moment for fans of the original NBC sitcom, which aired from 1987 to 1993. The show was praised for its depiction of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and its willingness to tackle complex social issues. The Netflix reboot brings the beloved characters back to the screen decades later, showing their evolution into a new chapter of life. View this post on Instagram Her response has sparked a broader conversation about ageism in Hollywood and the importance of allowing public figures to age with dignity and grace.