Ski Mask The Slump God promises always to remember his late best friend and fellow Members Only rapper XXXTentacion’s legacy, whether fans like it or not. On Jan. 17, 2026, the Florida rapper took to his Instagram Story to address criticism from fans who claim he leans too heavily on XXXTentacion’s music during his live shows. The comments struck a nerve, prompting Ski to clarify his setlists, defend his performance record, and explain why honoring his late friend remains central to his shows. “N***as talking about I only play X at my shows,” Ski wrote, opening with a blunt rebuttal. Ski Mask the Slump God goes off on fans complaining that he only plays XXXTENTACION’s music at his shows “N****s talking about I only play X at my shows n***a if you was informed you would know I play 100 of my songs before that, my bad my best friend who I made the most music… pic.twitter.com/V9dBkghSA3 — Wost (@mosthiphop) January 19, 2026 He quickly challenged that perception. “If you was informed you would known I play 100 of my songs before that,” he added, suggesting critics were speaking without firsthand knowledge. According to Ski, the narrative ignores the breadth of his catalog and the structure of his performances. Ski Mask The Slump God has released two full-length studio albums. The most emotional moment came when he addressed XXXTentacion’s death. “My bad my best friend who I made the most music with passed and I want to keep his name alive,” Ski wrote. Ski Mask The Slump God Rips Fans Complaining About His Members Only Friend XXXTentacion Tribute Before His Shows The statement underscored the bond between the two artists, who rose together as core members of the Members Only collective. For Ski, performing X’s music functions as tribute, not dependence, and reflects a shared history that shaped both careers. Ski also responded to claims questioning his live show credibility. “I also seen someone say someone saved me from performing at Rolling Loud,” he wrote, before firing back, “show me one Rolling Loud set that I don’t have the whole crowd jumping.” He framed crowd reaction as the real metric, not online chatter. XXXTentacion and Ski Mask The Slump God frequently toured together early in their career. He further rejected claims that his popularity has declined. “I sell out all my solo tours 3 to 4k people buddy,” Ski said, dismissing talk of smaller venues. “They said I probably do 500 people venues,” he added, calling the idea disconnected from reality. Ski closed with a wider point about taste and respect. “Music is subjective,” he wrote, comparing fan bias to dismissing artists like Taylor Swift despite clear success. His final line, “When I drop all year. I don’t want to hear you cop pleas either,” signaled confidence going forward. The message blended frustration with loyalty, showing Ski Mask defending his present while preserving XXXTentacion’s legacy.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been stripped of his World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title following the issuance of an arrest warrant tied to an alleged domestic violence incident, according to multiple reports. The WBA announced that Davis has been removed from his status as active champion and reclassified as “Champion in Recess” after authorities in Miami Gardens, Florida, issued a warrant for his arrest. The decision effectively vacates the title as the boxing organization assesses next steps, which could include ordering a fight between top contenders to crown a new champion. The arrest warrant stems from allegations made by a woman identified in court filings as Davis’s former girlfriend. She accused the undefeated boxer of assaulting her during an incident at a Miami-area venue in October 2025. The charges listed in the warrant reportedly include battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping. Law enforcement officials have stated that efforts are ongoing to locate Davis. Davis has not publicly addressed the warrant or the allegations as of this writing. His legal team has also not issued a formal statement. The legal developments have already had significant ramifications for Davis’s boxing career. A high-profile exhibition bout scheduled for later this year was reportedly canceled following the emergence of the allegations and subsequent criminal investigation. Widely regarded as one of boxing’s most explosive stars, Davis has held multiple world titles across different weight classes and entered the situation with an unblemished professional record. However, the uncertainty surrounding his legal status now places his future in the sport in question. The WBA stated that further action regarding the lightweight division will be determined as the case progresses.

T.I. has made his official (and final) return to music with his latest single, “LET EM KNOW.” It features production from Pharrell Williams and is the first single off the rapper’s upcoming album, Kill The King. The track begins with Williams’ iconic four-count start as T.I. reminds folks he’s still the King Of The South, tapping back into his Trap Muzik roots. “Big dog, all we get is bread, I ain’t never scared/Big flex on a n***a head,” he raps. “What I’m standing on? Business, big check, we done did that/Pushing whips back, better give me respect and some more.” The rapper’s last project, The L.I.B.R.A., was released in October 2020. Guest appearances on the project ranged from 21 Savage and Benny the Butcher to Killer Mike and comedian Ms. Pat. Following its release, it landed in the top 20 of the Billboard 200 at No.18. It also cracked the top 10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at No.9. The new single, “Let Em’ Know,” is expected to appear on his upcoming album, Kill the King, which is expected to drop later this year. T.I. LET EM KNOW PRODUCED BY PHARRELL FIRST SINGLE OFF HIS NEW ALBUM OUT NOW pic.twitter.com/m04LbEcb6I — Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) January 18, 2026 T.I. Claims Mistaken Identity With Balding Hat Video: ‘The Devil Is A Lie’ In other news, before chopping off his locs, T.I. addressed rumors he was rocking a bald spot following a TikTok video circulating online. Last month, he stopped by Yung Joc & The Streetz Morning Takeover and confirmed that, in fact, things were not as they appear. According to T.I., he was not the man in that TikTok. “The devil is a lie,” the ATL actor said. During one moment in the discussion, one of the hosts even proposed that the footage could have been digitally altered, to which T.I. agreed. That said, the rapper appears to be taking the onslaught of jokes online in good fun. “It’s comedy, so I laugh,” he says. “It wouldn’t be funny if it were true.” Overall, the “Live Your Life” rapper believes people online need more “discernment” to tell what’s true or not. “In this age of technology where everyone keeps their phone in their hand,” he says. “… You have to use discernment, ya know, the word says, ‘use discernment.’” Discernment would say that the person that I’ve grown to know over these 25 years—the person I have grown to know as TIP—I can’t see him moving around in the house, let alone on stage like this.”

A$AP Rocky is headlining Amazon Music’s live docu-performance series, Songline, to pay tribute to A$AP Yams and perform songs from Don’t Be Dumb. The livestream is expected to kick off at 9 p.m. EST and 6 p.m. PT. It will be available to view on Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Twitch.”A$AP Rocky returns to the stage to perform his new album Don’t Be Dumb in a special tribute to A$AP Yams, marking eleven years since his passing,” says Amazon Music’s website. The surprise news came Saturday (Jan.17) after A$AP Rocky shared a teaser of the event on his Instagram Story. The reel was also shared on Amazon Music’s official Instagram page. “The city’s watching. A$AP Rocky livestream, 9pm ET | 6pm PT,” the post’s caption reads. View this post on Instagram A$AP Rocky Clarifies Reported Drake Diss In other news, A$AP Rocky responds to claims that he’s dissing Drake on his new project. Following the release of his long-awaited album Don’t Be Dumb, fans quickly zeroed in on a track titled “Stole Ya Flow,” with many interpreting certain lyrics as a possible shot at the Toronto rapper. However, Rocky has now made it clear that the song was not intended as a diss. In a recent interview, the Harlem rapper explained that “Stole Ya Flow” isn’t about Drake specifically. On the track Rocky raps, ““First you stole my flow, so I stole yo’ btch,” and “N***s getting BBLs, lucky we don’t body shame / Throwing dirt on Rocky name, turn around and copy game.” When asked if it can be confirmed he was dissing Drake, Rocky explained, “It’s for whoever feels like it’s about them.”

Kianna Underwood, who starred in both Nickelodeon’s All That series and Little Bill, was reportedly killed in a horrific hit-and-run, according to NYPD officials. Sources close to the situation told TMZ that Kianna was left “motionless” in the street after being dragged under a vehicle for nearly two blocks. According to the outlet, the call went out early Friday (Jan.16). When EMS and police officials arrived, the former actress was announced dead on the scene. Underwood was only 33 years old at the time of her death. Back in 2023, a video posted to social media showed a former co-star of Underwood’s revealing that the actress had been homeless for quite some time. While she never called out anyone by name, she accused Nickelodeon and other castmates of not helping the star despite portraying “one big family.” Jonathan Lipnicki and Kianna Underwood during Hairspray Opening Night Los Angeles – After Party at Henry Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic) Kianna Underwood’s Father Speaks Out: “Did anyone try to comfort my baby?” No arrests have been made so far. NBC News recently reported that Underwood had been crossing the street in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn. NYPD officials say she was initially hit by a black SUV, then struck again by a black-and-gray sedan. “The operators of the vehicles did not remain on scene,” said the NYPD in a recent statement. The late actress’ father hopped on Facebook, questioning if she had been left to “die in the street alone.” He added, “Did anyone try to comfort my baby…or did they just stand around with their phones?” The post was only shared with close family and friends. So far, no other family members have spoken up about the horrific incident. The NY Post obtained footage of the moment where a car can be seen traveling nearly a block before Underwood’s body tumbles from underneath.

This is not a drill. After nearly five years, T.I. is back. Not only is he sporting a new look, but he’s also ready to drop new music. On Sunday (Jan.18), T.I. shared a clip to his social media accounts of him in the barbershop, getting his locks cut off. “It’s time,” he says in the clip. The rapper is then seen sporting his iconic low fade haircut. The video then cuts to a shot of him rapping while standing up in a moving car, before the screen cuts to black and reads “T.I. IS BACK.” The new track, which appears to be called “Let Em’ Know,” has no official release date as of yet. According to Vice Magazine, Pharrell Williams is behind the production. Judging by the comment section, fans are more than excited to hear the Atlanta native return to his Trap Muzik roots. “YOU GOT THIS KING! LETSSSS GOOOO!” one fan wrote on X. He’s Baaaaaaack!!!!!!#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/CzRWypDDzG — T.I. (@Tip) January 18, 2026 T.I. Previews New Track, “Let Em’ Know” Another fan jokingly reminded T.I. that if he’s going to bring back the old T.I., he needs to complete his signature look by tipping a hat to the side of his head. “Now hang that hat off the side of your head…” they wrote. One person noted that while they were a fan of his comedy, they were happy to see him return to music. “I f*cked with your comedy TIP. I still wanna see you do comedy. But I’m glad you’re back in the booth… Rap needs you nigga. It’s terrible out here! Can’t wait to hear that HEAT!!!” they commented. The rapper’s last project, The L.I.B.R.A., was released in October 2020. Guest appearances on the project ranged from 21 Savage and Benny the Butcher to Killer Mike and comedian Ms. Pat. Following its release, it landed in the top 20 of the Billboard 200 at No.18. It also cracked the top 10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at No.9. The new single, “Let Em’ Know,” is expected to appear on his upcoming album, Kill the King, which is expected to drop later this year.

During a recent TikTok live, Jayda Cheaves made a startling allegation about her baby’s father, Lil Baby, and her former friend Ari Fletcher. The social media personality was promoting her skincare line before it became an all-out tea session. According to her, the speculation surrounding Ari and the rapper is, in fact, true, and they did allegedly hook up in the past. One fan asked, “The rumors about Ari & Baby???” to which she responded, “Them rumors are true, no shade, that’s been going on,” Cheaves said. She added, “That’s been a thing, but I don’t wanna talk about it.” It wasn’t long before the 27-year-old moved on to another subject. Not long after, a clip of the conversation circulated online, which only added to the long-standing rumors about Ari and Baby. Ari also happens to be dating one of Lil Baby’s peers, Moneybagg Yo. Jayda Wayda CONFIRMS that lil baby slept w Ari Flecter Yikes they USED to be friends …. pic.twitter.com/eAe2Cz1eI2 — BLAST OF POPCULTURE (@BLASTOFPOP) January 17, 2026 Since they began in 2019, the pair have had a rocky relationship. From breakups and makeups to infidelity, the couple has faced it all. Back in 2023, Ari admitted that Moneybagg cheated on her, but she chose to stay, and they later worked things out. Regarding this new information, Jayda has not offered any more commentary on the subject. Moneybagg Yo, Ari, and Lil Baby have also stayed silent on the alleged news. Who is Jayda Cheaves? The 27-year-old social media personality and entrepreneur rose to fame in part due to her relationship with rapper Lil Baby. The pair welcomed a son back in 2019 named Loyal. There’s not much information available about Jayda’s childhood, except that she graduated from high school in 2015. Jayda is also the owner of an online boutique store, AmourJayda. She has amassed a large online presence, with millions of followers, spanning across all her social media platforms.

In a new interview, Daniel Caesar revisited his 2019 controversy over his defense of personality, YesJulz. She had been accused of cultural appropriation and heavily criticized for a post she shared years earlier, rocking a t-shirt that read “N*ggas lie a lot.” Julz, who has white ancestry, eventually apologized for the post. Despite this, Daniel stood up for Julz’s behavior and threatened fans to “cancel” him. Looking back, the singer believes he had some internalized hatred of himself. He also noted that his critiques were ultimately right. “As time has passed, I’m like, ‘Oh, they were 100 percent right,’” he said. “When you accept this type of behavior from people that throughout history have exemplified to you that they hate you, and then you accept the behavior to get out of the circumstances that you’re in, it’s undignified. You’re giving up your own dignity.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Daniel Caesar performs at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images) Daniel Caesar Says He Took ‘Accountability’ After Being ‘Canceled’ Last year, in an interview with Billboard, the Toronto-born singer recalled how “drunk and foolish” he’d been. However, he notes it only became a story because he was famous. “I was canceled for being drunk and foolish in public. But that was something I was always allowed to do. No one gave a s–t [until I started to get famous].” He added, “I’m literally my father’s son,” he continued. “My dad was the guy at sabbath lunch talking about how the government was going to put microchips in our arms. And I’m the same. If you get me riled up at a party, I’ll start talking about some crazy s–t. People roll their eyes, but that’s just the way we are.”

Popular UK pastor Tobi Adegboyega had some choice words for Druski, following his latest viral skit. Hitting over 60 million views within only a few hours of being posted, the clip satirically depicts the culture and leaders of megachurches. However, in Pastor Tobi’s opinion, it wasn’t funny at all. He then took personal shots at the social media personality’s weight. According to him, when “fat people run out of jokes, they just go to the church.” He continued: “He’s not funny, he’s fat. At the end of the day, we came out of a church system—some of your known actors and actresses, they were raised with those offerings. So it’s my right as a leader, as a pastor, to correct the [perception of] church [culture], [it’s] not a joke. Churches give more to their community more than rappers do. The most stingy pastor is still a better giver than the greatest rapper.” Popular UK pastor Pastor Tobi responded to Druski’s viral megachurch skit, pushing back on comedians targeting churches and saying pastors give back more to their communities than rappers do. pic.twitter.com/WFU9ooCznq — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 17, 2026 Who Is Pastor Tobi Adegboyega? There isn’t much information about Tobi Adegboyega’s childhood, except for being born in November 1980 in Southwestern Nigeria. Adegboyega was also apparently the son of a pastor. According to Premier Christianity, his church, SPAC Nation, Salvation Proclaimers Annointed Church, is well known for its “radical approach” to mentoring the youth with “over-the-top displays of opulence.” Last December, Pastor Tobi came under fire for allegedly finally exploiting some of his church members. One of the most startling claims was that he was pressuring youth to donate their blood for “seed money.” SPAC Nation told Huffington Post UK that “any encouragement to ask anyone to donate blood is not done here. If Pastor Tobi ever addressed anything in line with this, it was to make sure people contribute to their community rightly and not to do so for money.”

A renewed creative pulse is running through the West household, where music has once again become a shared and evolving project. North West is steadily carving out space as a young artist with her own instincts, while Kanye West moves closer to the release of his forthcoming album, BULLY. Clips and previews circulating online have fueled conversation across hip-hop circles, offering brief but telling glimpses into what both are building. The moment feels less like a passing curiosity and more like an active chapter in a larger family narrative. Legacy and emergence are unfolding side by side. North’s presence has already been felt on recent Kanye releases, but her voice is becoming clearer beyond those appearances. She recently shared a preview of a track titled “Piercing On My Hand” on her Instagram Story, featuring production from Kanye. The version he crafted takes a restrained approach, leaning on strings and open space rather than percussion. By contrast, North’s original cut carries sharper edges and a more confrontational energy. The split reveals two creative perspectives branching from the same idea. Her reach is no longer limited to collaborations at home. North recently produced a track for Lil Novi, the son of Lil Wayne, linking two prominent hip-hop bloodlines through sound rather than symbolism. The pairing reflects a growing movement among younger artists who gravitate toward the high-intensity “rage” style. That direction diverges from where many of their parents currently land musically. Still, it suggests that influence within hip-hop families may now be flowing upward as much as it does down. Anticipating Kanye West’s BULLY Kanye West is expected to release BULLY on January 30, following a rollout shaped by delays and debate over the use of artificial intelligence in music. With a confirmed tracklist and physical pre-orders now available, the project appears firmly back on track. Fans have taken those signals as reassurance after months of uncertainty. Interest has only intensified as North’s recent musical activity continues to draw attention. Many are watching closely to see whether her work appears on the final album. It remains unclear whether North’s recent previews will translate into official releases or remain snapshots of her creative process. At just 12 years old, she has already shown a strong sense of tone and control, with room to grow into something far more expansive. Her development is unfolding alongside a father known for constant reinvention. As BULLY approaches, the West family’s creative orbit feels wider, more fluid, and increasingly intertwined.