After trying to keep pace with a hectic touring schedule, Tyler, the Creator recently admitted that he’s mentally drained due to constant live performing. During a conversation with Converse in London on Wednesday (May 28), Tyler shared a glimpse of reality as touring artists. “The unfamiliarity, a different bed every night, the food—I’m not from this side of the world, so as much time as I spend on thinking about where I’m going to eat, bro it’s draining,” Tyler said. He added that it’s “so much stuff outside the clothes that you bring and, hopefully, the people around you.” “It’s just brand new every day, and after a while it gets a bit stressful. My temperament is Los Angeles, so wide streets, low buildings, you see the sky all the time,” Tyler explained. “A lot of places out here in Europe … it feels claustrophobic. It’s people on the street all the time, it’s a lot. And it feels heavy; I can’t go anywhere without a bunch of security.” As he continued, Tyler said that the “stress” impacts his body, and it is difficult to find “solitude.” “What makes up for it is that these shows are incredible, and the people are excited,” he explained. Tyler also shared that it takes a bit of delusion to be a successful artist. “To make stuff, you gotta be delusional,” he said around the 26-minute mark. “And when you’re delusional, you need people around you that trust you. Because what the f–k they gon’ trust? You say some normal stuff like, ‘The sky is blue.’ Yeah, you don’t need people to trust you to say that. I’m delusional, but I knew what I wanted to do since I was five years old.” Currently, Tyler is headlining his Chromakopia World Tour that wraps up in September.

Naturi Naughton-Lewis recently shared that she wanted to direct episodes of Power but was not allowed. Appearing on the third electrifying installment of PLLRS, held at Soho Works in Brooklyn, Naughton-Lewis, along with her husband, Two Lewis, a film producer and entertainment executive, shared how she was not permitted to sit in the director’s chair. “I was on Power for six years, and then four years on Power Book II: Ghost. I did 10 years of a show that went on and on, and I begged to direct an episode and never got the opportunity. That felt very hurtful, and it was frustrating,” Naughton-Lewis told journalist Keith Nelson Jr.. “No one trusted me to do one episode. I had taken classes. I was showing people I can do it. I think that was where I felt like, ‘Jesus, I want to be more than just Tasha.” Refusing to have her creativity stifled, the couple launched their own production company, Take Two Entertainment. They’ve already produced short film 333, which is in the American Black Film Festival, and The Color Book, which was in the Tribeca Film Festival. Additionally, they’re set to co-produce Duke & Roya, an off-Broadway play starring Insecure’s Jay Ellis. Elsewhere in the conversation, Naughton-Lewis spoke about why she hasn’t released any new music since she co-founded 3LW. She went on to share some of the struggles she faced in the music industry. “I was taken advantage of as a teenager. I was mistreated. I made no money. I worked my ass off and literally was broke. I had nothing. I could barely buy a car. My dad helped me buy my first car, a BMW 325i with the $10,000 I made over four years of being in a group called 3LW,” Naughton-Lewis said. “After selling 1.6 million records, I had $10,000. I was on financial aid in college. I did all the regular stuff, and people were like, ‘Wait, weren’t you just on TRL or 106 & Park?’ The music business broke my heart.”

In the ongoing federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, a former assistant—identified in court as Mia—offered an emotional testimony detailing years of alleged abuse during her time working for the hip-hop mogul. Her account spanned claims of physical, emotional, and sexual misconduct, as well as the impact it had on both her and Diddy’s former partner, Cassie Ventura. Mia described an environment marked by volatility. “He’s thrown things at me. He’s thrown me against the wall. He’s thrown me into a pool,” she said, painting a picture of daily unpredictability. She also recalled Diddy physically attacking Ventura, including one instance that left her bleeding on a hotel floor. Her testimony followed that of Ventura’s stylist, Deonte Nash, who testified that Diddy exerted controlling influence over the singer’s life and career. Nash described moments of rage and isolation, suggesting that the emotional toll was profound. Diddy, now 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Mia details years of alleged abuse and coercion under Diddy’s control Mia said the alleged abuse began in 2009, during Diddy’s 40th birthday at the Plaza Hotel. She testified that she woke up disoriented in his suite and believed she had been sexually assaulted. “I thought it would never happen again,” she said, citing fear of retaliation as a reason she didn’t come forward sooner. Over time, she said the pattern escalated—with further incidents at Diddy’s home in Los Angeles and on his private jet. She testified that the dynamic blurred the line between professional duty and personal violation, saying she felt incapable of saying “no,” even to minor demands. Mia described how the trauma stayed buried for years. She feared losing her job and didn’t think reporting the abuse would lead to action. “I thought no one would believe me,” she said, calling it the most shameful and dehumanizing period of her life. She also testified that Diddy monitored her movements and pressured her into drug use, including ketamine, in settings she described as coercive. The work itself, she said, was relentless—long hours, little sleep, and no formal recognition.

Newly surfaced bodycam footage from the night Megan Thee Stallion was shot in 2020 is stirring fresh controversy online. The clip, which began circulating on social media this week, features both Megan and Tory Lanez being questioned by police at the scene of the incident in the Hollywood Hills. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) In the video, Megan can be heard telling officers, “I really cannot go to jail. I cannot have that on my image… Glass. I didn’t get sh*t.” Tory Lanez is also seen speaking to her, reassuringly saying, “I was just trying to help my girlfriend. Mego don’t worry it’s gonna be okay.” These statements have reignited debate about what actually happened that night. Some online are using Megan’s words as supposed proof that she wasn’t shot, claiming she might’ve stepped on glass instead. Adding to the buzz, another clip reportedly features independent witness Sean Kelly, who allegedly said he saw a woman fire a gun. Despite the new speculation, it’s important to note that Tory Lanez was convicted in December 2022 on three felony charges: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a concealed unregistered firearm, and negligent discharge of a firearm. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the incident. Authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding the recently surfaced bodycam footage, and it remains unclear whether it will affect Lanez’s conviction. However, the clip has certainly caused a stir, with social media users split on whether it changes the narrative or simply adds more confusion to an already polarizing case. As the footage continues to circulate, it’s clear that public interest in the case remains high, and that the conversation around what happened that night is far from over.

Shannon Sharpe has announced the postponement of his Nightcap Tour with co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson amid sexual assault allegations. Now officially pushed back to 2026, the tour was to feature Sharpe and Johnson bringing their conversations to live audiences. “We’ve decided to postpone the Nightcap tour,” Sharpe said during the most recent episode of the show. “We look forward to seeing you guys in the summer of 2026. It’s going to be even bigger, even better,” Sharpe continued. “But Ocho and I have come to the conclusion that this is the best thing, as of right now, was to postpone the tour. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you in 2026.” As HOT97 previously reported, Sharpe was accused of several sexual assault accusations and was hit with a $50 million lawsuit in April. Filed in a Nevada state court, the Pro Football Hall of Famer is being accused of comitting assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery, and engaged in the intentional infliction of emotional distress in what is described as a “rocky consensual relationship” that went on with a woman for almost two years.  The plaintiff alleges that “Sharpe brutally sexually assaulted her several times at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.” The suit also alleges that the ESPN personality Sharpe threatened to kill her on multiple occasions, was “manipulating and controlling,” and “repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her.” “One time specifically, he was yelling at her while there was a firearm visible in his room,” the complaint states. “Terrified for her safety, Plaintiff tried sharing her location with friends from her iPhone—just in case. But Sharpe saw her doing this. The moment he realized what she was doing, he grabbed her by the neck and told her, “If you ever do that again, I will f–king kill you.” Sharpe has denied allegations levied against him.

NBA YoungBoy has received a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump. On Wednesday (March 28), YoungBoy, along with eight others, including real estate entrepreneurs Todd and Julie Chrisley and Michael Grimm, a former GOP Congressman, were granted clemency. In a statement, YoungBoy expressed his gratitude for being pardoned. “I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building – as a man, as a father, and as an artist,” YoungBoy said in a statement shared to social media. “This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.” In addition to Michael Grimm and the Chrisleys, President Trump used his pardon power to grant clemency to a wave of individuals Wednesday, including:  — Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who was convicted twice — Kentrell Gaulden, the rapper who goes by NBA YoungBoy and… — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) May 28, 2025 “Big thanks to the Pardon Czar, Ms. Alice Marie Johnson, for fighting for second chances for so many people, and to my lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett, for being in my corner and all your hard work to make this possible,” his statement continued. “And thank you to everyone who believed in me.” Throughout his career, YoungBoy has faced constant legal troubles, including firearms charges and house arrest. Even while dealing with legal issues, the Baton Rouge rapper has dropped several albums and mixtapes while serving time in prison. Youngboy’s pardon comes in just as his upcoming 27-city concert run, which begins on September 2 in Dallas, is called the Make America Smile Again (MASA) .

During a pivotal day in the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, longtime stylist and associate Deonte Nash delivered emotional testimony, alleging the music mogul held a troubling level of control over Cassie Ventura during their decade-long relationship. Nash told jurors he witnessed repeated instances of abuse, including one in which Diddy allegedly slammed Ventura Fine’s head against a bed frame. He also claimed Diddy threatened to release intimate recordings and used emotional manipulation to isolate her from others. Nash described a dynamic marked by control, claiming Ventura would often cry over Diddy’s attempts to dictate her career, social life, and appearance. According to Nash, the pattern of behavior extended beyond private settings. At one point, he recounted Diddy berating him over Ventura’s look at an Oscars event, portraying a man intent on managing every facet of her public image. The pressure, Nash said, weighed heavily on Ventura’s emotional state. Kid Cudi Break-In, Jealousy Claims Surface in Diddy Trial Prosecutors also introduced testimony surrounding a separate incident involving Kid Cudi. LAPD officer Chris Ignacio told the court he saw a vehicle registered to Diddy’s company leaving the scene of an alleged break-in at Cudi’s home. The incident, prosecutors allege, was driven by jealousy related to Ventura. The courtroom also heard details about a separate episode where Ventura Fine allegedly suffered a gash requiring stitches after an argument turned physical in a hotel room. Nash said he and another team member attempted to intervene but were overpowered. “He was in a rage,” Nash recalled, describing how Diddy allegedly yanked Ventura Fine off a couch in the middle of the confrontation. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team pushed back during proceedings, calling for a mistrial over what they claimed were prejudicial statements by prosecutors regarding possible destruction of evidence. The judge denied the motion. Meanwhile, cross-examinations of law enforcement witnesses revealed forced entry at Cudi’s residence but no stolen property.

Charles Rangel, a renowned former congressman who represented the Harlem community on Capitol Hill for nearly fifty years, passed away on Monday. Michelle Stent, a spokesperson from the City College of New York, confirmed that Rangel passed in the hospital. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., paid tribute to Rangel’s legacy “Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America,” Schumer wrote on Monday. “The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it.” Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America. The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it. pic.twitter.com/d1j0YwzWs3 — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 26, 2025 Born and raised in Harlem, his father, Ralph Rangel, was mostly absent and left the family. His mother, Blanche Mary Wharton, was a domestic worker and as a seamstress in a factory in New York’s Garment District. A promising student, Rangle dropped out of high school in his junior year and enlisted in the US Army. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.  After an honorable discharge, he attended college on the G.I. Bill, earning degrees from New York University and St. John’s University Law School. Beginning his work in politics, her served in the New York State Assembly and was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney In 1970, he defeated legendary Harlem politician Rev. Adam Clayton Powell and would represent the community for more than 40  years. He became a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, dean of the New York congressional delegation, and, in 2007, the first Black chair of the influential Ways and Means Committee. In 2017,  Rangel retired from the United States Congress 2017 and began serving as the Statesman-in-Residence at The City College. In 2022, Rangel launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative (RIWI) at CCNY “to boost modern infrastructure jobs in upper Manhattan and the Bronx.” He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and of the fraternity’s World Policy Council. Rangle was the last surviving member of The Gang of Four, also known as the Harlem Clubhouse, which dominated the political world of Harlem. He was predeceased by David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and Percy Sutton. We at HOT97 extend our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Congressman Charlie Rangel.

Chris Brown is showing major dad energy as he celebrates his daughter Royalty’s 11th birthday. On Tuesday, May 27th, the R&B singer shared a heartfelt post for his eldest child, making sure fans knew just how much he adores her. “Happy BIRTHDAY TO MY TWIN ,” Chris wrote on his Instagram Story. He added, “LOVE YOU SO MUCH CHICKEN NUGGET,” along with an “11” to mark her milestone age. The affectionate nickname and message continue Brown’s tradition of publicly acknowledging Royalty’s special moments, dating back to when she was first introduced to the world in 2014. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Royalty’s mom, Nia Guzman, also took to Instagram to honor their daughter with a series of loving tributes. One highlight was a sweet video montage capturing moments from Royalty’s childhood through the years. “HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY TO MY PRINCESS @missroyaltybrown!!! I LOVE YOU SO SO SO MUCH,” Guzman captioned the touching clip. In addition to celebrating Royalty, Chris recently shared another sweet birthday moment. While closing out the 2025 Millennium Tour in Los Angeles, he joined Ray J in singing “Happy Birthday” to Bow Wow’s daughter, Shai Moss, who turned 14. The moment was caught on video and shared by Bow Wow himself. “On the last night of the Millennium Tour, she got her uncles [Chris Brown] and [Ray J] to sing,” Bow Wow wrote, sharing the heartwarming clip. Between heartfelt posts and surprise performances, Chris Brown is enjoying his role as a proud girl dad, making sure the young ladies in his life feel loved and celebrated.

Muni Long took some time to address those who have taken an issue with her personality. In a six-minute TikTok video, Long responded to a TikTok user who challenged her alleged claims that  “only Black women” are not down with her demeanor. “It’s only ever Black women that say they don’t like my personality. I’m being myself, I’m acting just like your raggedly mommy and your aunties,” Long said. “With them ashy cankles. This is how they act, but something wrong with my personality? Take a look in the mirror h*e, you don’t like you.” Following her viral remarks, Long stood by her comments before another TikTok user named NeverStopWithShari reminded her that Black women are the reason she became a successful artist. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Jasmine Brand (@the.jasmine.brand) “Muni Long was on her live today and let it be known that it’s only Black women that don’t like her,” the user said. “I think it was only Black women that supported you too. Nobody liked ‘Hours and Hours’ and all these songs until we liked it.” She also warned Long to “watch what she says” when speaking on Black women.” Long was quick to repsond with another video.  “The first question that I have for you, Ms. Shari, is … you said ‘you better watch what you say’ or what?” Long asked. “I know I look young because I drink water and mind my business, but I’m 36 years old. I’ll be 37 in September. I’ve been grown and taking care of myself for a long time. Nobody will talk to me like that.” “Black women it is okay to speak your mind and take up space, for you to assert yourself, for you to be kind instead of nice, for you not to keep taking the shirt off your back and giving it to the next man. You ain’t mammy. We don’t have to raise the world,” she concluded. Some accused her of missing the meaning behind the user’s message. “Did she…. completely miss the point of what the TikToker was saying? Like completely??” one user said. “I personally think she should address the ppl hating on her and NOT “black women” as a whole.”