Lecrae stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about his brand new album Reconstruction. They discuss the hardest parts of fatherhood, what moments made him feel like he was doing a good job, and whether his kids really understand his music and message. He also reacts to Kendrick Lamar name-dropping him on “Watch the Party Die,” how he felt about that, and why he almost didn’t record the song because he didn’t want to come off as a clout chaser. They also dive into his growth over 10 albums, how this one reflects scars, lessons, and reaching “OG status,” and his past struggles with seeking validation from other artists. Lecrae shares his cringe moment meeting J. Cole, a heartfelt conversation with Will Smith, and even the time Snoop kicked him out of a party. He talks about new collaborations with Miles Minnick, a memorable dinner at E-40’s house with Tupac stories, and hints at appearing in a Tyler Perry film. Stream Reconstruction now.

Bad Bunny has reportedly received a “credible death threat” during his recent residency in Puerto Rico, sparking heightened security concerns and federal involvement. According to reports, the threat was made online and authorities believe the suspect behind it was armed. While it remains unclear if the individual has been detained, reports indicate that both local law enforcement and federal authorities, including the FBI, were on-site during the concerts to ensure the safety of the artist and attendees. Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, recently wrapped his 31-show residency, No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí, held between July 11 and September 20 at San Juan’s José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. The residency was hailed as historic, drawing tens of thousands of fans and solidifying the reggaeton and trap star’s deep cultural ties to Puerto Rico. Despite the threat, the shows continued as scheduled, with no reported incidents disrupting the performances. Fans have expressed both concern and admiration on social media, praising the artist for moving forward with the residency despite potential risks. At the time of reporting, neither Bad Bunny nor his management team have issued a public statement regarding the threats.

Metro Boomin’s civil rape trial began in Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 24, with the producer present alongside his attorneys and bodyguard. The case stems from allegations brought by Vanessa LeMaistre, who says the Grammy-winning artist assaulted her in 2016. According to court filings, LeMaistre claims she confided in Metro about the recent death of her nine-month-old son and that he provided her with half a Xanax and alcohol before she lost consciousness. She testified that she awoke to him raping her. Later, she says she had an abortion and believes the pregnancy was his child. She also alleges that his lyrics on “Rap Saved Me” referenced her ordeal. Metro has consistently denied the allegations. The first day of trial saw strong exchanges between both legal teams. Judge R. Gary Klausner acknowledged tension in the room before jury selection began. In opening statements, attorney Michael J. Willemin, representing LeMaistre, told jurors, “He knew that she was unable of consenting.” On the other side, Metro’s lawyer Lawrence C. Hinkle II described the plaintiff as “flat broke” and “a woman scorned,” claiming she pursued revenge after their communication ended. Hinkle argued, “It wasn’t about sexual assault, it was about her wanting a relationship with him.” He also told the court Metro would testify and had “nothing to hide.” LeMaistre’s testimony described the effects of Xanax and alcohol as similar to “anesthesia.” She recalled feeling dizzy the next day, searching the hotel trash for a condom, and leaving in a state of confusion. She admitted she once thought rape only involved strangers, explaining, “I truly thought that rape was what you see on TV.” The plaintiff also said an ayahuasca experience in 2024 led her to believe the incident was the cause of her ongoing trauma. By the end of her testimony, she told the court it had “completely shattered” her self-esteem. Proceedings resume Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

Congratulations are in order! Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have officially expanded their family, welcoming their first daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers, on September 13, 2025. The mogul shared the joyful news on Instagram, posting a photo cradling her newborn alongside a pair of tiny pink gloves. She captioned the moment: “Rocki Irish Mayers Sept 13 2025.” Rocki is the couple’s third child, joining her big brothers, RZA, born in 2022, and Riot Rose, born in 2023. While Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have remained relatively private about their children, each announcement has captured worldwide attention, highlighting the balance they strike between family life and their careers. The couple revealed they were expecting their third child earlier this year at the 2025 Met Gala, where Rihanna proudly showed off her baby bump in one of the night’s most talked-about looks. The name “Rocki” appears to be a nod to her father’s moniker, A$AP Rocky, while “Irish” reflects Rihanna’s appreciation for unique and meaningful middle names—similar to her sons’ distinctive names. True to her fashion-forward reputation, Rihanna marked the occasion wearing a $7,950 Renato Cipullo yellow-gold “R” pendant, symbolizing both her own name and her daughter’s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked)

Metro Boomin is facing a civil lawsuit from Vanessa LeMaistre, who alleges he exploited her during a 2016 encounter. The case came into public view this week as proceedings formally began in Los Angeles courts. During opening statements on Tuesday, LeMaistre’s attorneys detailed her account. They asserted that her consumption of Xanax and alcohol at Boomin’s studio left her in a vulnerable state. Boomin has denied the allegations, insisting that the encounter was consensual. Rapper Young Thug attended the courtroom on Wednesday to show support. Speaking with Rolling Stone journalist Nancy Dillon, he said, “I’m just here to support him. He’s a longtime friend.” His presence underscores the deep personal networks within the hip-hop community, which frequently intersect with professional relationships. The trial took a contentious turn when LeMaistre’s legal team requested a mistrial. They claimed that Boomin’s attorneys improperly referenced a prior sexual encounter between the parties. LeMaistre has denied any such history. Her lawyers argued in court, “If plaintiff’s counsel was provided fair warning and a hearing was held, the claim that plaintiff engaged in consensual sex with the defendant prior to the sexual assault would have been precluded.” They contended that references to a prior encounter should not have been introduced at all. Young Thug’s Album and Ongoing Legal Battles As this legal dispute continues, Young Thug is preparing to release his highly anticipated album, UY Scuti, on September 26. The project marks his first since being released from jail following the YSL RICO case. Furthermore, speculation of a collaboration with YFN Lucci has further heightened anticipation. Thug is simultaneously facing his own legal challenges. Georgia authorities are appealing a ruling that allowed him to reclaim assets seized during the YSL case. These include cash, luxury vehicles, and a collection of valuable jewelry. The Metro Boomin case highlights the intricate issues of consent and accountability within the music industry. Beyond the legal arguments, it underscores how the personal and professional lives of high-profile artists are heavily scrutinized. The trial’s outcome may ripple through the broader hip-hop community. It may shape perceptions of conduct, responsibility, and the pressures faced by figures in the public eye. Young Thug is here to support Metro Boomin in his civil sexual assault trial. I saw him in the security line when I was walking out for the break, and I did a double take because whoa. He confirmed he’s here to support his friend. I mentioned Brian Steel and @ThuggerDaily. pic.twitter.com/m1HjpZSaDv — Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 24, 2025

Ray J has once again taken aim at Kim Kardashian, using a livestream to question her absence of support for Twitch star Kai Cenat’s fundraising drive. Though Kardashian recently appeared on Cenat’s channel, he accused her of failing to contribute. The criticism soon veered into more serious territory, with Ray J suggesting that both Kim and her mother, Kris Jenner, could be vulnerable to racketeering investigations. Speaking alongside social media personality Chrisean Rock, he heightened his claims. “The federal RICO I’m about to drop on Kris and Kim is going to be wild. I’m talking about being in the news every day,” Ray J said. His remarks spread quickly across social platforms, triggering debate over whether they were genuine warnings or calculated provocation. He offered little in the way of evidence but leaned on ominous language, warning Kardashian associates that “the feds are coming.” At one point, he argued the matter could eclipse other headline-grabbing legal sagas, even drawing a comparison to Sean “Diddy” Combs. Earlier this year, on the Tubi series TMZ Presents: United States V. Sean Combs: Inside the Diddy Trial, he remarked, “If you told me that the Kardashians were being charged with racketeering, I might believe it.” Criticism Over Support for Streaming Platforms Ray J also returned to a recurring frustration: the lack of tangible support for Cenat from the celebrities who appear on his streams. He accused well-known figures of using the platform for visibility while failing to engage financially. “Old icons coming on Kai’s stream to promote themselves but don’t return the favor! No Twitch account even to try gifting him or engaging with the chat! SMH,” he said. Pointing to Cenat’s goal of reaching one million subscribers, Ray J contrasted their inaction with his own. “These individuals didn’t gift him anything. He’s trying to reach a million subs; Kim, Mariah, John Legend—all y’all… I gifted around 15,000 that night.” He closed by challenging his peers directly: “What have you done for our friend?” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Jake Paul has never shied away from controversy, and his latest move might be one of his wildest yet. In the buildup to his November 14th fight with Gervonta Davis at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Paul posted an AI-created video that stunned fans. Instead of the usual staredown intensity, the clip showed Paul and Davis leaning in and kissing. They can never make me hate you spanky tanky pic.twitter.com/MCQg32yp4w — Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 24, 2025 The YouTuber-turned-boxer shared the footage on X with the words, “They can never make me hate you spanky tanky .” On Instagram, he went further, captioning it, “Send to your lover ,” before adding, “No matter what they say I’ll always love you spanky tanky <3.” Within hours, the video exploded across platforms, pulling in over 1.4 million views on X and more than 100,000 likes on Instagram. This bizarre stunt is only part of what has already been a chaotic promotion. The matchup itself raised eyebrows because of the dramatic gap in weight classes. Davis last competed at 135 pounds while Paul has fought as heavy as 200 pounds. Confusion over glove size and whether the fight would be an official bout or an exhibition only added to the speculation. While Paul has leaned into humor online, the tension when the two actually meet is real. At a recent press conference in Miami, Paul stepped too close during their face-off. Davis responded by shoving him. Paul attempted to push back, and Davis raised his fist as if preparing to swing. The moment nearly turned into a fight before model and rapper Rubi Rose stepped in to separate them, preventing the scene from boiling over. Later, a different clip circulated of Davis reacting to Paul’s training footage. Surprisingly, Davis described Paul as a “decent” fighter, offering a brief glimpse of respect in the middle of the chaos.

Doja Cat is once again stepping into the spotlight with her fifth studio album, “Vie,” set to arrive on September 26 through Kemosabe and RCA Records. The rapper and singer, known for pairing music with daring visual statements, recently unveiled the album’s cover art—an image that has sparked equal parts admiration and skepticism across social media. The artwork depicts Doja suspended from a parachute caught in the branches of a tree, dressed in a sweeping wedding gown. Explaining the symbolism, she said, “Falling in love is about placing trust in oneself and others.” The bright yellow parachute, she added, stands for curiosity, joy, and adventure—a reminder of the risks that come with opening oneself to new experiences. For Doja, the tree is more than a prop; it represents life and wisdom, anchoring the image in endurance. “The pain from the fall teaches you that those scratches can be healed,” she noted. “Love grows upward, but more importantly downward. It’s the roots that keep you steady.” Sharing a tree emoji alongside her remarks, she confirmed, “This is the cover of my album.” Doja Cat Defends Controversial Cover Ahead of ‘Vie’ Release Reactions were swift and divided. Some praised the imagery for its depth and metaphorical weight, while others rejected it as a departure from her recent aesthetic. One commenter wrote, “This cover makes no sense with the aesthetic she’s been going with for the era.” Another asked flatly, “Girl, what is this… she can’t be serious?” Doja responded directly to her critics. “You can’t make me feel bad for a cover that has visceral meaning,” she tweeted. “The greatest armor is love and integrity. I forgive your harsh criticism; however, I’ve succeeded again by following my heart. If I were you, I wouldn’t.” She later elaborated during an Instagram Live, making clear that her vision remains intact. “What I’m doing with my album isn’t a period piece,” she explained. “Also, it’s just a cover. It doesn’t change the essence of the music.” With “Vie” just days away, the debate over its imagery only highlights Doja Cat’s instinct to challenge expectation. She has built a career on courting controversy and conversation, and with this album, she seems intent on continuing to shape both sound and style entirely on her own terms. You can’t make me feel bad for a cover that has visceral meaning. The greatest armor is love and integrity. I forgive your harsh criticism but for me I won yet again for following my heart. If I was you I wouldn’t. — DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) September 23, 2025

In an unexpected turn, media mogul Dame Dash took to Instagram earlier this month to express his desire to reconcile with fellow artists Cam’ron and 50 Cent. The announcement follows a history of public disputes that have strained his relationships with both figures. Yet Dash appears intent on setting aside past grievances and fostering collaboration. In an impassioned video, Dash laid out his vision for a truce. This coincides with a $300 million lawsuit connected to the host of It Is What It Is. “50, Cam, me—if we can demonstrate that we’ve been at odds yet are now coming together, whether it be for a television project or a film, we can show the world that reconciliation is possible,” he said. He reflected on the toll of ongoing conflicts: “They revel in our conflicts, but I refuse to partake in that any longer. I owe an apology to my elders for any embarrassment caused during this turmoil; I simply aimed to communicate with them.” To emphasize the broader message, Dash added in the post’s caption, “Let’s illustrate to the world that we can unite over trivial disputes. The narrative of division is outdated.” 50 Cent’s Response Contrary to expectations, 50 Cent’s reply was far from conciliatory. On Instagram, he shared Dash’s video with a pointed critique, blending acknowledgment with dismissal. “I agree with Dame [100 percent] that collaboration fosters greater success,” he wrote. “But, hold on—Cam just dissed Dame and his so-called lawsuit. So right now, it’s f*ck you, Dame.” Dame Dash has yet to respond publicly to 50 Cent’s rebuke. The evolving dynamic among these three influential figures underscores the complexities of personal feuds within the entertainment world. While the prospect of collaboration remains, any future partnership is likely to confront significant hurdles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

As Young Thug prepares to release his new studio album, “UY Scuti,” legal pressures are intensifying. The state of Georgia has filed an appeal aiming to overturn a recent ruling. This ruling allowed him to reclaim assets previously seized in the ongoing YSL RICO case. Among the items in question are $150,000 in cash, a fleet of luxury vehicles, and an extensive collection of jewelry. According to ThuggerDaily, prosecutors have taken the matter to the Court of Appeals. They are contesting a decision issued last month by Fulton County Judge Paige Reese Whitaker. In her ruling, Judge Whitaker highlighted the prosecution’s failure to meet key deadlines without sufficient explanation. “I believe that the court has no choice under current case law and legislative guidelines but to grant this dismissal,” she said, as reported by Billboard. Deputy District Attorney Jeff DiSantis expressed surprise at the ruling in remarks to Fox 5. “We are puzzled that Judge Whitaker dismissed the case based on a timeline proposed by defense counsel. This timeline included a trial date set by the court. We are currently reviewing our options for appeal given this unusual procedural background,” he said, underscoring the lingering uncertainty around the case. Anticipation for UY Scuti Against this legal backdrop, Young Thug is preparing “UY Scuti,” his first full-length project since his release from jail. Scheduled for September 26, the album represents his fourth studio effort. While the tracklist has not been officially confirmed, speculation has swirled about collaborations. Artists including Future, Lil Baby, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Ken Carson, and Mariah the Scientist are rumored. Recent controversies may shape the album’s final lineup. Social media backlash followed leaked jail call recordings in which Young Thug criticized peers including Future, Drake, and Travis Scott. He has also publicly admitted to infidelity involving Mariah the Scientist. This adds another layer of intrigue around the project’s content and collaborations. The State of Georgia has filed an appeal to try to reverse the ruling that gave Young Thug all his seized property back. pic.twitter.com/eHkLKIG4vW — THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) September 23, 2025