What’s more is that Drizzy is still reportedly a focus of the case, but he’s not an actual defendant. As such, the accusations of botting have nothing to do with him or his alleged practices, but rather the platform’s allegedly flippant mode of policing streaming fraud.

The amended suit claims Spotify subjects smaller artists to per-track botting penalties and minimum stream thresholds while eschewing this scrutiny for larger acts. Also, the suit reportedly references how the streaming service allegedly used those rules to countersue an independent artist years ago in an unrelated case.

The lawsuit claims the platform did not subject the 6ix God to these penalties despite his streaming patterns allegedly suggesting bot activity. In an example unrelated to the Toronto superstar, the suit reportedly pointed to the Malcolm Todd track “Earrings.” Spotify allegedly pulled hundreds of the allegedly thousands of fake streams the song garnered, arguing this is proof the platform is able to identify fraud and equitably act on it regardless of an artist’s size.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Isn’t The Hypocrite You Think He Is

RBX Spotify Lawsuit

In addition, the suit alleges the OVO mogul’s average ticket sales per night on his tours are actually lower than comparable rap acts with lower streaming numbers. The new filing alleges a $600 million royalty divergence over four years, representing money lost by smaller artists as a result of alleged botting. It also claims Spotify can control bot accounts directly. The amended lawsuit wants to institute CAPTCHA and phone verification to sign up to the platform, which would make the process of creating bot accounts more difficult.

Drake has faced similar allegations in other lawsuits, although never as an outright defendant. But he has his own legal pursuit concerning alleged botting activity, as that was one of his arguments in his in-appeal “Not Like Us” lawsuit against UMG. But none of the botting claims from Drizzy or indirectly targeting him have been upheld by a court at press time, if they even avoided an outright dismissal to begin with.

As for this new filing, we will see if the court dismisses it on similar grounds or if RBX made a wider case concerning multiple artists that may push through.

Read More: Is Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” Bad For Hip-Hop?

The post RBX Is Still Implicating Drake In Amended Botting Claims Against Spotify appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Im sure we will yea,” Cudi responded to the possibility of teaming up again. But he also revealed they’re talking more regularly now, although it’s not about any collaborative plans yet.

“Right now were rebuilding our friendship,” the Cleveland creative wrote of Ye. “I hit him a week ago to check in on him, today he hit me to check on me. No work talk. Just seeing how I was doing. It was nice.”

Kanye West and Kid Cudi have been at odds at multiple points throughout their careers, mostly due to questions of loyalty, friendship with other celebrities, and unrelated rap feuds. But they are also responsible for some of the best music they have ever put out across their solo catalogs. So maybe a reunion will hold even more heat.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Isn’t The Hypocrite You Think He Is

Kanye West & Kid Cudi’s History

For those unaware, Ye took Kid Cudi under his wing in the late 2000s, with Cudi becoming a crucial collaborator on albums like 808s & Heartbreak. His tenure with G.O.O.D. Music ended in 2013, and some shady remarks from both artists followed. Then, they buried the hatchet and dropped KIDS SEE GHOSTS together in 2018. But amid Kanye West’s beef with Pete Davidson in 2022, Ye cut Cudi off due to his friendship with Davidson, and Cudi scoffed him away.

Later, in 2024, Cudder revealed Ye apologized to him. But subsequent comments suggested he still had some bad blood to work out, lamenting how their relationship broke down.

Now, it seems like both artists are in a better place when it comes to settling their differences. We’ll see if this actually leads to new music soon or if that’s still a long way away.

Despite Kanye West and Kid Cudi’s fractured history, folks love a good comeback story. After all, KIDS SEE GHOSTS remains a beloved later-career highlight for both.

Read More: Is Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” Bad For Hip-Hop?

The post Kid Cudi Is Confident He & Kanye West Will Reconcile, Reveals They’re Talking Again appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“I don’t think he can,” J-Hood remarked via an Instagram Reel. “Don’t get me wrong. I know how big of an impact Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ had internationally. But I just don’t know if the whole New York is pulling up for three 50 Cent shows, man. I could be totally wrong, but that’s my personal opinion.”

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In response, 50 Cent brought up his previous tour success in the comments. “LOL MY LAST [world] TOUR 103 shows 3rd highest grossing run for hip hop, Google me I’m 50cent,” he wrote. “I hear you champ I’m talking about 3 nights in NY tho not overseas,” J-Hood replied.

“Now, that [tour success is] amazing,” he responded to the G-Unit mogul’s retort in another Instagram Reel. “That’s f***ing incredible. But I never asked or questioned if he can sell out stadiums overseas. I’m talking about NYC, the concrete jungle, the city that never sleeps. Will they come out for you three nights in a row like they did for Hov? That’s all I want to know, big dog.”

Read More: The Entire History Of The Roc-A-Fella x Nike Air Force 1

Can 50 Cent Sell Out Yankee Stadium Three Nights In A Row?

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This is an unanswerable question unless Curtis Jackson gives it a shot. But the most likely answer is that he would succeed, given his profile and his iconic status in New York hip-hop.

This debacle with J-Hood also brings up 50 Cent’s beef history. The LOX signed Hood to D-Block Records for a short time, and Jadakiss had a legendary beef with 50.

In fact, Jada was among Hov’s guests at these Yankee Stadium shows. But it seems like this was an earnest, albeit back-handed question more than an actual diss. All Fif can do is try to do this himself to shut the haters up or flex his success in other ways.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Isn’t The Hypocrite You Think He Is

The post 50 Cent Affirms He Could Replicate Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Shows appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

This particular pair mixes raw denim with quilted textile paneling. Sashiko-inspired stitching adds extra texture across parts of the upper. That detail draws from traditional Japanese quilting techniques. A lighter version of the shoe also exists in white, red, and blue.

That pair covers nearly the entire upper in patchwork graphics instead. APB first previewed both colorways through a Fall 2026 campaign. Charlotte rapper Reuben Vincent appeared alongside local skaters in that rollout.

The collection draws inspiration from quilt-making traditions passed down through generations. It ties directly into APB’s hometown roots and community focus. Neither colorway has an exact release date confirmed yet.

Reports suggest both pairs will drop sometime during Fall 2026. This marks APB’s first known collaboration built around the Dunk silhouette. The brand also has other Nike and Jordan projects in the works.

Those include reworked Air Jordan 11 Lows and two other runners. Wale’s appearance gives the Dunk pack some early visibility ahead of release. It also connects the shoe back to APB’s Charlotte identity. For now, fans will have to wait for official release details.

Read More: Andrew & Tristan Tate Arrested In Miami As U.K. Seeks Extradition

Wale’s APB x Nike Dunk Low

The black Dunk Low leans on raw denim across most of its upper. Quilted panels appear around the toe box and side panels. The Sashiko stitching adds a hand-crafted texture to those specific sections.

The combo gives the shoe a rougher, more worn-in appearance overall. The lighter colorway takes a different approach with its patchwork design. Red and blue textile patterns spread across nearly the entire shoe there.

A suede collar and Swoosh panel help ground the lighter version. Both pairs include co-branded heel tabs tying back to APB directly.

Special packaging is also expected to accompany the eventual release. This project stands apart from typical Dunk collaborations built around simple colorways. Instead, it leans on craftsmanship and a clear community-driven design story.

Read More: LeBron Wears Kith’s New “Linen” Air Force 1 At Fanatics Fest

The post Wale Wore An Unreleased APB x Nike Dunk In Charlotte appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

For those unaware, the United Kingdom seeks their extradition on rape and sex trafficking charges. They were originally arrested in Romania on similar charges in 2022, but that case stalled due to procedural issues.

As for this most recent arrest, TMZ reports it occurred at the James L. Knight Center. Andrew Tate was supposed to cohost the IBA Bareknuckle 6 boxing event. The charges against the brothers regarding this recent arrest are unknown at press time.

Per an anonymous source who spoke to AP, they will appear in Miami federal court next week. Their attorney Jospeh McBride reportedly said he hasn’t spoken to them yet. But he called the U.K. charges “filth and slander” that aim to sabotage their defamation lawsuits in the U.S.

“They’re pulling out all the stops to make sure these guys never get their day in court,” McBride reportedly stated. “We are confident that once a competent judge sees the facts, and once the Department of Justice confronts this egregious abuse of its own authority, Andrew and Tristan Tate will walk free. America does not do Britain’s political dirty work.”

Read More: JAŸ-Z Isn’t The Hypocrite You Think He Is

Andrew Tate Arrested

Yesterday, the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Services reportedly announced they would bring 38 new charges related to four new victims. This would add onto the previously revealed charges for alleged crimes against three women.

British prosecutors want to extradite Andrew and Tristan Tate over charges alleging rape and sex trafficking between 2010 and 2017 in the U.K. They moved to Romania in 2016, where authorities arrested them in 2022 for alleged sexual exploitation.

Last year, they secured permission to return to the U.S. and flew to Florida. They deny the allegations and charges against them. Both face rape and sex trafficking charges, among others. Andrew reportedly has additional charges of profiting from prostitution and “for offenses relating to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.”

Reports of U.S. investigations into the Tate brothers have also surfaced amid this legal trouble.

Read More: Is Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” Bad For Hip-Hop?

The post Andrew & Tristan Tate Arrested In Miami As U.K. Seeks Extradition appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

A patterned bucket hat and sunglasses rounded out the look. This colorway comes from Kith’s new “Linen” collection with Nike. The set also includes an Air Max 95 done in a similar theme.

Kith designer Ronnie Fieg has called the original “Linen” his favorite sneaker ever. He first brought the colorway back in 2016 for Kith’s Miami store opening. This new version flips the original color scheme around completely.

Pink leather now covers most of the upper instead of tan. Brown leather accents show up on the Swoosh and outsole instead. The collection marks 25 years since the original “Linen” first released in Japan. Kith confirmed the shoes will officially release on July 20th.

Fieg also gifted early pairs to Fat Joe and Jadakiss last month. Those pairs went out around Father’s Day as early previews. LeBron’s version adds another notable name to that early rollout. His appearance gives the shoe extra visibility before its wider release. Fans got an early, real-world look at the design in motion.

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LeBron James Kith x Nike Air Force 1 “Linen”

This “Linen” reissue reworks the classic pink and tan color combo. Instead of tan dominating, pink nubuck now covers most of the shoe. Brown leather steps in on the Swoosh and outsole for contrast. That swap flips the traditional layout fans associate with the original release.

Kith branding appears on the tongue tag, insole, and heel area. Those details separate this version from the original 2016 Kith-exclusive pair. The Air Max 95 in this same collection keeps a more traditional brown base instead. Pink accents show up there through the eyelets, Air units, and outsole.

Both shoes come in full family sizing for this release. That’s different from the original 2016 drop, which stayed adult-only. Together, the two shoes make up Kith’s full “Linen” anniversary collection.

Read More: Extremely Rare Air Jordan 4 “Snakeskin” PE Just Resurfaced

The post LeBron Wears Kith’s New “Linen” Air Force 1 At Fanatics Fest appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Thanks to a fresh batch of a whopping 68 new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, he is now the artist with the most gold or platinum-certified songs in history, according to Rap on Instagram. The previous artist to hold this record was reportedly NBA YoungBoy. These include updated certifications for multi-platinum songs and albums, some first-time platinum records, and a few fresh Gold plaques.

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You can check out the full list caught by Bars on IG below, the highest certification of which is “Heartless” going 14 times platinum. Albums-wise, Graduation is now eight times platinum, The College Dropout is six times platinum, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is five times platinum, 808s & Heartbreak is four times platinum… The list goes on.

First-time platinum records include “Spaceship,” “Saint Pablo,” Jesus Is King, “Dark Fantasy,” “Hey Mama,” “New Slaves,” and “Only One.” New gold tracks include “Send It Up,” “Say You Will,” “Roses,” “No Child Left Behind,” “Frank’s Track,” and “Two Words.”

Read More: JAŸ-Z Isn’t The Hypocrite You Think He Is

Kanye West’s Next Concerts

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This historic achievement is something Kanye West will celebrate on the road by bringing these hits to life internationally. Ye’s next show is in Spain on July 30, followed by Portugal on August 7, Kazakhstan on August 14, New Orleans on August 28, and Chicago on September 3 and 4. All these announcements have been pretty sudden and individual for each show. So there could be many more concerts and performances to come.

Other MCs got massive RIAA updates this weekend. Amid the success of The Real Me, Future got his own heap of certifications; 53 of them, to be exact.

While commercial metrics certainly aren’t everything in hip-hop, Ye and other legends already proved their staying power culturally and artistically. So to see their efforts yield big-buck results is more of an inevitability than anything else.

Read More: Is Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” Bad For Hip-Hop?

The post Kanye West Becomes Artist With The Most Songs Certified Gold Or Platinum appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

For those unaware, this lawsuit against the Puerto Rican icon and many other artists (Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and more among them) claimed the dembow rhythm essential to the reggaetón genre use elements of the Jamaican reggae duo’s tracks “Fish Market,” “Dem Bow,” and “Pounder (Dub Mix II)” without proper compensation or credit. The filing, which originally surfaced in 2021, could result in a seismic shift in sound and music copyright law.

A federal judge ruled a jury must decide whether or not this copyright suit is valid. That decision is one Bad Bunny wants to overturn. His lawyer Kenneth Freundlich reportedly argued there is no single song that uses all of the elements of any of Steely and Clevie’s tracks.

“I think there’s no single work that contains all of the ‘Fish Market’ elements,” he reportedly wrote. “So how do you reconcile that with the notion that we need to have a coherent pattern? It seems to be problematic.” Freundlich called the plaintiff’s attempts a “Frankenstein” across the three tracks. He argued they are unrightfully obfuscating the actual music in question and misrepresenting the general dembow rhythm.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Isn’t The Hypocrite You Think He Is

Bad Bunny & Drake Collabs

If the motion to overturn is unsuccessful and the ruling stands, Benito and his team want to appeal immediately. This would be to provide more time for the proceedings amid a heavily daunting task of comparing and analyzing over a thousand musical works.

Per Complex, other court filings feature support from various artists. This includes Drake, as well as Myke Towers, Wisin, Yandel, De La Ghetto, and various other Latin American artists.

Steely and Clevie’s attorney Stephen Doniger reportedly provided a statement to Billboard. “[It’s] disappointing that defendants continue to push their false narrative… Defendants offer nothing new and no basis for reconsideration. We hope the court will quickly deny this motion.”

Bad Bunny has other copyright cases to handle, although those concern him rather than many artists and recordings. Given his collaborative history with Drake, this reported support should come as no surprise. They released “MIA” in 2018 off Benito’s X100PRE, the “Loyal” remix with PARTYNEXTDOOR in 2020, and “Gently” in 2023 from Drizzy’s For All The Dogs.

Read More: Is Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” Bad For Hip-Hop?

The post Drake Reportedly Backs Bad Bunny’s Attempt To Reverse Copyright Suit Ruling appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

It first appeared publicly earlier in 2026 through NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick. Reddick offered fans their first real look at the shoe. Early reports suggest this pair connects to Jordan Brand’s racing team. The full list of those who received a pair has never been officially confirmed, though.

Anaconda-style texture covers most of the upper in olive and black. That reptile print stretches across nearly the entire shoe’s surface. Solid black fills in the laces, netting, and support wings instead. That contrast helps balance out the busy snakeskin pattern overall.

Gold Jumpman branding appears on the heel tabs of both shoes. A tan midsole and outsole round out the earthy color scheme. Rumors suggest only about 25 pairs were ever produced. That number hasn’t been officially confirmed by Jordan Brand yet.

Further, it remains one of the rarest Air Jordan 4 exclusives. Friends and Family releases like this rarely make it to retail. That exclusivity is part of what keeps sneaker fans interested. This pair likely won’t see a public release anytime soon.

For now, these detailed photos give collectors their closest look yet. It joins a growing list of hard-to-find Jordan Brand exclusives.

Read More: Future Scores Heap Of New RIAA Certifications Amid “The Real Me’s” Success

Air Jordan 4 “Snakeskin” F&F PE

This “Snakeskin” PE builds on a design first introduced back in 2016. That original release used a subtler snakeskin panel along the heel and midfoot. This newer Family PE goes much further with a full snakeskin upper.

The anaconda covers nearly every visible panel on the shoe. Black overlays step in around the laces, wings, and support structure. That combination keeps the busy texture from overwhelming the shoe’s overall silhouette.

Gold hardware adds a small premium touch to the heel area. A tan sole unit ties the earthy colorway together from top to bottom. Because this shoe ties to Jordan Brand’s racing circle, availability stays extremely limited.

Read More: Nike’s Newest Air Force 1 “Shoe Dog” Honors Phil Knight

The post Extremely Rare Air Jordan 4 “Snakeskin” PE Just Resurfaced appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

A lot of these certifications are for the Atlanta icon’s biggest hits, which have already gone platinum multiple times. These include “Life Is Good” with Drake, “Mask Off,” “Low Life” with The Weeknd, and “WAIT FOR U” with Drizzy and Tems. All of these are in the double-digit platinum numbers.

Elsewhere, some of his multi-platinum hits include “Like That” with Metro Boomin and Kendrick Lamar, “Stick Talk,” “PUFFIN ON ZOOTIEZ,” “The Percocet & Stripper Joint,” “Honest,” and “Thought It Was A Drought.” As for first-time platinum records, we have classics like “Codeine Crazy,” “Throw Away,” “News Or Something,” and “Perkys Calling” that already feel platinum by cultural standards alone, along with newer cuts like various Metro collabs from their WE DON’T TRUST YOU album.

Read More: Future’s Not Quite Done Being Our Toxic King

Future’s The Real Me Sales

This is all due cause for celebration, and it’s great to see this amazing catalog of hits get some RIAA recognition. But what about the most recent entry in the albums catalog. If first week sales projections are accurate, Future’s The Real Me will be another win.

Previous reports suggested the new LP would move 135K units in its first week. The most recent update, caught by Kurrco on Instagram, suggests that number will be closer to 131K. It’s a small dip and an overall downgrade from previous first week sales numbers, although it will likely best the last full-length, MIXTAPE PLUTO. In any case, even if comparison is the thief of joy, these numbers show he still commands a lot of attention and engagement.

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Future is also dealing with beef these days, but that won’t distract him from celebrating his achievements. Depending on how The Real Me ages, various highlights could land on this RIAA list one day.

Read More: Is Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” Bad For Hip-Hop?

The post Future Scores Heap Of New RIAA Certifications Amid “The Real Me’s” Success appeared first on HotNewHipHop.