However, they are currently up 2-0 on the San Antonio Spurs, and Game 3 is at Madison Square Garden tonight. It is the perfect opportunity for the Knicks to put the series away and get that elusive championship.

While speaking to the media about this Knicks run, Fat Joe took an interesting angle, comparing the love in the city to 9/11.

“I’ve seen Hasidic Jews breakdancing with Black kids outside the stadium. This is the greatest unification you’ve ever seen of this New York City in your life since 9/11,” Fat Joe said, according to ABC News. “If you want to know what we felt like in 9/11 after the tragedy, it’s what you’re seeing around New York City, is everybody together. This is insane.”

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Fat Joe is Excited About the Knicks

On the surface, it sounds like a wild comparison, although it makes a ton of sense. As Fat Joe explains, some New Yorkers are doing things that are out of character.

“I’ve got a friend, he puts a screen in his backyard. He said the whole neighborhood, people he’s never talked to in his life are walking through his house, opening the refrigerator,” Fat Joe explaned. “This is like, unbelievable.”

Despite the 2-0 lead, the Knicks must keep their foot on the gas. Anything can happen, and the Spurs are going to be motivated going into an arena like MSG.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Already Warned Us: 2026 Is All Offense

The post Fat Joe Compares The New York Knicks’ NBA Finals Run To 9/11 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

These days, rumors continue to circulate online about his release. These rumors seem unsubstantiated. This is especially true when you consider how long Tay-K’s sentence is and what he has been put away for.

Beyond these rumors, Tay-K updates have been few and far between at times. However, on Monday, fans were given a peek into what Tay-K looks like now. This was thanks to newly released mugshots of the artist.

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Tay-K Mugshot

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

As you can see, the artist is now sporting a shaved head. Ultimately, fans were quick to comment on the look, with some remarking how Tay-K was one of the biggest “What-ifs” in all of rap.

With just one song, he was able to capture the attention of many. It is a song that remains in rotation for some rap fans, and it feels like it remains one of the biggest hits of the SoundCloud era. It was a viral sensation, and for that reason alone, Tay-K remains relevant to so many.

As for the rumors surrounding his name, it is probably best not to believe everything you see on your For You Page. If things do change as it pertains to Tay-K, we will be sure to let you know.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Already Warned Us: 2026 Is All Offense

The post New Tay-K Mugshots Surface Online appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Baby doesn’t like Akademiks either, which has led to a mutual rivalry of sorts that doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Having said that, Lil Baby was recently out in Atlanta, where he could be seen shooting some sort of music video.

During the music video shoot, Baby uses the bar, “Fuck Akademiks that n***a the feds.” This is an accusation that has been thrown at Ak in the past. However, with Lil Baby leveling the allegation, Ak decided to respond with a bit of force.

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DJ Akademiks Speaks Out

“Half of Atlanta rappers documented on audio tape telling to cops including half the n****s he still call “TWIN” … is this n***a stupid … if I’m the Feds… young thug the lieutenant I report to him,” Akademiks wrote.

This is just more proof that these two do not like each other, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. Whenever Akademiks finds himself in a beef, he will run it into the ground. It’s a tactic that has worn down many of his opponents to the point where they just give up and stop replying.

As for Lil Baby, it remains to be seen how he will respond. For now, his quick jabs here and there seem to be working quite well, as Ak is always eager to give a response.

For now, there is no world in which these two are able to reconcile. Of course, that could change, but for now, we aren’t so certain.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Already Warned Us: 2026 Is All Offense

The post DJ Akademiks Claps Back At Lil Baby For Dissing Him In New Music Video appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Going into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden tonight, the Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. It has been an incredible run, and now, President Donald Trump stands in the way. The President is in attendance tonight, meaning there is increased security at the arena.

New Yorkers have a reputation for not being big fans of Trump. Having said that, it should come as no surprise that there is a sense that the President could be booed out of the building. On It Is What It Is, Cam’ron and Ma$e warned New Yorkers to behave, because you never know what security might do.

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Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden

As for Ma$e, he had a message for Trump, saying to stay home and watch the game from the Oval Office. For Knicks fans, the fear right now is that Trump is going to curse the team and bestow bad vibes upon them.

Everything has been going so well for the Knicks. However, an unpopular President could very well send the Finals into a tailspin, especially when you consider just how motivated the Spurs will be to tie the series at 2-2 going back home to San Antonio.

Some feel as though a sweep is about to take place. Others are convinced that the Spurs can still win. Whatever the case may be, Knicks fans are superstitious right now, and for good reason.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Already Warned Us: 2026 Is All Offense

The post Cam’ron & Ma$e Issue A Warning To New Yorkers Ahead Of Donald Trump’s NBA Finals Appearance appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The song’s already garnered plenty of attention for Toronto-based producer Maneesh On The Beat, who has worked with Drake in the past. But the amount of love the song’s gained on platforms like Instagram and TikTok has spawned a brand new viral challenge. 

The song, which boasts production from Maneesh On The Beat and 40, stood at #4 on the Hot 100 last week and likely will continue climbing the chart. The viral challenge sees fans video-editing items, like drinks, appearing out of thin air during the hook of the song where Drake raps, “Maneesh on the beat, shabang/ All of my opps, they dead.” The challenge is garnering attention from celebrities like Summer Walker and even Joe Jonas.

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Drake Scores Third Week On Top Of The Charts

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Evidently, we’re seeing Drake return as the reigning king of the summer this year. The release of ICEMAN has marked his latest #1 album, and it has retained that position for the third week in a row. Although his two companion albums, Maid of Honour and Habibti, have slid down the charts, it feels like we will probably see either one of them spike in sales at some point in the summer. 

Check out the collection of videos of people doing the “Shabang” challenge above and sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below.

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The post Drake’s “Shabang” Sparks Latest “ICEMAN” Viral Challenge appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: June 8, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Tracklist for The Resurrection

1. Solange
2. Aubrey
3. Tezzus Mane La Flair
4. Jeffrey Williams
5. Katy Perry
6. Ye
7. Lil Rokk
8. Oway

The post The Ressurection – EP by Tezzus appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: June 8, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

The post The Machinist – Song by Larry June appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The claim, filed on May 29th in a federal court submission, opposed Diddy’s attempt to dismiss a civil lawsuit that sought $20M in damages. Howard’s filing relies largely on evidence and testimony that was presented during Diddy’s criminal case. He argues that these critical facts have already been established by a federal grand jury, including testimony from Cassie about an incident at a Hamptons motel.

According to court records, Ventura said she lost consciousness after ingesting GHB and later regained awareness while in a shower. Meanwhile, Diddy allegedly was “freaking out” outside of the bathroom where she was unconscious. However, the court documents say that after she gained consciousness, she called one of Diddy’s associates and proceeded to continue on with Howard.

The lawsuit that Howard initially filed in July 2025 details in length the alleged trafficking operation at the hands of both Diddy and Cassie that went on for a decade. Howard said it was Cassie that hired him for his services through an escort business called Cowboys 4 Angels.

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Clayton Howard Corners Diddy

While Diddy tried to have the lawsuit thrown out, Howard’s briefing laid out exactly why the trial should move forward. The filing argues that Diddy’s criminal conviction significantly strengthens Howard’s civil claims. According to the brief, several elements required under federal sex-trafficking statutes have effectively already been proven, leaving fewer issues for the court to resolve as the lawsuit moves forward.

Howard further claims Ventura played a substantial role in arranging encounters and coordinating logistics. Through this, he argues that it rejects the notion that she was merely a bystander. 

Read More: JAŸ-Z Already Warned Us: 2026 Is All Offense

The post Cassie Allegedly Overdosed On GHB During Freak-Off appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

It has been revealed that three men were arrested, although two have already walked. Meanwhile, a third man was released on bail and will continue to be investigated. At this time, the music world is in shock, with Riley’s manager, Cleo Amedume, releasing a statement on Instagram.

“Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award winning, multi platinum selling songwriter & artist,” the statement read.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Proves We Need To Retire The Idea Of OG Rappers Being “Washed Up”

Talay Riley Remembered Fondly

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A post shared by Cleo Amedume (@queencleo)

Riley was known for writing songs like Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke,” and H.E.R.’s “Lights On.” Overall, he was incredibly talented and beloved by those he worked with.

“We are deeply grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support that we have received through messages, calls and visits over the past hours. Thank you for your continued consideration and sensitivity at what is a devastating time for us all,” the statement continued.

Prior to his passing, Riley had been working on a new project and seemed eager to release it. Previously, he had also written songs for massive pop stars like Dua Lipa and even Britney Spears.

This remains a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as soon as they become available.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Already Warned Us: 2026 Is All Offense

The post Talay Riley, Songwriter For H.E.R. & Khalid, Tragically Killed At 35 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: June 8, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop, Rock

Album: Thank You

Tracklist for Thank You

1. Switch Up
2. What We Got
3. True Colors
4. That’s Right
5. Secrets Pt. I
6. Secrets Pt. II
7. I Don’t Care
8. Make It Stop
9. Crypto
10. Here We Are
11. Back To Start
12. It’s Time
13. Thank You

The post True Colors – Song by Mike D appeared first on HotNewHipHop.