“I know the rest of the Kendrick d**k-suckers online won’t admit it, but from all the best rappers in the game, Kendrick might be one of the worst great rappers in terms of not being able to knock it out the park with R&B collabs,” he remarked after finishing K.Dot’s verse. “Even Jay-Z… Obviously, Drake’s the GOAT at it. Kendrick is like the antidote to b***hes’ p***y getting wet. This is crazy. What the f**k is he doing? Every time he hop on an R&B track, it sounds like he’s giving instructions to gang members. What is this n***a talking about? I was f***ing with this harmonizing part up front. But as soon as he starts rapping, it’s like… The n***a sounds like he’s trying to scare the b***hes. Keep them type of voice intonations when you’re dissing Drake or something. You’re singing to the h*es now.”

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Kendrick Lamar’s “So Good”

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DJ Akademiks has recently criticized Kendrick Lamar for being lazy by not dropping more material consistently. It caught him a lot of flack, but that doesn’t have much to do with the reception to “So Good.” A lot of fans are split on it, if not outright unimpressed, whereas others are taking it less seriously as just a fun and playful song.

But given the Compton MC’s recent feature run, it’s understandable why his die-hards and haters alike would rather hear him on something more rap-centric and fiery these days. The “How To Pray” collab with Dahi is very tender but not exactly a banger, whereas his “Good Flirts” appearance with Baby Keem and Momo Boyd also left some folks feeling underwhelmed.

It looks like that may change with Kendrick Lamar’s hyped upcoming feature on the new AZ Chike album. So maybe DJ Akademiks and other detractors will give more grace there.

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post DJ Akademiks Roasts Kendrick Lamar’s “So Good” Collab With Jhené Aiko appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

This recently came up again thanks to Jay-Z’s freestyle at his Yankee Stadium show, which referenced the Kaepernick situation. He claimed the athlete had taken a check that came with a non-disparagement clause while also dismissing criticism of his Target partnership amid the Black community’s boycott and dismissing “Twitter activists” who are angry at his actions.

Alleged sources close to Colin Kaepernick called Jay-Z out after the freestyle. They denied claims Kaepernick signed a non-disparagement clause and clarified a deal between them amid lawsuits and claims of blackballing remains private.

Colin Kaepernick himself responded to Jay-Z already, claiming the freestyle indicates a “guilty conscience” and an attempt to repair the reputation of the NFL and Roc deal. But he has more to say about this.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Colin Kaepernick On Jay-Z

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At the National Black Footwear Forum in Detroit yesterday (Saturday, September 12), hosted by the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design according to FOX 2, Jemele Hill interviewed the former NFL player about his upcoming book, The Perilous Fight. Furthermore, at one point, they discussed Hov’s freestyle, as caught by 2Cool2Blog on Instagram.

“I was very surprised by it,” Kaepernick expressed. “I’m living rent-free there. We are seven years post-him doing that deal. While you’re doing the anniversary tour to celebrate your best work, that’s the thing that’s most top-of-mind for you. That’s pretty remarkable, how bothered he is by that. It speaks to a guilty conscience around it. The response in the wake of him doing that deal was broadly people being like, ‘You sold the protest out, you sold us out.’ He made the infamous comment of ‘We’re past kneeling.’ […] The comparison of ‘I took a deal, he took a deal,’ typically the people you can’t control, you don’t do deals with… Because the NFL blackballed me… it’s drastically different than coming in on the back of the NFL saying, ‘We need a Black face to stop the protests.’ […] They tried to offer me a deal…”

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post Colin Kaepernick Has More To Say About Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Freestyle appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Yesterday (Saturday, September 12), the two went to Queens, New York to attend the tennis tournament. But there was a lot of conversation about their particular outfit choices that led to some trolling online, as you can see in some of the Instagram comments under Rap‘s post below. 21’s double-stripe hoodie and polo combo got most of the flack, although Big Mama’s more preppy look also raised some eyebrows.

In any case, fans who have speculated about 21 Savage and Latto’s relationship for a long time are just happy to see them actually out and about. There are still lingering debates and perceptions about Savage’s previous reported marriage and the dynamics at play here, but they have shrugged all of them off.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Latto & 21 Savage

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Most recently, 21 Savage reflected on raising a baby with Latto, expressing to Pete Davidson on his Netflix show that he feels like a more present father these days compared to his earlier experiences with fatherhood. He has three kids from other relationships.

“My first three, I was younger, running around in the street,” 21 explained. “It was different. Now, I’m in the house, I’m with the baby all night, making her bottles, changing her diapers. It’s kind of like a different bond type s**t.”

Elsewhere, Latto recently spoke on possibly having another baby, although this wouldn’t be for some time. “Ooh, I don’t know,” she expressed during an interview, later speaking about her little girl. “She’s so perfect. Like, I would. But then I’d be like, oof… That day was the best day of my life, but the most painful day of my life, too. So, I don’t know, I don’t know. We got to wait for her to get a little older. We got to revisit it… I will say this. I’m either gon’ be one and done or I’m gon’ have a tribe…”

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post 21 Savage & Latto Pop Out Publicly For The First Time Since Daughter’s Birth appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

It took less than three months for ICEMAN to hit this milestone, particularly led by a couple of huge tracks. As of writing this article, “Janice STFU” leads the pack with 323 million streams, followed by “What Did I Miss?’ with 282 milion, “National Treasures” with 177 million, “Shabang” with 156 million, and “Whisper My Name” with 142 million.

For those curious, the Toronto superstar’s most streamed albums on Spotify are still Views and Scorpion, with almost 13 billion for the former and a little over 12 billion for the latter. As for what other 2026 hip-hop albums are getting massive numbers, Don Toliver and Ye are among the success stories.

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Also, ICEMAN‘s commercial success doesn’t stop there. It also surpassed Take Care as his longest-running album on Billboard‘s Hip-Hop/R&B chart with 13 weeks at number one, per Bars on Instagram.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Drake’s “FOMO”

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But elsewhere, Drake is prepping for another “project”: “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out). While fans still don’t know exactly what it will be, he teased it as a “not so short” film premiering via YouTube on Tuesday, September 15 at 9PM EST.

Some of the OVO fanbase is confident we will get new Drizzy music, whereas others think it will be a more conventional score. But Drake has seemingly been filming music videos as of late, so a lot of this speculation is still up in the air.

Whether this is a conventionally narrative project or something a bit more unexpected remains to be seen. He already shocked fans with his triple drop of ICEMAN, HABIBTI, and MAID OF HONOUR, but he could have an even bigger surprise on the way.

Even if we weren’t getting “FOMO” soon, ICEMAN‘s continued success proves 2026 is already one for the history books for the 6ix God. We’ll see if it surpasses his previous work and gives fans something new to appreciate.

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post Drake’s “ICEMAN” Sets Another Spotify Milestone For 2026 Hip-Hop Albums appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

As caught by Livebitez on Instagram, when the “GWOAT” posted a makeup video from inside the New York MC’s home, some fans thought they saw a portrait in the background of the former couple with their daughter. When she came across this on IG, she took to the comments section to clarify. “That is @chanel.nine his oldest daughter & his youngest daughter yall are so obsessed!!!!” Shields wrote.

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Not only that, but she also called out fans sharing an allegedly AI-generated image to spread an allegedly false narrative. Fans have been allegedly claiming Claressa was friendly with Remy when she first linked up with Pap in 2023. She clapped back by sharing the real picture the AI image was based on, which was with Russell Westbrook.

“MORE PROOF THAT THESE REMY MA FANS ARE LYING & USING AI TO FIT A FAKE NARRATIVE THAT DOES NOT EXIST!!!!!!” Claressa Shields wrote. “I did not know of or meet PAP til july 6th 2024!!! Stop fkn lying! It’s disgusting the things yall are doing! Im calling out every lie from now on!!!!!!”

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Remy Ma Reacts To Papoose’s “Jezebel”

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But on the other side of this, there’s Papoose’s diss track to Remy Ma, titled “Jezebel.” In it, he spoke on their relationship and aired their issues out, issues which she’s happy to throw right back at him. Via the femcee’s Instagram Story, she shared a TikTok of a user making fun of Pap’s delivery and look for the track, adding “I’m weakkkk” alongside a few crying-laughing emojis.

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Remy has her own track on the way that will probably address a lot of this, titled “Why I Get Married?” Clearly, neither side is backing down or hoping for a reconciliation anytime soon. But maybe one day, they will take their issues behind closed doors rather than airing them out online.

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Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post Claressa Shields Hits Back While Remy Ma Clowns Papoose’s “Jezebel” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The interviewer and commentator attributed The Voice’s victory in this Los Angeles case to there being “no smoking gun,” plus a “great set” of defense attorneys who were able to raise enough reasonable doubt for the jury to acquit their client. He also sent his condolences to the family of Lul Pab, the cousin of Quando Rondo who was killed in a 2022 L.A. ambush on Quando. Prosecutors had accused Durk of orchestrating that, but the jury ruled in his favor.

Vlad also spoke on the other two codefendants in this case, OTF Dede and Browneyez. They received convictions for the stalking charges, but not the murder-for-hire ones, in addition to cooperating witnesses for the prosecution already having pleaded guilty to their charges. He hopes this will give Pab’s mother “some degree of help.” “I can’t speak on her behalf,” DJ Vlad added.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

DJ Vlad On Lil Durk Trial

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“Nobody won in this situation,” he continued, referencing other Chicago rappers. “Everybody lost. Quando lost his friend. Lul Tim lost his friend. King Von is dead, all his friends are mourning. There was a revenge killing. A bunch of people are going to prison for life. Lil Durk was in a jail cell for two years… He spent millions of dollars on his legal defense bill… Think about how stressful this must have been over the last few days, or last few weeks, or last few months.

“He’s got kids on the outside, he’s got a girl on the outside,” Vlad went on. “To all the young dudes who want to go this route, who want revenge, who want to use it for clout, I am sure Lil Durk will never touch anything like this ever again. I’m sure he regrets this to the highest degree. I think Lil Durk was in the process of changing his life… This is the final chapter to him changing his life… He wants to be a better version of Lil Durk moving forward.”

Lil Durk’s next trial will begin on October 5, if everything goes according to the current schedule. The trial will reportedly cover charges that reference a 2022 Chicago murder and a 2019 Atlanta shooting. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will likely clash over bond possibilities before the trial begins.

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post DJ Vlad Believes “Everybody Lost” In The Lil Durk Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The lineup covers 20 pieces total, spanning tops, knitwear, bottoms, footwear, and accessories. Prices range anywhere from $20 up to $1,195. Everything is available now through VIVET’s official online store.

The collection leans heavily into streetwear staples with a moody, textured finish. Distressed suede jackets, leather bombers, and heavyweight tracksuits make up a good chunk of the range. Chunky combat boots and structured backpacks round out the rest.

Cenat drew inspiration from his Trinidadian and Haitian roots throughout the line. He built VIVET independently, without outside investors backing the project. That level of creative control shows in just how specific some of the pieces feel.

This marks his second public reveal of the brand. An earlier preview back in March showed a rougher, more graphic-driven direction that didn’t land the way he hoped.

Read More: Unboxing Reveal Of The J Balvin x Air Jordan 4 Retro “Lemonade” Surfaces

Kai Cenat’s First VIVET Collection

Cenat stepped away from streaming following his Mafiathon 3 event in late 2025. That break ended not long after, around the release of his “I Quit” video in January 2026, which doubled as both a mental health check-in and the first announcement of VIVET. That video showed him in Italy, hands-on with denim production and garment construction.

VIVET is Latin for “he, she, or it will live forever.” Cenat explained that meaning himself, tying it to wanting something lasting beyond his streaming career. The brand’s rollout has leaned into that same long-term mindset since then, favoring a slow build over a quick merch drop.

Front row seats at the NYFW show included Ms. Lauryn Hill alongside a mix of streamers and creators. That combination of old-school music royalty and internet-era personalities said a lot about where Cenat’s trying to position VIVET. Whether that positioning holds up long-term is still something only time will answer.

Overall, VIVET stands as one of the more ambitious moves a streamer has made into fashion.

Read More: Young Thug Thanks Brain Steel During Concert For Working With Lil Durk

The post Kai Cenat Officially Launches VIVET’s First Collection appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

For those unaware, authorities still haven’t officially confirmed Q50’s identity at press time as the victim of the fatal Chicago shooting this morning on the 4200 block of S. Wentworth Avenue. However, alleged police dispatch audio features an officer seemingly confirming he was the victim by spelling out his real name.

A group of assailants reportedly pulled up in two cars alongside the Chicago rapper while he was at a gas station sometime between 4AM and 6AM, later opening fire. The city’s police department reportedly opened a homicide investigation after the incident. Alleged security camera footage of the attack surfaced online, as caught by No Jumper on Instagram.

There are no other details about this situation regarding suspects, motive, and other circumstances at press time. As such, the speculative and salacious readings of YFG Fatso and VonOff1700’s alleged social media reactions to this are not based in any official facts or accusations. Rather, they are just about fans connecting alleged dots in Chicago’s hip-hop and drill scene, and nothing about the messages fans are scrutinizing explicitly connects to this tragedy.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

BloodHoung Q50 Shooting

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DJ Akademiks TV shared Von’s Instagram Story post from earlier today. It was a repost of G Herbo celebrating the Lil Durk verdict, but some fans speculated that Von repurposed Herb’s video to refer to the incident.

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For those unaware, according to fan interpretations, VonOff1700 had allegedly dissed the NOT A CHANCE IN HELL collaborator in a song snippet he dropped just about a week ago. The two had previously collaborated often, so some fans still doubt this is really a reference to the murder.

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On the other hand, YFG Fatso took to his Instagram Story, as caught by No Jumper on IG, to share alleged reactions. He did, however, explicitly post an image of BloodHound Q50 alongside BloodHound Lil Jeff and an image of someone burning a $50 bill. “We spend 50K today !!!!” Fatso wrote, along with “Bet I be da last mf” and a screenshot of a message that said “Good day to b a f***ing reap.”

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For those unaware, Q50 and Fatso also had a collaborative bond, but after the former spent time with the latter’s daughter and her mother, Fatso allegedly reacted online with disdain. Fans’ speculative interpretations continue to swirl while folks await more official confirmation. Sadly, it’s part of a larger saga of conflict that has tragically taken another life.

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post VonOff1700 & YFG Fatso Allegedly React To BloodHound Q50’s Murder Amid Alleged Footage appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Vibrant leather covers most of the uppers of the shoes. A mix of yellow shades runs throughout instead of one flat, solid tone. That tonal look extends through the wings, lace cages, midsole, outsole, and lining.

Balvin first debuted this pair during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The design pulls inspiration from Medellín sunsets and Colombia’s Caño Cristales river. That connection to his home country runs through nearly every detail on the shoe.

Small lace text reads “JUST DO IT.” on one side and “SOLO HAZLO.” on the other. Each heel also carries different branding, with Nike Air logo on the left shoe. Balvin’s upside-down smiley face logo takes over the right heel instead.

This marks his fourth Jordan Brand collaboration overall. He’s already worked through the Air Jordan 1, 2, and 3 in past years, moving sequentially up the model lineup.

Read More: Young Thug Thanks Brain Steel During Concert For Working With Lil Durk

J Balvin x Air Jordan 4 Retro “Lemonade”

There’s also a second, unreleased Air Jordan 4 tied to Balvin floating around too. He debuted a multicolor patchwork version during a 7-hour concert in Colombia earlier this year. That pair eventually made its way to DJ Khaled as a gift.

That multicolor sample isn’t expected to hit retail. Instead, this all-yellow “Lemonade” version is the one getting the full release treatment. It’s a more refined, one-color approach compared to some of his louder past collaborations.

Balvin’s Jordan Brand run has leaned heavily into storytelling tied to his Colombian roots since day one. This release continues that same pattern, just with a different visual language than his earlier, more colorful drops.

With the unboxing already circulating and the release date closing in, this one looks set to be one of his more anticipated Jordan projects yet.

Read More: Blueface Dumps Nevaeh & Calls Out Chrisean Rock While Seeking New Boos

The post Unboxing Reveal Of The J Balvin x Air Jordan 4 Retro “Lemonade” Surfaces appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Thank you Brian Steel, Lil Durk on the way home,” he expressed, as caught by THUGGERDAILY on Twitter. “Lil Durk beat his trial. We got to go up in this b***h.”

However, to clarify, Lil Durk is not coming home yet. He still faces another trial on October 5, if everything goes according to schedule. This trial will cover racketeering and gun-related charges the court previously severed from the murder-for-hire case, including allegations about a 2022 Chicago murder and a 2019 Atlanta shooting. Ahead of the next trial, prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to argue against or in favor of bond. The Chicago rapper has been behind bars for almost two years.

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

Lil Durk & Young Thug

But one of the reasons fans took particular note of this onstage gratitude is because Young Thug seemed to take credit for Lil Durk’s verdict. “Thank me later,” he tweeted, later adding two more posts: “Tell smurk to say something if I’m lying #Freesmurkio” and “I didn’t have to pay lol Brian does whatever I say on face asksmurk.”

For those unaware, Brian Steel worked the Lil Durk case following his defense of Thugger in the YSL RICO trial. Thug walked away free with release conditions.

Elsewhere, Smurk just addressed the verdict in a thankful Instagram message for fans. “Against all odds, we’re stronger together,” he wrote. “Allah doesn’t make mistakes. I feel all the love and positive energy. Now let me be free to help save our kids and bring unity back to our communities. I couldn’t have made it this far without my family, my lawyers, and supporters. [open hands emoji] Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.”

We will see how hip-hop continues to react to these developments.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

The post Young Thug Thanks Brain Steel During Concert For Working With Lil Durk appeared first on HotNewHipHop.