From his rookie debut in Cleveland to back-to-back championships in Miami, a return home to Northeast Ohio, a Laker era that produced another title, and now a move to Philadelphia that has the sneaker world buzzing again, every chapter of his career has a shoe attached to it.

With the LeBron 24 freshly leaked and his 76ers story just getting started, there has never been a better time to rank all 24 of them from worst to best.

Read More: Yeezy Slides Vanish From JD Sports’ Launch Calendar

24. LeBron 2

The LeBron 2 arrived for LeBron’s second NBA season and brought some notable upgrades over its predecessor. Its thick ankle strap and protective cushioning shell gave it a more aggressive, locked-in feel on the court.

The full-length Zoom Air unit was a first for the line and set a technical standard that carried forward. It’s the earliest model in the catalog and carries real historical value as the shoe that proved the partnership had serious legs.

23. LeBron 3

The LeBron 3 took a noticeably different direction, leaning into a chunkier, army boot-inspired aesthetic that gave it a look unlike anything else in the line. It brought back the full-length Zoom Air unit from the LeBron 2 and added a carbon fiber plate for stability.

The street-style appeal was intentional, and it came in 10 colorways that gave collectors plenty to work with. A bold swing that showed Nike wasn’t afraid to experiment early in the partnership.

22. LeBron 13

The LeBron 13 was one of the more technically ambitious shoes in the entire line, featuring a full-length Zoom Air unit alongside a new Dynamic Flywire system that worked directly with the lacing for a customized fit.

It released during LeBron’s return to Cleveland and carries the energy of a team on the rise. The design has grown on people over time and its performance credentials remain strong. A shoe that deserves more credit than it typically gets.

21. LeBron 5

The LeBron 5 arrived with one of the more memorable marketing campaigns in the line’s history, with LeBron delivering the now-iconic line “you don’t want to be me, you want to be better than me.”

The shoe itself featured a leather upper with Flywire for all-around support and a full-length Zoom Air unit. It’s a clean, purposeful design that holds up well and represents a confident mid-career moment for both LeBron and his Nike partnership.

20. LeBron 19

The LeBron 19 pushed the line’s cushioning technology further than it had ever gone, featuring an Air Strobel unit paired with two Zoom Air pods for a supremely cushioned ride. The elevated midsole gave it a distinctly modern look that divided opinion at release but has aged better than most expected.

Released during a strong Lakers season, it’s a shoe built for serious performance first and style second, which is exactly the brief it was designed around.

19. LeBron 6

The LeBron 6 was built around durability and versatility, designed to handle LeBron playing all five positions on the floor. It featured a full-length Zoom Air unit with double-stacked Zoom in the heel for extra cushioning during heavy use.

The leather upper with Flywire support gave it a premium feel that held up across a long season. It’s a dependable mid-era shoe that quietly delivered everything it promised without needing to make a statement about it.

18. LeBron 14

The LeBron 14 brought a streamlined look to the line that felt like a deliberate move away from some of the bulkier designs that preceded it. Its React foam cushioning delivered a noticeably responsive ride and its knit upper kept the overall weight down.

Released during LeBron’s final season with Cleveland before his move to LA, it carries the weight of a transitional moment in his career. A quieter shoe that performed well above its reputation.

17. LeBron 22

The LeBron 22 debuted during LeBron’s epic gold medal run at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, giving it an immediate association with one of his greatest international moments. Its new midfoot saddle construction provides a natural sense of control and stability.

Also the Cushlon 2.0 foam and Zoom Air units in both the forefoot and heel round out the cushioning package. A modern, well-built shoe that arrives at an important chapter of his career.

16. LeBron 12

The LeBron 12 was one of the more design-forward entries in the entire line, featuring a striking hexagonal Zoom Air unit visible through the midsole that became one of its most memorable visual details.

The “Data” colorway in particular drew comparisons to circuit board graphics and gave the model a distinct identity. Released during LeBron’s first season back in Cleveland, it carries the excitement of a homecoming and the technical ambition of a brand firing on all cylinders.

15. LeBron 21

The LeBron 21 quietly became one of the more underrated shoes in the recent history of the line. Its combination of a Zoom Air Strobel unit and forefoot Zoom Air pod gave it a responsive, connected feel that players genuinely loved.

The design leaned cleaner and more minimal compared to some of the heavier models around it, which gave it a versatility that made it work both on and off the court. A shoe that rewards the people who actually paid attention.

14. LeBron 24

The LeBron 24 is the newest chapter in a catalog that keeps getting more interesting with time. It leaked online just two days before this article, revealing an all-black low-cut silhouette that moves away from the crown sole unit of the LeBron 23 in favor of a more streamlined build.

LeBron has already been spotted wear-testing it and a Philadelphia colorway soon feels like a certainty. It lands here because it’s unproven, but its potential is as high as any shoe in recent memory.

13. LeBron 4

The LeBron 4 was a genuine pivot for the line, ditching a traditional midsole entirely in favor of a thick, wavy layer of Foamposite material that gave it a look unlike anything Nike had produced before. A full-length Zoom Air sockliner and carbon completed a genuinely bold performance package.

It was a risk that not every fan appreciated at the time, but the “Fruity Pebbles” colorway in particular has become one of the most celebrated releases of the early era. A shoe that was ahead of its moment.

12. LeBron 16

The LeBron 16 introduced Battleknit 2.0 to the line, giving the upper a more structured and durable feel while keeping the overall weight competitive. Its tie to the Space Jam: A New Legacy rollout gave several colorways a cultural reach beyond just basketball, and the design held up well across a full season of heavy use.

Released during a Lakers year that carried real buzz, it’s a shoe that benefited from the moment it arrived in and delivered on both the performance and storytelling fronts.

11. LeBron 18

The LeBron 18 was a strong return to form for the line after a stretch of models that divided opinion. Its Air Strobel cushioning setup delivered one of the plushest rides in the catalog and the Max Air heel unit added real impact protection for a player still performing at an elite level deep into his 30s.

The design was one of the cleaner efforts of the modern era. A shoe that reminded people why the LeBron line remains one of Nike’s most important performance franchises.

10. LeBron 9

The LeBron 9 was a game-changer for the line, becoming the first Nike sneaker to feature both Hyperfuse and Flyknit technologies, making it more breathable and lightweight than anything that had come before it.

A visible Max Air unit and Zoom Air tech rounded out a genuinely impressive performance package. It also carries championship weight, as LeBron wore it during his first NBA title with the Miami Heat. A landmark shoe that marked the beginning of a new era for the line.

9. LeBron 15

The LeBron 15 arrived as one of the most cushioned and technically sophisticated shoes in the line’s history at that point, pairing a Max Air heel unit with a full-length Zoom Air unit for a ride that serious players immediately responded to.

Its BattleKnit upper gave it a premium, fitted feel and the Ghost colorway in particular became an instant favorite. Released during a stretch of LeBron’s career when his on-court dominance was as undeniable as ever, it’s a shoe that matched its moment perfectly.

8. LeBron 17

The LeBron 17 brought Air Max cushioning back to the signature line for the first time in years, giving it a distinctly retro energy wrapped in a thoroughly modern build. Its connection to the Space Jam sequel and the broader cultural moment around that campaign gave several colorways a life beyond the basketball court.

The design was sharp, the cushioning was excellent, and the overall package ranks among the best of the modern era. A shoe that’s grown considerably in reputation since its initial release.

7. LeBron 20

The LeBron 20 was the first low-top silhouette in LeBron’s entire signature shoe series, designed to celebrate his legacy while also looking forward to the next generation. Overlapping Swooshes on the woven upper gave it a distinctive visual identity.

Further a carbon fiber midfoot and Zoom Air units at both the forefoot and heel kept the performance credentials firmly intact. It changed how the world saw what a LeBron shoe could look like. A genuinely important moment for the line.

6. LeBron 23

The LeBron 23 takes direct inspiration from LeBron’s crown logo, introducing the Crown Containment System overlay on the upper as its defining design detail. Nike launched 23 different colorways for the model, each one tied to a specific moment or milestone from his 23-year NBA career.

The storytelling approach gave it a depth that most performance shoes never reach. Released during his final Lakers season, it serves as both a celebration of everything he’s accomplished and a fitting send-off before his move to Philadelphia.

5. LeBron 11

The LeBron 11 arrived during the height of LeBron’s Miami Heat dominance and matched that energy completely. Its combination of Lunarlon cushioning, carbon fiber, and Flywire technology made it one of the most technically complete shoes in the line’s history to that point.

The design was sharp and purposeful, and the colorway range that came with it, including the South Beach edition, remains one of the deepest and most celebrated in the entire catalog. A championship-era shoe that looked and felt every bit the part.

4. LeBron 10

The LeBron 10 was the shoe LeBron wore to win his first championship in Miami, and that alone would be enough to place it near the top of any list. But it delivered on design too, featuring the first visible full-length Nike Zoom unit in the line alongside Hyperfuse and Flywire technologies that pushed the performance conversation forward.

It also celebrated the 10th anniversary of LeBron and Nike’s partnership with a diamond-inspired silhouette that honored the milestone. The “Christmas” colorway became one of the most sought-after releases in the entire catalog.

3. Air Zoom Generation

From the moment LeBron James signed his $90 million Nike contract before playing a single game, the Nike team started designing his first signature shoe. The result was the Air Zoom Generation, a shoe that arrived with the weight of the most anticipated rookie debut in NBA history and somehow lived up to all of it.

Nike Air Zoom technology in the shoe and Nike Air in the heel gave it a cushioning setup that was genuinely ahead of its time. Twenty years later, it remains one of the most iconic debut signature shoes ever made by any athlete.

2. LeBron 7

The LeBron 7 is sometimes considered the greatest shoe in LeBron’s entire catalog, and it’s hard to argue with that. Released during his final MVP season in Cleveland, it featured a leather and Flywire upper paired with a full-length Zoom Air unit that delivered one of the most complete on-court experiences in Nike basketball history.

The MVP colorway became an instant grail and remains one of the most sought-after releases in the line. A shoe that represents LeBron at his most dominant and Nike at its most focused.

1. LeBron 8

The LeBron 8 is the most culturally significant shoe in LeBron’s entire signature catalog, and the “South Beach” colorway is the reason why. Released in 2010 to mark his arrival in Miami after The Decision, the teal and pink build tied directly to one of the most talked-about moments in NBA history.

Designer Jason Petrie used the lion logo on the tongue to represent strength and an ongoing journey, and the shoe delivered on court too, featuring a Max Air heel and Zoom Air forefoot unit that made it one of the best performers of its era.

Twenty years on, it’s still the first shoe that comes to mind when anyone mentions LeBron’s name and Nike in the same sentence.

Read More: Air Jordan 3 “Fireside” Brings Cozy Vibes To Holiday Lineup

The post Ranking All 24 LeBron James Signature Sneakers appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

It surfaced during the Peach Jam and Nike Nationals tournaments, where the country’s top young talent competes in front of college scouts. These events have become one of the most important stops on the recruiting circuit.

The shoe leans on the Air Jordan 14’s Ferrari-inspired design, but dresses it in a stealthier way. A jet black nubuck covers the entire upper. The Ferrari-style shield on the lateral side gets an iridescent finish, shifting between red, purple, and blue depending on the light. Inside that shield sits the EYBL logo, taking the place of the usual Jumpman branding.

The lower half leans heavily into carbon fiber texture. It appears on the toe, midsole, and heel, echoing details previously seen on other Air Jordan 14 college exclusives.

What makes this pair different is the colorful, shimmering finish on the outsole, giving it its own identity apart from those other pairs. Black laces, tongue, and liner keep the rest of the build clean and understated.

Read More: Every Air Jordan Dropping In August 2026

Air Jordan 14 “EYBL” 

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The box label lists this as a Spring/Summer 2027 sample, but that doesn’t guarantee anything for the public.

EYBL exclusives like this one almost always stay reserved for the players and coaches involved with the league. History suggests this pair will likely remain out of reach for most collectors.

Still, that hasn’t stopped sneakerheads from admiring the design online. It’s shaping up to be one of the cleanest Air Jordan 14 PEs in recent memory. For now, all eyes stay on secondary market listings for anyone hoping to get their hands on a pair.

EYBL PEs rarely make it to retail shelves, which is exactly what keeps them so desirable. Nike treats these pairs as gifts for players and staff, not products for sale. That exclusivity is part of the appeal for collectors, who often chase these samples years after they first surface.

Read More: Adrien Broner’s Lawyer Claims Sexual Battery Accuser Is Extorting Him

The post Exclusive Air Jordan 14 “EYBL” PE Surfaces On Social Media appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Whether you’re chasing OG nostalgia or something completely new, this month has a release for almost everyone. Here’s the full breakdown, in order.

Read More: Nigel Sylvester’s Next Jordan Is Inspired By 1985 Video Game

Air Jordan 1 High OG “Love Letter”

This pair releases August 1st and pays tribute to Michael Jordan’s 2003 retirement letter. It comes in a warm brown leather and suede that gives it a worn-in, aged look.

A leather basketball hangtag reads “Much Love and Respect,” pulling directly from the letter’s closing line. The same message is also printed on the interior of the ankle. It also retails for $185.

Air Jordan 13 “Flint”

Also dropping August 1st is the return of the “Flint” 13. It sticks to the original 1998 look with navy mesh, grey suede, and a white toe.

This marks the 5th time this colorway has been retroed, following previous releases in 2005, 2010, and 2020. It’s held up as one of the most popular non-Bulls colorways in the model’s history. It’s priced at $215.

Air Jordan 13 “Wings”

This one releases August 6th as part of Jordan Brand’s Wings education program. It features a black denim upper that wears away over time to reveal a hidden graphic underneath. It’s a unique concept that adds a bit of surprise to a normal retro.

The design is meant to reflect back to school and playground themes. Finally, retail is set at $215.

Air Jordan 3 “Chalk”

This grade-school colorway drops August 8th in a mix of white, blue, green, and red. It’s a lighter, more playful take on the AJ3 aimed at younger buyers.

Nothing too serious here, just a fun colorway for kids heading back to school. It should be an easy one to find at retail. It’s priced at $155.

Air Jordan 6 “Oreo”

Also releasing August 8th is the “Oreo” 6, making its first retro return since 2010. It keeps the classic black and white look with an icy translucent outsole.

This is also one of the more anticipated releases of the month, given how long it’s been gone. It should see plenty of demand across sizes. It retails for $215.

Air Jordan 17 Low “Black Patent”

Rounding out the August 8th releases is the AJ17 Low in black patent leather with silver accents. It leans more into a dressy, formal look than a typical basketball shoe.

It’s not talked about much, but it’s a solid pickup for AJ17 fans looking for something different. The patent finish gives it a shinier look than most retros this month. Pricing sits at $245.

Air Jordan 3 “Sports Renaissance”

This women’s exclusive drops August 15th in navy, red, blue, and white. It’s a louder, more colorful version of the AJ3 compared to most retros this month.

Further, it stands out from the rest of the lineup pretty easily thanks to its brighter palette. It should appeal to buyers looking for something a bit more bold. Retail is $205.

Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16

Also releasing August 15th is Free The Youth’s first collaboration with Jordan Brand. The Ghana-based label pulled inspiration from the country’s culture, including the tawny eagle.

Also, it comes dressed in silver, orange, and red. It’s a rare chance to see the AJ16 get this level of storytelling behind it. This one retails for $255.

Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Laser”

This pair drops August 22nd and uses Mark Smith’s laser-etching technique. It comes in black, red, tan, and white, with artwork tied to different parts of Michael Jordan’s career.

It’s a detailed shoe worth a closer look before deciding if it’s for you. The etching covers most of the upper. Retail is $145.

Air Jordan 3 “Laser”

Also releasing August 22nd is the AJ3 version of the “Laser“ release. It uses an off-white upper covered in etched artwork, with brown suede on the toe and heel.

It carries even more detail than its AJ1 counterpart, making it a bit pricier as well. Fans of the original Laser series from the early 2000s should take notice. It’s also priced at $230.

Air Jordan 8 “Chrome”

Closing out the month is the “Chrome” 8, releasing August 29th. It comes in a simple black and silver colorway without much extra going on. Further, it’s a clean way to end a busy release month for Jordan Brand.

Overall there’s nothing flashy about it, and that’s likely the point. Retail for this pair is $215.

Read More: Gervonta Davis Rocks The Upcoming Victor Victor AF1 In “Green”

The post Every Air Jordan Dropping In August 2026 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to TMZ, the attorney called the “one-sided” legal filing a series of “unproven allegations,” issuing a statement to the outlet. “We are aware of the civil complaint that has been filed. Mr. Broner unequivocally denies the allegations and intends to vigorously defend himself in court,” Cooper reportedly expressed.

In addition, he reportedly expressed confidence in facts and evidence showing the lack of merit in these accusations, asking the public to not jump to conclusions while the legal matter develops. “Unfortunately, we are now accustomed to people trying to get money or notoriety off of Adrien’s back,” the lawyer reportedly stated.

Saint’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for alleged sexual battery, assault, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It also targets streamer Deen The Great for defamation and the streaming platform Kick for negligence.

Read More: 38 Spesh Chose Violence: Breaking Down His Beef With Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Fat Joe

What Are The Allegations Against Adrien Broner?

Adrien Broner reacted live to this lawsuit during a stream with Deen The Great. He laughed and said he “can’t make this s**t up,” denying the allegations and saying he expected this pursuit to emerge eventually.

While many folks have called out Broner’s previous behavior towards women on livestreams, others think there might be more under the surface. DJ Akademiks claimed lawyers are watching Adrien Broner’s streams in search of potential clients.

Specificaly, Havana Saint claims she attended a party in Los Angeles back in June on the former boxer and Deen’s invitation. This allegedly went down during one of their livestreams. She accused Broner of pressuring her to drink a lot and offering a place to say after she couldn’t drive, claiming he ignored her rejections of his sexual advances, exposed himself, and grabbed her hand to try to force sexual contact.

The following day, per Saint’s allegations, he allegedly tried to drag her upstairs in anger over her rejection, meeting again at a June 8 party in which he pressured her for sexual relations again and poured ice water on her when she refused. She also accused Broner of lying about being intimate with her.

Read More: Rick Ross’s Greatest Strength Becomes His Achilles Heel On “Set In Stone”

The post Adrien Broner’s Lawyer Claims Sexual Battery Accuser Is Extorting Him appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Don’t be judging me ’cause I be f***ing smoking cigarettes,” she remarked, as caught by The Neighborhood Talk on Instagram. “‘Cause you b***hes be motherf***ing doing f***ing coke, horse tranquilizers, whippets, f***ing Percs, all types of motherf***ing s**t. F***ing Tusi, all types of motherf***ing drugs, b***h. Y’all better not be f***ing judging me, b***h. F**k is you talking about? I’m a grown b***h with four kids and motherf***ing bills and stress and s**t. But today I had a really, really good day. No judgement here… I’m so bored and I’m up.”

This wasn’t Cardi B’s only fan response this week. She also clapped back at folks pressuring her to get a BBL reduction. “I like my body how it looks right now. I’m comfortable in my skin,” the Bronx superstar expressed.

Read More: 38 Spesh Chose Violence: Breaking Down His Beef With Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Fat Joe

Cardi B Responds To Fans

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Elsewhere, Cardi B is also clarifying her lyrics after the song snippet to the now-released “AH HA” first made the rounds on social media. Some fans thought her bar about “A n**** can’t trap me, I won’t keep it,” referred to a baby, which led her to explain the meaning as about the relationship itself.

This seems harmless enough, but given Cardi romantic past, some fans read very deeply into the line. She continues to deal with gossip about Offset and Stefon Diggs. But Cardi B may be moving on, as rumors have tied her to Nigerian soccer goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

In any case, we’re sure she will have a lot more to respond to fans over with future Internet gossip updates. Cardi is always down for the drama, but she hopes fans let her cool down from it without so much of a hassle.

Read More: Rick Ross’s Greatest Strength Becomes His Achilles Heel On “Set In Stone”

The post Cardi B Is Tired Of Fans Criticizing Her For Smoking Cigarettes appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

For those unaware, the rapper and YouTuber faced accusations of sexually and physically assaulting an anonymous woman in his hotel room during a September 2024 tour stop in Australia. He denied the allegations against him.

Per the report, the jury acquitted the U.K. MC of three counts of sexual penetration without consent, an assault charge for an alleged slap, and a choking charge. However, they found him guilty of two counts of assault causing bodily harm due to biting the woman’s neck and breast.

Also, the jury was not able to reach a verdict concerning three additional counts of sexual penetration without consent. As such, prosecutors will have to decide whether or not to freshly pursue these charges again. Filly remains out of jail on bond and must return to court on August 21 to set a sentencing date for the assault convictions.

Read More: 38 Spesh Chose Violence: Breaking Down His Beef With Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Fat Joe

Yung Filly’s Charges

Yung Filly denied the charges against him in court, claiming he gave the woman “love bites.” “There was kissing in between; I would give her a love bite and then kiss her,” he reportedly stated. “I don’t recall any blood.”

Filly denied that the woman said he was hurting her or that she told him to stop. In response, prosecutors argued the woman withdrew her consent despite an initial agreement because she began to fear for her life. During Tuesday’s (July 28) closing statement, prosecutor Danielle Clarke called the celebrity an “entitled man” with a “moderate degree of fame.” “What could have been and should have been consensual sex quickly escalated into sexual violence and a non-consensual nightmare,” she reportedly expressed in court.

Yung Filly is still awaiting an update on his Spain case. As for this Australia situation, the split verdict previews potential moves from prosecutors to re-litigate the sexual penetration charges.

Read More: Rick Ross’s Greatest Strength Becomes His Achilles Heel On “Set In Stone”

The post Yung Filly Gets Split Verdict For Rape & Assault Charges appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Fauci is the subject of an investigation into vaccine mandates, pandemic protocol, the origins of the disease, and more. He invoked his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and denies any wrongdoing. However, this situation has made Stephen A. and many others reevaluate how the U.S. handled COVID. As such, he made an apology to Irving for previous attacks on his self-titled SiriusXM show.

“If I’m wrong, I’ll say I’m wrong,” Smith remarked, as caught by NBA Hoops on Twitter. “When it comes to Kyrie Irving, I can’t apologize strongly enough…”

He walked back his previous compliance with vaccine mandates, indicating many folks were under threat of losing their jobs. Stephen A. apologized for questioning Kyrie’s leadership and brought up other superstar athletes who refused the COVID vaccine. He specifically singled the Dallas Maverick out as someone who caught particular heat, including from Smith himself on his many platforms.

Read More: 38 Spesh Chose Violence: Breaking Down His Beef With Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Fat Joe

Stephen A. Smith’s Apology

However, Smith also clarified he isn’t accusing COVID of being fake or Fauci of lying, saying there’s still a lot unknown about the virus and the pandemic. “We can’t engage in condemnation completely, anyway, towards Fauci, a lot of Democrats, a lot of businesses in corporate America and beyond who supported their position… We can’t condemn those who were a bit suspicious,” he remarked.

The analyst and journalist defended Kyrie as a “conscientious” person who never intended to harm anyone and defended his rights. Smith said COVID almost killed him in 2021 but said “one size never fit all” in this pandemic, apologizing to Irving for not recognizing him for being “brave.”

Stephen A. Smith has apologized to Kyrie Irving before for more broad conflicts. Now, this particular disagreement might be moving towards reconciliation.

Read More: Rick Ross’s Greatest Strength Becomes His Achilles Heel On “Set In Stone”

The post Stephen A. Smith Apologizes To Kyrie Irving For Vaccine Criticism appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

As hosts, Budden and Wolf will dive into the popular genre, analyze stories, and tell some of their own. While not many details about the new endeavor are available at press time, it should be an interesting pivot for one of hip-hop’s biggest media voices.

“Without giving you too much, we’re going to delve into some stories,” Joe remarked, as caught by Stag on Twitter. “I’m a true crime head. I watch it all. This will be me looking at stories, telling stories, just putting a modern spin on true crime.”

When asked about his independence model, the Slaughterhouse MC said he’s partnered with Wolf and Headline.

“This was absolutely another step in the right direction for us in a category that Joe has been itching to do for a long time,” The Joe Budden Network’s CEO Ian Schwartzman remarked. “Partnering with an iconic company like Wolf Entertainment, Dick Wolf is the best true crime news storyteller of the last three decades, [and] Advance being one of the greatest media companies in the world with over 80 newspapers and stations.

Read More: 38 Spesh Chose Violence: Breaking Down His Beef With Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Fat Joe

Joe Budden’s New Podcast

“We’re going to have access to field reporters and stories as they’re breaking,” he continued. “So I think the model that we’re trying to create here was reinventing the way true crime and news are delivered on a weekly basis. And Joe being this entirely new personality, voice, and perspective to take us there, I think the most important point that fans of Joe and us will appreciate is no, we didn’t just do a deal where we signed over the rights. We actually are owners in this franchise and we did this in true partnership with Advance and Wolf Entertainment. [We’re] honored to do so. They’ve made the best true crime television in history, in my opinion. Shows I still watch today. Joe and I are just hoping to be a part of the new phase of that, 2026 forward.”

Elsewhere, Joe Budden is still dishing out hip-hop hot takes about the latest feuds, releases, and debates. We’ll see how he fares in a new topical area with one of the genre’s greats.

Read More: Rick Ross’s Greatest Strength Becomes His Achilles Heel On “Set In Stone”

The post Joe Budden Announces True Crime Podcast With Dick Wolf appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

In a portion of the footage shared by DJ Akademiks on Instagram, you can hear Carti proclaim his superstar status to the policeman handling the matter as the law enforcement official made questions and asked him to stay in the car.

The officer told Playboi to “go sit in the car” and remarked, “Gosh, dude. None of you guys listen.” He asked the rapper who was driving him and where they came from, with Carti saying the driver had just picked him up and was on a tour with The Weeknd.

This made the officer ask him who he was, to which he responded with, “I’m a singer. I’m Playboi, Playboi Carti. Me and Weeknd on tour. Sold out.”

“Is he actually Playboi Carti?” the officer asked another individual on the scene who affirmed this, seemingly flabbergasted to have met him and shocked at his fame. The policeman then asked for Carti’s license and asked who hit each other, with Playboi claiming none of them hit each other. He seemed to be referring to him and the drivers at the scene.

You can see the full video of the traffic stop below.

Read More: 38 Spesh Chose Violence: Breaking Down His Beef With Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Fat Joe

Playboi Carti’s Assault Case

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For those unaware, Playboi Carti faced legal consequences for allegedly assaulting a woman and his driver during this Utah road trip on tour. A pre-trial date emerged earlier this year, but no further case updates have emerged at press time.

Many fans assumed the woman in question was Playboi Carti’s then-girlfriend (now ex), Giovanna “Gio” Ramos. But she seemed to deny the allegations on social media, and so did Carti.

Now, fans wonder if they will get a follow-up here. Perhaps court updates are soon to come following the release of this body cam footage.

Read More: Rick Ross’s Greatest Strength Becomes His Achilles Heel On “Set In Stone”

The post Officer Shocked By Playboi Carti’s Fame In Traffic Stop Footage appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

A TikTok video from artist Medasin recently went viral on the Internet for claiming “RUBBERZ” is entirely the product of AI technology. He accused the Shoreline Mafia member and the track’s producer Purps of lying about its authenticity, claiming they used the software Treblo (formerly known as Sonauto).

As alleged evidence, @medasinmusic pointed to a song snippet Fenix posted before “RUBBERZ” came out that still had “Sonauto” in its file name. Sonauto allegedly rebranded to Treblo just two days before “RUBBERZ” came out, which followed other AI accusations against Flexin. This had Medasin and folks online wondering if there are financial ties between these parties, nothing of which has been verified at press time.

Then, Medasin broke down how to use Treblo, specifically its “tags” feature and their lyric box, to generate AI music. He shared an example he created with a vague lyric prompt, on which the voice sounds a lot like the Back In Bidness artist’s voice on the viral hit.

Read More: 38 Spesh Chose Violence: Breaking Down His Beef With Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Fat Joe

Fenix Flexin’s “RUBBERZ”

Medasin also claimed Treblo repeatedly uses many lyrics that appear on “RUBBERZ” in its results. The lyrics include references to heavy diamond chains, faces on champagne glasses, thick pockets, stacking bills, plastic smiles, losing friends, rubber bands snapping, money on the table, rain, and not sleeping at night.

In addition, Medasin explained why he thinks “RUBBERZ” isn’t being used in this model to spit out these common bars in future prompts. When he used “Eminem” as a tag instead of “Fenix Flexin,” Treblo allegedly gave him the same lyrics.

This joins other AI controversies in hip-hop, which will not get easier to parse through if this is sadly the new normal… If all of this is true, of course. Amid other debates about the technology in music, this stands as one of the most viral and consequential examples so far.

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