The Hollywood Reporter revealed Tuesday (Oct. 27) that New Line Cinema has tapped Lawrence Lamont to direct the fourth installment. Cube has written the screenplay for Last Friday and will return to star and produce alongside Bob Teitel and CubeVision’s Michael Gruber. Lamont’s appointment makes sense, given the reception of One of Them Days, which followed two Los Angeles roommates scrambling to recover their rent money. The film earned more than $51 million worldwide against a reported $14 million budget. Its neighborhood humor and emphasis on friendship also drew comparisons to Friday, giving Lamont experience with the kind of comedy Cube helped popularize.

Before moving into feature films, the Detroit filmmaker built a career directing music videos and worked extensively with Big Sean. His credits also include collaborations with J. Cole and Nas. His work on “Light” earned him an MTV Video Music Award, while One of Them Days brought him the African American Film Critics Association’s Breakthrough Director Award.

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Read More: Ice Cube Finally Gets His New “Friday” Movie Approved

Ice Cube’s Long-Awaited Friday Sequel Moves Closer To Production

The director announcement follows years of frustration surrounding the franchise’s return. Cube previously spoke about difficulties reaching an agreement with New Line and Warner Bros., but the situation improved in April 2025 when he secured a deal to write and star in another installment.

The original Friday, directed by F. Gary Gray, arrived in 1995 and introduced audiences to Cube’s Craig Jones and Chris Tucker’s Smokey. Its success led to Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002, with Mike Epps joining the franchise as Day-Day. Moreover, production plans are also becoming more concrete. The California Film Commission announced earlier this month that Last Friday had been approved for state tax incentives. New Line received approximately $11.4 million in credits, with filming expected to take place over 40 days in Southern California.

Cube welcomed the opportunity to film where the franchise originated, emphasizing its longstanding connection to South Los Angeles. Still, casting remains one of the biggest unanswered questions. Epps has discussed returning as Day-Day, but a complete cast hasn’t been announced. Chris Tucker’s potential return as Smokey is also unconfirmed, leaving fans wondering whether the upcoming installment will finally reunite the original duo.

Read More: Ice Cube Confirms Next “Friday” Film & Says “We Finished The Script”

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Noble was the first witness called in the trial, which centers on allegations that Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, arranged the Nov. 11, 2020, killing of her son, Melvin Noble. She recalled rushing to the hospital after learning about the shooting and waiting several hours before doctors and police confirmed his death.

Her testimony also addressed the people she believed investigators should examine. According to FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Noble told detectives to look into four individuals, including Yella Beezy, fellow Dallas rapper Trapboy Freddy, and her son’s manager. During cross-examination, the defense questioned her about the difference between MO3’s public image and his family life. She described him as a devoted father of three who helped support his children financially.

Noble previously testified in August during the trial of Kewon White, the man convicted of shooting her son. At that proceeding, she remembered MO3 as the family comedian who went by Melvin or “Bubba” at home. White was found guilty of capital murder in September and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Read More: Kewon White Wants MO3 Murder Conviction Overturned Due To Sleeping Juror

Yella Beezy’s Defense Challenges The Murder-For-Hire Allegations

Prosecutors allege that Beezy paid White to kill MO3 following years of hostility between the Dallas rappers. During opening statements, prosecutor Tommy Adams described a planned attack and told jurors they would hear evidence connecting Beezy to the shooting.

Defense attorney Toby Shook challenged that account, arguing that investigators focused on his client while overlooking other possible suspects. He questioned the prosecution’s financial evidence, pointing to differences between money Beezy allegedly withdrew and cash recovered from White. Beezy has pleaded not guilty.

Jurors also heard from motorists who witnessed the shooting on Interstate 35E. One woman described encountering the armed suspect near MO3’s vehicle, while prosecutors presented a 911 recording and footage of the attack.

The testimony later turned to MO3’s former girlfriend, Jocylynn Jackson, who described her suspicions about how the gunman located him. Jackson testified that she believed her address had been compromised after discovering that Devin Brown, another defendant in the case and the father of her children, had contacted her young son on the morning of the shooting. The prosecution also introduced phone records showing repeated calls from Brown to the child’s phone. Brown has separately been charged with capital murder in the case.

Judge Chika Anyiam is overseeing the proceedings, which are expected to last approximately two to three weeks. If convicted, Beezy faces life in prison without parole.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Reacts After Mo3’s Killer Says He Could Have Killed Him Multiple Times

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Earlier reports only said Summer 2027, with a wide window from April to September. This date narrows it down, and it gives fans a much shorter wait.

The style code is JU4624-002, and the price is reportedly $500. That is a big jump from a standard Air Jordan 4, but it fits the premium feel of a KAWS pair.

There are still no official photos. The only detail we have is the “Dark Grey/Dark Grey” colorway nameand speculative mockups. Fans are hoping the pair follows the 2017 vibe. Those shoes used premium suede, KAWS hand graphics, “XX” heel branding, and glow-in-the-dark soles.

It would be the third KAWS x Air Jordan 4 colorway. The first two arrived in 2017 in grey and black, and both became some of the most sought-after Jordan collabs ever.

Pairs are expected through SNKRS, KAWS, and select Jordan Brand retailers in men’s sizing. Expect a limited release. Overall, May 15th gives fans a clear date to circle.

Read More: J. Cole Reveals Surprising Details About Lil Durk In Bail Letter

KAWS x Air Jordan 4 “Dark Grey”

KAWS is the artist Brian Donnelly, and he has become one of the most recognizable names in design and sneakers.

The 2017 Air Jordan 4 pair launched in two stages. The grey version arrived in March, and the black pair followed in November. Those shoes are still some of the most respected Air Jordan 4 collabs. They sell for high prices on the resale market today.

The timing also fits the 10th anniversary of the original collaboration. Jordan Brand rarely misses a chance to celebrate that kind of milestone.

Overall, a KAWS Air Jordan 4 in 2027 looks like one of the biggest drops of the year. Fans should prepare for a difficult release. There are going to be plenty of people trying to cop this pair. It coudl be the last time these two collaborate.

Read More: Jordan Brand Finally Revives The Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red”

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During an encounter with TMZ in New York City on Tuesday (Oct. 27), Jay appeared amused when a photographer asked whether he felt pressure to deliver a memorable performance. He smiled and laughed, making it clear he wasn’t particularly worried about the expectations. When asked how he planned to prepare, he said he was treating the halftime show like any other performance.

His relaxed response followed Monday night’s official announcement that he’ll headline Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 14, 2027. The booking puts him in an unusual position. Since Roc Nation partnered with the NFL in 2019, Jay has played a central role in producing the halftime show and selecting its performers. This time, he’s taking the job himself.

Read More: JAY-Z Delivers Statement On Headlining The Super Bowl Halftime Show

Jay-Z Previously Hesitated To Perform At The Super Bowl

The decision is particularly interesting considering Jay’s earlier reluctance to headline the show. When he first partnered with the NFL, he reportedly told Commissioner Roger Goodell that he wasn’t interested in the arrangement if it was merely an attempt to get him to perform. In a 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Jay acknowledged he had considered it but didn’t think the timing was right. “I thought it would be selfish to pick myself too early,” he said.

Goodell revisited those conversations in Monday’s official announcement, revealing that he had hoped Jay would eventually accept the opportunity. The announcement also follows an unusually busy performance schedule for the Rap legend. Jay spent much of 2026 celebrating the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint. His concerts included three sold-out nights at Yankee Stadium before the run concluded with the two performances at SoFi Stadium on October 23 and 24.

Those L.A. shows gave Jay another chance to perform at the venue where he’ll headline the halftime show in February. They also featured appearances from several longtime collaborators, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. It remains unknown whether any of those artists will join him at the Super Bowl, as the NFL has yet to announce additional performers. Grammy-winning director Hamish Hamilton, a longtime fixture of Super Bowl halftime shows, will direct the broadcast.

Read More: Jay-Z Addresses “AI” Narratives That His SoFi Stadium Shows Were Empty

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This will be the first “Fire Red” since 2020. It is also the last of the four original 1989 colorways that has not returned in this new run of OG-style retros.

Overall, the color scheme is the one fans know by heart. White leather covers the upper, black appears on the wings, mesh, and heel, and Tech Grey adds depth. Fire Red hits the eyelets, tongue branding, lining, and midsole.

Nike Air branding is expected to stay on the heel. That is the same OG detail that came back in 2020.

The big changes are underneath the surface. Reports say the shape will be closer to the 1989 original, with updated mesh and improved cushioning.

The style code is JF7733-104. Pairs are expected in full family sizing through SNKRS, Foot Locker, Finish Line, Shiekh, and Hibbett. The date has moved around in reports. Earlier outlets said Fall 2027, while the latest report points to early July. Jordan Brand has not confirmed any of the details.

Read More: Tia Kemp Says Son Is Doing “Fine” After Violent Attack

Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red”

The “Fire Red” was one of four original Air Jordan 4 colorways. The others were “White Cement,” “Black Cement,” and “Military Blue.”

Past “Fire Red” retros have changed over time. The 2006 pair added a Mars Blackmon logo to the heel, and the 2012 pair used a Jumpman. Nike Air returned in 2020.

We covered the Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red” first report in September, when the date was listed as Fall 2027. The new date is much sooner, which is obviously great news.

The Air Jordan 4 “Bred” also returns on November 27th for $230, so Jordan Brand is giving the model a big stretch of OG-style releases.

Overall, the “Fire Red” returning is a big moment for collectors. Fans have wanted a closer-to-OG pair for years, and this one looks like it could deliver.

Read More: J. Cole Reveals Surprising Details About Lil Durk In Bail Letter

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Speaking with TMZ during the NXT Awards in Atlanta on Sunday (October 25), Kemp confirmed that her son is pursuing his master’s degree remotely. When asked whether William had returned to school, she said arrangements were made for him to complete his coursework online.

“They were able to give him his classes online. He will not step foot back in Daytona Beach, Florida,” she said.

The decision follows an October 11 confrontation near Bethune-Cookman’s campus. According to Daytona Beach police, William reported that a man approached him while he was speaking with a woman, threatened him with a handgun, and struck him on the side of his head. Investigators arrested 20-year-old Don Roberts III on Oct. 16. He faces charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Read More: Tia Kemp Posts Alleged Cease & Desist From 50 Cent’s Lawyers After Talking About Sire Jackson

Tia Kemp And 50 Cent’s Feud Escalates Into Court

What began as a criminal investigation has also reignited the longstanding hostility between Rick Ross and 50 Cent, with Kemp now directly involved. After news of William’s alleged assault surfaced, 50 mocked the situation on Instagram and publicly offered to help the accused attacker secure legal representation. Don later thanked the rapper for supporting him.

Kemp fired back, criticizing 50 for targeting her son before making offensive comments about his 14-year-old son, Sire, whom he shares with Daphne Joy. She has argued that 50 had no business bringing someone else’s child into his feud, although her own remarks about Sire have since prompted legal action.

On Monday (Oct. 26), 50 petitioned a Miami-Dade County court for an injunction against Kemp, accusing her of harassing his son online. He also filed a separate federal lawsuit in Los Angeles seeking at least $6 million in damages over her allegedly defamatory statements. Kemp has publicly rejected his attempts to silence her, arguing that he instigated their disagreement.

Meanwhile, as William continues his studies from home, Don Roberts III is scheduled to be arraigned on November 10.

Read More: Tia Kemp Won’t Back Down After 50 Cent’s Legal Threats

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The letter, submitted as part of Durk’s latest bail request on Tuesday (Oct. 27), offers a rare look at how Cole viewed their working relationship. He describes himself as Hip Hop’s “middle child,” someone who grew up admiring the genre’s legends before earning the respect of younger artists. Durk belonged to that next generation, and although the two had connected over the years, Cole said their friendship grew considerably as they made music together.

Cole recalled being impressed by Durk’s respectful demeanor and how he would randomly check on his well-being. However, their biggest collaboration nearly went a different way. When Durk approached him about “All My Life,” Cole initially asked for another record, explaining that artists frequently sent him socially conscious material because of his reputation. “Bro, please send me another option! This song is great! But it’s too positive, it’s too obvious for me!” Cole remembered telling him.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Bail Request Gets Support From Jay-Z, J. Cole, & Michael Rubin

He wanted something more street-oriented that would challenge him creatively. Instead, Durk explained that he was deliberately promoting a different message, especially to children who might identify with his experiences. “He wanted to push a message of change and of peace and of growth and maturity,” Cole stated.

That conversation persuaded Cole to reconsider. After taking a couple of months to complete his verse, he joined Durk on the record. It eventually earned them the 2024 Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

J. Cole Recalls Meeting Young Lil Durk Fans Behind Bars

Cole’s also recalled touring earlier this year and visiting a juvenile detention center in Cleveland, where he spoke with teenagers facing serious criminal charges. He was struck by how frequently Durk’s name came up during those conversations. “It is no exaggeration when I tell you that the most asked about person from nearly every one of those kids that day was Lil Durk,” he wrote.

Several of the teenagers also identified “All My Life” as their favorite song. For Cole, the encounter showed the audience Durk had hoped to reach when he insisted on recording something positive, even against the advice of an artist he respected. Cole submitted this account while touring Europe, hoping to provide Judge Michael Fitzgerald with insight into someone he had come to know personally.

The appeal follows Durk’s Sept. 11 acquittal on all five charges in his federal murder-for-hire trial. The rapper remains incarcerated on separate racketeering-related charges, with his second trial scheduled for Aug. 30, 2027. His next bond hearing is set for Nov. 4, when Fitzgerald will consider his latest request for pretrial release.

Read More: Lil Durk & J. Cole’s “All My Life” Debuts At No. 2 On The Billboard Hot 100

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The festivities took place at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace, with the Carters making their way through a packed venue before settling into the VIP section. Footage shared by TMZ showed Beyoncé dancing with her hands in the air as Jay-Z enjoyed the atmosphere nearby. The singer wore a flowing light green dress with feather detailing, while her husband opted for an all-black look accented by an oversized diamond chain.

There was plenty to celebrate beyond the couple’s night out. Ace of Spades has become one of Jay-Z’s most recognizable business ventures since its 2006 launch. He bought the champagne brand outright in 2014, then partnered with luxury conglomerate LVMH in 2021, selling a 50 percent stake through its Moët Hennessy division. The anniversary event also advertised a special performance by DJ Khaled.

Read More: Jay-Z’s L.A. Concert Has Destiny’s Child Dancing In VIP

Beyoncé And Jay-Z Celebrate After Star-Studded Los Angeles Concerts

The Vegas outing followed Jay-Z’s two-night run at SoFi Stadium, where he celebrated the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and 25 years of The Blueprint. The concerts drew several familiar faces, including Rihanna, while Beyoncé enjoyed Friday’s performance alongside her Destiny’s Child groupmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, also joined her father onstage during the October 23 show, accompanying him on piano for “The Story of O.J.” and “Dead Presidents.” The 14-year-old’s appearance was one of several surprises throughout the weekend, including performances by longtime collaborators and fellow Hip Hop legends.

The family celebration came just before another major announcement for Jay-Z. On Monday night (Oct. 26), the NFL officially confirmed that he will headline the 2027 Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. The performance is scheduled for Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium, bringing him back to the same venue where he concluded his anniversary concerts. It will also be his first time headlining the event, even though Roc Nation has helped produce the NFL’s halftime entertainment since 2019.

Read More: 50 Cent Shades Jay-Z For Making “Reasonable Doubt” Seem Like A Big Deal

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The message follows two legal filings against Kemp, who shares a son with Rick Ross. On Monday (October 26), 50 filed a petition in Miami-Dade County seeking an injunction to prevent Kemp from allegedly harassing Sire. He also filed a federal lawsuit in Los Angeles, seeking at least $6 million in damages over her social media comments.

According to the complaint, Kemp repeatedly targeted the teenager with unsubstantiated claims about his developmental health and sexually explicit remarks involving his mother, Daphne Joy. The rapper’s attorneys maintain that her posts were intended to humiliate his son as a way of retaliating against him.

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Read More: Tia Kemp Posts Alleged Cease & Desist From 50 Cent’s Lawyers After Talking About Sire Jackson

50 Cent’s History Of Mocking Other People’s Children Draws Scrutiny

The warning comes with an uncomfortable bit of history. Just last week, 50 made light of the alleged pistol-whipping of Kemp’s 21-year-old son, William Roberts III, whom she shares with Ross. After learning about the October 11 incident near Bethune-Cookman University, 50 questioned why William had contacted police and offered to help the man accused of attacking him.

He subsequently posted the suspect’s booking information and announced plans to arrange legal assistance. Don Roberts III, who faces aggravated assault and battery charges, later thanked 50 for his support after securing his release on bond. Whether the rapper actually financed that release remains unconfirmed.

Separately, Kemp isn’t the first parent to object to 50’s treatment of a child. In September 2022, he mocked Lil’ Kim’s young daughter, Royal Reign, during a dispute involving Kim’s verse on Megan Thee Stallion’s “Plan B” remix. Kim condemned his remarks, insisting that children should be off-limits regardless of disagreements between artists. Royal’s father, Mr. Papers, also publicly criticized 50 for bringing their daughter into his online jokes.

Kemp has made a similar argument about 50’s treatment of William, though she later brought Sire into the dispute. After receiving a cease-and-desist letter, she publicly rejected the warning and continued criticizing the rapper. In a video responding to his legal action, she insisted that he couldn’t bully her.

Read More: 50 Cent Offers To Make Tia Kemp The Next Wendy Williams Amid Rick Ross Beef

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The requests follow Durk’s September 11 acquittal on all five charges in his federal murder-for-hire trial. Although the jury cleared him in that proceeding, he remains incarcerated on separate murder-related racketeering and firearms charges. His next trial isn’t scheduled to begin until Aug. 30, 2027, and his attorneys are seeking his release in the interim.

In an Oct. 12 letter submitted on Roc Nation letterhead, Jay-Z described Durk as someone who used his success to create opportunities for younger artists in Chicago. He also argued that the judge should give considerable weight to the recent acquittal. “That verdict deserves weight,” Jay-Z wrote, adding that the court should allow Durk to await his next trial at home under conditions it deems appropriate.

Read More: How Hip-Hop Media Is Dividing Over The Lil Durk Trial

Meanwhile, J. Cole offered a more personal account, revisiting their collaboration on the Grammy-winning “All My Life.” He said he initially hesitated to appear on the record because he felt its positive message was too predictable. Durk insisted on keeping the song’s direction, explaining that he wanted to reach children with a message about changing their lives. “He wanted to push a message of change and of peace and of growth and maturity,” Cole wrote.

The experience apparently stayed with Cole. During a later visit to a juvenile detention center in Cleveland, he recalled hearing how many incarcerated young people identified with Durk and his music. The encounter helped reinforce his belief in the rapper’s potential influence.

Lil Durk’s Bail Proposal Could Put His Music Earnings At Risk

Details circulating Tuesday (Oct. 27) suggest Durk’s latest proposal contains future music royalties and publishing interests. It also reportedly includes potential touring revenue and income tied to his name, image, and likeness. Reports also mention equity in his mother’s home and a $1 million contribution from Sony Music, though the full financial terms have not been independently confirmed.

The latest effort follows a June 2025 proposal involving $4.5 million in cash and approximately $700,000 in equity from his mother’s home. Judge Michael Fitzgerald denied that request over concerns about flight risk and public safety.

Read More: Charleston White Claims DJ Akademiks Is The Reason Lil Durk Was Acquitted

Another alleged, yet notable letter comes from Andrea Robinson, whose son, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, was killed in the August 2022 shooting at the center of Durk’s first trial. Andrea previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the rapper and addressed the court during an earlier bail hearing about losing her only child. Her involvement in the latest proceedings adds another perspective to a case that continues to affect the victim’s family.

Durk’s attorneys will return before Fitzgerald on Nov. 4 for a bond review hearing. A representative from U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services has also been ordered to attend with an updated report, giving the judge additional information to consider alongside the defense’s financial proposal and letters.

The post Lil Durk’s Bail Request Gets Support From Jay-Z, J. Cole, & Michael Rubin appeared first on HotNewHipHop.