“That song was a no-brainer,” Gunna said. The record came together while the two Atlanta rappers were completing their joint project, Drip Harder. Producer Turbo supplied the beat, and Lil Baby had already begun recording by the time Gunna heard it. “Baby started on this motherf*cker and then, once I heard it, lemme do my part,” he recalled. There was little need to map out the collaboration beforehand. Gunna described that period as two rising artists responding to whatever the other brought into the booth.

“We kinda just bouncing off of each other,” he explained. “It was already written, just the whole song of us together. It was a good combination, collaboration.”

Read More: “Drip Too Hard” By Lil Baby & Gunna Achieves RIAA Diamond Certified Status

A Friendship That Faded

Gunna’s warm recollection arrives with no suggestion that the two have repaired their relationship. Tension surrounding the former collaborators became public after Gunna accepted an Alford plea in the YSL RICO case and was released from jail in December 2022. He denied cooperating against Young Thug, but the plea fueled accusations from several artists who believed he violated street codes.

Lil Baby made his own position clear in a December 2024 interview with Charlamagne Tha God. He said the two had “no relationship” and dismissed the possibility of recording with Gunna again, even under a hypothetical request from Young Thug.

None of that entered Gunna’s account of “Drip Too Hard.” He did not revisit the allegations or explain where things stand between them now. Instead, he gave Lil Baby credit and acknowledged why their pairing worked. The history between them may be strained, but Gunna did not attempt to rewrite the music they made before it.

The post Gunna Reflects On His Chemistry With Lil Baby On “Drip Too Hard” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The crowded Hip Hop criminal trial calendar brings together four unrelated cases with very different legal stakes. Prosecutors accuse Davis of helping orchestrate the 1996 attack that killed Tupac. Durk and Yella Beezy are each accused of arranging deadly violence through alleged murder-for-hire plots, while AllStar JR faces a federal gun charge stemming from a Houston restaurant shooting. Each man has denied wrongdoing in the case against him.

Read More: Suge Knight Among Witnesses Listed In Keefe D’s Tupac Murder Trial

The evidence will also look different in every courtroom. Davis’ own memoir and years of interviews form a major part of the prosecution’s case. Federal authorities have used travel records and OTF-linked finances to connect Durk to the alleged attempt on Quando Rondo’s life. Yella Beezy’s lyrics have already produced a pretrial fight in Dallas, and prosecutors say AllStar JR’s social media activity that followed the shooting led to his arrest.

None of the four cases will be decided by the narratives that have taken hold online. Beginning with Keefe D, jurors will be asked to determine whether prosecutors can turn years of allegations and public speculation into proof.

Keefe D: Tupac Shakur’s Murder Case Reaches Trial

The state’s most important witness against Duane “Keefe D” Davis may be Davis himself. Interviews and his 2019 memoir placed him inside the white Cadillac used in Tupac Shakur’s fatal shooting and described his role in getting the weapon into the vehicle. Those accounts helped turn a case that remained unsolved for nearly three decades into its first murder prosecution.

Davis is charged with murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further, or assist a criminal gang. Prosecutors do not allege that he fired the shots. They accuse him of helping organize a retaliatory attack after Tupac, Suge Knight, and members of the Death Row entourage assaulted Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, inside the MGM Grand on September 7, 1996.

Read More: Keefe D Makes Bold Legal Strategy Change Ahead Of 2Pac Murder Trial

Hours after the casino fight, a white Cadillac pulled alongside Knight’s BMW near the Las Vegas Strip, and someone inside opened fire. Tupac died six days later. Investigators have long maintained that Davis was riding in the Cadillac with Anderson, Terry “Bubble Up” Brown, and Deandrae “Freaky” Smith. Davis is the only alleged occupant still alive.

His account of that night has changed with the setting. During a 2008 law-enforcement interview, Davis described the group’s search for Tupac and implicated Anderson as the shooter. In Compton Street Legend, he wrote that he obtained a handgun and passed it toward the back seat. He later claimed that his public stories were embellished for money and entertainment.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin August 10. The case will not require jurors to identify who fired the weapon. They must decide whether Davis’ own words, supported by the evidence surrounding the alleged retaliation plot, prove that he knowingly helped set Tupac’s killing in motion.

Lil Durk: The Federal Murder-For-Hire Case

A 2022 ambush near Los Angeles’ Beverly Center will place Lil Durk before a federal jury on August 20. Prosecutors accuse the Chicago rapper of ordering the attempted killing of Quando Rondo, an attack that missed its intended target and killed Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. Durk has pleaded not guilty and faces a possible life sentence if convicted.

The government describes the shooting as retaliation for King Von’s November 2020 death. Von was killed during an Atlanta confrontation involving Rondo’s circle, and prosecutors claim Durk later placed a bounty on the rapper. On August 19, 2022, several alleged OTF members and associates reportedly followed Rondo through Los Angeles before opening fire on his vehicle at a gas station. Robinson was struck and killed.

Read More: Judge In Lil Durk Case Scolds Prosecution And Grants Motion To Sever Charges

Prosecutors will try to connect Durk to that violence through money and travel records. The indictment alleges that five men were flown from Chicago to California one day before the shooting using OTF-related funds. A hotel room was allegedly purchased with a credit card in Durk’s name, while another associate bought ski masks. Authorities also cite a message Durk allegedly sent while the flights were being arranged: “Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit me.”

The government must prove that Durk knowingly directed or financed the plot, not simply that the accused men were connected to him or OTF. That distinction will determine whether the records surrounding the trip establish a murder order or only proximity to the people charged with carrying it out.

Yella Beezy: The Mo3 Murder-For-Hire Case

A killing carried out in broad daylight on a Dallas freeway now has Yella Beezy facing the most serious charge of his life. Prosecutors accuse the rapper, born Markies Conway, of hiring Kewon White to murder Mo3 in November 2020. Conway has pleaded not guilty to capital murder while remuneration, the Texas charge used in alleged murder-for-hire cases. Proceedings are scheduled to begin August 24.

Mo3, whose legal name was Melvin Noble, was followed along Interstate 35E before stopping his vehicle and running into traffic. Authorities say a masked gunman chased him down and opened fire, killing the Dallas rapper and wounding a bystander. White is accused of carrying out the shooting, while Devin Brown allegedly helped coordinate the attack.

Read More: Yella Beezy Trial Puts Rap Lyrics Back At Center Of Courtroom Debate

The state’s case against Conway reaches beyond his alleged connection to the two men. A Dallas detective testified that White appeared onstage with Yella Beezy shortly before the killing, which prosecutors argue demonstrates trust between them. Investigators have also pointed to the public feud between Yella Beezy and Mo3, including a VladTV interview in which Conway spoke about having to “get my lick back.”

Music will enter the courtroom, though not as broadly as prosecutors requested. The judge excluded 10 Yella Beezy songs but will allow jurors to hear “Keep It in the Streets” and a redacted version of “On Ya Head.” Mo3’s “2 Nineteen” was also admitted. The defense argued that Rap lyrics rely on performance and exaggeration, while prosecutors maintain that the selected material helps establish motive when considered alongside the rest of the evidence.

AllStar JR: The Federal Gun Case Behind Houston Shooting

The most limited charge among August’s four trials comes with one of the most graphic sets of allegations. AllStar JR, born Jeremy Christopher Ford, is scheduled to face a federal jury on August 31 for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The charge stems from an April shooting inside a Houston restaurant that left three people wounded, including NBA Ben10.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows several men confronting Ford during what investigators described as an attempt to steal his jewelry. Authorities say a handgun fell during the struggle, and Ford picked it up before firing as people ran toward an elevator. Prosecutors allege that he returned to one wounded man, fired additional shots and struck him with the weapon before hiding the gun and leaving the restaurant.

Read More: AllStar JR Arrested In Connection With NBA Ben 10 Shooting: Everything We Know

Investigators have also cited videos Ford posted after the shooting and his song “Mob United,” which referenced the restaurant and mocked people connected to the confrontation. His legal team has pointed to alleged evidence that Ford was attacked before the gunfire began. He separately faces a Harris County aggravated assault charge tied to the injuries NBA Ben10 allegedly suffered.

Trial dates can still change. A plea agreement could remove a case from the calendar, and a continuance or late court ruling could push proceedings back. As scheduled, four juries will soon begin weighing cases that took years to reach this point. Lengthy investigations built the prosecutions, while public statements and pretrial disputes helped determine what jurors may hear. We’ll keep you updated on each of those cases here at HotNewHipHop as they unfold.

The post Four High-Profile Hip Hop Cases Head To Trial In August appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

However, the signs are all there. Hov has shaved his head, he’s released freestyles, he recently appeared on a Beyoncé song, and he is on a mini-tour to celebrate 30 years of Reasonable Doubt. All of these elements have Jay-Z fans excited for what could be on the horizon.

That said, not everyone is feeling excited about the prospect of a new Hov album. Surprisingly, one of those people is Mal. Despite his family ties to the artist, he believes 2026 is the worst time for Jay-Z to release a new album. Why? Because everyone will try to declare it a flop.

Read More: Pharrell Is Giving Atlanta’s Veterans A Second Wind

Mal Gives A Jay-Z Hot Take

Mal isn’t necessarily wrong. Fans are quick to call things flops these days. If you don’t drop a classic with 500K first-week sales, it’s a flop. Furthermore, everyone will be comparing the album to Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. This only stacks the deck against Jay-Z further.

While all of this may be true, Jay-Z isn’t exactly the type of artist to care about what the trolls and the Stans on Twitter have to say. Instead, if he feels confident in the music, he is going to release it. It really is just as simple as that.

Overall, there are still five months left of 2026. That is plenty of time for Jay-Z to surprise fans and reveal that a new project is on the horizon. For now, fans will just need to be patient.

Read More: Cardi B’s Long History Of Rap Beef & Public Rivalries

The post Mal Explains Why Jay-Z Shouldn’t Drop An Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: August 4, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

The post Pavlovian Effect – Song by Your Old Droog featuring A-Reece, Masta Ace, & DJ Harrison appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

However, according to Complex, the AI allegations have come back around, this time in the form of a lawsuit. As per court documents, the anonymous producer claims to have worked on Vultures 2 and BULLY.

John Doe says Ye messaged him on August 1, 2024, just two days before the release of Vultures 2. It was here that Ye asked for some help with “extensive production and vocal production services.” These services included 400 individual vocal generations and 13 AI voice models. The producer claims five songs from Vultures 2 contained these elements.

Read More: Pharrell Is Giving Atlanta’s Veterans A Second Wind

Kanye West Accused Of Using AI On New Albums

Furthermore, the producer says he worked with Ye again on BULLY during the Fall of 2024. John Doe alleges he still hasn’t been credited for his work on these projects. He was offered a “master buyout,” although he says nothing ever came of that.

At this time, Doe is looking for $110K. Seven tracks total were allegedly released with uncredited work, and therefore, Doe believes this compensation would be fair.

Doe has yet to comment on their lawsuit, and the same can be said of Ye. If you may remember, West has dealt with his fair share of lawsuits as of late. For instance, he recently settled his sexual assault case involving a former employee.

Stay tuned for more details on this story.

Read More: Cardi B’s Long History Of Rap Beef & Public Rivalries

The post Kanye West Sued By Producer Who Allegedly Used AI On “Vultures 2” And “Bully” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

During a recent pretrial hearing in Las Vegas, Judge Carli Kierny indicated she is open to granting Davis bail, despite prosecutors’ efforts to keep him behind bars. It’s a pretty major feat for Keefe D and his legal team as the prosecutors have been pushing to keep him detained. Judge Kierny didn’t believe his bail would impact the trial at large.

“If Mr. Davis were to bail out tomorrow or in the middle of trial, that wouldn’t affect anything from the evidence perspective or how the trial is conducted,” the judge said during a pre-hearing. 

Read More: Pharrell Is Giving Atlanta’s Veterans A Second Wind

Keefe D’s Trial Begins On Monday

Another key issue before the court is whether prosecutors can use Davis’ 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend, along with several media interviews, as evidence. Prosecutors claim his public statements contain inconsistencies, while the defense maintains those comments should be protected under a 2008 immunity agreement Davis says he reached with the Los Angeles Police Department. Judge Kierny has yet to rule and plans to review the interviews before deciding what the jury will be allowed to hear.

The prosecution’s witness list features several notable names, including former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight, who was riding alongside Tupac during the fatal drive-by shooting. Tupac’s sister and stepbrother are also expected to testify, along with former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, who worked as a Metro police sergeant at the time of the investigation. We’ll keep you posted on any updates as the jury selection begins on August 10th. 

Read More: Cardi B’s Long History Of Rap Beef & Public Rivalries

The post Keefe D Could Be Released on Bail Just Days Before Tupac Murder Trial Begins appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

In a new Instagram rant, Ross called out Fif for his supposed issues with Courtney Kemp, the creator of Power, claiming that she deserved the same type of loyalty 50 has for Eminem because she also gave him an opportunity.

Speaking on Eminem, Ross then pivoted his attention toward the upcoming Street Fighter soundtrack and Fif’s contributions. In a recent interview, 50 Cent announced that the theme song will be a collaboration between him and Eminem, along with posthumous contributions from Tupac.

“But I hear you say you finna release new music with Eminem and Tupac. ‘Pac been dead for 30 years. Let the man rest in peace,” Ross said. He ended by trolling 50 Cent over the return of the G-Unit Reebok sneakers, which Tony Yayo let slip earlier this year prior to an official announcement. 

Read More: Pharrell Is Giving Atlanta’s Veterans A Second Wind

Rick Ross & 50 Cent Beef Continues

Set In Stone has earned Ross some flack, largely because his feud with Drake has divided fans. Drizzy’s fanbase have practically disavowed Ross and have ridiculed him over the past few years because of his fall out with Drake and criticisms of ICEMAN. 

It seems inevitable that Fif will respond to Ross soon enough. If not, we’re bound to get another iconic rant from Uncle Murda and Tony Yayo on their podcast. 

Read More: Is AI Killing Creativity In Hip-Hop?

The post Rick Ross Roasts 50 Cent Over Eminem & Tupac Collab: “‘Pac Been Dead For 30 Years” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: August 5, 2026

Genre: Hip-hop

Album: N/A

The post Knee Deep – Song by Jay Worthy featuring George Clinton & Snoop Dogg appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: August 6, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: Il Caos Parte 1

Quotable Lyrics from Grind Time

Grind time, I’m tryna get it, the summer comin’ up
N****s hatin’, holdin’ nuts, I tried to show ’em love
Baby gangsta, call to check on me, that’s like my real blood
I’m rich for real and he ain’t ask for nothin’ and I owe him a dub

The post Grind Time – Song by Lil Baby & Rylo Rodriguez appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Of course, there are some pretty serious implications here. As you may remember, Pooh Shiesty is in jail and awaiting trial for allegedly kidnapping and robbing Gucci Mane. The motivation behind the alleged kidnapping was a record deal that Shiesty felt was no longer fair.

Now, Shiesty is dropping an album under the 1017 banner, and Gucci Mane gets to reap the rewards. Furthermore, it was Gucci himself who presumably had to authorize the release of the project. This makes the situation that much more complex.

DJ Akademiks stated all of this and more during a recent live stream. Below, you can hear Akademiks pontificate on why Gucci Mane would allow the album to release, while also taking a look at Shiesty’s situation.

Read More: Pharrell Is Giving Atlanta’s Veterans A Second Wind

DJ Akademiks On All Eyes On Shiest

Under any other circumstance, Ak believes Shiesty would have held off on dropping so that he could get out of his deal first. However, trials cost a lot of money, and Pooh Shiesty needs some money in order to fight his case.

Therefore, Ak believes it makes sense for the artist to take whatever he can get, even if his boss is going to make some profit. As for Gucci Mane, money is money, and making some residuals of Pooh Shiesty could be seen as retaliation.

Overall, this remains a complex situation that will continue to play out over the coming months. Stay tuned to HNHH as we will be sure to bring you the latest news and updates from around the hip-hop world.

Read More: Cardi B’s Long History Of Rap Beef & Public Rivalries

The post DJ Akademiks Weighs In On Gucci Mane Authorizing A New Pooh Shiesty Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.