HotNewHipHop

The APB x Air Jordan 11 Low “Binary Blue” Is Coming Soon

Ben Atkinson — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:27:00 +0000

The APB x Air Jordan 11 Low “Binary Blue” has surfaced on foot, and it is turning heads across the sneaker community. Early on-foot photos give the best look yet at what APB and Jordan Brand have put together here. The colorway is rich, the details are sharp, and the execution looks strong from every angle. This one has serious collab energy from the jump.

A deep navy patent leather mudguard dominates the base and sets the tone immediately. The upper carries that same dark navy throughout, giving the shoe a premium, almost formal feel.

Rose gold piping traces the mudguard edge cleanly and adds just enough contrast to break up the blue. The icy blue translucent outsole underneath ties the whole build back to classic AJ11 DNA.

APB has been building credibility in the collab space steadily, and this release feels like a step up in terms of design sophistication. The color combination here is not one you see often on the AJ11 Low silhouette. Navy and rose gold is a pairing that feels elevated without trying too hard. Jordan Brand picked a strong partner for this one.

On foot, the “Binary Blue” looks even better than the early renders suggested. This is going to be a tough one to sleep on.

APB x Air Jordan 11 Low “Binary Blue”

Image via @apbstore

The AJ11 Low is one of the more versatile silhouettes in the Jordan Brand catalog. It carries all the premium feel of the high version without the bulk, which makes it a natural fit for a dressed-up colorway like this one.

The navy patent leather is the defining element of the shoe, and it catches light in a way that makes the collab feel luxurious. Rose gold is a detail choice that could have easily gone wrong on a Jordan silhouette, but APB threaded the needle well.

The text on the ankle strap is the kind of detail that rewards people who look close. It also signals that APB had real creative input rather than just lending their name. The icy outsole underneath connects everything back to the original AJ11 heritage in a way that feels intentional.

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Dame Dash Says He Is “Embarrassed” For Jay-Z, Criticizes His Hair

Erika Marie — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:14:03 +0000

They used to be thick as thieves, but these days, Dame Dash and Jay-Z aren’t on the same page. Their relationship dates back to the 1990s, when Dame, Jay, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke joined forces to launch Roc-A-Fella Records. It’s a label that would become one of the most influential brands in Hip Hop history. While Jay-Z emerged as the label’s superstar, Dash became its outspoken business architect, helping to build Roc-A-Fella into an enterprise that extended beyond music.

For years, the pair appeared inseparable, representing a rare example of Black ownership and ambition at the highest levels of the entertainment industry. Together, they helped redefine what success could look like for rappers at a time when few artists had meaningful control over their careers. These days, it seems the two can’t stand one another, and Dame hasn’t let up in his criticisms. Things only intensified following Jay-Z’s recent Roots Picnic performance, where he took a few lyrical shots at those who have continued to criticize him over the years…including Dame.

Dame Dash Calls Out Jay-Z’s New Look

In a strange take, Dame told The Art of Dialogue that he feels “embarrassed” for Jay, for having to perform at his age, “’cause he has to.” Considering Jay-Z is billionarie status, it’s a unique perspective.

“I would have preferred the version of Jay that would have said something clever,” Dame began. “And that’s not the version of Jay that I would have ever signed. I felt bad because I was like, it must be embarrassing for him to now have to be on that stage, not the same version of himself, and still have to work at that age, ’cause he has to.”

Dash added that Hov has been “retiring since Reasonable Doubt,” doubling down that “for him to have to come out 20 years later, I just felt kinda like, embarrassed for him a little bit.” Elsewhere, Dame also criticized Jay’s afro after combing out his locs. He says people should make jokes about Jay’s hairstyle and question him about that look.

Unsurprisingly, the public pushed back at Dame’s remarks. Check out the clip of Dame Dash chatting about Jay-Z’s Roots Picnic appearance below.

Dame Dash says he felt embarrassed for JAŸ-Z and tells him to cut off his Afro and get a haircut as he responds to JAŸ-Z dissing him during his Roots Picnic freestyle.

( The Art Of Dialogue/Youtube) pic.twitter.com/OShXZmyMOb
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 2, 2026

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Steph Curry Officially Joins Chinese Sneaker Brand Li-Ning

Ben Atkinson — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:44:35 +0000

Stephen Curry’s sneaker free agency is officially over. The Golden State Warriors star signed a landmark 10-year endorsement contract with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning.

The deal sends Curry Brand to one of the biggest sportswear companies in the world. It is one of the most significant sneaker signings in basketball history, and the implications stretch well beyond the court.

The partnership reportedly comes in at over $400 million, covering basketball products, athleisure, a full golf line, and the ability for Curry to sign other athletes under his brand. That last piece is especially important. It signals that Curry Brand is thinking bigger than just shoes. This is a full platform play with real infrastructure behind it.

One factor in Curry’s decision was his comfort testing Li-Ning shoes worn by teammates Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade during the recruitment process. He also turned down at least one offer that paid more money. Li-Ning plans to build Curry Brand stores in both the United States and China.

Curry and Under Armour parted ways in November after a 13-year partnership, with Curry Brand moving to operate independently. The split opened the door to one of the most closely watched recruitment processes the sneaker industry has seen in years. Li-Ning won the sweepstakes, and it is a massive get for the brand.

Steph Curry Signs To Li Ning

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The Li-Ning deal represents a major shift in the global sneaker landscape. Li-Ning was founded in 1990 by a former Chinese Olympic gold medalist who named the company after himself.

The brand has been building serious momentum in the basketball space for years. Signing Curry takes that ambition to a completely new level. The deal is the latest example of Chinese sportswear brands pursuing top international figures, and landing the greatest shooter in NBA history is the biggest move yet.

Curry’s global appeal, particularly in China, makes the partnership feel genuinely natural rather than purely financial. The golf line addition is also notable, given how seriously Curry takes the sport. Curry himself called it “the partnership of a lifetime,” which says everything about how he views this next chapter for his brand.

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Tyler, The Creator Names His Mount Rushmore: Erykah, Pharrell, Jamiroquai, & More

Erika Marie — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:39:02 +0000

Those Mount Rushmore conversations in Hip Hop always get tongues wagging. Whenever possible, top-selling artists are often asked about their favorites, and Tyler, the Creator is in the hot seat. Recently, he sat down with DJ Drama for his Gangsta Grillz podcast, where the California superstar was asked to name off his favorites, and he dropped off names and albums that are heavily in his rotation.

Drama wanted to know who the IGOR hitmaker had on his list. After taking a heavy sigh, Tyler listed off his favorites. “Pharrell, Erykah Badu, Jamiroquai, Mr. Steven Wonder…” he said. He paused to check to make sure there were only four people on Mt. Rushmore. Then, Tyler continued, and this time, with his favorite rappers.

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A$AP Rocky Says Mansion Shooting “Took Away A Lot Of Peace”

Erika Marie — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:04:24 +0000

For much of the past year, A$AP Rocky has had plenty to celebrate. Last year, the Harlem rapper emerged from a highly publicized felony assault trial with an acquittal, continued to expand his business ventures, and remained firmly planted in one of entertainment’s most dissected relationships with Rihanna. Yet, behind the headlines and red carpet appearances, Rocky recently revealed that a frightening incident involving his family left a lasting mark on him.

Speaking with VIBE, Rocky reflected on a threat targeting him and his loved ones, after a woman reportedly fired off shots at his and Rihanna’s home back in March. The couple was said to be home with their children at the time. While they haven’t spoken in detail about the harrowing ordeal, Rocky gave insight into how he felt about the altercation during his chat with VIBE.

The Shooting Has Kept Rocky And Rihanna On Alert

The conversation also highlighted Rocky’s enduring connection to New York City. It’s a place he described as a place of energy and freedom. As he reflected on the simple act of stepping outside and moving through the world without fear, the contrast between that feeling and the anxiety created by the shooting incident became clear.

“It was fucked up,” the rapper said. “Somebody attempted at [harming] me and my family… It took away a lot of peace and happiness of being able to just be free. I don’t want to be robbed of my peace and joy.” Rocky’s comments come months after authorities accused Ivanna Lisette Ortiz of firing multiple shots with an AR-15. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, Ortiz has pleaded not guilty to a series of felony charges, including attempted murder, and remains awaiting trial.

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Fans Believe Stefon Diggs Took A Massive Shot At Offset Concerning Cardi B

Alexander Cole — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:45:26 +0000

Stefon Diggs and Cardi B have had a turbulent relationship. The two brought a child into the world at the end of 2025, and at that time, all seemed to be well between them. However, their relationship eventually hit a turning point around the time of the Super Bowl, and they broke up.

About a month ago, following a court case against his former chef, Diggs and Cardi B got back together. While Cardi was subsequently filmed lashing out at Diggs in a parking lot, it was revealed that the two were just fine, and that the rapper was just hungry.

Since that time, the two appear to still be together. Having said that, Diggs recently made a post on his Finsta, which has some wondering whether or not he is taking a shot at Offset.

“A good woman is hard to find…” the repost begins. “You gotta steal one from a n*gga who f*ckin up.”

Stefon Diggs On His Finsta

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A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)

These words did not come from Diggs directly. Instead, he was doing the Instagram version of a retweet on X. However, fans could not help but remark that this is highly relevant to the situation involving Offset and Cardi B. If you remember, Offset and Cardi B kept breaking up due to infidelity. Eventually, Cardi got fed up and left Offset for good.

At this time, Diggs has yet to sign another NFL contract. He was let go from the New England Patriots months ago. Now, it is expected that he will sign with a new team very soon. The Washington Commanders seem like an expected landing spot, but nothing is known for sure.

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Rituals – Song by Rico Nasty

Alexander Cole — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:59:17 +0000

Rico Nasty has been synonymous with quality music for years at this point. She has come through with some incredible projects, and she is always delivering a ton of energy with each release. On Tuesday, the artist kept that streak alive with the single, “Rituals.” This song is produced by frequent collaborator Kenny Beats. As you can imagine, both Kenny and Rico are operating at a high-level here. From the noisy production to the energetic flows from Rico Nasty, there is a lot to be excited about. We got an album from Rico Nasty in 2025, and now, it looks like the artist is ready to take over the back half of 2026.

Release Date: June 2, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Rituals

We sanitize, don’t need your handing
Out at the party, bitches keep grabbin’
Wild out with my bitches, I keep me a canon (Boom)
You not a baller, your game keep laggin’ (Ball)

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Drake Appears To Troll Playboi Carti By Liking His Ex’s Instagram Post

Alexander Cole — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:36:12 +0000

When Drake got into a beef with Kendrick Lamar in 2024, he ended up losing a lot of friends. One of those friends was Playboi Carti. The two had collaborated with one another in the past, and Drake should have been on MUSIC.

However, Carti decided to abandon Drake and switch teams. Instead, we got three Kendrick Lamar collaborations on MUSIC. From a pure music perspective, these collabs felt a bit cynical from the start. The styles didn’t match, and some fans felt like the spots should have gone to Drake.

At this point, Drizzy does not seem to be friendly with Carti, at least not anymore. On ICEMAN, there were some bars that could have been interpreted as anti-Carti. Meanwhile, Drake has pulled off one of his signature social media maneuvers to get back at Carti.

Below, you can see that Drake liked the Instagram post of Gio Ramos, Carti’s ex. In the post, Gio could be seen playing “Janice STFU.”

Drake Up To His Old Tricks

Ramos recently went through a very public breakup with Carti. She put him on blast on social media and subsequently deleted him from her profile. Needless to say, she is not on good terms with the artist right now.

Having said that, this has opened the door for Drake to be petty. By liking Carti’s ex’s IG post, he is sending a message. A childish message, but a message nonetheless.

In the midst of all of this, Drake continues to win on the charts. His album ICEMAN is at number one on the Billboard 200 for the second straight week. Meanwhile, “Janice STFU” is at the top of the charts for a second week. With that in mind, one has to wonder why bother with all of this trolling when he’s doing just fine without it.

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Conway The Machine Delivers Spirited Freestyle Over Drake’s “Make Them Pay” Instrumental

Alexander Cole — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:35:09 +0000

Conway The Machine is one of the best MCs out there. He can give you a phenomenal project, and he can also deliver timely freestyles whenever prompted to. With that being said, it should come as no surprise that he would want to tackle something off ICEMAN.

Drake’s ICEMAN album has proven to be one of the biggest projects of the entire year. One can even make the argument that when all is said and done, it will be the biggest album of the entire year. There are some incredible instrumentals on the project, and one of them just so happens to be produced by Overkst.

The instrumental in question is “Make Them Pay.” This is one of the most intriguing songs lyrically on Drake’s project. Meanwhile, the beat is primed and ready for any capable MCs looking to do a freestyle. Well, Conway The Machine was up to the challenge and dropped his version on Instagram.

Conway The Machine Makes Them Pay

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A post shared by Conway (@whoisconway)

Unsurprisingly, Conway The Machine sounds fantastic on this beat. He comes through with some expertly crafted bars and even appears to have some things to say about his Griselda situation.

Ultimately, it’s always good to hear from Conway The Machine. He is someone who always has something interesting to say, and his flow is one that has become iconic. Over a beat like “Make Them Pay,” Conway is at his best.

With that being said, we hope that he turns this recent freestyle into more new music. Whether that be some singles or a new project. We speak for many when we say that the fans want to hear more.

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DJ Akademiks Addresses Theory That Drake Was Involved With Baby Keem’s Girl

Alexander Cole — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:55:27 +0000

Drake has consistently been the subject of internet rumors throughout his career. Overall, the artist is hip-hop’s biggest hitmaker, so it only makes sense that some fans would focus on him, specifically. Not to mention, Drake has certainly given the rumor mill plenty of fodder over the years.

DJ Akademiks has been a mediator of sorts for these kinds of rumors. He has a direct line to Drake and even has an OVO chain to boot. With that being said, it should come as no surprise that Ak attempts to give his take on these rumors whenever he is given the chance.

For instance, he was on stream last night when a rumor concerning Baby Keem was brought up. As the theory goes, Drake got involved with Baby Keem’s girl. From there, there was a supposed line from “Family Ties” about it. Akademiks fed into the rumor, noting how Drake’s reputation does him no favors.

“When it comes to Drake, if they said he tried… he did it,” Akademiks said.

DJ Akademiks Addresses More Drake Rumors

Akademiks reacts to the rumor that Drake allegedly got involved with Baby Keem’s girl

Ak says he’s heard the theory before and even referenced Baby Keem’s line from family ties

Ak then jokes

“When it comes to Drake, if they said he tried… he did it.” pic.twitter.com/fsm4HzERMC
— CY Chels (@SeewhyChels) June 2, 2026

This supposed Drake and Baby Keem theory appears to be a bit half-baked. Not to mention, it has gotten to the point where a lot of this stuff is just completely frivolous. It’s almost as if fans have created some sort of fan fiction to keep themselves engaged.

The Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef created lots of parasocial behavior on both sides of the equation. It has gotten to the point where these are the kinds of things fans care about. Instead, it would be a whole lot more fun if the music were the focus.

Going forward, we don’t foresee this issue getting any better.

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