The subject resurfaced during Rock’s new GQ Men of the Year interview with Zach Baron, who asked about his previous declaration that he wouldn’t return to the Oscars unless he received a nomination. “I mean, it’s not like a threat or anything,” Rock explained. The 61-year-old acknowledged that everyone witnessed what happened in 2022, but he doesn’t particularly enjoy discussing it. His reluctance isn’t limited to the Academy Awards, either. He suggested the same attitude applies to “any awards show.”

Rock originally made the nomination-only remark during a September conversation with Variety, where he also questioned whether his days hosting the Oscars were behind him. “The only way I’ll go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not getting nominated,” he said at the time. He praised Conan O’Brien’s work as an awards-show host and made clear that he wasn’t lobbying for another opportunity himself.

Read More: Chris Rock Says Will Smith’s Oscars Slap No Longer Feels That Important

Chris Rock Wants To Move Beyond The Will Smith Oscars Slap

The hesitation is understandable given what happened during the 2022 ceremony. Rock was presenting an award when Will Smith walked onstage and slapped him after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Smith subsequently apologized and received a 10-year ban from Academy events. Rock eventually addressed the confrontation extensively in his 2023 Netflix special, Selective Outrage, but he’s grown increasingly reluctant to let the incident define conversations about his work.

“Something happened. It wasn’t cool,” he told GQ, explaining that he would rather move forward. Rock acknowledged that the incident would probably follow him throughout his life, despite everything he’d accomplished beforehand. He also pointed to the creative projects demanding his attention, including television and film scripts, along with a book he’s writing. He wants audiences to focus on what he’s producing rather than continually revisiting that night. After spending much of his career being recognized for what he says onstage, Rock seems considerably more interested in what he can create behind the camera.

Read More: Martin Lawrence Says Chris Rock Didn’t Deserve To Be Slapped By Will Smith

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The October 23 release earned 30,000 equivalent album units in its first week, with 19,000 coming from album sales and another 11,000 from streaming activity. The figures, published by Billboard, cover the tracking period of Oct. 23 through Oct. 29. While both artists have enjoyed chart success individually, neither had previously reached the summit of Top Rap Albums. Cordae came closest with 2022’s From a Birds Eye View, which peaked at No. 4, while .Paak’s highest placement was No. 3 with NxWorries’ Yes Lawd! in 2016.

On X, Cordae celebrated his ltest victory. “[Eight] years in of doing music professionally, 14 years since my first mixtape. Good things take time ! Grateful for the journey. Thank you Jesus ! Thank Yall ! Still more work to do !”

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Read More: Cordae & Anderson .Paak Have Enough Tracks For EP, More J. Cole Beats

Cordae And Anderson .Paak Find Success With Heavy Is The Crown

The achievement comes after several collaborations that gradually turned their musical friendship into a full-length project. Their first record together, “RNP,” appeared on Cordae’s Grammy-nominated debut The Lost Boy. They reunited for “Two Tens” in 2023 and “Summer Drop” the following year, eventually deciding to share an entire album. The 11-track release features production from J. Cole and 9th Wonder, with additional contributions from Swizz Beatz and Conductor Williams. Its artwork even borrows inspiration from the comedy Step Brothers, which seems appropriate for two artists who clearly enjoy working together.

Their success wasn’t limited to the Rap albums’ rankings. Heavy Is the Crown also debuted at No. 2 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 11 on the Billboard 200. Interestingly, .Paak has previously topped the broader R&B/Hip-Hop chart as part of Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars, but the new release represents a separate milestone for his work in Rap.

“Airbender” has emerged as the project’s biggest streaming track, collecting 2.4 million official U.S. on-demand streams during its opening week. The song also entered Billboard‘s Hot Rap Songs chart at No. 21, making this .Paak’s first appearance on that ranking. Cordae, meanwhile, secured his fourth entry. After several years of making records together, the pair can now add a shared No. 1 album to their résumé.

Read More: Cordae Reflects On Naomi Osaka Split, Hints At Second Child

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Overall, the design is a rich black and green mix. Black pebbled leather covers most of the upper, while a jade snakeskin print sweeps across the lateral side.

The same jade shade appears on the midsole, heel runner, and sockliner, which gives the shoe a strong sense of balance.

Silver adds the finishing touch on the top lace loops and the midfoot plate, and a white Jumpman sits on the tongue.

The box carries a jade Jumpman, and a custom atmos bag features elephant print as a nod to atmos history.

The style code is JA4480-010. The pair was priced at 31,900 yen in Japan, and it is not expected to receive a wider release. A later Japan release is reportedly listed for November 23rd, so more fans in Japan may get a chance. Overall, the “Clear Jade” is one of the most eye-catching Jordan releases of the fall.

Read More: Lil Yachty’s Red And Blue Nike US Force 1 Mid Is Heading To Retail

atmos x Air Jordan 12 “Clear Jade”

The jade color has a special place in atmos history. It first appeared in 2006 on the atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Elephant,” and it came back in 2017 for the pair’s anniversary.

atmos has also used the color on other Nike projects, including the LeBron 16 Low “Clear Jade” in 2019.

The Air Jordan 12 is a fitting choice, since the model turns 30 this year. Its design was inspired by the Japanese rising sun flag, which gives the collaboration an extra connection to Tokyo.

This is also the second Japan-exclusive Air Jordan 12 of the year. The “Sumo” arrived in August, and it was also sold through atmos.

Overall, atmos and Jordan Brand keep making Tokyo a special place for Air Jordan releases. Fans outside Japan will have to hunt for pairs on the resale market.

Read More: Diddy’s Ex-Lawyers Demand $581K In Unpaid Legal Fees

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The Wall Street Journal asked Push about Jay-Z’s recent suggestion that Rap battles may no longer be necessary to the culture. He didn’t entirely agree with Hov’s assessment, arguing that conflict between artists is inevitable. “This is a very competitive sport,” he explained. Although he wasn’t sure which incidents Jay was referring to, he acknowledged that certain disputes have crossed the line. “As long as it’s music, it’s fine. Anything outside of that realm, it’s overboard.”

His remarks follow Jay-Z’s controversial March interview with GQ, in which the Roc Nation founder questioned whether Hip Hop had outgrown battling. The discussion centered largely on Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s highly publicized feud, specifically the hostility between their fan bases and how personal the attacks became. Jay expressed concerns about the fallout, including the involvement of artists’ children. Although he acknowledged enjoying the competitive aspect of Rap, he wondered whether collaborations might offer a healthier alternative.

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Read More: Pusha T On Drake’s Subliminal Disses: “I Love It”

Pusha T Has His Own Complicated History With Rap Beef

Of course, Pusha T is hardly an outsider to these conversations. His longstanding rivalry with Drake produced 2018’s “The Story of Adidon,” one of the most consequential diss tracks in recent memory. The song publicly revealed that Drake had a son, Adonis, and included pointed remarks about the rapper’s family. Their disagreement never led to the kind of reconciliation some fans have hoped to see.

More recently, Push targeted Travis Scott on “So Be It,” from Clipse’s 2025 comeback album, Let God Sort Em Out. He accused Scott of disloyalty involving Pharrell Williams and Drake, and made personal remarks about Scott’s former relationship with Kylie Jenner. Scott subsequently pushed back against Pusha’s account of their disagreement, disputing his claims about an encounter at Pharrell’s studio.

Interestingly, Push suggested last December that he no longer wanted to pursue traditional diss tracks. His latest comments don’t necessarily contradict that position. He isn’t arguing that every disagreement needs a response record, but he also doesn’t believe competition can be eliminated from Hip Hop. Coming from someone whose own battles have often been intensely personal, his distinction between lyrical warfare and taking things too far is especially worth noting.

Read More: Drake Vs. His Rivals—And The Women Who Get Caught In The Middle

The post Pusha T Says Rap Beefs Have A Line That Shouldn’t Be Crossed appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Overall, the design is a red and blue mix with thick white stitching. Deep royal blue covers the toe, heel, vamp, Swoosh, and midsole, while red appears on the toe cap, side panels, and laces.

The upper is made from patent leather, and the shoe has metal eyelets and the signature ankle strap that gives the Mid its look. Concrete Boys logos sit on the tongue and heel, and the white stitching adds a retro, early-2000s feel.

The style code is IW9834-600. Pairs are expected through SNKRS, Concrete Boys, and select Nike Sportswear retailers.

It first appeared at NBA All-Star Weekend earlier this year. It is one of two Us Force 1 Mids expected this holiday season, so there will be more than one chance to get Yachty’s design. Overall, this one looks like a perfect holiday release.

Read More: Diddy’s Ex-Lawyers Demand $581K In Unpaid Legal Fees

Lil Yachty Concrete Boys x Nike Us Force 1 Mid “Red/Blue”

Yachty has been busy with Nike this year. His yellow croc Us Force 1 Mid was one of the biggest pairs at ComplexCon, and only 1,000 pairs were made. A pink version also exists, but it was made for friends and family.

The Us Force 1 name is also interesting. It gives the Air Force 1 a special identity for Yachty’s Concrete Boys world, and the ankle strap brings back a detail from the model’s early-2000s era.

Yachty has shown off a custom stars-and-stripes Air Force 1 Mid and a Levi’s Air Jordan 3 sample, and he recently said he would love to work on the Air Jordan 21.

Red and blue is also a classic mix. It works well in the fall, and the thick stitching makes it stand out.

Overall, the Us Force 1 Mid has become one of the best parts of Yachty’s Nike run. This pair looks like a strong way to end the year.

Read More: Meagan Good Reveals Downside Of Appearing In 50 Cent’s “21 Questions” Video

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In an October 30 filing reviewed by AllHipHop, attorney Michael Tremonte outlined the firm’s request to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan. “Exhibit A reflects that Mr. Combs owes Sher Tremonte $581,893.75 in connection with the work performed in this matter,” he wrote in a sworn declaration. The firm is seeking a charging lien that would allow it to pursue payment from a potential settlement or judgment in Combs’ favor. Its supporting billing spreadsheet was submitted under seal, meaning the detailed accounting isn’t publicly available.

Read More: Diddy’s Prison Sentence Shortened After Changing Prisons

Diddy Previously Accused His Lawyers Of Overcharging Him

The disagreement became public in September when Sher Tremonte asked to withdraw from Combs’ defamation lawsuit, citing months of unpaid invoices and a breakdown in communication. The firm claimed he hadn’t paid for legal services in more than six months and had become difficult to reach while incarcerated. Combs disputed that account through spokesperson Juda Engelmayer, arguing that the attorneys had charged him for work he never authorized.

“I made the decision to switch lawyers because I won’t let anyone take advantage of me by overcharging me,” Combs said in a statement provided to Rolling Stone. Tremonte rejected the accusation, maintaining that the firm had represented Combs efficiently and was withdrawing because of unpaid bills and deteriorating communication.

The lawsuit at the center of the financial dispute was filed against Courtney Burgess, attorney Ariel Mitchell, and Nexstar Media, the parent company of NewsNation. Combs accused the defendants of spreading false allegations about him, including claims involving purported sexual recordings. In September, Judge Cronan allowed portions of the defamation lawsuit to proceed, dismissing some claims against Nexstar while rejecting Mitchell’s attempt to dismiss the case entirely.

Judge Cronan approved the firm’s withdrawal on Oct. 21 and granted a retaining lien concerning its case files. The latest filing asks him to set the monetary value of that lien and approve an additional claim against any potential recovery. As of the firm’s Oct. 19 update, Combs hadn’t identified replacement counsel, and discovery had been paused. The judge has yet to determine whether the former attorneys are entitled to the full amount they’re demanding.

Read More: Diddy Rushed Out Of Prison Following Head Injury

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She told The Crew Has It, hosted by Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo, about her efforts to move beyond the younger characters she’d become known for. She’d already spent much of her childhood acting, including appearances in Friday and Eve’s Bayou, but getting casting directors to recognize her as an adult wasn’t easy. Appearing opposite one of Rap’s biggest stars seemed like an opportunity to change that perception. The video certainly introduced audiences to a more mature Good, although she later found herself being considered primarily for roles that emphasized her sex appeal.

Her decision made sense at the time. “21 Questions,” featuring Nate Dogg, was among the biggest records of 2003, spending four weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video featured Good as 50’s devoted girlfriend, with much of the storyline unfolding around his incarceration. She’d successfully left her child-star image behind, but Hollywood apparently decided there was only one other version of her worth casting.

Read More: Meagan Good Explains Why She Takes Pride In Jonathan Majors Labeling Her “Coretta Scott King”

Meagan Good Struggled To Escape Hollywood’s Sexy Girl Image

Good has previously discussed the unintended consequences of that career move. Speaking with Interview Magazine in 2021, she explained that she deliberately sought more mature roles around the time she appeared in Biker Boyz and “21 Questions.” Unfortunately, she quickly became associated with a particular image.

“But then that’s all that anybody ever saw me as,” she recalled. Good explained that casting directors developed preconceived ideas about her abilities, sometimes preventing her from even auditioning for different characters. She spent much of her twenties trying to escape those expectations and eventually cut her hair short to change how people perceived her.

Read More: NLE Choppa Responds To Meagan Good Saying He’s “Too Young” To Date Her

That frustration also surfaced during a conversation with The Daily Beast, when Good described how her association with Hip Hop influenced the roles she was offered. She felt that audiences and industry executives sometimes mistook the characters she portrayed for the limits of her acting abilities.

Her more recent work has provided opportunities to challenge those assumptions. Good currently portrays Regina Harris, a district attorney, in Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt. The role is particularly meaningful given her longstanding interest in playing characters outside the romantic interests she’d frequently been offered. More than two decades after “21 Questions,” she’s still making deliberate choices to ensure Hollywood doesn’t confuse one successful image with the entirety of her talent.

The post Meagan Good Reveals Downside Of Appearing In 50 Cent’s “21 Questions” Video appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

While chatting on Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharpe asked BigX whether he thought Rap was dying. He answered yes without hesitation, surprising the host with his certainty. “I been rapping five years,” he explained, then asked how someone with a viral TikTok song could reach the top of the charts and compete with established artists. He specifically mentioned Drake and Future, arguing that people who’ve barely put in the work are suddenly being treated as their equals. BigX believes the industry’s priorities have become increasingly financial. This leaves little distinction between a viral moment and an established career.

Read More: BigXthaPlug Stars In Newest Adidas Originals Campaign

BigXthaPlug Believes Drill Music Hurt Hip Hop

However, his criticism wasn’t limited to the industry’s obsession with viral success. BigX also believes Drill music has contributed to Rap’s decline, particularly by making aggression seem like a requirement for younger artists. He acknowledged that his opinion might upset Drill rappers. However, Plug maintained that the genre’s popularity changed what audiences and aspiring performers expect from Hip Hop. “They was killing other things, but they was killing Hip Hop, too,” he said.

His solution is surprisingly straightforward. “It need to be fun again,” BigX told Sharpe, recalling a time when Snoop Dogg could collaborate with Katy Perry without anyone questioning his place in Hip Hop. He argued that today’s artists often feel pressured to present themselves as gangsters, leaving less room for the playful collaborations that once crossed musical boundaries. BigX also pointed toward country’s recent commercial success, noting that the genre had experienced its own difficult period before finding renewed popularity.

That comparison is particularly interesting coming from someone who’s already found considerable success outside traditional Rap. He released his country-influenced album I Hope You’re Happy in 2025, collaborating with artists including Luke Combs and Shaboozey. He’s since returned to Rap with his October 30 album Better Over Time, which features GloRilla and Lil Yachty. His own willingness to move between genres offers some context for his argument that Hip Hop could benefit from loosening its expectations of what rappers are supposed to sound like.

Read More: Drake Co-Signs BigXThaPlug Ahead Of New Album, “I Hope You’re Happy”

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Court documents obtained by XXL on Tuesday (Nov. 3) show that Clark’s trial is now scheduled to begin on April 15, 2027. Jury selection had previously been set for November 5, with opening proceedings expected the following week. The publication didn’t specify what prompted the postponement. Clark, who was arrested in December 2022, has pleaded not guilty to murder and remains free on a $1 million bond. He could face life in prison if convicted.

Read More: Takeoff’s Murder Suspect Finally Gets A Trial Date

Patrick Xavier Clark’s Defense Has Challenged Evidence In Takeoff’s Murder Case

The case stems from a shooting outside 810 Billiards & Bowling in downtown Houston, where Takeoff was attending a private gathering with his uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo. An argument connected to a dice game escalated into gunfire, leaving the 28-year-old rapper dead. Investigators maintained that Takeoff wasn’t involved in the dispute and was an innocent bystander. Other attendees were also wounded.

Prosecutors allege that surveillance footage captured Clark firing a weapon toward a group of people. Investigators also recovered his fingerprints from a wine bottle found near the shooting. However, his attorneys have disputed the prosecution’s account and maintained that he wasn’t responsible for Takeoff’s death. In March, Clark recruited a new defense team, including prominent Houston attorneys Kent Schaffer and Dan Cogdell.

More recently, Clark’s legal team requested permission to independently examine bullets and other evidence held by the Houston Police Department. The September filing sought access for an expert to conduct a separate analysis ahead of trial. The request raised questions about how the defense intends to challenge the forensic evidence, although there’s no indication that it caused the latest scheduling change.

The criminal proceedings aren’t the only legal matter connected to Takeoff’s death. His mother, Titania Davenport, reached an undisclosed settlement with the bowling alley’s operators after filing a wrongful death lawsuit. She is now in a separate dispute with Takeoff’s father, Kenneth Ball, over how that money is divided. Quavo and Offset have been identified as potential witnesses in that matter, although neither has confirmed they will testify.

Read More: Takeoff’s Alleged Killer Seeks To Examine Bullets Ahead Of Trial

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Three sources confirmed to Variety that Timberlake is preparing a four-part docuseries for Apple TV, reportedly set for a December release. One insider said Jackson will be featured discussing the infamous incident, while another said Timberlake will address some of Spears’s recent comments. Fisher Stevens is directing the project, but its title and exact premiere date haven’t been revealed. Representatives for Timberlake, Jackson, and Apple either declined to comment or didn’t respond to requests for confirmation. It’s also unclear whether Jackson recorded a new interview specifically for the series.

Read More: Janet Jackson Says Super Bowl Scandal With Justin Timberlake Was “Blown Way Out Of Proportion”

Justin Timberlake’s History With Janet Jackson And Britney Spears

Jackson and Timberlake’s 2004 performance became a national controversy after he pulled away a section of her costume, briefly exposing her breast during the live broadcast. The fallout was particularly damaging to Jackson, who faced intense criticism and professional consequences, while Timberlake’s career continued to flourish. He eventually apologized publicly to Jackson in 2021, acknowledging that he’d benefited from an entertainment industry that tolerated misogyny and racism. His statement also included an apology to Spears.

Interestingly, Jackson has already addressed the controversy on her own terms. During her 2022 Lifetime and A&E documentary, Janet Jackson, she described the incident as an accident that had been blown out of proportion. “Justin and I are very good friends, and we will always be very good friends,” she explained, adding that she’d encouraged him not to make a public statement when the backlash first erupted. She also expressed frustration that people kept assigning blame after they’d personally moved forward.

Read More: Janet Jackson Told To Forgive Justin Timberlake By His Manager: Report

Timberlake’s relationship with Spears has faced renewed scrutiny, particularly since the release of her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me. In the book, Spears revealed that she underwent an abortion during their relationship, explaining that Timberlake hadn’t wanted to become a father at the time. She also discussed their breakup and his alleged infidelity. The revelations prompted renewed criticism of the former *NSYNC singer, although it’s not yet known which of Spears’s remarks he’ll address in the docuseries.

The project would arrive during a relatively quiet period for Timberlake, whose Forget Tomorrow World Tour concluded in July 2025. That same month, he revealed he’d been diagnosed with Lyme disease, which he said had affected his health throughout the tour. With Jackson reportedly involved in the upcoming series, one of the biggest questions is how much of the Super Bowl controversy the two will revisit, especially after she previously said she wanted to leave the incident behind.

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