HotNewHipHop https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ The Latest Hip Hop News, Songs, Rap Albums & Music, Gossip & Entertainment News, Sneaker Releases, Sports News, TV & Movies, Interviews, Culture & more Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:59:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Cardi B Explodes On Akbar V Over “Get In The Booth” Comments https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000643-cardi-b-akbar-v-fight Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:56:52 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000643 Another round of tension between Cardi B and Akbar V spilled onto social media after the two exchanged heated words online.

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Social media has become familiar territory for Cardi B and Akbar V whenever their names end up in the same conversation. What began as a heated online feud several years ago has never fully disappeared, with the two rappers periodically reviving their feud with posts directed at one another. Their latest exchange suggests that neither artist is interested in letting old tensions fade.

The back-and-forth picked up again after Akbar sent a series of messages to Cardi, telling her to “get in the booth” while questioning how much music she’s released recently. Considering their history, the posts were quickly viewed as another attempt to provoke the Bronx rapper rather than as simple commentary. It didn’t take long for Cardi to respond, launching into a heated livestream that made it clear the relationship between the two remains as tense as ever.

Read More: Offset Slams Akbar V After She Brings Him Into War With Cardi B

Cardi Doesn’t Hold Back

“What the f*ck are you telling me to get in the booth? B*ch, get in the casket. Get in the ditch, b*tch,” Cardi is heard yelling. “Nobody give a f*ck about you! B*tch, I’m a f*cking rich ass b*tch. I’m up about $75 million. And you telling me go get in the f*cking booth. B*tch, get the f*ck outta here! Don’t tell me what the f*ck to do, b*tch! I’m a f*cking boss!”

Cardi’s expletive-ridden rant went on for quite some time, with more insults being hurled. It was clear that the “WAP” hitmaker had reached her limit. This beef doesn’t look like it will end anytime soon. Some also stated that Cardi shouldn’t respond because it only gives Akbar more shine.

Check out the drama and listen to Cardi go off below. Also, read through Akbar V’s response.

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Laurieann Gibson Suggests Nicki Minaj’s Early Management Was Toxic https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000640-laurieann-gibson-nicki-minaj-jason-lee Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:11:12 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000640 Looking back on her time with Nicki Minaj, Laurieann Gibson explained why she believes management failed one of Hip Hop's biggest stars.

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Nicki Minaj has spent the last few years making headlines as often for controversy as she has for music. While fans continue to debate everything from her online feuds to the people in her inner circle, one former collaborator believes many of those problems began behind the scenes. During a recent appearance on The Jason Lee Show, acclaimed creative director Laurieann Gibson reflected on her time working with the Queens rapper. She argued that management played a major role in the direction Minaj’s career eventually took.

“I’m talking about the female rapper that you could not dispute lyrically was amazing,” said Gibson. Lee added that she was on the same level as the men, and Gibson added there was a “responsibility to stay there.”

“You can’t get egoed out,” she said. “You can’t let people go because you don’t know the value of them. You can’t just spin out of control. And that’s the result.” Gibson also stated that she was behind Minaj’s creativity reaching the next level. “[I] built it so that she could have a creative opinion.”

Read More: Lil Wayne Believes Some Women Rappers Won’t Admit Nicki Minaj Influenced Them

Gibson Sings Minaj’s Praises

Gibson described Minaj as “meeting an artist with a lethal pen, who inspires you with what they say and how they say it.” She admitted that she hasn’t seen Minaj in quite some time, but there is still love there. “My experience with her was fantastic.” During the Pink Print Tour, Gibson recalled Minaj being a “feminist” with “something to say.” Adding, “How she was doing it, just inspired me.”

However, Gibson claimed that things took a turn when “managers and handlers manipulate[d]” their relationship. “I got out early because I had experienced that with [Lady] Gaga. Now I knew where not to go.” Her partnership with Minaj unraveled when the rapper began dating Meek Mill and was surrounded by people who made her feel as if Gibson was challenging her power.

“At that point, I just didn’t respect the management,” she said. “You should want better for this incredible artist… Very early, you contributed to the madness.” Check out the clip below.

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Lonzo Ball Disputes LaVar Ball’s Divorce Account, Says Mom Was “Forced To Leave” https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000637-lonzo-ball-lavar-tina-divorce Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:36:25 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000637 After LaVar Ball opened up about his divorce, Lonzo Ball addressed the situation and offered a very different version of events.

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The Ball family has spent years presenting a united front through the highs and lows of professional basketball. Whether it was LaVar Ball confidently predicting NBA stardom for his sons or Tina Ball supporting the family away from the spotlight, the couple became a defining part of one of sports’ most recognizable success stories. That image has now been tested after conflicting accounts emerged about the end of their nearly three-decade marriage.

Rather than letting his father’s comments regarding the divorce stand on their own, Lonzo Ball offered a different perspective during a recent livestream. According to the basketball star, Tina “didn’t want to leave” and was instead “forced to leave.” He also revealed that he helped his mother move into a new home and said she’s doing well today.

Read More: LaVar Ball Explains Why He’s To Thank For LaMelo’s Success

Lonzo further pushed back against online speculation that the separation was connected to LaVar’s recent health challenges. Lonzo stated that his mother’s decision had nothing to do with his father’s foot amputation that followed complications from diabetes earlier this year.

LaVar initially disclosed the divorce during a conversation with streamer N3on, explaining that Tina chose to end the marriage after nearly 30 years together. He also shared that he has since started seeing someone else, though he stopped short of discussing what ultimately led to the split.

Tina has not publicly addressed either account. Before becoming known as the matriarch of the Ball family, she was an accomplished basketball player at Cal State Los Angeles. She also played a central role in developing Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo long before they became NBA players or national headlines through Chino Hills High School and Big Baller Brand.

Check out the clip of Lonzo Ball below.

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Judge Rejects Milagro Gramz’s Bid To Delay $75K Payment To Megan Thee Stallion https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000634-megan-thee-stallion-milagro-gramz-judgment Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:16:35 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000634 The court rejected Milagro Gramz's request to put the $75,000 judgment on hold while she continues her appeal.

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A federal judge wasn’t convinced that Milagro Gramz should be allowed to put a pause on paying the $75,000 judgment she owes Megan Thee Stallion. In a new ruling, the court rejected the blogger’s request to delay enforcement of the award while she challenges the verdict on appeal, finding that she failed to show why the judgment should be put on hold.

In asking the court for more time, Gramz, born Milagro Elizabeth Cooper, argued that paying the judgment immediately would cause financial hardship because her income varies month to month and she lacks liquid assets to satisfy the award. She also contended that her appeal raised significant legal questions that could change the outcome of the case. The judge disagreed on both fronts, ruling there wasn’t enough evidence to support the claimed financial burden or to suggest the appeal was likely to succeed.

Read More: Court Rules On Megan Thee Stallion’s Request To Silence Milagro Gramz

The Judge Makes A Statement

According to BET, Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga said, “She merely argues that her appeal concerns ‘significant issues . . . regarding post-trial rulings, the reinstatement of the defamation verdict, and other issues,’ without explaining why those matters are likely to resolve in her favor… Even if the Court considered those arguments, Defendant offers merely generalized disagreement with the jury’s verdict and the Court’s post-trial rulings — which is not a showing that she is likely to succeed on appeal.”

The ruling stems from Megan’s lawsuit accusing Gramz of participating in a campaign to spread false statements about her following the 2020 shooting involving Tory Lanez. A jury ultimately found Gramz liable for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, awarding the Houston rapper $75,000 in damages. Megan’s attorneys urged the court to reject any effort to delay payment, arguing that the judgment should remain enforceable while the appeal proceeds. With the latest ruling, Gramz remains responsible for satisfying the award unless a higher court decides otherwise.

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Blake Griffin Explains Why He Stopped Seeing Sports Psychologists https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000631-blake-griffin-sports-psychologist Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:43:07 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000631 A mistake involving the Clippers' team psychologist changed the way Blake Griffin viewed mental health support during his NBA career.

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Professional athletes are often encouraged to prioritize their mental health, but opening up only works when there’s confidence that private conversations will stay private. Blake Griffin says one experience during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers shattered that belief. While looking back on his NBA career, the former All-Star recalled an encounter with a team-appointed sports psychologist that convinced him not to seek that kind of support again.

Speaking with the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, Griffin said every Clippers player was required to meet with the team’s sports psychologist. After what he believed was a confidential conversation, he said he stepped away to shower and then noticed a voicemail on his phone. According to Griffin, the psychologist had accidentally called him instead of one of the Clippers’ coaches and left a message discussing details from their private conversation.

Read More: Blake Griffin Is Finally Giving McLovin His Air Jordan 35 “McLovin” PE

Griffin Recalls His Shock

“It was the psychologist and he said, ‘Hey, coach, just left Blake’s house, great talk, and we discussed some interesting things,'” Griffin recalled. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m never meeting another sports psychologist again.'”

Although Griffin didn’t say exactly when the incident occurred, it happened during his tenure with the Clippers, when he helped usher in the franchise’s successful “Lob City” era alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan. His story has since sparked discussion about confidentiality in sports psychology and why athletes may hesitate to seek mental health support if they fear those conversations won’t remain private.

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The Nike Air Mag Gets A New Interpretation On The Vapor 12 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000626-nike-vapor-12-hypersmash-mag-sneaker-news Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:10:23 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000626 The Nike Vapor 12 Hypersmash "Mag" brings the Nike Air Mag's iconic color story to a performance tennis shoe for the first time.

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Nike just unveiled the Vapor 12 Hypersmash “Mag,” a new tennis shoe inspired by the Nike Air Mag. The colorway borrows its palette directly from Marty McFly’s self-lacing shoes in Back to the Future.

The heel does most of the visual work on this shoe. Decorative light-style graphics on the heel clip nod to the illuminated panels on the original Nike Air Mag.

Rainbow-colored speckle detailing appears on the midsole throughout. The Nike logo on the tongue uses an orange-to-yellow fade tied to the film’s title artwork.

The Vapor 12 Hypersmash itself draws from the original Nike Hyperdunk design. That basketball shoe also received a Mag-inspired colorway years ago, nicknamed “Marty McFly.” This new version keeps that same tradition going but moves it into the tennis category. Nike has applied the Air Mag color story to basketball, skate, and lifestyle shoes before.

No exact release date has been confirmed yet. The shoe is expected to reach adult sizing only. For tennis players and sneaker fans alike, this crossover gives the Vapor 12 a different kind of story to carry onto the court.

Read More: YSL Woody Claims Gucci Mane “Won” After Alleged Pooh Shiesty Video

Nike Vapor 12 Hypersmash “Mag”

The Nike Air Mag first appeared in Back to the Future in 1989. Tinker Hatfield designed the shoe, which featured a self-lacing system and illuminated panels.

Nike later brought the shoe to life in limited charity releases in 2011 and 2016. Both versions used a lottery system rather than standard retail, keeping numbers extremely low.

Since then, Nike has regularly referenced the Air Mag through colorways on other shoes. The Hyperdunk “Marty McFly” from 2008 started that tradition in basketball footwear. Several lifestyle and skate models have followed since.

The Vapor 12 Hypersmash itself draws from the Hyperdunk’s silhouette and cushioning setup. It sits at the top of Nike’s current tennis performance lineup.

Applying the Air Mag palette gives the shoe added visibility outside the tennis world. Fans who can’t access the original Nike Air Mag now have another option that nods to the same story.

Read More: Air Jordan 4 “White Laser” Receives On-Foot Look

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YSL Woody Claims Gucci Mane “Won” After Alleged Pooh Shiesty Video https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000622-ysl-woody-gucci-mane-won-alleged-pooh-shiesty-video Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:49:34 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000622 YSL Woody has commented on the Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty alleged robbery case before, but not on the alleged video of the incident.

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Earlier today (Wednesday, July 1), an alleged video surfaced of the alleged Gucci Mane robbery and kidnapping at the hands of Pooh Shiesty to release Shiesty from his 1017 Records contract. Its sudden arrival matched screenshots of the alleged video prosecutors shared in the case. It’s also led to a lot of debate on the matter, and YSL Woody thinks this helps Guwop more than anything.

As caught by DJ Akademiks TV on Instagram, Woody took to social media to share his immediate thoughts after the alleged video surfaced. YSL Woody’s talked about Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty before, lamenting Pooh’s incarceration but also holding him accountable for his alleged actions.

“Aye, Gucci Mane. You ain’t did nothing wrong… You won,” the YSL RICO trial witness expressed. “The fool? Everything he did, for sure, he was a fool. You recorded yourself, you self-snitched on yourself. Y’all n***as want to be gangsters so bad. That video just pissed me the f**k off. Y’all young n***as better tighten up. Gucci Mane won, f**k you mean? He still got his freedom, his beautiful wife, his beautiful kids, and that beautiful bank account. Gucci Mane, f**k what these n***as talking about. You won. You handled that situation like a player, like a boss, like the n***a you is. And guess what? We still smoking on whoever you want to smoke on. F**k what these n***as talking about. Salute to you, Gucci Mane. F**k whoever mad. So? It is what it is.”

Read More: The 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2026 So Far

Pooh Shiesty & Gucci Mane Beef

For those unaware, Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane’s beef stems from alleged contract issues concerning 1017 Records. Apparently, this got so contentious that Pooh, his father, fellow Memphis rapper Big30, and six other individuals allegedly robbed and kidnapping Gucci at a Dallas recording studio to release Shiesty from the contract.

We will see how this alleged video leak affects the upcoming trial in this case, if at all. The trial will reportedly begin on February 22, 2027 if everything goes according to the current schedule.

YSL Woody’s remarks here will be controversial for many fans. After all, snitching allegations and condemnations against Gucci Mane have proliferated intensely following his “Crash Dummy” diss track and other allegations.

Read More: Clive Davis Was Behind The Legendary Careers Of These 10 Music Icons

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India.Arie Clears The Air After Yung Miami “Spend Dat” Controversy https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000618-india-arie-clears-air-yung-miami-spend-dat-controversy Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:15:45 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000618 India.Arie clarified her critical comments about Yung Miami's song "Spend Dat," stating she never called for a boycott against the song.

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“Spend Dat” has been a big hit for Yung Miami this year, although some folks don’t like its message. India.Arie recently took to Threads to criticize the song after the former City Girl’s standing ovation at the 2026 BET Awards, but quickly clarified her stance once folks took it the wrong way.

As caught by The Shade Room on Instagram, the singer employed multiple social media platforms to make her points. It started with some Threads messages responding to calls for boycotts of “Spend Dat.” In them, she spoke about how folks easily become influenced by other media and how the wider acceptance of the track is a “bigger problem” indicating “not everybody wants to get free.”

“FOR CLARITY!!” I did not say that I think anyone needs to boycott this song,” India wrote on her Instagram Story. “I said it is a sign of where we are as a culture that this song has been accepted so widely. And … THATS FACTS. I THINK – people should do whatever they WANT TO DO. you do what you wanna do. I’ll do what I wanna do. And that’s that. MEANWHILE I also said, that the way we are embracing the song says a lot about where we are as a culture. which … IS JUST FACTS.”

She also shared a response to an IG user in her DMs calling her selective amid many other debates with folks online.

Read More: The 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2026 So Far

Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat”

Elsewhere, Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” is still going viral. In fact, a woman who participated in the track’s viral Internet challenge actually got a rude awakening when police used the video to track her down for retail theft.

There are still a lot of debates about the song, but it continues to do well. In any case, this goes to show how negative discussions of media are just as important to their proliferation as positive ones. All in all, Miami is probably happy with the attention, despite the critics.

India.Arie’s made similar comments before about artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe. In the past, she has also defended them against social media scrutiny.

Read More: Clive Davis Was Behind The Legendary Careers Of These 10 Music Icons

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XXL Launches Ten-Year Anniversary Project For 2016 Freshman Class https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000614-xxl-ten-year-anniversary-project-2016-freshman-class Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:45:22 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000614 XXL will drop a documentary, unreleased interviews with DJ Drama, and more to celebrate ten years since their iconic 2016 Freshman Class.

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21 Savage, Denzel Curry, Kodak Black, Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, Anderson .Paak, Desiigner, Lil Dicky, G Herbo, and Dave East all made history in 2016. XXL selected them for that year’s Freshman Class, and for many reasons, their influence lives on and folks continue to look back fondly at the freestyles, cyphers, interviews, and more. As such, the outlet is reminiscing and launched a project to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of this moment.

They have created an anniversary landing page for their ninth annual Freshman issue powered by Rémy Martin. At press time, they have all the artist bios, freestyles, and cyphers available, as well as a lengthy write-up speaking to the class’ history and impact. For example, it included statistics on their numbers, chart placements, and other commercial metrics.

Also, they announced they will do much more to celebrate this class via new anniversary content over the next two months. These will include videos of DJ Drama interviewing class members about the cover’s impact and where their careers have gone since. In addition, they will release a documentary about these artists’ cultural influence, the cover shoot, all the stories from recording sessions, and more.

Read More: The 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2026 So Far

XXL‘s 2016 Freshman Class Turns 10

This news comes as fans already reminisced on XXL’s 2016 Freshman Class when 2026 rolled around. Even the artists themselves have chimed in on the class with some strong admiration and competitive drive. For example, back in 2022, 21 Savage proclaimed he could beat any of his peers from that class in a Verzuz today.

As for XXL’s 2026 Freshman Class, they recently unveiled the list just last week. The artists on the roster this time around are La Reezy, Slayr, Sosocamo, Trap Dickey, Belly Gang Kushington, Chris Patrick, Babyfxce E, YKNIECE, Skrilla, Trim, Miles Minnick, and Hurricane Wisdom.

Will this group have the same impact as the 2016 Freshman Class? Hopefully so.

Regardless, we’ll see what XXL has in store for these ten-year anniversary celebrations and how they cross it over with the next generation on the rise. If nothing else, it’s a good excuse to revisit those iconic 2016 cyphers once again.

Read More: Clive Davis Was Behind The Legendary Careers Of These 10 Music Icons

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Montreal’s Concordia University Is Offering A Drake Course Next Fall https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000609-concordia-university-drake-course-next-fall Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:02:36 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000609 Concordia University Professor Yassin "Narcy" Alsalman will teach "Drake: Media, Myth, and Manhood" next fall.

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Drake already made his stamp on music history, so it’s only right he would form part of hip-hop’s wide-ranging academic curriculum across many institutions. Professor Yassin “Narcy” Alsalman took to Twitter a few weeks ago to announce he will be teaching a Drizzy and OVO course at Concordia University in Montreal for the Fall 2026 semester.

The “Hip-Hop: Past, Present & Future” class is titled “Drake: Media, Myth & Manhood.” It will explore the Toronto superstar’s discography and themes, the ascent of the OVO brand and its history, the relationship between art and capitalism, and the industry systems that artists have to deal with.

This all lines up well with Drake’s ICEMAN narratives, and with the status and success he continues to enjoy in the music world. Narcy, a rapper and professor, has taught classes on Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar before. He also has a long history of talking to OVO members, such as interviewing 40 on multiple occasions. The reading list of this course reportedly includes bell hooks and Guy Debord.

Read More: The 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2026 So Far

Concordia’s Drake Class

Narcy also reposted a clip of Twitter of a TikTok user explaining the course in more depth. All throughout the fall semester, OVO fans not studying at Concordia will likely want to look out for any nuggets of discussion and debate that emerge.

This follows a series of other college classes dedicated to hip-hop, whose lineage stretches back farther than some may believe, but likely not far enough. As such, any academic engagement with the art form is always interesting and heartening to see, even if it risks separating the space from its original sociocultural origins.

Regardless, Professor Alsalman is very excited to dive in, and it should make for an amazing dissection of this legendary career. It’s also nice to see things like this motivate people in many stages of life to get back into a classroom and learn.

Elsewhere, Drake is busy celebrating Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors return, and just recently showed love to Janice’s via his exclusive parties. With how much he taps into his fanbase, we wouldn’t be surprised if he guest lectures at Concordia for this new course.

Read More: Clive Davis Was Behind The Legendary Careers Of These 10 Music Icons

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