During his FOMO stream on Tuesday evening, Drake switched things up a bit when he dropped a bar saying “pray for Gaza.” It was a direct reference to the plight of the Palestinian people, who have been under occupation for decades. Many were quick to praise the artist for his stance, while others are taking a much more cynical approach.

For instance, one person on X pointed out the fact that Drake positively referenced New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in the song, “Middle Of The Ocean.” It was here that he rapped, “Robert Kraft sent the jet for us, that shit was patriotic. This bar was used to suggest that Drake is some sort of hypocrite.

Read More: From “So Far Gone” To “ICEMAN”: Drake’s Album Eras Through Sneakers

Drake Called Out For Hypocrisy

For those who don’t know, Robert Kraft was credited with getting Macklemore kicked off Ed Sheeran’s tour for his pro-Palestine message. Since then, numerous opening acts have removed themselves from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore and the Palestinian people. Kraft’s involvement in this story is ultimately why some feel a way about Drake’s recent lyrics.

However, in typical X fashion, this stirred up an interesting debate about whether or not the lyrics from “Middle Of The Ocean” are a reach. The song was made well before October 7th, 2023, during a time when the conflict wasn’t as top of mind for the American public. Therefore, some feel like it’s a stretch to believe that Drake would have known Kraft’s positions on the situation.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Fans Debate

Below, you can find multiple tweets, some of which side with Drake, while others are critical. Ultimately, this discourse just goes to show that Drake is one of the most scrutinized artists in the world. When you have his platform, this scrutiny simply comes with the territory. Whether or not that is fair is another question entirely.

The post Drake Stirs Up Online Debate As Old Robert Kraft Lyrics Resurface Amid “Pray For Gaza” Bar appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

However, following the release of his most recent project, the artist went on one of the biggest and longest world tours we have ever seen. While we haven’t received any new music during this time, there has been this looming sense that the artist has no plans to actually retire.

The Weeknd confirmed this to be the case during an interview with GQ Hong Kong. He noted that he did, indeed, retire for a little bit, but it just wasn’t for him. Instead, he is ready to continue working under his alias.

“I had a glimpse of what retirement looked like, and it isn’t for me,” The Weeknd said. “[…] It’s a real privilege to do what I do… The Weeknd isn’t going anywhere.”

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The Weeknd Is Not Going Anywhere

The Weeknd hinted at his next chapter, revealing that he is excited about what the future holds. He also spoke about how much he loves his job, and that he can’t just let it go that easily.

“Every chapter has taught me something new about myself, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the next few reveals,” The Weeknd explained. “[…] There’s nothing else like this job. The gratitude I’ve felt over the last year has been overwhelming. I’m going to keep doing this for as long as I possibly can.”

The Weeknd’s most recent era includes albums like After Hours, Dawn FM, and Hurry Up Tomorrow. These are some of his most mature projects and feature heavy elements from the 80s.

While this era will go down as one of his best, it does seem as though The Weeknd is ready to try something new musically.

Read More: From “So Far Gone” To “ICEMAN”: Drake’s Album Eras Through Sneakers

The post The Weeknd Reveals The True Status Of His “Retirement” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: September 17, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Tracklist for Cantos Of Ghais

1. Madonna-Whore Complex (HIT DOGS HOLLA) ft. Playa Haze
2. SpinozaRuntz
3. Shirt, Pt. II ft. 2Zenith
4. Enter The Aesthete

The post Cantos of Ghais – EP by Ghais Guevara appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: September 17, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Grab Your Popcorn (Remix)

Tell me what’s good, I threw up the hood in front of the camera (Yeah)
I’m doing everything I said I would, it’s not to be challenged (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Dick on wood, the bitch look good, this shit is bananas (What?)
Weather is cold, I’m catching a flight to go where it’s warm and sandy (Oh-oh-oh)

The post Grab Your Popcorn (Remix) – Song by KUR & Lil Uzi Vert appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Of course, Akademiks did not like this very much, and he made those feelings known. He posted a video of the gun collection he keeps in his home, which was an obvious response to Meek’s threats.

On Wednesday evening, Akademiks hopped on X, where he taunted Meek with leaked text messages. Ak began by lamenting how Meek had yet to pull up to his home, despite the address being publicly available online. From there, he showcased alleged leaked text messages in which Meek tried to call the commentator numerous times.

“U ain’t reach my house yet,” Akademiks wrote. “I been dying to make an example of a bitch Ass n***a like u. I beg u to come to here. Imma make an example outta u. Come to my house boy. Just remember that bitch ass n***a @MeekMill said he was gon stream Infront of my house 2 years ago and he still ain’t come here . Meek I been beggging u to Come here urself. U said u was gon piss on shit. Boss up. I’m waiting.”

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

DJ Akademiks Eggs On Beef With Meek Mill

Akademiks subsequently compared Meek to Lil Durk and Pooh Shiesty. He also referenced their supposed boxing challenge, which Meek ultimately turned down two years ago.

“If meek think he Durk or Pooh shiesty … bro then ain’t no talking. U talked about pulling up to a n***a LO. N***a I been waiting for YOU,” Ak continued. “Unless u think im keeping diff energy when he hit me vs publicly. I ain’t getting on no live. Come to my crib n see wat up Rihmeek. U a bitch I asked u to box 24 months ago. U ain’t like that.”

At this point, it doesn’t appear as though Akademiks or Meek are interested in reconciling. The two have had issues with each other since 2015, and they have clashing philosophies when it comes to rap media.

Meek Mill has yet to respond to Akademiks’ Wednesday night rant.

Read More: From “So Far Gone” To “ICEMAN”: Drake’s Album Eras Through Sneakers

The post DJ Akademiks Leaks Texts With Meek Mill, Begs Rapper To Visit His House appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Earlier this week, artists like Yung Lean, Metro Boomin, Future, and even Travis Scott teased their involvement in the soundtrack. Along with today’s announcement, their songs were officially released on streaming platforms. GTA VI: The Album comes with “RHYNO” by Travis Scott, as well as “That’s It,” by Future, Yung Lean, and Metro Boomin.

Alongside this announcement, it was revealed that the album will be released on the same day as the game, which just so happens to be November 19. Collectors will be able to buy a double-CD, a vinyl, or a limited edition vinyl of the album.

Read More: From “So Far Gone” To “ICEMAN”: Drake’s Album Eras Through Sneakers

GTA VI: The Album Is Almost Here

If you go to the album’s official website, all of these items are already available to pre-order. The CD is $19.98, the vinyl is $49.98, and the limited edition vinyl is $124.98. This may be expensive, but GTA VI is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so the prices should not be surprising.

Along with the six new tracks, you can officially begin the process of pre-saving the album, whether on Spotify or Apple Music. Needless to say, Rockstar Games has really thought of everything as they go deep into the rollout for GTA VI.

After months of radio silence, it has become crystal clear that this game is on track for its November 19 release. Whether or not it lives up to the hype is a different story entirely.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The post Rockstar Games Announces “GTA VI: The Album” Release Date: How To Pre-Order appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: September 17, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: GTA VI: The Album

The post That’s It – Song by Yung Lean, Future, & Metro Boomin for GTA VI appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: September 17, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: GTA VI: The Album

The post RHYNO – Song by Travis Scott for GTA VI appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Diggs has built a reputation over the years as one of the NFL’s most consistent custom cleat wearers. He works regularly with sneaker artist Dan “Mache” Gamache, who hand-paints a new pair for him almost every week. Past designs have ranged from Jordan 7 and Jordan 5 tributes to cleats honoring musicians and even his favorite movies.

This latest pair arrives as Diggs starts a new chapter with the Washington Commanders after signing there this year. He’s remained loyal to Jordan Brand throughout multiple team changes, going back to when he first signed his endorsement deal years ago while still with the Bills.

Since Diggs prioritizes function as much as style, Jordan Brand doesn’t just paint over a stock cleat for him. These customs actually use the lightweight upper from Nike’s Vapor Edge 360 Speed, with Jordan-style overlays added on top to mimic the retail silhouette.

Read More: Jalen Brunson’s Personal Kobe PE Is Finally Dropping

Stefon Diggs’ Air Jordan 17 Low “Lightning” Cleats

What makes Diggs’ cleat rotation stand out is how consistent it’s been over the years. Very few NFL players commit to a new custom look nearly every single week the way he does. That consistency has turned his cleat game into its own kind of storyline throughout the season.

The “Lightning” colorway specifically ties back to one of Michael Jordan’s more memorable sneaker moments. Recreating that same look on a functional football cleat blends 2 different eras of sneaker culture into one design. It’s the level of detail that fans who follow both basketball history and NFL fashion will really like.

There’s no announcement yet on which game Diggs might actually debut these in. Given his track record, it likely won’t be long before this pair makes its way onto the field in Washington.

Read More: Lucki’s Ex-Manager Claims Rapper Owes More Than $1 Million

The post Stefon Diggs Gets Custom Air Jordan 17 Low “Lightning” Cleats appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

This marks Jalen Brunson’s second Kobe 5 release and his fourth PE overall to get a wider launch. The colorway is officially listed as Total Orange, Black, and Hyper Cobalt. Unlike most “What The” Kobe releases, this one keeps a symmetrical design instead of mismatching the left and right shoes.

Brunson first debuted the pair on April 24, 2025, during Game 3 of New York’s first-round playoff series against Detroit. Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father, played 9 seasons in the NBA before moving into coaching. He now serves as an assistant coach with the Knicks.

Each panel on the shoe ties back to a team Rick suited up for during his playing career. That list includes Portland, New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, the Clippers, Seattle, and Houston. The Knicks connection stands out the most, with blue and orange taking over much of the forefoot and side panels.

An earlier release in New York City is expected before the wider national launch happens.

Read More: Lucki’s Ex-Manager Claims Rapper Owes More Than $1 Million

Jalen Brunson x Nike Kobe 5 Protro “What The Rick”

Brunson has built a reputation over the past two seasons for rolling out standout Kobe PEs. Past examples include a Joker-inspired colorway and rare Protro pairs like “Del Sol” and “Bruce Lee.” Turning one of these personal tributes into an actual retail release is a rare move for Nike’s Kobe line.

Nike has leaned hard into Knicks-related sneaker activations since the team’s championship run. A previously New York City-exclusive Air Force 1 in Knicks colors is also expected to get a wider release soon. Bringing “What The Rick” to retail fits right into that same momentum.

Brunson has become one of the most visible faces of Nike’s Kobe Brand today. Getting a personal, family-driven design like this turned into a public release says a lot about how much the brand values that connection. For Knicks fans and Kobe collectors alike, this is shaping up as one of the more meaningful releases of 2027.

Read More: Joseline Hernandez Claims Tory Lanez Was “Liking On The Princess”

The post Jalen Brunson’s Personal Kobe PE Is Finally Dropping appeared first on HotNewHipHop.