During a September 16 interview with MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas, Kaepernick said he believes the arrangement can be traced to a private 2017 meeting between NFL players, team owners and league officials. According to MeidasTouch, Kaepernick said owners were searching for someone who could help them publicly navigate the backlash surrounding players kneeling during the national anthem.

He specifically pointed to Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula and described Jay-Z’s place, saying, “We then see Jay-Z step into that role and effectively fill the void that the NFL owners were looking for, is that Black face to be able to subvert the protests.”

That is Kaepernick’s description of the conversation, not Pegula’s exact reported wording. When audio from the confidential meeting became public in 2018, Yahoo Sports reported that Pegula suggested the league needed “a face, as an African-American” who could appear in the media and give owners someone they could “fall in behind.”

Read More: Colin Kaepernick Has More To Say About Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Freestyle

Jay-Z’s NFL Partnership Drew Immediate Backlash

Roc Nation entered its formal relationship with the league two years later. According to the NFL’s August 2019 announcement, Jay-Z’s company agreed to advise the league on live entertainment, including major performances such as the Super Bowl, and to work with its Inspire Change social justice initiative.

Kaepernick now argues that Jay-Z’s arrival gave owners the type of public representative they had discussed during the 2017 meeting. The partnership was controversial as soon as it was announced, especially because Kaepernick still hadn’t returned to an NFL roster. During the 2019 rollout, Jay-Z defended working with the league and said he believed the movement had reached a different stage. As The Washington Post reported at the time, Jay-Z said, “I think we’ve moved past kneeling. I think it’s time for action.”

Kaepernick has not played in an NFL game since the 2016 season. His renewed criticism of the Roc Nation partnership arrives as he promotes his memoir, The Perilous Fight, and revisits how the league responded to the protests that began a decade ago. In his telling, Jay-Z’s deal with the NFL cannot be separated from what owners were privately discussing before Roc Nation ever entered the picture.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Targets The Haters And Mentions Colin Kaepernick In New Freestyle

The post Colin Kaepernick Says Jay-Z Became NFL’s “Black Face” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Ebro, u were sitting next to me at dinner (not planned) and we were having a private conversation,” Cudi wrote on X. “I was being friendly cause u were sitting next to me. Not an interview.” Cudi accused Ebro of using the exchange to generate a story. “U are thirsty, and I think u speaking about our conversation publically is classless and I dont respect u any longer,” he continued. “I spoke to u thinking u really just wanted to talk. U just wanted a story.”

The rapper also said the experience changed how he plans to interact with journalists outside formal interviews. He singled out Zane Lowe while making his frustration with Ebro clear. “I learned a valuable lesson today, never talk to journalists unless its for a actual interview,” Cudi wrote. “Good thing Zane [Lowe] has a million times more class than you. None of what we talked about at Apple Park is a news clip. Ill just talk to him.”

He ended that message by asking Ebro not to discuss him publicly again.

Read More: Ebro Apologizes For Accusing Offset Of Owing Him $5K After Shooting

Kid Cudi And Ebro Darden Quickly Make Peace

The dispute arrived shortly after Cudi’s reconciliation with Ye became a topic of conversation among Ebro’s own co-hosts. Earlier this month, Peter Rosenberg criticized the enthusiastic reception Ye received during his Chicago shows, prompting Cudi to defend his decision to reconnect with his longtime collaborator. Cudi joined Ye onstage at Soldier Field on Sept. 4, marking their first performance together in years.

Cudi told Rosenberg at the time that Ye was “my brother” and pointed to nearly two decades of friendship between them. He also said he believed Ye’s apology to him was sincere. Meanwhile, whatever anger Cudi had toward Ebro did not last long. Soon after posting his criticism, he returned to X with an update that the two had spoken directly.

“Ebro just apologized sincerely and I accept it,” Cudi wrote. “All good now. Enjoy yall day!! ” Cudi did not elaborate on their conversation or say whether Ebro would address the misunderstanding publicly.

Read More: Ebro Enrages The Internet After Calling Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” The “McDonald’s Of Albums”

The post Kid Cudi Calls Ebro “Thirsty” Over Private Conversation, Then Accepts Apology appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“I want to tap into my new next level that I’ve been tapping in with,” Gunna said, according to Billboard. “I want to introduce that, which is Splurge. This upper-echelon artist who’s gravitated to another level.” He stopped short of locking in a date. Gunna said he is still working on the album and does not want to rush it just to meet a deadline.

“If I feel ready, it could come out next month,” he said. “But if I’m not ready, I’m not ready yet. I don’t have a date.”

Read More: Gunna Reportedly Has A New Documentary Coming To Netflix

“Splurge” Arrives As Gunna Figures Out His Next Label Move

The album announcement came during a broader conversation about what comes next for Gunna professionally. The Last Wun, released in 2025, was widely expected to close out his deal with Young Thug’s YSL Records. That left questions about whether he would move forward independently or sign elsewhere. Gunna made it clear he is not simply operating as a free agent, though he did not name a new label or confirm whether he remains with YSL.

“I wouldn’t say apparently free. We in the works,” he told Forbes. “There’s been a lot of talks of what’s being produced and who’s going to be behind me supporting it.”

Music has remained steady even without a solo single this year. He appeared on Shaboozey’s “High Noon” and Rich The Kid’s “Too Bad,” while continuing to build out his Wunna Run Club and his partnership with Under Armour. Further, The Last Wun debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with 80,000 equivalent album units, extending a run that has kept Gunna in the chart’s Top 10 across multiple releases.

Read More: Gunna Cops Luxury Cars For His Manager & Friends

The post Gunna Teases October Release For New Album “Splurge” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to TMZ, a Nov. 29, 2023 email from a member of Minaj’s team called the allowance “extremely low” and estimated that the week would cost at least twice as much. The message reportedly warned that hotels and transportation alone could consume the full amount.

The internal budget discussion included $18,000 for six days of photography and videography, along with $4,200 for tailoring during the same period. Travel was another concern. One email questioned whether Minaj’s son would be traveling with her and said her usual flight rider already cost more than $2,000 per leg, making a $10,000 travel allowance difficult to work with.

Those emails are now evidence in a lawsuit brought by 24/7 Productions, the live events company that worked on Minaj’s 2023 Jingle Ball appearances and the New York promotion surrounding Pink Friday 2.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Blasts Production Company For Claiming She’s “Spoiled & Entitled”

Pink Friday 2 Expenses Are At The Center Of A Lawsuit

24/7 Productions sued Minaj and Pink Friday Productions in March, claiming it advanced more than $275,000 for expenses tied to the work and was never reimbursed. The company says Minaj’s team approved the budgets beforehand and that it handled production and logistics connected to the appearances. The case remains active in New York Supreme Court.

Minaj has pushed back on being held personally responsible. In July, she asked the court to dismiss her from the case individually, arguing that the agreement at issue was between 24/7 Productions and Pink Friday Productions LLC. She argues that any alleged debt belongs to the company, not her personally.

The new emails do not establish who ultimately owes the disputed money, but they offer a rare look at the expectations surrounding a major album rollout. Pink Friday 2 debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in December 2023, and its accompanying tour later became the highest-grossing tour by a woman in Rap at the time.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Mansion Covered In Legal Papers

The post Nicki Minaj’s Team Called “Pink Friday 2” Promo Budget “Extremely Low” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Meek took to social media to say that Akademiks was a negative force in the culture. Furthermore, he professed that he was looking for Ak’s home so they could have a conversation. Akademiks then posted photos of his gun stash as a warning. This morning, Akademiks continued to go at Meek, and even posted private DMs.

This afternoon, Meek gave his side of the story. He claims Ak is the one who has been messaging him non-stop. He also called the commentator “mentally crazy.”

“This guy is messaging me all day clipping a 1000 videos a day … I said something to him 5 days ago about being the gas lighter to petty rap beefs with the streets… he’s been messaging me posting clips and doing stuff 5 days straight, I been off it he’s mentally crazy,” Meek wrote.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Meek Mill Speaks Out

The rapper went on to say that Akademiks is manipulating people through clipping. He also said that Ak thinks he can control all of the people he has issues with, Meek included.

“I’m Mad he think he can control me through a desktop,” Meek continued. “you have a media Socail platform bro…. after the Kendrick and drake beef clipping has been exposed .. stupid people still believe it.. it’s just one source of marketing not the divinci code.”

Akademiks responded to all of this by suggesting Meek Mill was “off his meds.” He then went on to post more DMs in which Meek wished for Akademiks to get cancer and die.

Once again, it has become crystal clear that there is no love lost between these two, and that will probably never change.

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

The post Meek Mill Gives His Side Of The DJ Akademiks Beef appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

This past week, Pinkchyu was back in the spotlight as Drake premiered his “FOMO” livestream. During the visual for “Princess,” Drake could be seen taking the content creator on a date. He took her to a few Toronto landmarks, including Medieval Times.

Once again, Drake was accused of not acting his age. It’s the criticism that everyone seems to go with these days, but it’s clear that Drake simply does not care. In fact, he and Pinkchyu dropped some behind-the-scenes footage of their date, and Drizzy found himself having some fun at his own expense.

In the video below, Drake can be heard begging Pinkchyu to call him a “good boy.” Eventually, she does it, and Drake celebrates with a fist pump before walking away.

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

Drake Is A Comedian

Needless to say, Drake doesn’t really care about taking himself seriously. He just wants to have fun and do whatever he feels like doing. People are going to have their opinions of him, regardless, so might as well poke the bear, so to speak.

That said, the fans are interested to see what he does next. A lot of new music was shown off during the “FOMO” livestream. This has led to album speculation, although nothing has been confirmed.

Let us know what you thought of the “FOMO” stream in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The post Drake Begs Pinkchyu To Call Him A “Good Boy” In Behind-The-Scenes Video appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Quite simply, “FOMO” was the perfect name for the film. If you didn’t catch it live, you missed out. While some pirated clips are making their way throughout social media, it remains true that the entire stream is going to be difficult to watch via normal channels.

This scarcity has allowed Drake to create even more hype for himself. He is in full marketing mode this year, and it appears as though this strategy has actually paid off quite handsomely.

We say that because, according to Kurrco, Drake is back at number one on Spotify’s Global Top Artists chart. He took the top spot from none other than Bad Bunny.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Drake Returns To The Top

Throughout the “FOMO” short film, we got to listen to some new Drake music. There were songs with Yeat and Don Toliver, which is enough to get any hip-hop fan excited. The music sounded focused, and it didn’t appear as though the tracks were leftovers.

Going into the final quarter of 2026, one has to wonder if Drake is going to be able to keep the pressure up. One also has to wonder if a new album is on the horizon. If so, then there is no doubt who the rap MVP of 2026 will be.

Were you a fan of the “FOMO” stream? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

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

The post Drake Capitalizes On “FOMO” Hype By Dethroning Bad Bunny On Spotify appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

On Friday, he will be releasing his eight-part docuseries with Rick Rubin on HBO MAX. JAŸ-Z In 8 is supposed to examine Hov’s creative process and the stories behind some of the biggest songs in his catalog.

In fact, the entire list of songs that will be broken down has been released online. It’s a solid marketing tactic, especially for those who are on the fence about tuning in. If you see your favorite song on here, you might be more inclined to watch. You can see that aforementioned list of songs below.

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

JAŸ-Z Is Showing Off the Creative Process

JAŸ-Z To Break Down These Songs:

• DYNASTY INTRO
• MEET THE PARENTS
• CAN’T KNOCK THE HUSTLE
• WHAT MORE CAN I SAY
• BROOKLYN’S FINEST
• I LOVE THE DOUGH
• WHAT MORE CAN I SAY
• LYRICAL EXERCISE
• THIS CAN’T BE LIFE
• YOU MUST LOVE ME
• 4:44
• WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN
• ALLURE
• WHERE I’M FROM
• JAIL WITH YE
• IGNORANT SHIT WITH BEANIE SIGEL
• HOVI BABY
• KILL JAY-Z
• 99 PROBLEMS
• THREAT
• DEAD PRESIDENTS II
• PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
• THE STORY OF OJ
• NO CHURCH IN THE WILD
• FAMILY FEUD
• LEGACY
• NEW YORK (CONCEPT DE PARIS)

Let us know if you are excited for the JAŸ-Z In 8 docuseries in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The post Every Song JAŸ-Z Plans To Break Down In New “JAŸ-Z In 8” Docuseries appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Recently, Cardi B and Offset have been subjected to the rumor mill, as some people have suggested that the two are hooking up behind the scenes. It is one of those unsubstantiated rumors you see get espoused on social media all the time.

Well, Cardi sees everything, and she was not a fan of the narrative that was circulating in her name. So much so that she revealed the truth on her X account, before deleting the tweet entirely.

“Never in your life never in THIS life,” Cardi wrote. “mf’ers could go through that man text, phone, whatever… NEVER would you catch me doing that. I don’t flirt, I don’t give no inch of possibility. Sh*t put a private investigator on me and I put that on my kids life in the name of Jesus!!!”

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Cardi B Is Not Amused By Offset Rumors

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So there you have it. Cardi B is not hooking up with Offset. This was probably obvious to most people, but of course, some people sure do love stirring the pot online.

At this time, Cardi B appears to be living the single life. While the rapper went on a few dates with Nigerian soccer star Maduka Okoye, it does not appear as though things have progressed between the two.

As for Offset, he is set to drop a new song tonight called “Something I Need.”

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

The post Cardi B Shoots Down Rumors That She’s Secretly Hooking Up With Offset appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: September 16, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

The post BOOBYTRAP – Song by Polo Perks appeared first on HotNewHipHop.