This marks the classic colorway’s first comeback since 2017. The black and blue design goes all the way back to 1985, making it one of the original Jordan 1 looks ever released. Only a few of the retros have followed since then.

Black leather covers most of the shoe, with royal blue hitting the toe, heel, and Swoosh. A white midsole and matching white detailing on the tongue round out the classic look. Nike Air branding sits on the tongue tag, keeping things true to the original build.

This version skips the ’85 cut some fans expected. Instead, it uses the newer High OG shape that’s shown up on other recent retros. The leaked footage gives an early look at texture and stitching before official images ever dropped.

Expect this one to draw plenty of attention once it hits shelves, especially from longtime collectors who missed the last release.

Read More: The New York Yankees Allegedly Made Lil Wayne Change Young Money Logo

Air Jordan 1 “Royal”

Unlike some Jordan 1 colorways that return every year or two, “Royal” has stayed rare by comparison. It’s only come back a few times since the original 1985 release, landing again in 2001, 2013, and 2017.

A suede “Reimagined” version also dropped in 2023, but that one split opinion among collectors. Many preferred the smooth leather build used on earlier releases, which is exactly what’s returning this time around.

That spacing is part of what makes “Royal” feel different from Jordan Brand’s usual retro cycle. Fans have waited nearly a decade for this specific leather version to come back.

Leaked unboxing videos ahead of a release has become more common in sneaker culture. It gives fans a preview of build quality and materials before retailers post anything official.

With its clean color-blocking and real ties to Jordan’s early career, this pair should land as one of the bigger Jordan 1 releases of the fall season.

Read More: CEO Grip Of CMG Passes Away, Hip-Hop Pays Tribute

The post Unboxing Video Leaks The Air Jordan 1 “Royal” Early appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“[The door] was a gift… Before the Yankees sued me,” he joked. “I had a ‘YM.’ They thought it looked too much like the Yankees. They just sent cease and [desist]. I had to stop using it… I just changed my logo. They’re legends. I respected it. I felt more cooler getting a letter from the Yankees.”

It seems like the “Special Ops” lyricist took it in stride and wasn’t pressed about the Yankees scolding him over the logo. In case you have somehow never seen the logo in question, MyMixtapez shared it on Twitter. Even after the change, it remains an iconic visual element of hip-hop history from the Cash Money offshoot’s inception and their meteoric rise.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Lil Wayne’s Yankees Threat

This New York Yankees situation is a bit unexpected and ironic because, usually, Lil Wayne’s sports fandom and moves operate outside of the MLB. Sadly for him, it’s not going too well in the NFL for his beloved Green Bay Packers.

After the Packers blew a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Tunechi went on a Twitter rant and claimed he was done with the league. But as any sports fan knows, one’s favorite team always lures them back in, so we doubt he’s fully renouncing his fandom.

“Refs in Minnesota game pure p***y,” Wayne ranted. “Fake af I can’t respect the game when the refs can’t ref the game. I’m out on the NFL this year. Wish for it to be an amazing season for all. My Dik too big for short comings and this sux.”

Maybe he should become a Yankees fan instead. Then, we can get a full merch collab line and this logo debacle can find a surprising reconciliation.

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

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Per TJB, an official cause of death hasn’t been publicly announced at press time, despite rumors circulating online. Also, Gotti and CMG haven’t issued a public statement on the matter as of writing this article. CEO Grip received tributes from many fans, admirers, peers, and loved ones who praised his legacy as a key fixture in the Memphis scene and a driving behind-the-scenes force behind CMG’s success.

Under Grip’s IG account’s last post at press time, many tributes flooded in from colleagues and friends tied to CMG and beyond. Moneybagg Yo, for example, posted a broken heart emoji, an open hands emoji, and a dove emoji in the comments section. YFN Lucci wrote “Damn big dawg” alongside various broken heart emojis and a dove emoji, whereas 42 Dugg posted three broken heart emojis and wrote, “damn big bra.”

The Jasmine Brand also shared Boosie Badazz’s social media video paying tribute to CEO Grip. “I want to say RIP to my n***a Grip, man,” Boosie remarked. “Me and Grip go way back, bro. Rest in peace, my n***a.”

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

RIP CEO Grip

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A post shared by the Jasmine BRAND (@thejasminebrand)

Elsewhere on social media, fans and peers shared pictures, videos, and memories of CEO Grip to pay tribute to his memory and mourn his loss. CMG has sadly faced heartbreaking moments like these before, as have other hip-hop collectives and labels. It’s a sad time, and an unfortunate way through which those unaware of his impact have now learned about what he left behind.

We will see if more information comes out about the CMG affiliate’s passing, whether from the label itself, from family, or other official sources. During this mournful time, fans and peers are looking back at what he gave us with gratitude. The Memphis world and beyond will continue to honor his legacy.

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

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The pieces date back to 2009 through 2011, right around the album’s release. That includes a gold pendant seen on the actual Take Care cover art. A gold chain, several diamond rings, and two bracelets round out the rest of the collection.

An OVO owl piece is also part of the set, tying directly into Drake’s longtime label branding. A luxury watch is included as well, adding even more value to the overall listing. Speaking of OVO, Authentic Brands Group has just acquired a 51% stake in Drake’s OVO brand, allowing Drake to control creative direction.

This isn’t the first Take Care era item to hit the resale market recently. A rare watch tied to the same album cover sold separately earlier this year for $500,000. Together, both listings show how much demand still exists for pieces connected to that specific project.

For fans who grew up on that album, it’s a rare chance to own something directly tied to one of Drake’s most defining eras.

Read More: Lil Durk Gets His Trial Delayed And Secures Bond Hearing In November

Drake’s Take Care Jewelry Auction

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Take Care remains one of the most respected albums of Drake’s career. Its influence still gets brought up over a decade after it first came out.

That kind of lasting impact helps explain why items from this specific era mean so much on the resale market. Collectors aren’t just buying jewelry. They’re buying a physical piece of an album that built his career.

Hip-hop memorabilia tied to iconic albums has become its own growing market. Watches, jewelry, and clothing worn during defining eras often hold value the same way rare sneakers do.

This auction adds to that trend, giving collectors another entry point into hip-hop history. Whether it sells at full price or not, it’s a reminder of how much importance these albums still carry and certainly how much money they can still generate.

Read More: Trey Songz’s Alleged Sexual Assault Victim Seeks Settlement Money

The post Drake’s ‘Take Care’ Jewelry Collection Is Going To Auction appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Per the scheduling order and notice @youvegtMEL posted, this bond hearing comes “at the request of counsel.” This also means prosecutors haven’t litigated the evidence they plan to use in the trial.

This could be good for the Chicago rapper if his legal team is able to secure bond ahead of the trial. Also, reports recently emerged that no motions had been filed yet in Lil Durk’s upcoming trial, which meant the doors for a dismissal or full-on delay were still open.

Now, this bond hearing could impact the rest of the trial as both sides plan to motion for dismissals on one hand and collect evidence on the other. While this means this process could be longer than expected, both supporters and detractors have reason to believe this could go either way.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Lil Durk’s Bond Hearing

For those unaware, Lil Durk’s upcoming trial centers on accusations he helped finance and organize murder in aid of racketeering. The case references the 2022 murder-for-hire a jury already acquitted him of, as well as his alleged involvement in a 2019 Atlanta shooting and a 2022 Chicago murder.

Prosecutors allege The Voice gave whoever carried out these violent acts higher standings in his collective and other forms of compensation. Their intent is to paint him and his associates as being part of a criminal organization responsible for multiple incidents.

Durk pleaded not guilty to these allegations. Judge Fitzgerald severed these from the murder-for-hire case after prosecutors presented a sprawling superseding indictment against him.

Elsewhere, Lil Durk is keeping his head up, sharing messages with the youth and thankful words with his supporters and legal team. We will see what other updates emerge ahead of this November 4 bond hearing.

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

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The alleged sexual assault victim wants the court to release a significant cut of the money the singer paid in the settlement. According to Jeffries and court documents, an escrow account under control of the court currently holds that settlement money, pending the resolution of a lien issue. She reportedly asked the court to release 55 percent of the total amount or all amounts above $69,950.52, which reportedly suggests the settlement has a value of at least the $70K ballpark.

Jauhara Jeffries reportedly said she needs the money promptly because the delay of the settlement money’s release is preventing her from attending matters in her life. While the court reportedly denied this request, a hearing on the matter will reportedly take place later this month.

Read More: Trey Songz’s Arrest History: A Decade Of Legal Trouble

Trey Songz Allegations

Jeffries’ 2021 lawsuit against Trey Songz claimed he allegedly put his fingers in her vagina non-consensually at a Florida nightclub in 2018. She alleged she was partying with him at Diddy’s house for a New Year’s Eve party and later went to the club with Songz and other girls on his invitation.

Despite the alleged incident, Jeffries reportedly claimed she got into Trey’s car later in the night and was kicked out when she refused to hand her phone over. He denied these allegations.

Trey Songz faced other legal trouble recently, such as a New York brawl case from almost two months ago that did not lead to any jail time. But he has also launched legal battles of his own regarding these run-ins with law enforcement.

The singer sued the Kansas City Police Department for allegedly wrongfully arresting him back in 2021. The court dropped the charges against him over this incident, which included resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The post Trey Songz’s Alleged Sexual Assault Victim Seeks Settlement Money appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Of course, we have heard various Hov retirement stories before, whether they are attached to this first LP, a project like The Black Album, or the long wait since 2017’s 4:44. So this reflection should come as no surprise. “Rappers were pulling up in turtle tops and minivans, and we was coming with 4Runners and Lexuses and Acuras. You want to do that? We already doing this? That seems like a step backwards,” he reportedly remarked.

But a more interesting caveat was how the Roc Nation mogul spoke about not liking the process of being an artist. He reportedly wanted to drop an album and dip immediately after, citing Russell Simmons as an example to follow. “I didn’t love being an artist… I didn’t like shooting videos. Didn’t like doing interviews. I didn’t like speaking,” Jay reportedly expressed.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Jay-Z & Colin Kaepernick

In hindsight, we know his passion for writing contributed to him changing his mind, and the success kept on coming with it. It seems like the Brooklyn MC made both realities come true. He is just as much of a businessman these days as he is a lyricist, performer, and creative.

But Jay-Z’s marriages of business and music have been controversial. Recently, new remarks and insights from Colin Kaepernick (and Hov’s Yankee Stadium freestyle) have re-litigated the NFL Roc Nation debacle. These developments sparked renewed debates around whether or not Hov sold the culture out by partnering with a league who was blackballing one of their players for protesting systemic racial oppression in the United States.

With this and other controversies in mind (such as the Target deal backlash he also pushed back on during his Yankee Stadium freestyle), these reflections on his early career ambitions are, in a way, prophetic. But a larger question looms for die-hards and haters alike: Does Jay-Z like being an artist enough these days to step back into the studio album ring? Or are there only more billionaire business deals on the way?

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The post Jay-Z Says He Didn’t Like Being An Artist Despite “Reasonable Doubt’s” Success appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The Bootleg Kev Podcast hosted the West Coast MC a few weeks ago to talk about the new project, and dropped the K.Dot segment from that conversation today (Friday, September 18) to line up with the release. Kev asked if Chike was the first GNX artist to secure a feature from Kendrick since the album dropped, and he responded by vaguely clarifying Kev’s incorrect presumption that Lamar did make the album’s tracklist. AZ’s pictures with the pgLang creative emerged after this Bootleg Kev interview, and it seems like he still wasn’t sure if the Dot feature would pan out at the time.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

AZ Chike’s No Rest For The Wicked

“That’s my boy… That’s all I’ma say,” he responded. “I love that dude… We’ll see… I was really just keeping my fingers crossed, bro. They still crossed. I don’t know what could happen. Them dudes is so spontaneous… A lot could still happen. And I be trying to read them… They very intentional, bro. But it’s not just Dot. Sounwave has been with me since I started the album… They was more concerned on how the album is as a whole… Them n***as is strict with the music. Rightfully so, though…”

Later on, the “The World Is Ours” spitter spoke on Sounwave and Kendrick Lamar helping arrange and curate the LP as a whole and giving him advice regarding intention and craft. He also said they took some songs off No Rest For The Wicked to consolidate and claimed Lamar told him, “You know how many ‘Money Trees’ and ‘Cartoons & Cereal’ I had to take off my album?”

“I sent the album to Dot, the song is called ‘God’s Favorite,'” Chike added. “He like, “‘God’s Favorite’ in the back? […] Nah, we got to change that.’ That n***a pushed that motherf****er up to track three. But he know what he doing. He like, ‘They gon’ want this from you for sure.'”

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

The post AZ Chike Reveals Kendrick Lamar’s True Role On New Album After Not Being Featured appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: September 18, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Nothing Into Something

I was broke, I ain’t have nothing
Turn my nothing into something
Look now everybody love it
How the fuck I do that?

The post Nothing Into Something – Song by Coi Leray and Diplo appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

During a livestream caught by Akademiks TV on Twitter, Ak was watching Adin’s stream with Doodie and had them on a phone call. He thinks the two match-ups could make the next Brand Risk card their biggest yet, and we’ll see if it actually goes down.

“You got to get me and Meek Mill and 6ix9ine and Doodie Lo. Trust. That’s all you need,” Akademiks remarked. “I think [Meek] would do it ’cause he keeps saying, ‘When I see you, I hope you got boxing gloves.’ […] So I’m like, ‘Bet. Put the combination in the ring.’ Brother, I hope he could fight. Because trust me, if I knock out Meek Mill, he might commit it live. It’s done.”

The OTF affiliate seemed quite excited by the idea, whereas he and Adin posited that people from Philadelphia know how to box. While it seems like an outlandish idea (and probably still is), Brand Risk’s celebrity boxing matches have been getting bigger and bigger over time.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Meek Mill & DJ Akademiks Beef

Whether or not Meek Mill and DJ Akademiks settle their beef is another story. Even if one of them beats the other in a boxing match, we doubt their animosities towards each other will diminish one bit. Their conflict goes back about a decade over career clowning and exploitation claims, which are still big factors at play.

As for Doodie Lo and 6ix9ine, these two have been clashing publicly over the Lil Durk trial. The Chicago rapper still has another trial to face in October following his murder-for-hire acquittal, which could fuel even more trolling and taunting between Doodie and Tekashi.

Now, it seems like the ball is in Adin Ross’ court. But as he suggested, the idea of Meek seriously signing up for something like this seems far-fetched.

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

The post DJ Akademiks Wants To Fight Meek Mill In A Boxing Match With Adin Ross’ Help appeared first on HotNewHipHop.