A full Verzuz gives each side 20 songs to work with, leaving plenty of room for surprises. We’re going to leave the lengthy reveal until the big show on Thursday. Still, some records feel non-negotiable, so we picked our favorite five from each group that we must see delivered on the Verzuz stage this Thursday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m. PT.

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Read More: Verzuz Gears Up For B2K & Pretty Ricky

B2K Must-Have Tracks

1. “Bump, Bump, Bump”

If B2K only gets one guaranteed crowd reaction, it’s probably coming from “Bump, Bump, Bump.” The Diddy-assisted hit became the group’s first No. 1 single and remains the song most closely tied to their commercial peak. More than two decades later, it’s still the record most fans expect to hear the moment B2K’s name enters the conversation.

2. “Girlfriend”

Before “Bump, Bump, Bump” climbed to the top of the charts, “Girlfriend” was already helping B2K build a devoted following. The song arrived during a stretch when the group seemed to be everywhere, from TRL and 106 & Park to the bedroom walls of fans across the country. A Verzuz battle thrives on nostalgia, and few B2K records transport listeners back to the early 2000s quite like this one.

3. “Why I Love You”

Every group entering Verzuz needs a record that slows things down without losing the room. For B2K, that song is “Why I Love You.” The heartfelt ballad showcased a different side of the group, giving fans a chance to focus on the emotion rather than the choreography. If the battle comes down to sing-alongs, this one could prove especially difficult to beat.

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4. “Uh Huh”

“Uh Huh” arrived before B2K became a household name, capturing the youthful confidence that first drew fans to the group. The song’s playful energy helped lay the foundation for everything that followed. When conversations turn to B2K’s biggest records, this one doesn’t always get the same attention, but its place in the group’s story is difficult to ignore.

5. “Gots Ta Be”

Not every Verzuz moment comes from a group’s biggest hit. Sometimes the loudest reactions are reserved for the songs longtime fans feel never received enough credit. “Gots Ta Be” falls into that category, remaining a favorite among listeners who followed B2K beyond the singles that dominated radio. If the battle leaves room for a deeper catalog cut, this one deserves consideration.

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Pretty Ricky Must-Have Songs

1. “Grind With Me”

Ask Pretty Ricky fans to name one song, and “Grind With Me” will probably be the first answer. The slow-burning hit became the group’s signature record, introducing listeners to a sound that felt noticeably more mature than many of their peers at the time. If B2K comes armed with “Why I Love You,” Pretty Ricky can counter with a song that has remained a staple of R&B playlists for nearly two decades.

2. “Your Body”

Parents probably weren’t thrilled when “Your Body” started making its way through speakers and headphones in the mid-2000s. The song leaned into the grown-and-sexy image Pretty Ricky embraced throughout much of its run, helping separate the group from many of its teen-pop contemporaries. “Grind With Me” may be the record fans expect to hear, but “Your Body” is the kind of follow-up that reminds everyone why Pretty Ricky became such a force during that era.

3. “On The Hotline”

The first line of “On The Hotline” is so recognizable that plenty of fans can recite it without hearing the rest of the song. The track was released at a time when ringtone culture was still thriving, and the record felt perfectly suited for an era when people personalized every aspect of their phones. Verzuz thrives on immediate reactions, and few Pretty Ricky songs can generate one faster than this.

Read More: K. Michelle Disses Tamar Braxton While Talking About Potential Verzuz

4. “Nothing But A Number”

Pretty Ricky’s biggest hits usually dominate the conversation, which makes “Nothing But A Number” an easy record to overlook. That would be a mistake. The song developed a loyal following over the years, earning the kind of appreciation that often comes from fans who spent time with the albums rather than just the singles. Verzuz has a way of bringing those records back into the spotlight.

5. “Love Like Honey”

Many early-2000s R&B groups chased crossover success. “Love Like Honey” felt far less concerned with that. The song was a smooth, seductive track that became a hallmark of Pretty Ricky’s catalog, giving fans exactly what they came for. Familiarity in Verzuz battles is definitely rewarded, and this is the kind of record that longtime listeners would welcome without hesitation.

B2K and Pretty Ricky have been compared for years. Verzuz is finally turning those conversations into an event. Twenty songs per side leaves plenty of room for surprises, but these are the records that feel essential. Leave any of them off the setlist, and somebody is going home unhappy. What songs are your must-haves for this Verzuz?

The post B2K Verzuz Pretty Ricky: Essential Songs We Need To Hear appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The shoe uses a mix of black, atomic red, medium olive, and noble red. A topographic, weather map style pattern spreads across the entire upper. Pink branding hits the heel counter and tongue throughout the build. A speckled black midsole pairs with visible pink Air cushioning underfoot.

This continues Nike’s broader retro effort for Durant’s older signature shoes. The brand previously brought back the KD 4, including its own weather themed colorway. The KD 6 line already kicked off its own retro run earlier this year. Durant signed a lifetime deal with Nike back in 2023.

Durant originally wore the KD 6 during his first NBA MVP season. That run helped cement the shoe’s place within basketball history. Fans have requested this specific retro for over a decade now.

The shoe is expected to release through Nike and select retailers. That includes Shiekh, Shoe Palace, and DTLR. With the date now just two weeks away, the wait is almost over.

Read More: Bronny and Bryce James Just Got Matching Gold Chains Together

Nike KD 6 “Meteorology”

The “Meteorology” colorway followed the Nike KD 4 “Weatherman,” one of the line’s most beloved early releases. Both shoes lean directly into Durant’s long standing fascination with weather. The KD 6 itself introduced a low cut design inspired by soccer cleats.

It also combined Zoom Air and Max Air cushioning within a dual density midsole. That setup balanced speed with support during one of Durant’s best seasons. Durant remains one of only a handful of Nike athletes with over ten signature shoes.

That group includes LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. Bringing back colorways like this keeps that long running signature line feeling fresh. For fans who missed it in 2013, this retro finally closes that gap. This return is going to be big.

Read More: Jadakiss Just Revealed Some Air Force 1s You Haven’t Seen Yet

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The clasped hands design represents unity between the two brothers. Small lettering near the wrists adds a personal touch to each piece. Bronny and Bryce grew up together, both went Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles. Bryce later joined his older brother there during his own freshman year.

Bryce now plays college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. Also, Bronny currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, the same team as their father. Despite different paths, both brothers have stayed closely connected throughout their careers. A matching chain adds a lasting symbol to that connection.

Bronny has spoken before about the advice he’s given his younger brother over the years. He’s pushed Bryce to keep working and avoid taking opportunities for granted. That kind of guidance reflects the relationship behind this new piece of jewelry.

Custom jewelry between siblings isn’t unusual within sports and entertainment circles. Still, this one stands out given the family’s massive basketball profile. The chains mark another small chapter in their shared story.

Read More: Jadakiss Just Revealed Some Air Force 1s You Haven’t Seen Yet

Bryce And Bronny James Chain

Growing up under their father’s massive spotlight has shaped both brothers in similar ways. Being LeBron James’s sons means constant pressure and comparisons, something Bronny already understands firsthand. He’s faced doubts about earning his spot rather than being given one. Bronny has told Bryce that hard work is the best way to quiet that kind of doubt.

That shared experience likely brought the brothers closer over time. Few people outside their family fully understand that specific kind of pressure. Also Bronny’s advice has shifted over the years, from simply having fun to staying focused and humble.

Bryce has clearly taken that guidance to heart as his own career develops. A symbol like matching chains fits naturally into that ongoing relationship. Overall it reflects a bond built through shared experience, not just shared blood.

Read More: Cardi B Goes Off On Blogger Who Said Her Tooth Was Knocked Out

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One standout was an unreleased Air Force 1 called “NY vs. NY.” That design pays tribute to New York City’s most well known basketball courts. It continues Nike’s ongoing series built around the city’s outdoor basketball culture. A white upper pairs with bright neon yellow accents throughout the shoe. A ribbon wrapping the shoe lists out several legendary hoops locations.

Also included was an upcoming Kith collaboration nicknamed “Reverse Linen.” That design flips one of the most beloved Air Force 1 colorways ever made. Several other colorways filled out the rest of the lineup as well. Bright patent leather, neon green, and deep navy pairs all appeared in the photos.

Jadakiss has a long history with the Air Force 1 silhouette specifically. He’s previously worn rare releases like the Nike Air Force 1 Lux “Alligator.” He’s also shown off pairs tied to past Louis Vuitton collaborations before.

Seeing unreleased pairs surface this way isn’t unusual within hip hop circles. Artists often get early access well before public release dates. This collection just happened to include a few standout surprises.

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Jadakiss Unreleased Nike Air Force 1s

Jadakiss has built a reputation as one of hip hop’s most consistent sneaker collectors. He’s shown off rare pairs before, including the Nike Air Force 1 Lux “Alligator,” limited to just 25 pairs.

He’s also flexed past Louis Vuitton collaborations alongside Fat Joe and DJ Khaled. That history makes this latest reveal feel right in line with his usual habits. Getting a package straight from Nike NYC also says something about his standing.

Brands tend to send early access to people who actually move culture forward. Jadakiss has stayed relevant in sneaker circles for years through moments like this. Sharing it publicly keeps fans engaged without making the post feel like an ad. It’s a small but consistent part of his presence online. For someone who’s been around this long, that kind of access track.

Read More: Muni Long Details Double Lung Transplant & Lupus Battle

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‘Why you lying and saying that a n*gga touched me and knocked my [tooth] out?” Cardi said while on Live, according to Complex. “First of all, I don’t give a f*ck if I’m beefing with a n*gga, if I hate a n*gga…one thing I’m not going to do is go and lie on a motherf*cker. A n*gga never even laid a nail on me. I don’t play that domestic violence bullsh*t.” Then, she spoke about tolerating “bullsh*t” from her romantic partners because of what she witnessed growing up. However, domestic violence was something she would never accept.

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Read More: Cardi B Breaks Silence On Rumor She’s An Industry Plant Sent To Dethrone Nicki Minaj

Cardi Is A Survivor Of Domestic Violence

“One thing I never seen my father do was hit and touch my mom. My dad never hit my mom,” Cardi added. “Even when my mom used to beat the sh*t out of him in front of us, you know what my dad used to do? Walk away. Just walk away. And that’s why one thing I don’t tolerate is a n*gga touching me.”

The Grammy winner also explained that she has been on the receiving end of physical violence in a relationship, but it’s something she will never allow again. Cardi also reminded people that she has veneers, and if she were to get into a fight and have a tooth knocked out, her face would look visibly different. Then, she called out the blogger to post anything to substantiate their claims. Still, she didn’t name the person.

Check out the clip below.

Cardi B addresses rumor from a blogger. pic.twitter.com/Kcg8BWfFNp

— — (@coldestinthecut) June 22, 2026

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The clip still spread quickly across social media regardless. Boosie Badazz was one of several people who reacted strongly online. He questioned whether the footage was even real at first. That reaction only added more attention to the situation.

Rocky and his AWGE imprint decided to lean into the confusion instead of brushing it off. The brand announced a new line of thongs for women shortly after. The post included a sharp message aimed directly at people who jumped to conclusions.

Photos shared alongside the announcement showed the new design up close. Black, red, and nude tones layered together across the waistband. “AWGE” branding appeared stitched into each strap clearly. The look played off the same visual that started the confusion.

Turning a misunderstanding into a product drop isn’t unusual at this point. Brands often respond quickly when something starts trending unexpectedly. This time, the joke became something fans can actually buy.

Read More: Mystikal Still Faces Civil Suit, Victim Details Ordeal In Cort Docs

AWGE Teases Thongs After A$AP Rocky Situation

This is a pretty smart move from AWGE overall. Instead of correcting the record quietly, they ran straight at it. That choice turned an awkward viral clip into something fans could laugh along with. Most brands would just stay silent or issue a boring statement instead.

AWGE skipped that entirely and went for humor right away. The message itself kept things sharp without sounding defensive or annoyed. Pairing that tone with an actual product made the response feel complete. It’s the kind of timing that’s hard to plan for in advance.

Most viral moments fade quickly without anyone capitalizing on them at all. This time, the brand managed to turn a quick laugh into real attention. That’s a solid example of reacting fast and getting it right.

Read More: Muni Long Details Double Lung Transplant & Lupus Battle

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While visiting Good Morning America, the singer detailed having to leave The Boy is Mine Tour early. “I should have never taken that tour, but there was so much going on in my life that I had to do it,” said Long. “About midway through, we’re up in the north east, it’s really cold, and with autoimmune, the cold is really not your friend. I got really sick, I got pneumonia.”

“I had to step away for a few dates. But I’m like, this is not it, I got to go back. I went back, and I think maybe about five or six dates in, I was like, this is not… I couldn’t even get out of bed to make my call time for the stage. And the last show, I just barely made it; I was only able to do two songs. My team and my family were like, you just need to come home and rest.”

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Read More: Muni Long Essential Songs

The Surgery That Saved Muni Long’s Life

Throughout the conversation, Long spoke candidly about the physical and emotional toll of living with lupus, a chronic condition that can affect multiple organs throughout the body. The singer says following a double lung transplant that saved her life, she’s doing much better.

“[The doctors] were all like, you need a transplant,” she said. “I’m like, it sounds like you have a time. How long do I have to live? And they go, a week. One week. And my jaw dropped literally. I was like, ‘That’s rude.’ But they just wanted me to, hey, this is not a joke, you need to make a choice. You can either go to hospice, or you can get these lungs.”

Check out a clip of her interview below.

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The sentencing marked the end of the criminal proceedings, but not the end of the case’s broader consequences. During the hearing, the victim addressed the court and spoke about the impact the assault had on her life. Days before sentencing, the rapper sought to withdraw his guilty plea, arguing that he accepted the agreement while under emotional distress, though the request was ultimately denied.

Read More: Mystikal’s Son Speaks Out, Hopes Rapper Gets Help In Prison

The Victim Speaks Out About Her Ordeal

Complex reports that in 2023, court documents detailed the victim’s side of the story. She claimed that the incident was sparked by Mystikal accusing her of stealing from him, and “when she denied it,” he “struck Plaintiff in the face with a closed fist.” At one point, the victim claims she asked to use the restroom and was only granted permission if the rapper could watch her. Then, she stated she was raped. Further, the victim claimed that following the incident, she feared so much for her safety that she moved homes.

“This battery ensued for several minutes. During the battery, Defendant choked Plaintiff to such a point that she almost lost consciousness. Defendant continued to accuse Plaintiff of stealing money. Each time Plaintiff denied stealing money, Defendant struck her again. During the battery, Defendant made Plaintiff strip off her pants. Plaintiff sustained bruises, scrapes, a laceration, missing hair, and a broken fingernail.”

Read More: Master P Calls to “Free Mystikal!” Amid Rape Charge

“While she was using the bathroom, Defendant spit in her face and threw rubbing alcohol in her face,” the documents reportedly show. “Defendant then grabbed a pair of scissors and began to swing them violently and threatened Plaintiff. Defendant eventually told Plaintiff they needed to pray. He had her kneel by his bedside, and he knelt beside her. They knelt for a few minutes and prayed.”

This week, TMZ caught up with Mystikal’s son, who talked about listening to the victim share her story during the trial. He spoke on the emotional toll this has taken on his family, and said he hopes his father gets the help he needs while behind bars.

The post Mystikal Still Faces Civil Suit, Victim Details Ordeal In Court Docs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

That history makes the reported first-week performance of B*tch difficult to ignore. Early sales estimates suggest the project moved 2,650 copies, according to Luminate, reported by Forbes, and failed to secure a spot on the Billboard 200. For an artist whose previous releases produced chart-topping singles and widespread commercial success, the numbers have become a talking point across social media, where fans and critics are debating what may have contributed to such a sharp decline.

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Read More: B*TCH — Album By Lizzo

Controversies Have Shrouded Lizzo

Several factors have entered the conversation. The industry’s relationship with stardom has changed considerably since Lizzo’s breakthrough years, and sustaining mainstream attention has become increasingly difficult even for established artists. One can also point to the legal controversies that have surrounded the singer since 2023, when several former dancers filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and discrimination.

Lizzo has denied the allegations, and the legal battles have continued to generate headlines in the years since. Whatever the explanation, the gap between her recent commercial peak and the opening week of B*tch is significant enough to raise questions about where her career stands and what comes next.

The post Lizzo’s “B*tch” Album Reportedly Sells Less Than 3K First Week appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

However, he finds himself back in the news following some revelations about Alabama Barker. According to N3on, he had feelings for Barker and was spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on her. Eventually, he realized that she did not feel the same way.

Once he realized this, he continued to live his life as he pleased. Barker did the same, although as N3on describes, Barker didn’t like that too much. This subsequently led to a falling out of sorts. Meanwhile, the streamer revealed that Barker allegedly forced him to sign an NDA.

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N3on Has Personal Troubles

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N3on alleges that Barker threatened him with a lawsuit if he were to break the NDA. Given these recent comments on his live stream, one has to wonder what Barker’s reaction is going to be.

Ultimately, a lot of these relationships you see on streams are constructed purely for the audience. They are mutually beneficial in some way, and more often than not, are nowhere near authentic. The relationship between Iggy Azalea and N3on is a perfect example of this.

Beyond this recent revelation, one has to wonder how much longer N3on can sustain his success. Without the antics, he just isn’t a compelling personality. Even with the antics, he’s just an edgelord, and that gets old fast.

Read More: Can North West Actually Live Up To Her Dad’s Legacy?

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