Harlow stepped onto the carpet in a puffy black tuxedo, silver brooch, and another oversized newsboy-style cap. The hat went viral again and at this point it’s basically a signature. This year’s theme was “Costume Art,” and Harlow’s look fit in its own unconventional way.

Harlow also wore a similar hat on the cover of his latest album, and a slouchy olive version appeared in his “Say Hello” music video. The hat has become its own conversation at this point separate from the music, separate from anything else he’s doing. People just can’t stop talking about it.

The hat is designed by Australian brand Monphell. So now at least people know where to find one if they want to recreate the look. Harlow wore the full look in Torishéju, which is a relatively under-the-radar designer and not the obvious Met Gala choice.

Harlow is heading out on his 17-city Monica Tour in August, hitting Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and more. He’s coming off a new album and a full R&B pivot that has kept him in the conversation all year. The album itself drew a lot of attention and not all of it positive. But it kept his name at the top of the feed heading into the summer. Also the tour should keep that momentum going.

Read More: A$AP Rocky Adorably Hypes Up Rihanna As They Close Out Met Gala In Style

Jack Harlow At Met Gala

Jack Harlow has been in a different mode lately. His new album Monica is a full R&B pivot which is a departure from the rap sound that put him on the map.

The project drew a lot of attention, and not all of it was positive. After being trolled for declaring that his motivation was to “sound Blacker,” Harlow leaned into the criticism and gave the hat the meme treatment himself. That self-awareness has kept him relevant in the conversation.

The hat is Australian brand Monphell and is an oversized newsboy cap that reads more costume than casual. At the Met Gala, it fit right in. Everywhere else, it’s still a talking point.

Read More: M.I.A. Delivers Scathing Response To Kid Cudi After Being Kicked Off Rebel Ragers Tour

The post Jack Harlow’s Oversized Cap Goes Viral At Met Gala Again appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

At one point in the interview, Piker and Ebro brought up DJ Akademiks. Of course, Ak and Ebro are not exactly friendly with one another. Meanwhile, Akademiks has gone down a right-wing pipeline over the last few years, which puts him at odds with Piker. In fact, he and Piker had a debate a couple of years ago about Socialism.

Piker went so far as to say that DJ Akademiks was one of his “opps.” He mentioned him alongside other streamers like Adin Ross, who also have a right-wing slant to their politics.

Akademiks caught wind of these comments and delivered a response on stream last night. As you can imagine, he wasn’t particularly friendly towards the streamer and political activist.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

DJ Akademiks Talks About Hasan Piker

Akademiks made it clear that he and Hasan barely know each other, and as a result, the term “opp” shouldn’t even be in Piker’s lexicon. Furthermore, Ak stated that he has no interest in being “opps” with anyone political. He subsequently told Piker to “go look at Charlie Kirk” if he wanted an example of real political consequences.

These are all fairly harsh comments, although they are by no means rare for DJ Akademiks. In fact, Akademiks has been a lot more volatile towards his enemies in the past. Clearly, he has no interest in beefing with Hasan over the long haul.

While DJ Akademiks is, first and foremost, a music commentator, there is no doubt that he has gotten political. He has interviewed Donald Trump Jr. and has even been a guest at Mar-A-Lago. With that being said, it only makes sense that Piker would be opposed to Ak’s worldview.

Read More: “Views” Was The Moment Drake Stopped Trying To Be The Greatest Rapper Alive

The post “Go Look At Charlie Kirk:” DJ Akademiks Responds To Hasan Piker Calling Him An “Opp” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

In the days leading up to a Drake album, the artist’s website is typically a good indication of whether or not something is about to happen. The “Drake Related” website always transforms itself into the theme of the album, and it is here where you can buy merch, vinyls, and even tour tickets.

Up until last night, the Drake Related website was dormant. However, as Kurrco pointed out, the artist has updated the website to reflect his current ICEMAN era. As you can see below, the website depicts his mansion in Toronto, covered in ice. You can navigate the rooms of The Embassy, which are also covered in icicles.

For now, the website does not contain any purchasable content. Although in the coming days, that is expected to change.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

Is Drake Gearing Up To Drop Something Today?

Last night, during a DJ Akademiks stream, it was heavily insinuated that Drake would be dropping something today, May 5. Ak says hip-hop media is going to be crying when it happens. Whether or not Akademiks has his facts straight is something that remains to be seen.

There is this hope that Drake could drop Scary Hours 4 prior to ICEMAN. It would certainly be the perfect way to establish himself going into the album. After all, Drizzy tends to do some of the best work on his Scary Hours projects.

The final 10 days of the ICEMAN rollout are going to be fascinating to watch. This is the artist’s first solo album in two-and-a-half years. The expectations are high, and with hip-hop struggling on the Billboard charts, the hope is that Drake can catch a hit.

Read More: “Views” Was The Moment Drake Stopped Trying To Be The Greatest Rapper Alive

The post Drake Related Website Undergoes Massive Overhaul Ahead Of “ICEMAN” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

She arrived over an hour after the rest of the A-list guests had gone inside, after the Vogue livestream had already ended. That’s just how Rihanna operates. She showed up arm-in-arm with A$AP Rocky, and the internet did the rest.

When a reporter asked Rocky to describe Rihanna’s look on the carpet, he kept it simple: “She’s shining like a diamond.” Pretty hard to argue with that.

Rihanna wore a Maison Margiela creation featuring over 115,000 crystal beads and antique jewels, with a bronze hooded cape that apparently took over 1,380 hours to make. Rocky went pink Chanel with black lapels, his own statement in a room full of them.

The couple’s first carpet appearance since surviving a shooting at their Los Angeles home in March made this one feel heavier than a typical Met Gala entrance. They still showed up, still looked great, and still closed out the night on their own terms.

Rihanna has built one of the best Met Gala track records of anyone who’s ever attended. This year was no different. Rocky’s quote said everything that needed to be said about the whole night.

Read More: Beyonce’s Diamond Skeleton Dress Steals The Show At The Met Gala Following 10-Year Hiatus

Rihanna And A$AP Rocky At Met Gala

Rihanna has been one of the most anticipated Met Gala guests for years now. She first attended back in 2007 and has been delivering iconic looks ever since.

The 2015 yellow Guo Pei coatdress with the enormous train is still one of the most talked-about Met Gala looks ever. Last year she used the carpet to announce her third pregnancy.

This year she showed up in Maison Margiela covered in over 115,000 crystals and antique jewels, with a sculpted bronze cape framing the whole look. A$AP Rocky went pink Chanel and kept it clean. They arrived last, as usual, and they looked better than everyone, as usual.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Heavily Insinuates Drake Is Dropping Something Today

The post A$AP Rocky Adorably Hypes Up Rihanna As They Close Out Met Gala In Style appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Her musings went viral for all the wrong reasons, and Kid Cudi subsequently took action. He issued a statement claiming he had warned M.I.A. before the tour to stay away from politics. She violated a core boundary for the tour, and it got her kicked off the billing.

“TOUR UPDATE: M.I.A is no longer on this tour. I told my management to send a notice to her team before we started tour that I didn’t want anything offensive at my shows, cuz I already knew what time it was, and I was assured things were understood. After the last couple shows, I’ve been flooded with messages from fans that were upset by her rants. This, to me, is very disappointing, and I wont have someone on my tour making offensive remarks that upsets my fanbase. Thank you for understanding. Rager.”

On Tuesday evening, M.I.A. took to social media with a lengthy retort. In her response, she claims that by “illegal,” she simply meant members of her team who have yet to get their work VISAs.

Read More: Ranking Every Air Jordan Michael Jordan Wore During The Finals

M.I.A. Claps Back

Furthermore, M.I.A. had some harsh words for Kid Cudi and the political climate at large. She believes she is being silenced, and that she has no interest in cancel culture, or what she believes is a “virtue signal era.”

“I WROTE ILLYGAL ON THE MAYA LP A SONG FROM 2010. I STARTED THIS INTRO TO THE SONG WITH THE STATEMENT SAYING I’M ILLYGAL, AND I SAID MY TEAM HASN’T GOTTEN VISAS YET. THEN PLAYED A SONG THAT HAD LYRICS SAYING “FU&% THE LAW”, WHICH I STILL BELIEVE, IF THE LAW IS UNJUST F@%& IT. DO NOT GASLIGHT MY WORDS. THAT IS THE WORK OF SATAN. I WROTE BORDERS AND ILLYGAL AND PAPER PLANES BEFORE YOU THOUGHT IMMIGRANT RIGHTS WERE COOL. I’VE HAD THSES BATTLES BY MYSELF WITHOUT THE HELP OF MILLIONS OF FANS BACKING ME . I DON’T NEED THIS VIRTUE SIGNAL ERA TO ALL OF A SUDDEN ERASE AN ENTIRE LIFE I’VE LED. JESUS WAS AN IMMIGRANT AND A REBEL. I HAVE NO APPOLGY FOR THE JUDGEMENTAL THE WICKED AND THE IGNORENT, FOR THOSE ARE SPIRITS THAT WE MUST OVER COME IN OUR LIVES AND IN THIS WORLD. JESUS RETURNS TO LEAD THE WORLD JUSTLY BECAUSE THERE IS INJUSTICE IN THIS WORLD . IM PROUD OF THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR IT EVERYDAY. GOD BLESS YOU. GO LISTEN TO M.I.7.”

At this point, it is clear that her working relationship with Kid Cudi is officially over.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

The post M.I.A. Delivers Scathing Response To Kid Cudi After Being Kicked Off Rebel Ragers Tour appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Beyonce returned to the Met Gala for the first time in a decade, this time as a co-chair of the event. Blue Ivy made her Met Gala debut at just 14 years old, making her one of the youngest attendees in the event’s history. And Jay-Z just looked like Jay-Z in a Louis Vuitton suit, dapper as you would expect.

The three of them on that carpet together was one of the bigger moments of the night. Beyonce being gone from the Met Gala for ten years made the return feel significant. She came back wearing a diamond-encrusted skeleton gown designed by Olivier Rousteing. It’s easily one of the most talked-about looks of the entire night. Adding Blue Ivy and Jay-Z to it made it a family moment on the biggest fashion stage in the world.

Jay-Z also has a massive show coming up at Yankee Stadium this summer. That’s a hometown moment for him in every sense as he’s born and raised in Brooklyn, playing the most iconic venue in New York City. It doesn’t get much bigger than that on a personal level.

For the sneaker and streetwear crowd, the Carter family at the Met Gala is just good for the culture. Overall it doesn’t need much more explanation than that.

Read More: Drake Reacts To Lil Baby’s Pledge Of Allegiance

Beyonce And Family At The Met Gala

The 2026 Met Gala theme was “Costume Art” which basically means celebrities showed up dressed like wearable art pieces. Beyonce co-chaired the whole thing alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, which explains the level of effort she brought to the carpet.

What makes the night feel bigger than just a fashion event is the family angle. Beyonce’s first Met Gala was in 2008, right after she married Jay-Z. Coming back 18 years later with her daughter on her arm is a cool full-circle moment.

From a culture standpoint, Jay-Z in Louis Vuitton and Blue Ivy in Balenciaga on the biggest fashion night of the year is exactly the kind of thing the streetwear world pays attention to.

Read More: Dame Dash Says He “Can’t Unsee” Beyonce As A 16-Year-Old, But Would “Mess With” Kelly Rowland

The post Beyonce’s Diamond Skeleton Dress Steals The Show At The Met Gala Following 10-Year Hiatus appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

One person who seems to have the inside scoop on all things Drake is none other than DJ Akademiks. Ak is always eager to deliver teasers pertaining to Drizzy, and therefore, fans have been locked into his streams.

On Monday night, Akademiks raised a few eyebrows with some comments he made. “Tomorrow we collectively drink the tears of Hip Hop media when we see it,” he said. Given the timing of these comments, it is clear that he actually meant today, May 5.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

DJ Akademiks Hints At A Drake Drop

As for the meaning behind these words, it seems like a heavy insinuation that Drake is going to be dropping something. Over the last few weeks, Akademiks has been musing about how hip-hop media is mad at Drake. He believes they have completely switched up on him over the past couple of years and that they need ICEMAN to boost the numbers.

When you consider Akademiks’ proximity to Drake, it should come as no surprise that he would go to bat for him in this fashion. That said, you can’t help but wonder what would make hip-hop media so angry. The only conclusion is that Drake is either dropping a song today or perhaps he has another announcement coming.

Whatever the case may be, the anticipation for ICEMAN is mounting. This could very well be a make-or-break moment for Drake’s career, especially in the aftermath of his 2024 beef with Kendrick Lamar. All of hip-hop will be watching, and the pressure is on.

Read More: “Views” Was The Moment Drake Stopped Trying To Be The Greatest Rapper Alive

The post DJ Akademiks Heavily Insinuates Drake Is Dropping Something Today appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: May 1, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Kick It With Me

I’ma show you to do it, girl, you got a body
I’m so down, get on top, ride it, baby (
Ain’t gon’ lie, you got me so excited, baby
Shawty, won’t you come kick it with me?

The post Kick It With Me – Song by Kodie Shane & UnoTheActivist appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The mogul explained that he never had feelings for Beyoncé or wanted to pursue her in any capacity since he knew her as a teenager and couldn’t shake that image of her. “I don’t care about Beyonce. She’s a kid to me. I wasn’t even thinking about Beyonce,” Dame explained, adding that he was chasing after models like Naomi Campbell at the time. “We knew her when she was 16, so I couldn’t unsee her as 16.”

The rumors have lingered for a while that Dash had tried to talk to Beyoncé before she and Jay-Z were an item. And while he’s denied these claims in the past, Dame revealed that his impression of  Kelly Rowland, who is the same age as Beyoncé, changed. “Kelly Rowland, though. I’ve actually seen her and been like, ‘I would mess with her,’” he said.

Read More: Dame Dash Claps Back After Cam’ron Previews New Diss Track “Do The Dusky”

Dame Dash Crushes On Kelly Rowland

Outside of his supposed change of heart for Kelly Rowland, another excerpt from this interview that has been making the rounds regards Dame’s opinion on Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt. Dash tried to argue that no one really cares about the album, especially the younger generation. He also said that the album doesn’t even sell well, which is why he tried to sell his ownership stake in the album. You could read more about that here and share your thoughts about the clip above in the comment sections. 

Read More: Charlamagne Tha God Slams Dame Dash For Attributing $200M iHeartMedia Deal To Their Beef

The post Dame Dash Says He “Can’t Unsee” Beyonce As A 16-Year-Old, But Would “Mess With” Kelly Rowland appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Following a grueling battle with Kendrick Lamar, there has been a renewed discourse about whether or not Drake can still sit atop the rap throne. There are certainly fans out there who believe he is still capable of holding the mantle. With hip-hop suffering on the Billboard charts, there is this hope that Drizzy can be the guy to catch a hit.

In the aftermath of the beef, Drake lost a few of his friends, and by extension, a few of his collaborators. However, there is at least one artist who has stayed by Drizzy’s side. That artist is Lil Baby, who pledged his allegiance last night by posing in front of a door covered in Drake’s face.

Drake subsequently liked the post, which is an acknowledgement that the artist is well aware of who his real friends are right now.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

Are Drake And Lil Baby Prepping A Collab?

All of this makes us wonder, is Drake going to have Lil Baby on his album? These two have collaborated on numerous occasions in the past. Therefore, it only makes sense that they would team up again.

Lil Baby is someone who is consistently featured on mainstream rap albums. While some fans have gotten tired of this reality, there is no doubt that he and Drake have great chemistry.

With ICEMAN dropping in 11 days, there is this sense that the features are being finalized. Drake has worked on albums up until the release date in the past. It’s why For All The Dogs dropped at 6 AM in the morning.

If you’re a fan, you can’t help but be excited about the possibilities. That said, the anticipation is creating expectations, and with that comes pressure. This rollout is going to be fascinating.

Read More: “Views” Was The Moment Drake Stopped Trying To Be The Greatest Rapper Alive

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