His message arrives three days after the NFL announced that Jay-Z will headline Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 14, 2027. The performance will be Jay’s first as a halftime lead, despite Roc Nation having helped produce the event since 2019. Bayless didn’t directly criticize the selection in his latest remark, but his continued advocacy for Wayne is familiar territory.

Read More: Lil Wayne Poses Next To His Fiancée During Visit With Skip Bayless

Skip Bayless Previously Boycotted Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance

The longtime sports personality was among those who strongly opposed Wayne being passed over when the NFL brought Super Bowl LIX to The Big Easy. In Jan. 2025, he argued that Wayne should “obviously” headline the show, given his connection to the city.

Bayless eventually took his protest further. On the day Kendrick performed, he announced that he wouldn’t watch the halftime show out of respect for his friend, calling the decision to exclude Wayne wrong. The Rap icon was a regular contributor to Bayless’ former FS1 program Undisputed, recording its theme music and frequently joining him for sports discussions. The two have also spoken publicly about their close personal relationship, which began during Bayless’ years at ESPN.

Weezy admitted that missing the New Orleans performance was hard to accept. In Sept. 2024, he told supporters the disappointment had “broke me,” although he later clarified that he held no ill will toward Kendrick. During a Dec. appearance on The Skip Bayless Show, Wayne revealed that he’d spoken with Lamar and encouraged him to deliver a memorable performance.

Jay-Z’s selection presents a different situation, with the Roc Nation founder finally accepting an opportunity he’d previously declined. The NFL hasn’t announced any guest performers for February’s show, leaving its full lineup unknown. Bayless’ latest comments don’t specifically call for Wayne to join Jay-Z, but they make clear that he hasn’t given up on seeing his longtime friend headline the event himself.

Read More: Lil Wayne & Skip Bayless Hint At The Future Of “Undisputed”

The post Skip Bayless Isn’t Giving Up On His Lil Wayne Super Bowl Dreams appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Perry turned over the messages during discovery but maintains that both sides previously agreed to keep them confidential, TMZ reported Thursday (Oct. 29). His latest court filing seeks to preserve that arrangement, particularly for associates whose private conversations were included in the material.

The director insists that those individuals have no connection to Rodriguez’s allegations and shouldn’t have their personal communications exposed simply because they’re acquainted with him. He contends that making the messages public would subject them to unnecessary embarrassment. Rodriguez hasn’t formally responded to the latest request, leaving Perry’s demand for confidentiality unchallenged in the filings reported so far.

Read More: Tyler Perry’s Sexual Assault Accuser Says He Won’t Sit For Deposition

Tyler Perry And Mario Rodriguez Continue Fighting Over Evidence

The disagreement stems from a lawsuit Rodriguez filed in December 2025, accusing Perry of sexually assaulting him during private encounters. Rodriguez, who appeared in the filmmaker’s 2016 comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween, claims they met at a gym in 2015 before Perry helped him secure a small role in the movie.

In his complaint, Rodriguez alleged that Perry made unwanted sexual advances during subsequent visits to his home. He described a 2018 encounter in which Perry allegedly touched his genitals without consent before apologizing and giving him $5,000. Rodriguez also claimed he received another $5,000 after a separate incident involving unwanted sexual contact.

Perry has denied the accusations, arguing that Rodriguez continued communicating with him afterward and repeatedly sought financial assistance. His attorney, Alex Spiro, previously characterized the lawsuit as a “shakedown” and maintained that the allegations lack merit. Moreover, the two have also clashed over what Rodriguez should be permitted to ask during Perry’s deposition. Earlier this year, Rodriguez sought sanctions after accusing Perry of refusing to answer questions concerning his sexual orientation. Perry disputed that account, with his attorneys arguing that such questions were irrelevant to the allegations.

In July, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brock Hammond rejected Rodriguez’s motion to compel Perry’s deposition after finding that the filmmaker had already agreed to testify on Dec. 9. The latest dispute raises another question about the boundaries of discovery, although the text messages themselves have already been provided to Rodriguez’s legal team. A ruling on their confidentiality hasn’t been reported.

Read More: Marlo Hampton Breaks Silence On Image Of Her Kissing Tyler Perry

The post Tyler Perry Wants Private Texts Kept Secret In Sexual Assault Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Stewart passed away at his Los Angeles home after living with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his longtime spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. His wife, singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell, was by his side. The diagnoses hadn’t previously been disclosed publicly.

In a statement announcing his death, Stewart’s family remembered the affection that surrounded him during his final days. They described an intimate gathering of loved ones, with music filling the room as those closest to him said their goodbyes.

Read More: X-Men Movies: 7 Best Of The Franchise

Patrick Stewart’s Career Spanned More Than Six Decades

Although millions knew Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, his career began on the British stage. Born in Yorkshire in 1940, he developed an early interest in Shakespeare before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s. He spent 14 years with the prestigious theater company, establishing a reputation that eventually opened doors in television and film.

His international breakthrough arrived in 1987 when he was cast in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Stewart portrayed Picard throughout the show’s seven-season run and returned for four feature films. Decades later, he revisited the character in Star Trek: Picard, which concluded in 2023.

Another generation discovered him through 2000’s X-Men, where he introduced audiences to Professor Charles Xavier alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Stewart returned for several installments, including 2017’s Logan, before making another appearance as Xavier in Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022.

Beyond his franchise success, Stewart remained devoted to theater. His performances earned him three Olivier Awards, and Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2010 for his contributions to drama. He also spoke publicly about witnessing domestic violence during his childhood, later supporting organizations assisting survivors.

Tributes began arriving shortly after news of his death. Jackman remembered his longtime costar as both an extraordinary performer and a close friend. “We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today,” Jackman wrote on Instagram. “I learned so much from him.”

Stewart is survived by Ozell and his two children, Daniel and Sophia. Audiences will have another opportunity to see him as Professor Xavier in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on Dec. 18. The film reunites him with longtime friend and X-Men costar Ian McKellen, who returns as Magneto.

Read More: Marvel Remixes 27 Classic Hip Hop Album Covers

The post Patrick Stewart, Beloved ‘Star Trek’ And ‘X-Men’ Actor, Dies At 86 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to TMZ, which obtained footage of the exchange, Blige was roughly halfway through her two-hour performance at Dolby Live inside Park MGM. She was standing at a microphone between songs when the heckling caught her attention. Blige addressed the person directly, using some colorful language before asking that they be escorted out. “I hope someone sees you and politely removes you,” she said. She then questioned why the individual had paid to attend the concert, ending her remarks by calling them an “idiot.”

The singer eventually apologized to the rest of the audience for losing her temper. “Sometimes I have to go in,” she acknowledged before continuing the show. It’s unclear what prompted the booing or whether staff removed the person from the venue.

Read More: Mary J. Blige Strikes New Music Catalog Deal With Primary Wave

Mary J. Blige Brings Out Wyclef Jean During Las Vegas Show

The confrontation didn’t keep Blige from giving the audience another memorable moment. About 20 minutes later, she welcomed Wyclef Jean to the stage to perform their 2000 collaboration “911.” The unexpected appearance brought the focus back to the music after the earlier interruption.

Blige launched My Life, My Story, her first Las Vegas residency, in May. The production celebrates more than three decades of music, featuring fan favorites like “Real Love” and “Be Without You.” Its sold-out opening weekend prompted MGM Resorts to add more dates, extending the residency through 2026 and eventually into 2027. The singer has said she wants the residency to bring together longtime supporters who have followed her career through its many changes. During a May appearance on Good Morning America, she reflected on the connection she shares with those listeners, explaining that their encouragement has helped her remain motivated.

Blige has two more performances scheduled for October 30 and 31 before returning to Dolby Live in February. Her residency runs through Feb. 20, 2027.

Read More: Usher Celebrates 48 With Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, & A Night Of Magic

The post Mary J. Blige Goes Off On Heckler Booing At Las Vegas Show appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

She subsequently took to social media, where she bashed 50 Cent’s teenage son, Sire Jackson. Kemp was unrelenting in her comments about the child, and Fif immediately took legal action. At first, it started with a cease-and-desist. However, it eventually evolved into a $6 million lawsuit.

Recently, Kemp was hit with a temporary restraining order. Despite this, she has continued to talk about 50 Cent and his kid online. However, 50 Cent is hoping that she finally stops the “gangsta granny act,” once and for all.

Read More: Elliott Wilson’s Legacy Has Turned Into A Cautionary Tale

50 Cent Vs. Tia Kemp Continues

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

“I know this is not gonna make her stop making antisemitic remarks about my Jewish lawyers, posting revenge porn and attacking a child but it will make her re think her Gangsta granny act. It’s not ok,” Fif wrote.

Ultimately, this battle between Tia Kemp and 50 Cent has gotten particularly ugly, especially since kids are involved. Typically, you have a feud between the adults in the room. However, 50 Cent and Kemp have dragged each other’s kids into this, and it’s been a bad look for everyone involved.

50 Cent continues to seek $6 million from Tia Kemp. Whether or not he wins that case remains to be seen. Be sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates.

Read More: Ranking The 10 Best Sneakers Ever Worn At The Super Bowl Halftime Show

The post 50 Cent Calls Tia Kemp A “Gangsta Granny” After Securing Temporary Restraining Order appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Their direct competition is The Joe Budden Podcast, which also does similar numbers. However, their business model is mostly predicated on Patreon as opposed to beefing up YouTube.

Regardless, there have been rumblings of a podcast war. Quite frankly, Fat Joe is at fault for this. Recent comments about having more money and smelling better than the competition led to discussion about whom he might be talking about.

However, on the latest episode of Joe & Jada, Fat Joe made it clear that there is no war. He and Jada are number one in the podcast game, and that’s that. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Read More: Elliott Wilson’s Legacy Has Turned Into A Cautionary Tale

Fat Joe Reiterates He Is Number One

Of course, there are plenty of podcasters in the space who are going to see this completely differently. Joe Budden is definitely one of them. His platform has been growing for over a decade, and fans care deeply about what he has to say on a given issue. The JBTV community on X is massive, and when they don’t like something, they make their voices heard immediately.

Joe & Jada don’t have that cult fanbase as Budden does. However, they do have the numbers, and they have a raucous energy that has been sorely missing from the hip-hop podcast space for some time.

Fat Joe and Jadakiss continue to climb the hip-hop media power rankings, and going into next year, some might say they deserve the top spot. Let us know if you think that is the case in the comments below.

Read More: Ranking The 10 Best Sneakers Ever Worn At The Super Bowl Halftime Show

The post Fat Joe Speaks Out Amid Rumblings Of A Podcast War appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

During an appearance on The Art Of Dialogue, Dame spoke about how he is totally fine with what went down. In fact, he says it is a blessing because his daughters will get the profits from the series. Furthermore, he claims that since other celebrities are public domain, he has bragging rights.

“So if somebody pays for my life rights, which from what I understand, life rights are free, you know, like there was a documentary made about Puff that I’m sure he didn’t get paid for. Donald Trump has a lot of movies made about him on Netflix. Like once you’re a public figure, it’s public domain,” Dame Dash argued.

Read More: Elliott Wilson’s Legacy Has Turned Into A Cautionary Tale

Dame Dash Isn’t Pressed About His Life Rights

Dame Dash also went on to say that it is flattering to see the bidders get all the way up to half a million. It is a glass-half-full approach from Dame, which is something most fans probably didn’t expect.

“I’m flattered that my life rights mean so much,” Dame explained. “I’m flattered that the intention is to make a movie about me that must have a bigger budget than the life rights unless they’re dumb. I’m flattered that now I get to really fight for something that if it did happen would appear to be unconstitutional.”

It is unknown when production on a Dame Dash documentary will begin. The life rights owners can do as they please. Only time will tell whether or not it is something that gets done soon.

Read More: Ranking The 10 Best Sneakers Ever Worn At The Super Bowl Halftime Show

The post Dame Dash Gives His Honest Thoughts On Life Rights Selling For $550K appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

During a recent episode of Talk With Flee, Cam’ron explained how this situation has cost him a lot of money over the years. Essentially, the other Cameron Giles has been receiving checks that were supposed to go to Cam’ron.

While he doesn’t believe the other Giles is being malicious, he does think that the statute of limitations has run out. Simply put, that money is lost, and he is never getting it back. It’s an unfortunate situation, and one that has taught him a lot about the ins and outs of the music industry.

Read More: Ranking The 10 Best Sneakers Ever Worn At The Super Bowl Halftime Show

Cam’ron Talks Losing Money

Artists having issues with getting paid is nothing new. Over the years, we have seen just how cutthroat the business can be. However, having someone with the same name as you cash those checks must be incredibly frustrating. It’s one of those things that you don’t even realize until you really start looking into it.

Hopefully, Cam’ron is able to get this situation squared away and get his money back in the process. Or, at the very least, get future dollars routed to the correct Cameron Giles.

You have to admire Cam for being so understanding despite the lost revenue. He has a large catalog and one that is worth a lot to various executives. He should be looking for any kind of restitution in this matter.

Read More: Elliott Wilson’s Legacy Has Turned Into A Cautionary Tale

The post Cam’ron Reveals Another Cameron Giles Has Been Receiving His Publishing Checks appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Can we verify Akademiks is from Spanish town because he don’t promote any Jamaican artist music? Why is that? I have family in Spanish town let me know where this guy is really from!” Meek tweeted.

Naturally, Ak fired back. He stated that the support he receives in Jamaica is unwavering unlike the support system Meek has in Philadelphia. Frankly, that’s a bold claim when Meek is still highly respected in his city.

“Yute they love me more in Jamaica more than they love you in Philly lil Boy. U turned into a fan page tryna get my attention. thought u said u were done talking to me til ur 120 days voodoo worked,” Akademiks replied.

Read More: Elliott Wilson’s Legacy Has Turned Into A Cautionary Tale

Meek Mill & Akademiks Go At It

And once Meek shared a video related to the Sneako drama, Ak snapped, again. “U a clip page now .. I’ll help u get back on but u gon have to pay…. Ur old label (ATLANTIC)  use to pay me a bag to keep ur career going .. u not exempt. Independent or no,” he wrote.

It should be noted that Meek’s tweets have since been deleted following Akademiks response, though there’s not a clear reason why. Meanwhile, Akademiks received a cease-and-desist letter from Sneako’s lawyer after sharing what was alleged to be an AI video. Check the posts above and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Read More: Ranking The 10 Best Sneakers Ever Worn At The Super Bowl Halftime Show

The post Akademiks Says Jamaica Loves Him More Than Philadelphia Loves Meek Mill appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The first drop went through SNKRS, Class Trip, and Atlanta stores. Some of the biggest pieces sold out right away, including the $1,200 Destroyer jacket.

Class Trip’s own listings give a better look at the lower prices. The crown snapback costs $50, and the “Ms. Jackson” tee costs $60. The football jersey costs $145, and the hoodie costs $180. That gives fans a few ways in without chasing the jacket.

The collection is built around the style of Andre 3000 and Big Boi. The Georgia “G” carries Outkast’s crown, and the jerseys use “96” to honor the year ATLiens dropped. The group’s “Roses” video also helped shape the look.

Class Trip’s founder, Brian Francis, has said the project began at lunch with Andre, who shared memories of visiting Athens. Class Trip’s creative director, Jon Tietz, said the goal was to make something that feels as timeless as the group’s music.

Overall, this wider release gives more fans a real chance to grab a piece.

Read More: Hip-Hop Albums & Songs Dropping Tonight, October 30, 2026

Nike x Georgia x Outkast Collection

On October 2nd, the group also launched a Waffle House collaboration through its own website. That collection turned a line from Big Boi’s “So Fresh, So Clean” verse into a Waffle House marquee. It connected the group’s music with a familiar part of Southern life.

Both projects show how much Outkast still means to Atlanta. The group’s music helped define the city’s sound and style for decades.

Their legacy keeps growing, too. Outkast joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025, with Donald Glover serving as their inductor. They also remain one of the few hip-hop acts to win the Grammy for Album of the Year.

The Georgia collection fits right into that story. It mixes music, football, and fashion, which is exactly what the group has always done. Overall, the rollout is a great moment for Atlanta and Georgia fans alike. If the early sell-outs are any sign, this collection will stay in demand.

Read More: Chris Brown Threatens To Crack A Bottle Over The Head Of A Man Who Called Him An Idiot

The post Outkast’s Georgia Collection With Nike Is Now Available at More Stores appeared first on HotNewHipHop.