HotNewHipHop

Jay-Z Says He Didn’t Like Being An Artist Despite “Reasonable Doubt’s” Success

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:10:36 +0000

Jay-Z sat down with Rick Rubin to talk about his songs, his career, and his insights for the JAŸ-Z In 8 docuseries-slash-podcast for HBO Max, the first two episodes of which come out tonight (Friday, September 18) at 8PM EST. Six more episodes will follow. Complex caught an early look at the episodes, and reported that he wanted to retire after his first album Reasonable Doubt and quit rapping to focus on business.

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.

Jay-Z & Colin Kaepernick

JAY-Z says he never planned a long Rap career & wanted to only focus on business after ‘Reasonable Doubt’

“I didn't love being an artist. I didn't like shooting videos, doing interviews. I didn't like speaking.”

“Rappers were pulling up in turtle tops and minivans, and we… pic.twitter.com/1Eq14eHSda
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) September 18, 2026

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?

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AZ Chike Reveals Kendrick Lamar’s True Role On New Album After Not Being Featured

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:34:00 +0000

AZ Chike just dropped his new album No Rest For The Wicked with features from Tyler, The Creator and more collaborators. Previously, he had teased via social media that his GNX collaborator Kendrick Lamar might appear on the LP, as he posted pictures of them in the studio. This didn’t end up panning out, and thanks to Bootleg Kev, we have a bit more context for this link-up.

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.

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.'”

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Nothing Into Something – Song by Coi Leray and Diplo

Alexander Cole — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:45:07 +0000

Throughout Coi Leray’s rise to fame, there have been a whole lot of detractors. People who haven’t believed in what she’s doing and where she is going to be when all is said and done. However, the one constant has been her own belief in herself. On the new single “Nothing Into Something” with Diplo, Coi speaks on how she was able to turn that lack of belief into the career she has now. A career that has put egg on a lot of people’s faces, including her own father’s.

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?

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DJ Akademiks Wants To Fight Meek Mill In A Boxing Match With Adin Ross’ Help

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:49:39 +0000

Meek Mill and DJ Akademiks have a long history of beef, which recently flared up again thanks to the Lil Durk case. Meek blasted Akademiks for his coverage, which led to a social media back-and-forth that continues to live rent-free in both men’s minds. So much so that Ak recently asked Adin Ross to set up a boxing match between him and the Philly MC for his next Brand Risk event, and also asked for Doodie Lo and Tekashi 6ix9ine to get in the ring for a fight.

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.

Meek Mill & DJ Akademiks Beef

Akademiks tells Adin Ross to put him vs. Meek Mill and Doodie Lo vs. 6ix9ine on the next Brand Risk card pic.twitter.com/zPjBbTxXNw
— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) September 18, 2026

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.

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No Motions Have Been Filed Yet For Lil Durk’s Federal Trial In October

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:22:32 +0000

Lil Durk was recently found not guilty on all counts in his murder-for-hire case, and he has another federal trial to face on October 5, which is its current start date at press time. The upcoming proceedings are based on prosecutors’ accusations that he financed murder in aid of racketeering (commonly known as a VICAR charge) and provided alleged perpetrators with higher standings in his collective and group. Concerning the upcoming trial, journalist Michael Blackshire reported that, as of yesterday afternoon (Thursday, September 17), no motions have appeared to develop it or change its schedule.

“As of this afternoon, we have not heard of any motion filed regarding the next Lil Durk federal trial on October 5th,” Blackshire reported via Twitter. “Judge Fitzgerald and prosecutors spoke of the next trial date matter-of-factly right after the verdict last week. United States Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli mentioned the same trial date last week in a post.”

As of this afternoon, we have not heard of any motion filed regarding the next Lil Durk federal trial on October 5th. Judge Fitzgerald and prosecutors spoke of the next trial date matter-of-factly right after the verdict last week. United States Attorney for the Central District…
— Michael Blackshire (@Blackshireflick) September 18, 2026

In a tweet just under an hour later, the journalist said the Chicago rapper’s attorneys requested a “Speedy Trial” as Durk’s constitutional right in the United States. U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald, who oversaw the murder-for-hire case, reportedly said the following last Friday: “Counsels are ordered to return at that time (October 5th), absent a stipulation or a successful motion to continue the trial pursuant to the Speedy Trial Act.”

How Long Has Lil Durk Been In Prison?

Lil Durk’s attorneys requested for a Speedy Trial. That is why Judge Fitzgerald said the following last Friday, “Counsels are ordered to return at that time (October 5th), absent a stipulation or a successful motion to continue the trial pursuant to the Speedy Trial Act.”
— Michael Blackshire (@Blackshireflick) September 18, 2026

This lack of motions in the case, whether it’s to delay the trial, dismiss it, or other matters, sparked debate among fans. Some believe prosecutors could still try to delay the trial following multiple controversial delays of the murder-for-hire case. Others think this indicates the trial will proceed on October 5 as planned. In any case, we will have to wait for more official information.

Lil Durk has been in custody since his arrest in October of 2024. The racketeering-related case, if it goes according to the current schedule, would mark an almost exact two-year anniversary of that arrest.

This upcoming trial centers on broader allegations of alleged murder plots and financial compensation. Judge Fitzgerald previously severed it from the murder-for-hire allegations when prosecutors included it all in one superseding indictment, with the judge arguing the breadth of accusations would be unfairly prejudicial to Durk.

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DJ Akademiks Warns NBA YoungBoy To Stay In South Korea After NBA Ben10’s Arrest

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:50:42 +0000

The case of AllStar JR and NBA Ben10 has been more shocking than fans initially thought. All of the developments around the case, including the recent arrest of Ben10, have led folks like DJ Akademiks to look at Ben’s cousin NBA YoungBoy. YB recently revealed he’s living in South Korea, and Akademiks warned him to keep it that way based on all the legal drama at play with the Ben10 situation.

During a livestream caught by his affiliate page on Twitter, Ak read court filings about Ben and OG 3Three’s FBI arrest which went over Ben’s criminal history and alleged the FBI knows of various associates of the “Never Broke Again” organization who have engaged in criminal activity. It’s still unclear exactly why the FBI arrested Ben and 3Three in connection to the AllStar JR case, whether it’s the charges they face or the context. An upcoming detention hearing will presumably shed more light on law enforcement’s accusations.

But DJ Akademiks took particular note of the court filings accusing the “Never Broke Again” group of being connected to criminal activity. Then, he warned YoungBoy to stay in South Korea amid all this.

“By the way, if that wasn’t clear enough to y’all, YoungBoy, stay in South Korea,” Akademiks expressed. “Ain’t nothing back over here for you.”

NBA Ben10 Shooting

DJ Akademiks advises NBA YoungBoy to stay in South Korea after reading new court filings detailing the Houston sh0*ting that led to NBA Ben10 and OG 3Three being arrested by the FBI

“..If that wasn't clear enough to y'all, YoungBoy, stay in South Korea… ain't nothing back… pic.twitter.com/L1C5F1myt6
— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) September 18, 2026

We will see if this case’s development makes more significant mention of YoungBoy or if he’s an unrelated and unwitting point of reference in this situation. Many folks theorized he may be living in South Korea due to all the legal trouble he faced in the U.S., but that’s just a speculative interpretation.

For those unaware, the NBA Ben10 case stems from an alleged altercation with AllStar JR from back in April of this year. Authorities accused AllStar of shooting and permanently paralyzing Ben10 after Ben and some associates tried to rob JR.

The case was already becoming more complex before Ben10’s arrest. He had previously advocated for AllStar JR despite their previous social media back-and-forths. Still, it remains unclear how these arrests will connect, what is in store for NBA Ben10 and others, and whether or not YB will become a part of this situation.

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Run It Up – Song by Fenix Flexin featuring French Montana & Max B

Alexander Cole — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:32:30 +0000

Following the release of the alleged AI-constructed song “Rubberz,” Fenix Flexin has been receiving some criticism as well as some skepticism. Now, every song he makes will force people to ask, “Is this AI?” That is certainly the case on his new song “Run It Up,” which comes with features from the likes of French Montana and Max B. The song has 80s production and a whole lot of autotune. Sure, it’s catchy at times, but there is just something off about the whole thing. Clearly, the stench of “Rubberz” has not worn off.

Release Date: September 18, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Run It Up

From the mud gotta touch the sky
Gotta walk ‘fore you learn to fly, gettin’ extra high
Drop top and my necklace gold
Got platinum, diamond and gold

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Jennifer Hough Reacts To Kenneth Petty Claiming She Changed Sexual Assault Story

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:15:05 +0000

Kenneth Petty is trying to dismiss his attempted sexual assault accuser’s New York lawsuit, developing a decades-long conflict that has experienced various alleged historical reevaluations. Jennifer Hough alleged he sexually assaulted her in 1994 when they were 16, and he faced a conviction of first-degree attempted sexual assault in 1995. Now, after Petty claimed Hough changed her story after admitting to lying about the assault in an alleged 1994 letter, TMZ got a response from the accuser via her lawyer Marjorie Mesidor.

In a recent court filing, Nicki Minaj’s husband claimed his accuser wrote a letter to the District Attorney in 1994 asking to drop the charges against him and recanting the context of her story. Furthermore, per the alleged letter, Hough allegedly called her allegations “half true and half false,” and said people around her blew the situation out of proportion.

Jennifer Hough’s lawyer Marjorie Mesidor told TMZ her client never wrote or signed this alleged 1994 letter. The attorney claimed the move is not only suspicious, but also falls flat in the face of Kenneth Petty’s guilty plea in 1995.

“This exact tactic was attempted by Mr. Petty in 1994, and it was widely disregarded by the judge then just as it will be disregarded by the judge now,” Mesidor reportedly stated. “The concept of a 16-year-old minor producing a typewritten recantation without parental consent is highly suspicious on its face — and this is simply not her signature.”

Kenneth Petty’s Lawsuit

Nicki Minaj's Husband Says Alleged Rape Victim Told D.A. She Wasn't Raped, She Denies https://t.co/yn8EWO8tPz
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 17, 2026

Jennifer Hough sued Kenneth Petty in 2021 for alleged witness intimidation, harassment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She claimed he, Nicki Minaj, and their affiliates aggressively pushed for her to recant her accusations. Later on, Minaj was removed from the civil suit.

Petty is now attempting to dismiss the civil claims against him, including sexual assault, via this alleged 1994 letter. He claimed Jennifer Hough has changed her story a lot over the years, arguing she only pursued civil claims after his marriage to the hip-hop superstar.

We will see how the judge in this case will rule on these attempts to dismiss. The resurfacing of a decades-long conflict could be heading towards some significant resolution.

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Angelic Crashout – EP by Mulan

Alexander Cole — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:40:56 +0000

During an intimate listening party at Studio Newma, Montreal R&B singer Mulan performed her new EP Angelic Crashout for the very first time. In what was a vulnerable moment for the artist, supporters got to hear the hard work Mulan has been putting into her craft. With Angelic Crashout, that hard work has certainly paid off as these five tracks showcase an artist who has a firm command of their art. Songs like “Supermodel Boy” show off Mulan’s playful side as she delivers a sugary sweet pop song with sparkling guitars. Meanwhile, the title track “Angelic Crashout” delivers one of the most heartbreaking moments of the EP. Perhaps the standout of the tracklist is “Butterfly,” which has a sticky hook that won’t get out of your head. Angelic Crashout stands out as an appropriate introduction to Mulan’s music, and we look forward to hearing more.

Release Date: September 18, 2026

Genre: R&B, Pop

Tracklist for Angelic Crashout

What Am I
Supermodel Boy
Butterfly
Angelic Crashout
Outgrew You

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Jeweler Apologizes For Posting Video Of BloodHound Q50’s Bloodied Chain

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:40:46 +0000

The hip-hop world and beyond continues to mourn the loss of Chicago rapper BloodHound Q50, who was shot and killed during a gas station ambush. Multiple men appeared in surveillance camera footage pulling up to his location and shooting at his vehicle. While police investigate Q50’s murder, folks are reacting with outrage to a jeweler’s video from earlier this week of him cleaning Q50’s bloodstained chain and Rolex watch, and the jeweler has now responded.

The Chicago jeweler, who goes by @thevvsking on Instagram, took to the social media platform to address the backlash, as caught by No Jumper on Twitter. He deleted the video after the outrage and issued an apology yesterday (Thursday, September 17) via an IG post. Today, @thevvsking posted a video of the late MC at his store with the caption “Long Live My Brotha, LLQ50.”

“I want to sincerely apologize for the insensitive post I made earlier,” the jeweler wrote. “I posted a piece that was brought into our store without fully considering the circumstances surrounding it or how the post could come across, especially given the tragic situation involved. It was a situation in which we have never encountered and we just wanted to share our experience with our followers.

“I understand why people were upset, and I take responsibility for posting it,” @thevvsking continued. “There was no intention to disrespect the person who lost their life, their family, or anyone affected by what happened. But intention doesn’t change impact and I take full responsibility. I have removed the post. I should have used better judgement before posting it, and I apologize to anyone I offended or hurt. My condolences go out to everyone affected.”

BloodHound Q50’s Murder

BloodHound Q50’s jeweler is apologizing after posting an “insensitive” video of himself cleaning the rapper’s bloodied Cuban link chain and Rolex following his passing. He has since deleted the video.

“I want to sincerely apologize for the insensitive post I made earlier.” pic.twitter.com/yri9ArrfUB
— No Jumper (@nojumper) September 18, 2026

The investigation into BloodHound Q50’s murder continues to develop as Chicago law enforcement tries to figure out what happened. But fans are also trying to connect the dots. Reddit theories and conspiracies ran rampant in the wake of the ambush, but folks are still waiting on more official and verifiable updates.

Meanwhile, other folks close to this tragedy have also spoken out. These include the woman who was allegedly in the car with BloodHoundQ50 when the shooting happened and the late artist’s mother.

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