Although many hardcore OVO supporters hoped this comeback solo studio LP would come out last year, they are also confident in the idea that more time in the oven will yield even more filling and nourishing results. In fact, this photo dump points heavily towards a lot of studio work right now.

The post includes a picture of Drake recording at his Houston strip club studio, pics with various friends, watch flexes, TikTok memes, a mysterious picture of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley in theChamber Of Secrets movie, a picture of the late and legendary Avicii, and much more. But it was the caption that really got fans excited.

Of course, there’s a trademark shady Drizzy remark that makes up most of it. “honestly, not looking @ me whn you tell me the important things is all i needed to see.” But then came the kicker. “ICESZN,” he wrote.

Read More: Drake Rings In 2026 With DJ Whoo Kid After Securing Huge Streaming Title

When Is Drake Dropping ICEMAN?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi)

We still don’t have an official release date for Drake’s highly anticipated ICEMAN album, and we honestly don’t expect to get one before it drops. After all, his livestreams for the project have been pretty sporadic, and we got some unexpected singles from them. We don’t even know if they’ll make the album. With this much anticipation, the Toronto superstar could drop in just a few minutes and still make the splash that other lengthy rollouts aim for.

If we do get a release date, though, it will most likely be a quick turnaround. But who knows? Previous projects like For All The Dogs and the PARTYNEXTDOOR collab album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U had build-ups with release dates, singles, and more.

However, Drake has some legal trouble to handle, too. He, Adin Ross, and Stake recently received another class action lawsuit, specifically a federal RICO. It not only accuses them of illegal gambling promotion, but of also using the “tipping” feature to mask funds used to allegedly boost the 6ix God’s music streams.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Blames Drake & Kendrick Lamar Beef For Stalling Hip-Hop’s Progress

The post Drake Proclaims It’s “ICEMAN Season” Ahead Of Highly Anticipated 2026 Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to Loren LoRosa on Twitter, the lawsuit alleges that the codefendants (along with George Nguyen) have been using Stake’s “tipping” feature to give each other money. The RICO accuses them of using that money to artificially boost Drizzy’s music streams across major distribution platforms and digital streaming services.

“In addition, through Stake’s Tipping function, Defendants have financed their combined artificial streaming (“botting”) to create fraudulent streams of Drake’s music; fabricate popularity; disparage competitors and music label executives; distort recommendation algorithms; and distribute financing for all of the foregoing, while concealing the flow of funds,” two plaintiffs reportedly alleged in the filing.

Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that the Toronto superstar knowingly and willingly allowed for his alleged coconspirators to mask encrypted transfers as “giveaways” widely unavailable to the public. In addition, it alleges one $100K tip transfer between Ross and the 6ix God in 2023. It also brought up Drake’s 2024 “Drizzmas” giveaway stream with Adin Ross as an example of the codefendants allegedly cycling through tips among themselves to fuel botting and paid engagement tactics.

Read More: Adin Ross Breaks Silence On Drake & Stake Gambling Lawsuit

Drake & Stake’s Lawsuit

Not only that, but the lawsuit reportedly mentioned a $220K car that Stake allegedly gifted to Ross days before this New Year’s Eve filing. LoRosa stated that she reached out to The Boy’s team for comment and hasn’t received a response as of writing this article.

The lawsuit appeared in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, according to Casino Beats. It accuses the codefendants of promoting an illegal gambling operation and seeks $5 million in damages. The report also identifies the plaintiffs as allegedly being LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, or “Stake.us users within the United States” in the filing.

Drake received similar lawsuits last year in New Mexico and in Missouri. He did a stream giving away part of his Stake earning mere days ago.

Read More: Drake & Adin Ross Sued Over Stake Involvement: Everything We Know

The post Drake, Adin Ross & Stake Hit With Another Class Action Gambling RICO Lawsuit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“I am not suicidal. I do not want to kill myself,” he clarified. “I’m literally going in there for 90 days. I didn’t hang myself. Clip this. I did not hang myself. Nothing. I’m not suicidal. I’m nothing. And I’m going to be very cautious.”

Clearly, 6ix9ine has some serious concerns going into this, and fans hope everything goes smoothly. After hearing the warning, Ross offered to drop him off to begin serving the sentence. He even promised to spoil him once he gets out.

“I’m going to get you a really f*cking nice gift when you get out. When you’re free. Oh my god. I’m going to get you a nice gift,” he said.

Read More: 6ix9ine Accuses Lil Durk Of Being A Fake Muslim In New Diss Track

6ix9ine Home Invasion

It’s been a rough couple of months for 6ix9ine, as in addition to receiving his sentence, his home was broken into a few weeks back. Apparently, the perpetrators waited until he was away to strike.

“I wanna make this video to clear up all the fake news and rumors,” he announced at the time. “The world knows this, it’s a fact: I’m on house arrest, I’ve been on house arrest. I think everyone in America and everyone across the world knows that I’m on house arrest.”

“Yesterday, they allowed me to leave for work. People saw that I was on livestream with Jack Doherty,” he continued. “They took that opportunity to f*cking do some p*ssy sh*t. It’s me, so I get it. The rules are different for me. If it was your favorite artist, your favorite actor and that was done, they don’t get no cool points for that. My mom is 60 years old. Y’all know I’m supposed to come home. Y’all know I’m home all the time. I’m on house arrest. So, y’all take the opportunity that I’m not home and y’all see me on livestream with Jack Doherty in Miami and y’all do that. That’s p*ssy sh*t.”

Read More: 6ix9ine Responds After Being Compared To Jeffrey Epstein

The post 6ix9ine Issues Cryptic Warning Ahead Of Prison Sentence appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Per Hip Hop All Day, Kendrick boasts 2.98 billion streams with GNX and Carti garnered 2.16 billion streams via MUSIC. Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA is at number three, followed by Kanye West’s Graduation, K.Dot’s DAMN., Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal, and Travis Scott’s UTOPIA. Drake comes in at number eight with Views, Travis again with ASTROWORLD, and Metro Boomin rounds out the top ten with HEROES & VILLAINS. Other notable albums in the top 50 (that actually released this year) include Central Cee’s Can’t Rush Greatness, Lil Tecca’s DOPAMINE, and Lil Baby’s WHAM.

According to other reports, Ye’s Graduation was the most streamed rap album in 2025 when taking into account most, if not all, streaming platforms. Drake was Spotify’s most streamed rapper in 2025, adding an 11th consecutive achievement in this category.

Read More: We Now Know Why Playboi Carti’s “BABY BOI” Didn’t Come Out This Year

Most Streamed Hip-Hop Music Of 2025

Drake also secured that title for Apple Music. As for his rival, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was Apple Music’s most streamed rap song in 2025. Beyond this binary and close-minded interpretation of these numbers, though, there are a lot of other narratives to consider.

One of them is the relative lack of new albums on this list, although folks would have to bring up previous year-end numbers to really make a point. Still, it speaks to the resonance of earlier classics and the difficulty in making a big hit these days, which is by no means a hip-hop-exclusive issue.

Still, 2026 could be a big year that counters this presumption. After all, Drizzy and King Vamp have new solo albums to drop, as well as highly anticipated releases from folks like Don Toliver. He landed on this 2025 list multiple times as well.

Will next year represent similar results or are we in for some more true blockbusters? We’ll just have to wait and see…

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Works On “GNX” In Never-Before-Seen Footage Shared By Sounwave

The post Kendrick Lamar & Playboi Carti Lead Spotify’s Most Streamed Rap Albums In 2025 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

To ring in 2026, 50 Cent spent his evening in Miami, as seen in a couple of clips shared by 2Cool2Blog on Instagram. He performed at E11EVEN for an energetic crowd and even surprised his friend Flo Rida with a luxury watch.

His New Year’s Eve performance came shortly after it was reported that he secured the title of the most-streamed New York rapper on YouTube of the year once again. He shared the news with his followers and did a bit of bragging in his caption. “I thought we got over this guys, it is the way it is,” he wrote. “LOL.”

Read More: Jim Jones’ DJ Denies Rumor That 50 Cent Paid Him To Sabotage Capo’s Set

Who Does 50 Cent Have Beef With?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 2Cool2Blog (@2cool2bl0g)

The performance also took place amid his beef with Jim Jones, which has escalated in recent weeks. Just a few days ago, Jones, Fabolous, Maino, and Dave East dropped a freestyle called “Squautter’s Rights,” which seemingly contained at least a few jabs at Fif.

For those who don’t recall, 50 Cent recently accused them of owing thousands in back rent. He even released audio of an alleged phone call with their landlord, in which he accuses them of being anywhere from $80K to $180K in debt to him.

In response to the freestyle, Fif teased a busy year, indicating that he might have even more up his sleeve.

“Let’s toast to success, health, and prosperity,” he declared. “I’m planning my new year. When I’m done, I’ll come out to play. You know everyone who plays with me wishes they didn’t in the end.”

Read More: 50 Cent Once Again Finishes 2025 As New York’s Top Rapper On YouTube

The post 50 Cent Brings In The New Year With An Electric Performance In Miami appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: January 1, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from NUN2SUM.

I came up from a dollar to a thousand,
From a thousand to a million, now I got it,
This rapping s**t, I’m passionate about it
And they gon’ hate, ’cause they can’t take the hood up out me

The post NUN2SUM. – Song by YFN Lucci appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

zsneakerheadz reports that the Air Jordan 14 “Black/University Blue” will be released on March 21st, 2026.

Bold university blue accents contrast beautifully against the sleek black suede upper throughout the design. The Air Jordan 14 remains an iconic model inspired by Michael Jordan’s Ferrari 550 Maranello.

Its unique shape and luxury automotive design cues set it apart from other Jordan signatures. The silhouette debuted in 1998 during Jordan’s final championship season with the Chicago Bulls.

This “Black/University Blue” iteration stays true to the model’s premium construction and attention to detail. Black suede dominates the upper, creating a sophisticated foundation for the vibrant blue highlights. University blue appears on the collar, midsole sections, and outsole for strategic pops of color.

The Ferrari-inspired shield logo sits prominently on the lateral heel in matching blue tones. White and metallic silver accents on the midsole add visual depth to the overall design. The combination creates a clean, wearable colorway that honors the shoe’s performance basketball heritage.

Fans can expect this colorway to hit retailers next spring. Official release details and retailer information will emerge as the launch date approaches closer.

Read More: Air Jordan 6 “Reverse Infrared” New On-Foot Look Surfaces

Air Jordan 14 “University Blue” Retail Price

The Air Jordan 14 “Black/University Blue” features a premium black suede upper that gives the shoe a luxurious, refined look true to its Ferrari-inspired roots. Vibrant university blue accents create bold contrast against the dark base, appearing on the padded collar, sculpted midsole portions, and throughout the rubber outsole.

The sleek low-profile silhouette maintains its distinctive smooth lines from toe to heel with perforated detailing adding texture to the suede panels. White and metallic silver hits accent the ribbed midsole sections for added depth.

Also a university blue Jumpman branding appears on the tongue and the iconic Ferrari shield logo sits on the lateral heel, bringing the entire color story together in a clean, cohesive design.

Finally the retail price of the sneakers will be $210 when they release.

Read More: Central Cee Previews His Newest Nike “Syna” Collection

The post New Photos Showcase The Air Jordan 14 “Black/University Blue” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to Albe Back, however, he’s telling the truth. “Must of been a slow news day,” he began on his Instagram Story. “But I’ll pass a poly for sure.” Ye didn’t back down, taking to social media once again to double down.

“Ask James Blake,” he wrote. “The whole album that leaked is made from freestyles that I did with James over his beats[.] You can tell because there’s missing words[.] The melody is super special when I sing ‘always.'”

Read More: Kanye West Sets The Record Straight About His Alleged Bucket List

Is Kanye West Dropping A New Album?

This isn’t the first time Ye has set the record straight in recent days, either. Earlier this week, he also clarified that a bucket list making its rounds online is not really his, despite rumors. “That so called bucket list is fake. It’s not my hand writing,” he declared. The fake bucket list included things like owning a pug, skydiving, swimming with sharks, and more.

As for what Ye is actually up to these days, he recently surprised fans at a Deon Cole comedy show in Hollywood, where he shared some big news. “You got anything we could look out for?” Cole asked him at the show. “No music, no shirts or sweaters or some boots?” He responded simply, saying, “New album.” Ye didn’t provide him with any further details.

He also recently linked up with his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, to celebrate the holidays for the sake of their kids. A source told TMZ that the former couple is being “cordial with each other” for the time being. They added that the Chicago artist is “really working on himself” following years of concerning behavior and controversy.

Read More: Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Reunite To Spend Christmas Together

The post Kanye West Clears Up Rumors About Leaked James Blake Collab Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

In a clip caught by Ak’s affiliated DJ Akademiks TV page on Instagram, he went off on Diggs for hiring someone with a physically attractive body. His specific words on the matter were quite fiery.

“To be honest with you, you need to be neutered, n***a,” the journalist remarked on his Kick stream. “You’re too f***ing horny. If you’re hiring a chef with a BBL, and you got five other baby mamas that look bad as hell, and you with Cardi B, how many b***hes do you want to f**k, n***a? Your d**k is going to be your downfall, gang. You’re doing too much. That might be a little bit hypocritical for me to say, ’cause that’s most men. Most of us men, our d**k is our downfall. We’re too horny. It’s like we have an insatiable appetite for more. If you’re hiring a chef, why do you need a b***h with a BBL?”

Read More: Cardi B Rocks A Flashy Barbie-Like Aesthetic While Cheering On Stefon Diggs Against The Jets

Stefon Diggs’ Allegations

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Akademiks TV (@djakademikstv)

During this stream, DJ Akademiks commented on Stefon Diggs’ accuser’s appearance. Some fans might see this as proof of his assessment of all men being “horny,” while others are taking his side. All in all, it’s been a whirlwind to witness, and we’ll see how it plays out in court.

Speaking of which, the NFL wide receiver’s attorney Michael DiStefano claimed that they’re working out a financial offer with the accuser to settle this. A spokesperson for Diggs’ team, the New England Patriots, stated that he categorically denies the allegations and that the team is supporting him while more information comes out.

The allegations against Stefon Diggs are that he physically assaulted his former private chef over a salary dispute on December 2. He wants the court to delay his arraignment from January 23 to March due to the AFC Championship game. We will see how this all concludes.

Read More: Who Is Aileen Lopera? The Woman Suing Stefon Diggs

The post DJ Akademiks Thinks Stefon Diggs Should Be “Neutered” Amid Assault Allegations appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kendrick Lamar came in second place with 11.6 billion streams. He’s followed by Travis Scott with 9.1 billion streams, and Kanye West with 8.6 billion streams. Future, Eminem, Playboi Carti, and more also made the top ten.

It doesn’t look like Drake plans on slowing down in 2026, either. In fact, he’s currently gearing up to drop his highly anticipated ninth studio album, ICEMAN.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Blames Drake & Kendrick Lamar Beef For Stalling Hip-Hop’s Progress

When Is Drake Dropping ICEMAN?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Akademiks TV (@djakademikstv)

At the time of writing, the project still doesn’t have an official release date, but it’s expected to arrive sometime in the next 12 months. Last week, he took to Instagram with a warning to the rest of the industry. In it, he made it clear he has big things planned. “I’m going on a last recording trip… There’s plenty to talk about. We’ll talk about it,” his post read. “ICEMAN coming soon, y’all boys better duck and get out the way.”

DJ Akademiks also delivered a promising message about the album a few weeks back, indicating that fans won’t have to wait much longer to finally hear it.

“Damn .. yall n****s really miss Drake… I’ll let him kno,” he wrote on Twitter/X at the time. “All the haters done change their tune .. maybe yall were right all he needed to do was to fall back n let yall realize ain’t sh*t popping out here without hm and now yall all remember the glory days huh…”

He concluded with a hint, writing, “[ice emoji] so soon.”

Read More: Drake Is Officially One Step Closer To Dropping “ICEMAN”

The post Drake Rings In 2026 With DJ Whoo Kid After Securing Huge Streaming Title appeared first on HotNewHipHop.