HotNewHipHop https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ The Latest Hip Hop News, Songs, Rap Albums & Music, Gossip & Entertainment News, Sneaker Releases, Sports News, TV & Movies, Interviews, Culture & more Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:33:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 How It Be – Song by Lelo https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000527-how-it-be-lelo Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:33:57 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000527 Lelo is well on his way to superstardom, and he is keeping his momentum going with the video single, "How It Be."

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Detroit artist Lelo has been on a run for a couple of years now. More recently, he has been dropping a string of video singles over on YouTube. Recently, he came through with “Big Dipper,” and on Tuesday, he returned with “How It Be.” Overall, “How It Be” is a track that is going to sound a bit quiet in your headphones. Having said that, Lelo’s talent remains on full display. From the skeletal production to his steady flows, there is no doubt that the artist has a firm command of his sound. He continues to grow as an artist, and you can’t help but wonder what’s next.

Release Date: June 30, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

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The Air Jordan 4 “Bred” Will Reportedly Have High Stock https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000516-air-jordan-4-bred-sneaker-news-7 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:29:00 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000516 The Air Jordan 4 "Bred" returns this November with an OG shape, Nike Air heel branding, and the original MJ face box.

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The Air Jordan 4 “Bred” is set to return on November 28th, per Ovrnundr. That includes the OG shape, which features a slimmer toe and lower profile than the 2019 release.

Black covers the upper, paired with cement grey on the eyelets and midsole. Fire red accents appear on the tongue liner, outsole pods, and other small details. Nike Air branding returns to the heel, consistent with the direction Jordan Brand has taken recently. White edges on the upper panels also match what the 1989 original looked like straight from the box.

Packaging ties things together further. The shoe reportedly arrives in the Michael Jordan face box, which Jordan Brand used in the early 2000s. An original hangtag is also included with this release. Both details sit alongside the OG shape as part of a broader push toward authenticity.

This marks the seventh overall release of the “Bred” Air Jordan 4 since 1989. The colorway last appeared in 2024 as part of the Reimagined series, which used different materials and a different aesthetic.

This November version takes the opposite approach. High stock is expected, making this one of the more accessible major Jordan releases of the year.

Read More: The Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” Is Coming Back With A Price Increase

Air Jordan 4 “Bred”

The Air Jordan 4 “Bred” first released in 1989 alongside three other original colorways. Michael Jordan wore it during the 1989 NBA All-Star Game and throughout that playoff run. That season also gave the world “The Shot,” his buzzer-beater over Craig Ehlo in the first round.

Past retros have struggled to fully recreate the 1989 shape. The 2019 version brought back Nike Air branding but still used a slightly different mold. This 2026 version reportedly uses a retooled mold to address those concerns directly.

White-edged panels on the upper further separate this from recent releases. That detail matches the original 1989 pair more closely than any modern retro has.

Combined with the MJ face box and original hangtag, every aspect of this release pushes toward authenticity. High stock also makes it a more realistic option for a wider range of buyers than past limited drops.

Read More: Lil Cease Defends The Notorious B.I.G. Amid “Gay Lyrics” Debate

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The Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” Is Coming Back With A Price Increase https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000510-air-jordan-11-space-jam-sneaker-news-7 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:44:06 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000510 The Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam" returns December with new images confirmed and a $20 price increase over last year's holiday release.

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The Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” is officially confirmed for December 12th. New images surfaced this week, giving fans their clearest look yet at the shoe ahead of its holiday release.

Along with those images came the confirmed price, which comes in $20 higher than last year’s Air Jordan 11 release. That increase has drawn the most attention since the news broke.

The shoe itself stays close to what fans already know from past retros. Black patent leather, a white midsole, and blue Jumpman branding remain consistent throughout. A stitched “23” returns to the heel, continuing the direction set by Jordan Brand in recent years. The shoe releases in full family sizing ahead of the holiday shopping window.

This marks the first wide high-top Space Jam retro in nearly a decade. Jordan Brand is tying the release to the film’s 30th anniversary this year. That milestone gives the drop extra context beyond a standard holiday retro. A separate “Space Jam Galaxy” version is also reportedly releasing in November as a limited companion.

Price increases on major Jordan Brand releases have become more common recently. Last year’s Air Jordan 11 “Gamma” set the previous standard before this jump. For a shoe with this much history attached, the higher price was probably expected. Whether it affects demand heading into December remains to be seen.

Read More: Lil Cease Defends The Notorious B.I.G. Amid “Gay Lyrics” Debate

Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”

Jordan Brand has released a holiday Air Jordan 11 every year since 2009. That tradition made December drops feel predictable, but the Space Jam colorway raises the stakes. It last released in 2016, when Jordan Brand used it to debut a remastered construction. That version was one of Nike’s biggest launches ever at the time.

This new version keeps the remastered shape from that 2016 release. Patent leather wraps the lower half of the shoe in the same glossy finish. The upper uses black mesh, and a blue Jumpman sits on the ankle. A translucent outsole helps prevent yellowing over time, a detail added in recent retros.

The $20 price increase moves the shoe above most previous Air Jordan 11 holiday releases. Jordan Brand has gradually adjusted prices across its lineup over the past few years.

Read More: Skechers OG Anunoby Wore In The Finals Are Available For Pre-Order

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Lil Cease Defends The Notorious B.I.G. Amid “Gay Lyrics” Debate https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000505-lil-cease-notorious-big-gay-lyrics Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:35:19 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000505 A resurfaced Biggie lyric has sparked another round of debate, and this time, Lil Cease is setting the record straight.

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Hip Hop has never stopped revisiting its past, but social media has changed the way classic lyrics are judged. Bars that once landed as punchlines or exaggerated storytelling are now regularly dissected through a modern lens. This has sparked debates that often divide generations of Rap fans. Lil Cease has grown tired of seeing that happen to one of The Notorious B.I.G.’s most quoted lyrics, and he’s making it clear that he believes today’s critics are missing the context entirely.

During a recent interview with The Art of Dialogue, Cease pushed back against online claims that certain Biggie lyrics should be viewed as “sus” or interpreted as evidence of homosexuality. The criticism surrounds a line from “Me & My B*tch” on Ready to Die, where he raps: “You look so good, huh, I’ll suck on your daddy’s d*ck.”

Cease argued that listeners unfamiliar with the era are overlooking both the humor and the cultural references behind it. He explained that the lyric was inspired by a joke from comedian Richard Pryor and “if you don’t understand the metaphor of what he said then you just a corny dude.”

Read More: Lil Cease Claims Biggie Thought Jay-Z Was A Better MC Than Him

Cease Shuts Down Critics

“Sh*t is whack. These young n*ggas be taking too many drugs,” said Cease. “They be high on too many pills, and for them to think that way makes me think that these young n*ggas be gay as f*ck. ‘Cause for you to think of these lyrics and go, ‘Oh that’s sus.’ Like, what?”

Cease also took issue with what he described as the internet’s obsession with labeling everyday comments or situations as worthy of a “pause.” He argued that constantly searching for hidden sexual meaning says more about the people making those interpretations than the artists themselves, adding that he won’t tolerate what he sees as attempts to tarnish Biggie’s legacy now that the Brooklyn icon is no longer here.

Check out the clip of the interview below.

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‘Top Boy’ Star Micheal Ward Denies Rape Charges As London Trial Begins https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000501-micheal-ward-top-boy-rape-trial Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:15:48 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000501 Jurors listened to a recorded police interview and heard the prosecution's account as Micheal Ward's high-profile trial opened in London.

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British actor Micheal Ward has become one of the U.K.’s most recognizable young stars through performances in Top Boy and Blue Story. He has even earned a BAFTA Rising Star Award while building an international profile. This week, however, the 28-year-old appeared in London’s Snaresbrook Crown Court as his criminal trial began. Ward has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault stemming from an alleged encounter with a woman in 2023. Ward has maintained that all sexual activity between them was consensual.

The opening day of testimony focused largely on statements the woman gave to police after the alleged incident. Jurors listened to a recorded interview in which she described feeling “numb” and “scared,” recalling that she wanted “it all to be over.” She also alleged that, at one point, she tried to leave the vehicle where the encounter took place but was told to shut the door. Prosecutors contend the woman met Ward earlier that evening at an event in London, and their interactions continued later that night.

Read More: Drake Details His Connection To “Top Boy” & U.K. In Rare Interview

A Life-Changing Trial

According to BBC News, Ward’s account differs sharply from the prosecution’s version of events. Court proceedings also established that the woman had initially agreed to kissing and other intimate contact before prosecutors allege the encounter became non-consensual. The defense maintains that the sexual activity remained consensual throughout.

The trial is expected to continue as prosecutors and the defense present additional evidence and witness testimony. Ward, who was born in Jamaica and raised in London, rose to prominence through his portrayal of Jamie in Top Boy before expanding his career. The outcome of the case will determine whether one of Britain’s most celebrated young actors returns to his career or faces criminal convictions that could permanently alter his trajectory.

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Kanye West Nears Settlement In Ex-Assistant’s Sexual Assault Lawsuit https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000498-kanye-west-assistant-sexual-assault-lawsuit Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:56:13 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000498 A Los Angeles judge was told Kanye West and his former assistant have agreed to settle the lawsuit in principle following mediation.

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Nearly two years after Lauren Pisciotta first filed suit against Kanye West, the long-running legal battle appears to be nearing its conclusion. Attorneys for both sides reportedly told a Los Angeles judge this week that they have reached a settlement in principle, signaling that one of the rapper’s most closely watched civil cases could soon be resolved if a final agreement is completed.

According to court records obtained by Complex, the parties informed the court they participated in mediation earlier this month and have since agreed to the framework of a settlement. As a result, an upcoming hearing has been taken off the court’s calendar while both sides reportedly work to finalize the remaining details. They are expected to return to court in late September if additional proceedings are necessary.

Read More: Kanye West Goes Off On Ex-Assistant Lauren Pisciotta In New Rant: “She Smelled Funny”

The Basis Of Pisciotta’s Lawsuit

Pisciotta originally sued Ye in 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and wrongful termination following her time working as his assistant. She later expanded the lawsuit to include additional allegations, including sexual assault, battery, and sex trafficking. A text from West reportedly reads: “See my problem is I be wanting to f*ck but then after I f*ck I want a girl to tell me how hard they been f*cked while I’m f*cking them. Then I want her to cheat on me…”

Ye has denied the claims throughout the case. The proposed settlement in principle does not constitute an admission of liability by either party. If finalized, the agreement would bring one of the most high-profile civil lawsuits surrounding the artist to a close.

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Lil Durk Pushes To Separate New Charges Ahead Of August Trial https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000495-lil-durk-murder-charge-lul-pab Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:19:11 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000495 A new court filing shows Lil Durk's attorneys pushing back against recently added racketeering charges ahead of his August trial.

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After spending nearly two years preparing to defend one criminal case, Lil Durk’s attorneys say federal prosecutors significantly expanded the scope of the case just weeks before trial. According to AllHipHop, in a newly filed motion, the Chicago rapper’s legal team argues the government introduced new racketeering allegations at the last minute, forcing the defense to investigate additional claims while preparing for a trial that could carry life-altering consequences.

Read More: Lil Durk Says He’s “Working On Peace” Amid Trial Delay, Shares Song Snippet For 33rd Birthday

Durk Is Preparing For An Intense Trial

Rather than requesting another delay, Durk’s attorneys are asking the court to split the newly added charges from the original case tied to the 2022 shooting that killed Quando Rondo’s cousin, Lul Pab. If the court declines, the defense seeks dismissal of the entire indictment. According to the filing, prosecutors spent nearly two years building their case around the Los Angeles shooting before introducing a broader theory that alleges Durk was involved in a multi-state criminal enterprise, along with new charges that include racketeering murder and conspiracy to stalk.

The motion also argues that the timing raises constitutional concerns. Durk has remained in federal custody since October 2024 and, according to his attorneys, consistently objected to previous trial delays. The filing states that the defense must now review roughly a terabyte of additional discovery while investigating new allegations across multiple states, all with the August 20 trial date approaching. A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments on July 27. It’s a hearing that could determine whether the case proceeds as currently charged or takes a different path before trial.

Read More: Quando Rondo Pays Tribute To Lul Pab On His Death’s Anniversary

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Drake Told Akademiks He Missed A Call From Tay Keith Prior To His Death https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000491-drake-tay-keith-akademiks Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:00:59 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000491 A conversation between Drake and DJ Akademiks has shed new light on how the rapper processed Tay Keith's unexpected death.

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News of Tay Keith’s death hit Hip Hop hard, especially for the artists who watched the Memphis producer evolve from one of the South’s brightest young beatmakers into a Grammy-winning hitmaker. Drake was there for much of that rise. Beginning with “Look Alive” alongside BlocBoy JB and continuing through records like “Nonstop” and “Rich Flex” with 21 Savage, the two built a creative partnership that produced some of the biggest songs of the streaming era, making Keith one of the most recognizable producers of his generation.

Recently, while streaming, Akademiks spoke about a conversation he had with Drake about Tay. According to Ak, the late producer contacted Drake not long before he passed away.

Read More: Police Issue Statement On Tay Keith’s Death, Friends & Collaborators React

The Loss Of A Major Talent

“Drake hit me up, I think it was the night—he was f*cked up,” said Ak. “I don’t like bringing up everything we talk about, but he was f*cked up over the passing of Tay Keith. Me and him had a long convo. It’s kinda interesting, I think he was feeling a little guilty. He said Tay Keith had hit him up abotu 45 minutes before.”

Akademiks went on to say that Drake questioned if things would have been different if he had responded.

While Drake never publicly suggested that returning the call or text would have changed what happened, Akademiks’ story offered a glimpse into how deeply the loss affected him. The pair worked together across several years, with Tay Keith producing records including “Look Alive,” “Nonstop,” “Never Recover,” “Rich Flex,” and “Pussy & Millions.” Those collaborations helped introduce Keith’s signature sound to a much wider audience while becoming standout moments in Drake’s catalog.

Meanwhile, Tay Keith’s cause of death has yet to be shared. Police have stated they do not suspect any foul play.

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Drake Reacts To Kawhi Leonard-Toronto Raptors Trade News https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000487-drake-kawhi-leonard-trade-reaction Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:38:46 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000487 Kawhi Leonard is going back to the Toronto Raptors, and no one is going to be happier about this news than Drake.

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Kawhi Leonard helped the Toronto Raptors win their first and only NBA Title back in 2019. After winning the championship and the Finals MVP award, Leonard immediately left that Summer for the Los Angeles Clippers.

While Leonard always wanted to go back home to California, the Clippers just weren’t the right team. Even with Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden by his side, he could not get over the hump.

Today, Leonard is about to be traded to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap, and 2 second-rounders. He’s going back to Toronto, and it is a joyous occasion for Raptors fans.

The Raptors made the playoffs this past season, and they even pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round. With that in mind, there is a realistic chance Leonard can make them contenders again.

Meanwhile, Drake is having himself a party. On social media, he reacted to the reports of Leonard’s return, saying “so is it kawhiYZ szn again?”

Read More: Clive Davis Was Behind The Legendary Careers Of These 10 Music Icons

Drake Loves Himself Some Kawhi Leonard

It should be noted that Leonard is injury-prone and considerably older than he was in 2019. He is 35 years old, which means he is likely to retire with the Raptors when all is said and done.

He has spent much of his time with the Clippers load managing, and we don’t see that changing in Toronto. Regardless, for Raptors fans, this is a reunion that will bring about some hope, as well as some nostalgia.

Toronto would have given Kawhi the world had he stayed the first time around. Now, both sides can make up for lost time.

Read More: Tay Keith’s Signature Sound Lives On Through These 10 Songs

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Lil Wayne Explains Why He Will Never Do Verzuz https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/1000484-lil-wayne-verzuz Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:51:49 +0000 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/?p=1000484 During a conversation with DJ Drama, Lil Wayne offered an explanation for why he would never do a Verzuz battle.

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While his last couple of albums have missed the mark, there is no denying that Lil Wayne is one of the greatest rappers ever. Overall, he is responsible for some massive hits and iconic songs. Furthermore, his technical skill makes him among some of the most proficient rappers to pick up a mic.

For years, fans have been holding out hope that he would do a Verzuz battle. There are plenty of elite MCs he could go up against and win. Ever since the creation of Verzuz in 2020, the speculation and anticipation have been endless. However, Wayne has remained on the sidelines.

Today, DJ Drama released his entire “Gangsta Grillz Podcast” interview with Wayne, which was conducted back in 2023. During the conversation, the two spoke about whether or not Wayne would ever do a Verzuz. Wayne was quick to say no, and offered an interesting reason.

Read More: Clive Davis Was Behind The Legendary Careers Of These 10 Music Icons

Lil Wayne Is A Confident Man

“If I am competing against whoever I’m competing against, I will embarrass you,” Lil Wayne said. Simply put, he doesn’t think anyone can beat him. It’s just not something that would be entertaining for him.

The problem is that Wayne would have to go up against another mainstream superstar, who is probably just as unlikely to accept. Names like Eminem, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, and Jay-Z come to mind. While these would be epic matchups, it would be difficult to get the logistics right.

It’s hard to say if Wayne would ever change his mind on this. After all, he made these comments three years ago. A lot can change in three years, and with Verzuz standing strong, perhaps he will change his tune.

Read More: Tay Keith’s Signature Sound Lives On Through These 10 Songs

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