More than two decades after Aaliyah released her debut album, the conversation around Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number has resurfaced in an unexpected way. A recent vinyl reissue prompted renewed attention online. This happened after fans noticed what appeared to be a quiet visual message tied to R. Kelly, whose image remains on the original cover art. Social posts connected to Aaliyah’s estate only added to the speculation. For many longtime listeners, the moment reopened difficult questions tied to the singer’s early career and the people surrounding it. After the reissue arrived in stores last week, the estate-run account behind Aaliyah’s official pages shared a playful but cryptic note directed at fans. “We hope that y’all listened to instructions carefully While bumpin’ ‘Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number‘ the just released reissue on your record players this week,” the message read. “Aaliyah’s got a 90’s swing So be careful and share your copy with us please Yeah, hmm… – Team Aaliyah.” Soon afterward, fans circulated videos showing hype stickers strategically placed over Kelly’s face on the album artwork. In several clips, collectors also covered his image manually while displaying the record online. We hope that y’all listened to instructions carefully While bumpin’ “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number” the just released reissue on your record players this week…Aaliyah’s got a 90’s swing So be careful and share your copy with us please Yeah, hmm… – Team Aaliyah #aaliyah pic.twitter.com/Bmn6s3zFHX — Aaliyah (@aaliyah) May 18, 2026 Aaliyah’s Legacy Still Carries the Shadow of R. Kelly Kelly’s involvement in Aaliyah’s debut has long complicated the album’s legacy. Introduced through her uncle, Barry Hankerson, Kelly wrote and produced much of the project. He also helped launch the teenage singer into mainstream R&B. Rumors surrounding the pair intensified in 1995 after reports surfaced of an alleged marriage certificate listing incorrect ages for both artists. Neither publicly confirmed the marriage. However, later reporting indicated the relationship had been legally dissolved and professional ties severed soon afterward. Aaliyah rarely addressed the controversy before her death in 2001 at age 22. Kelly, meanwhile, was convicted in 2021 on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges and later sentenced to prison. The renewed attention surrounding the vinyl release shows how deeply those histories still shape public memory around one of R&B’s most influential young stars.

After years of speculation that followed them through interviews, lyrics, and social media hints, 21 Savage and Latto have now confirmed they are in a relationship. This speculation persisted for years in the public eye. What had long existed as rumor and careful implication has gradually given way to more direct acknowledgment. Especially after Latto announced her pregnancy in March, public attention around both artists sharpened in that moment. This week brought a clearer picture. Latto confirmed she has given birth to her first child with 21 Savage, pairing the announcement with the rollout of her latest album, BIG MAMA. The project, released on May 29, weaves elements of her personal life into its promotion. This includes visual material that briefly features 21 Savage and effectively removes much of the remaining ambiguity about their relationship. For 21 Savage, the confirmation arrives alongside a shift in how publicly he is willing to appear in this chapter of his life. He is known for keeping his personal affairs largely out of view. However, he has recently allowed more glimpses into his family life. Over the weekend, after attending a widely discussed Arsenal match, he posted a series of photos celebrating the team’s win. In one image, his newborn appears dressed in Arsenal gear, captioned, “We did it !!!!!!!! @arsenal.” View this post on Instagram Arsenal Surprise, New Fatherhood, and a Life Kept Private The rapper, who has three other children—Kamari, Ashaad, and Rhian—has spoken about fatherhood in passing over the years, but rarely in a sustained way. His appearance at the Arsenal game drew attention in its own right, separate from the relationship news. During a halftime interview, he reflected on his long connection to the club, saying, “I was born in London,” according to Complex. He said, “That’s all I know is Arsenal. I’ve always been an Arsenal supporter my whole life.” The couple has not yet shared their child’s name, leaving that detail for a later moment. For now, both appear to be balancing new parenthood with ongoing professional projects. Fans wait to see what they choose to share next.

Cardi B’s personal life has long drawn public attention, a steady feature of entertainment chatter since her early television appearances on Love & Hip Hop. Her relationships with Offset and, more recently, NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs have kept her name circulating well beyond music headlines. In recent weeks, that scrutiny has sharpened again as new clips and commentary spread online. On a recent episode of the podcast It Is What It Is, Cam’ron and Mase addressed the discussion surrounding Cardi and Diggs, who is the father of her fourth child, born last fall. The conversation turned after a circulating video appeared to show a tense exchange involving the pair. Both hosts framed the moment through their own experiences navigating relationships in New York. “To be totally honest with you…and Cardi B is dope, sexy, personality, everything. But this is why I don’t deal with women from New York. I just don’t,” Cam stated as Mase chuckled. Cam’ron & Mase on New York Dating, Cardi B Buzz Swirls “I was gon’ bring that up, but I didn’t want to line step,” Mase added. “Guys from New York don’t date girls from New York. They just don’t, ’cause they know what they about to say is not gonna be good. Girls from New York will punch you in your mouth as a guy.” Cam clarified, “And want you to hit them back,” quickly emphasizing he does not endorse domestic violence or physical altercations in relationships. Meanwhile, the status of Cardi’s relationship with Diggs remains uncertain. Some speculate infidelity led to a breakup, while others point to recent sightings suggesting they may have reconciled or never parted ways.

A competency hearing is scheduled next month for Ivanna Ortiz, the 35-year-old Florida woman accused of opening fire outside a Los Angeles-area home tied to Rihanna. Court documents show that a PC 1368 hearing is set for June 2 at the Hollywood Courthouse. This is a standard proceeding used to determine whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial. Under California law, criminal proceedings are paused while that evaluation is carried out. Therefore, the case remains on hold until the court reaches a determination. The filing comes as questions about Ortiz’s mental fitness move into sharper focus in pretrial proceedings. According to reporting from the Associated Press, Ortiz’s public defender raised concerns during a recent meeting in Judge Shannon K. Cooley’s chambers. The discussion prompted further review of her condition, though specific details of that exchange have not been made public. When contacted this week, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that “a doubt was declared,” and reaffirmed that the June 2 hearing remains on the court calendar. Ortiz Charged in Alleged Shooting at A$AP Rocky’s Home Ortiz was charged in March with attempted murder. She also faces additional counts including assault with a semiautomatic firearm and shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper. Prosecutors allege the charges stem from an incident in which a semiautomatic weapon was fired at the property earlier that month. At the time of the filing, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said, “Opening fire in any populated neighborhood is extremely dangerous, puts lives at risk, and will be fully prosecuted,” adding, “Thankfully, no one was injured in this shooting, but this careless violence will not be tolerated in our community. Such shooters will find their next destination to be our jails and prisons.” Law enforcement officials said A$AP Rocky and the couple’s three children were present at the residence during the incident. Ortiz has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, she could face a potential life sentence under California sentencing guidelines.

A new campaign pairing Kevin Durant with Drake is drawing attention ahead of the release of the NOCTA x Nike KD 19 sneaker collection. In the promotional clip, Durant walks Drake through a string of exaggerated shoe concepts before unveiling the final design tied to the upcoming collaboration. The commercial offers one of the clearest looks yet at the collection. Notably, a bright monochromatic blue sneaker is featured prominently throughout the teaser. The rollout arrives as both Nike and NOCTA continue leaning deeper into athlete-driven fashion partnerships. These partnerships blur the line between performance gear and streetwear culture. The NOCTA x Nike KD 19 line is scheduled to launch June 17 with a reported retail price of $155. Drake first introduced NOCTA through Nike in late 2020. Initially, he centered the label around apparel before gradually expanding into footwear. Durant, meanwhile, has maintained one of basketball’s longest-running signature relationships with Nike. He first signed with the company in 2007 and later secured a lifetime agreement in 2023. His latest signature model made its on-court debut earlier this spring. It is expected to receive a broader global release alongside the collaborative edition. View this post on Instagram Drake and Durant Stay in the Spotlight During a Busy NBA and Music Run The campaign also lands during an especially active stretch for Drake. Earlier this month, the rapper released three albums simultaneously — ICEMAN, Maid of Honour and Habibti. This move prompted widespread discussion across music and sports circles alike. Several tracks referenced NBA figures including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving and Michael Jordan. Meanwhile, Durant himself received a mention on “Q&A” from Maid of Honour. Durant is coming off another productive NBA season after averaging 26 points per game across 28 starts with the Houston Rockets. However, his postseason was limited by an ankle injury. That injury sidelined him for most of the Rockets’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Authorities have confirmed the cause of death for Lil Poppa months after the Florida rapper’s passing first sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. The artist was signed to Collective Music Group and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to law enforcement officials. These findings align with details that had circulated publicly in the weeks following his death. The incident occurred on Feb. 25 after Lil Poppa was involved in a single-vehicle crash along Interstate 85 near Hapeville. Police Chief Bruce Hedley told TMZ that the shooting happened shortly after the rapper’s manager arrived to meet him at the scene. Authorities said Lil Poppa was later transported to a nearby hospital. He died from his injuries. Toxicology results have not yet been released. Additional reporting from Complex stated that Lil Poppa had agreed to meet his manager at a nearby hotel before the shooting. During the exchange, the rapper reportedly communicated only through the window of his vehicle. Notably, investigators have not publicly disclosed what was discussed during that conversation. Officials have released few additional details surrounding the moments leading up to the shooting. Grief Deepens as Loved Ones Mourn Lil Poppa’s Sudden Death In the weeks after his death, friends, collaborators, and fans gathered to honor the rapper’s life at a memorial service. The event was later disrupted by gunfire. Four people were reportedly injured during the incident, adding another layer of grief to an already emotional gathering. Among those mourning publicly was Toie Roberts, the mother of Lil Poppa’s child, who shared a deeply personal tribute online. “Nothing could EVER describe the pain, the thoughts, the constant heartbreak of it all,” she wrote. “Our reality changing before my eyes.. i’ve been wondering how could you be so in a rush to leave us so suddenly & torturing.. for us to go on without you in life..but deep down, i know you didn’t mean to & you didn’t mean to hurt us. ESPECIALLY NOT KOFI.. at least NOT LIKE THAT!!!”

The Dallas Mavericks have decided to part ways with Jason Kidd. ​According to NBA.com,  the decision was made just two weeks after the club hired Masai Ujiri as team president and governor. “Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks. Both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals,” said Ujiri. “We are thankful for Jason’s leadership, his professionalism, and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I’ve developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family,” Ujiri continued. BREAKING: Jason Kidd is out as coach of the Dallas Mavericks. New Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is making a coaching change. pic.twitter.com/NKeOrEm5rh — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 19, 2026 “As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team,” Ujiri said. “We have high expectations for this franchise. And a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. “We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”   KIDD’S COACHING CAREER Kidd’s tenure with the Mavericks began in 2021. He took the Mavs to Western Conference Finals in his first season and a run to the 2024 NBA Finals. But everything changed after the team traded superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024–25 season. The resulting roster fallout sent the franchise into a rebuilding phase, culminating in back-to-back missed postseason appearances.  Kidd was also instrumental in the development of 2025–26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Before coming to Dallas, Kidd coached the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks. As a player, Kidd won a championship with the Mavericks in 2011. Kidd was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

HOT 97, New York’s #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture’s biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, live Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world. This year’s lineup curated by the Lit Digital DJ Funk Flex and Katrina B, Assistant Program Director, HOT 97, delivers a powerhouse mix of global superstars, hometown heroes, breakout artists, and culture-defining voices including French Montana, Max B, Rick Ross, Ice Spice, DaBaby, G Herbo, Cash Cobain, Zeddy Will, Omah Lay, Honey Bxby, Sleepy Hallow, and 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata and Dee Billz), along with a special welcome home performance from New Jersey native Fetty Wap. Additional artists will be announced on June 5. “Summer Jam continues to be the ultimate celebration of Hip Hop culture and the heartbeat of New York,” said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP, Content & Growth, MediaCo. “This year’s lineup reflects the sound of the moment while honoring the artists and communities that continue to move the culture forward. From legends to the next generation, Summer Jam 2026 is built to create unforgettable moments.” As HOT 97 continues to shape the culture and soundtrack the biggest moments in Hip Hop, Summer Jam remains the premier destination for fans, artists, and the industry alike, delivering surprise appearances, unforgettable collaborations, and once-in-a-lifetime performances year after year. “Summer Jam has always been more than a concert – it’s a defining moment for Hip Hop culture,” said Shelby Joyner. “Every year, we bring together the artists, energy, and community that move the culture forward, and 2026 will be no different. From iconic legends to the voices shaping what’s next, this lineup reflects the power and global influence of Hip Hop today.” HOT 97 Presale: Wednesday, May 20 @ 10AM (PreSale Code: HOT97)Local/Venue/Promoter Presale: Thursday, May 21 @ 10AMAll Presales End: Thursday, May 21 @ 11:59PM About HOT 97 Summer Jam: HOT 97’s Summer Jam is the largest live Hip Hop music and culture celebration in America, bringing together the biggest names in Hip Hop on one stage for an unforgettable live experience. Widely recognized as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world, Summer Jam continues to define the culture and showcase the genre’s biggest superstars and emerging talent.

A federal fraud case tied to rapper G Herbo has added another guilty plea. This extends a legal saga that has unfolded across multiple years and defendants. On Monday, Steven Hayes Jr., a former manager identified by prosecutors as a key organizer in the scheme, admitted his role. This comes after a February jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. Authorities initially charged Hayes with fraud and identity theft. They also added an aggravated identity theft count that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of two and a half years. That charge was removed under a plea agreement in exchange for his admission of guilt. At the time of the alleged conduct, Hayes was already on probation in Cook County, Illinois, following a prior gun conviction. Herbo’s legal situation complicated the case further. According to court filings, the scheme relied on stolen credit card data to finance a steady stream of luxury spending. This included private flights, limousine services, high-end travel, and purchases that prosecutors say extended even to designer puppies priced at $9,000. Federal investigators estimated losses linked to Hayes at roughly $40,000. However, the amount connected with Herbo will be challenged when sentencing occurs. From Restitution to Prison: Sentences Vary in Federal Fraud Case As part of the agreement, Hayes agreed to repay $2,700 to affected airlines and a transportation company. This amount is a fraction of the broader financial figures outlined by prosecutors. Furthermore, Herbo and his co-defendants were impacted by these restitution requirements. G Herbo, born Herbert Wright III, resolved his portion of the case earlier. In January 2024, he was sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty. Herbo also had to pay nearly $140,000 in restitution and forfeiture payments and a $5,500 fine. Another defendant, Anthony Strong, received a far steeper sentence of 34 months in federal prison for his involvement. Prosecutors said the group was arrested while attempting to board a private jet. That jet was later identified as part of a federal sting operation involving Herbo among others. This detail moved the case into federal court in Massachusetts.

Rick Ross stepped back into the public conversation around his ongoing dispute with Drake this week, revisiting the subject during an appearance on the Joe and Jada podcast. The discussion came in the wake of Drake’s ICEMAN release, which included pointed references that many listeners linked to Ross and several other industry figures. Hosted by Fat Joe and Jadakiss, the episode moved between music, memory, and long-running rivalries. When pressed on how the tension with Drake began, Ross offered a brief and somewhat cryptic account. “Rozay was mentioned,” he said, without offering further detail about the moment or context he was referring to. He expanded on his general approach to conflict shortly after, suggesting the situation had evolved without his direct involvement. “That’s how it happened,” he continued. “It ain’t even defending… Rozay do what he do best. I go bad… I’ve always enjoyed giving a n***a a spanking if you don’t understand what’s happening… When you get little man right here, you ask him, ‘What made you mention Rozay, homie?’ […] We rocked with homie… It was a positive thing we had going… When it went left, that’s for them to figure out. I ain’t figuring that out. It’s really small talk to me… N***a know you had the tummy tucked, the nose reduction, all that s**t.” Ross Revisits Long-Running 50 Cent Feud The conversation later turned to Ross’s long-standing feud with 50 Cent, a rivalry shaped by industry criticism, personal remarks, and public interviews stretching back more than a decade. Fat Joe attempted to shift the tone of the discussion at several points, but Ross continued reflecting on the dispute. “The wack rappers that might get out of line… Just imagine if I had the chance to slap 50 Cent with this [diamond jewelry piece] right here,” Ross said. “The million-dollar backhand, you feel me? You was talking about 50 Cent, I caught that alley-oop. I’ma [Wembanyama] a n***a… The wack rappers, the n***a 50 Cent… Come get it, 50… They flopped. G-Unit. It was G-Unit… Uncle Murda… He need that rewind skin cream…”