Mya does not like the sound of her voice from her earlier recordings. Speaking with PEOPLE about the 25th anniversary of her classic album, Fear of Flying, Mya said she doesn’ listening to much of her old music. “I don’t really listen to a lot of the old music because I like my voice now,” Mýa shares. “It’s very cringey to me because I sound like a kid.”  “I get very emotional when I hear my younger voice because of all that was endured,”she continued. Mya recalled being a teenager when she launched into supertardom. “I was just a baby when I started fresh out of high school,” Mýa said. “The Grammw-winner ssfound herself in “a position where the world is looking at you.” Mya shared that she’s on continual “journey of self love.” “I am so enamored by the journey because sometimes it takes 25, 27, 30 years to come into who you’re going to be for the rest of your life And that’s where I am now,” Mýa said. “I’m still growing and evolving every few years — every six months, sometimes.” Mya also said that she’s navigated the ebbs and flows of the business and is doing better than ever, “I’m just truly proud of myself for withstanding so much. The industry’s changed, the world’s changed,” Mya said. “I’ve kept my sanity in the process,  while my art and my craft continue to get better. The world has yet to receive the best of Mýa.” Mýa believes that all she endured made the woman and artist she is today. “All of that was necessary to become the best musician, the best songwriter, the best person,” she explained. Released in April 2000, Fear of Flying was a platinum-selling commercial success that established Mýa as a major force in early 2000s R&B and Pop. The album featured “Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)”, which became a massive international hit, alongside other charting singles like “The Best of Me” and “Free.”

Martin Lawrence recently showed up big as a dad, gifting his daughter Iyanna Faith a sleek 2026 Porsche Macan wrapped in an orange ribbon, parked ready and waiting for her outside. The surprise was all dressed up—black-on-black finish, luxury SUV styling—and Iyanna, now 24, stepped into what she declared “This is my dream!” as she climbed into the driver’s seat and thanked her dad and everyone behind the scene. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) Lawrence, known for his roles in film and comedy, had enlisted a high-end exotic car dealer, one that’s worked with big names, to pull off the delivery. He even relaxed in the back seat of his own Rolls-Royce Cullinan, grinning as he witnessed Iyanna’s reaction. For her, it was a moment of pure joy: she explored the console, flicked through menus, and clearly soaked in the moment. While the exact version of the Macan wasn’t revealed, the entry-level model starts at around $64,600 in the US with a 2.0-liter turbo four making 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. If it’s the higher-performance GTS variant, you’re looking at about 434 horsepower from a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 and a starting price in the $93,000 range. Whether Iyanna’s ride is base model or high tier, the expression on her face said everything. For Martin Lawrence, this wasn’t just a flashy gesture—it was a clear statement of support and pride. He’s the father of three daughters and has often spoken about being present in their lives. By making this moment happen, he’s added another memorable chapter to his role as dad, showing that his “Bad Boy” screen persona doesn’t define him at home.

Comedian Alex Thomas recently reflected on his unexpected role in one of hip-hop’s biggest feuds. Back in the early 2000s, Thomas became part of 50 Cent’s legendary track “Back Down,” where he voiced the flamboyant caller who mocked Ja Rule. The skit closed out the diss record that helped solidify 50’s dominance during his battle with Murder Inc. and marked a major moment leading up to his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Thomas explained that the opportunity came through Dr. Dre, who had already worked with him on the 2001 film The Wash. After filming wrapped, Dre approached him about doing something new in the studio. He played Thomas an audio clip of a man calling into a radio station asking for Ja Rule, which became the inspiration for the skit. “I didn’t know who 50 Cent was,” Thomas admitted, recalling that he had no idea how serious the feud between 50 and Ja Rule really was at the time. He recorded the bit on the spot, finishing the job in about thirty minutes and earning ten thousand dollars for his time. Dre later surprised him with a pool table as a gift. However, Thomas’ name was purposely left out of the credits to make the prank sound real and keep fans guessing. “They wanted people to think it was an actual call,” he said. Over time, the moment grew into a piece of hip-hop history, though it caused some tension between Thomas and Ja Rule. The comedian insists there was no personal malice behind the performance, saying it was just business and part of the creative process. Looking back, he calls it a wild but unforgettable experience that connected comedy and rap in an unexpected way.

Toni Braxton celebrates her one-year wedding anniversary with Birdman. During a recent interview on The Today Show, Toni says she and Birdman have been friends for over 25 years, and decided to explore a romantic relationship later on. “We’ve been friends for a long time, and a love connection started happening years ago.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk) According to People, Toni and Birdman, whose real name is Bryan “Birdman” Williams, secretly tied the knot on August 8, 2024. Just two days later, however, Braxton filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” and listing the marriage as “irretrievably broken.” Despite the abrupt filing, the pair seemingly reconciled months later. Essence reported that Braxton withdrew her divorce petition in early 2025, confirming that the marriage was still legally intact. The relationship between Braxton and Birdman dates back nearly a decade. The pair went public in 2016, often appearing together at award shows and family events. Though their love story has faced its share of rumors and scrutiny, the singer has frequently described Birdman as her “best friend” and “safe place.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is moving with quiet confidence. They work to secure his early release from federal prison. Attorney Marc Agnifilo expressed optimism that the hip-hop mogul could regain his freedom well before his scheduled date of May 8, 2028. In a brief statement to TMZ, Agnifilo said, “I anticipate he’ll be out before that date. However, the specifics hinge on various factors. Our primary focus is ensuring he’s properly situated…” Agnifilo also shared faith in Diddy’s ability to adjust to his circumstances. He added, “I have full confidence that he will excel as an inmate and will be released as early as the system permits.” His remarks reflect a sense of assurance within Diddy’s camp. The process is moving in a constructive direction, and rehabilitation remains a central focus. Diddy pursues rehab and rapid appeal to shorten his sentence Diddy is currently seeking a transfer to a facility that offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). The program, through the Bureau of Prisons, was approved by Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over his federal trial. It could reduce his sentence by up to a year upon completion. To qualify, Diddy must maintain a nonviolent record while participating in the rehabilitation initiative. It focuses on counseling, substance treatment, and structured discipline. Meanwhile, appellate attorney Alexandra Shapiro is pursuing an accelerated review of the sentence. In a motion filed October 29 with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, she urged the panel to shorten the traditional 18-month appeal process. Her request underscores the team’s dual approach—prioritizing both rehabilitation and a swift judicial resolution—as Diddy continues to navigate the next phase of his legal battle.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is now officially serving his federal prison sentence after being transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix in New Jersey. The music mogul checked in early Thursday morning to begin his 50-month term, following his sentencing earlier this month. His legal team specifically requested this facility because it allows him to focus on rehabilitation, address substance abuse issues, and maintain regular contact with his family. Diddy had been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024, where he awaited trial under strict conditions. The move to Fort Dix represents a significant change in environment, as it’s a low-security prison known for offering educational and treatment programs. According to his attorney, this placement gives Diddy a better chance to focus on self-improvement and safely serve his time. Despite the transfer, concerns remain for his safety. His lawyer previously warned that Diddy would likely be a target no matter where he was placed. During his sentencing hearing, Diddy’s team revealed that while being held in Brooklyn, another inmate reportedly planned to attack him and even pressed a knife to his neck while he slept. The 55-year-old entrepreneur and Bad Boy Records founder has been behind bars for more than a year and is now beginning the long process of serving his full sentence. He is expected to be released in May 2028 if he maintains good behavior and completes required programs. The sentence also includes several years of supervised release afterward. For now, Diddy’s life of luxury has been replaced by routine and rules, and the next few years will determine how he adapts to his new reality behind prison walls.

A$AP Rocky isn’t in a rush to release new music, and that’s completely intentional. In his recent interview with Perfect Magazine, the Harlem rapper explained that every project he puts out must align with his long-term vision and legacy. For Rocky, creating art is not about keeping up with trends or staying in rotation; it’s about leaving behind something meaningful. “It’s about who did it the best,” he said. “Everything I do is based off building legacy. That’s why I’m not so eager to just drop, drop, drop. I don’t do things to just try and stay relevant, or keep my name in the conversation. I try to do natural things, creative, ambitious things that really satisfy me.” His words reflect a growing confidence in patience and perfection, rather than pressure to release for the sake of attention. Rocky, who continues to tease his long-awaited fourth studio album Don’t Be Dumb, said he’s still putting the final touches on the project. “I’m in the mixing and mastering realm of it,” he revealed earlier this year. But he also admitted fans are growing restless. “People are tired of hearing about updates about the album. They’re just ready to get this sh–,” he told GQ. Still, Rocky’s philosophy remains the same: quality over quantity. After years of pushing boundaries through music, film, and fashion, he views every release as part of a bigger artistic statement. Rather than chasing playlists or viral moments, he’s focused on creating timeless work that represents who he truly is. For Rocky, it’s not about speed. It’s about substance, growth, and legacy.

To honor the 25th anniversary of Outkast’s landmark album Stankonia, Twitch is hosting a 12-hour streaming event featuring exclusive DJ sets, fan engagement, and a special live appearance by Big Boi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Outkast (@outkast) The celebration, scheduled for Thursday, October 30, will unite some of the platform’s top DJs—/selecta720, /DJKharisma, and /SkratchBastid—for curated performances highlighting the album’s influence. Throughout the day, the DJs will mix tracks and remixes that pay homage to Outkast’s innovation, fusing the duo’s signature Southern funk, soul, and experimental hip-hop sound. Outkast’s Big Boi Celebrates Stankonia 25 With Twitch The event culminates in a headline broadcast on /twitchmusic, where Big Boi will appear for a live conversation moderated by his sons, Bamboo and Cross Patton. The discussion will explore Stankonia’s creation, the evolution of Outkast’s artistry, and the album’s cultural resonance 25 years after its release. Organizers describe the session as both a retrospective and a celebration of the community built around Outkast’s music. Released in 2000, Stankonia represented a creative breakthrough for the Atlanta duo. With its fusion of futuristic production and deeply Southern lyricism, the album spawned several of Outkast’s biggest hits. Stankonia includes the classics “Ms. Jackson,” “So Fresh, So Clean,” and “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)”. The album earned multiple Grammy Awards. Its influence rippled across genres, expanding the boundaries of what hip-hop could sound and feel like in the new millennium. The Twitch event aims to reintroduce that spirit of experimentation to a digital audience. “This isn’t just about nostalgia,” organizers said in a statement. “It’s about honoring creativity, community, and the energy that made Stankonia timeless.” The program begins at 5:30 p.m. Pacific with /SkratchBastid, followed by /DJKharisma at 6:30 p.m., /selecta720 at 7:30 p.m., and the main event at 8:30 p.m. Viewers can tune in at twitch.tv/twitchmusic to close the night with Big Boi’s interactive session. This is a fitting tribute to an album that continues to define the sound of Southern hip-hop a quarter-century later.

Chris Brown mourns the loss of dancer and actress, Janina Garraway. “Rest in peace Janina! I love you and I’m so grateful to have worked with you and have you apart of this family. My heart goes out to your child and your family! You were and always be a light to this world” Chris shared via his Instagram story. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Janina was known for her role as the leading lady in Chris Brown’s “Say Goodbye” music video. She also danced along side him on stage. Fans across social media showed their love and appreciation for Janina and her work. “Wow … She just had a baby boy in 2024 … I can’t imagine how she felt holding him at night not knowing when her last time will be seeing him …. My condolences to her family & precious son ….” reacted one fan. “This hurt my heart so much just now. I loved her in that video. She was so beautiful” responded another. No official cause of death has been announced as of yet. May she rest peacefully.

Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, was convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black mother of two who had called 911 to report a possible prowler near her Springfield home. BREAKING: Former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson has been convicted for second-degree murder in the killing of Sonya Massey. The 36-year-old Black woman called 911 to her home for help and within moments of arriving, Grayson shot her. pic.twitter.com/vZbkgh9wdJ — Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) October 29, 2025 Grayson, previously charged with first-degree murder, was found guilty of the lesser count after the jury was instructed on both options. Jurors deliberated nearly 12 hours before delivering the verdict. Grayson’s relatives wept as the decision was read in Sangamon County Circuit Court. The conviction followed a weeklong trial centered on body camera footage showing Grayson fatally shooting Massey in her kitchen during a confrontation over a pot of boiling water. Prosecutors said Massey complied with commands and posed no threat when Grayson fired. Grayson, who is white, testified that he believed Massey intended to throw the water at him after she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” He told jurors he perceived her words as a threat and feared for his safety. Sean Grayson Found Guilty In Shooting Death Of Sonya Massey First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers rejected that account, arguing Massey had apologized moments before she was shot. “He wants you to believe he was scared,” Rodgers said. “But the evidence shows he wasn’t.” The incident sparked nationwide protests. It led to the passage of the Sonya Massey Act in Illinois, mandating enhanced background checks in police hiring. Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who secured a $10 million civil settlement for Massey’s family, called the verdict “a measure of justice,” though they said a first-degree conviction was warranted. Legal analysts described the defense’s strategy to include the lesser charge as a calculated move to avoid an “all-or-nothing” outcome. Grayson now faces four to 20 years in prison and could serve half his sentence with good behavior. Outside the courthouse, demonstrators chanted Massey’s final words as family members expressed frustration with the verdict. “He showed no remorse,” said her father, James Wilburn. “He was cocky the whole trial—until that verdict.” Grayson’s sentencing is scheduled for later this year. The case continues to resonate in debates over policing, race, and accountability across the United States.