In a recent Instagram livestream that quickly ricocheted across social media, Kodak Black appeared to sip lean while driving on I-95. The reckless moment has deepened concerns about his well-being, unsettling fans who have long followed both his talent and turmoil. The clip, first shared by Live Bitez, drew an immediate outpouring online. One user wrote, “What type of high they be trying to chase? Heavenly Father please protect and watch over our ppl [praying emoji].” Another commented, “A rich junkie literally smh. I feel so bad for bro, but we don’t even know what he’s going through.” A third reflected on what they saw as a cry for help: “Ppl don’t see it. He been crying out for help for years. He’s very talented and having a gift like his… Dat Lean ain’t it, praying for you yak.” More than 300 comments followed, nearly all pleading for the rapper to seek help. A Pattern of Troubling Moments The livestream adds to a series of recent incidents that have left fans uneasy. Last October, Kodak appeared on Drink Champs in a disoriented state that prompted sharp criticism, with guest Joe Budden remarking he “looked like pure s**t.” Months later, during a freestyle on On The Radar, Kodak alluded to drug struggles, even hinting at a possible “meth habit.” In response to backlash over the Drink Champs appearance, host NORE defended airing the full episode. While many argued the interview should have been cut short, he said Kodak appeared much as he always does—a remark that underscored the ongoing nature of the artist’s struggles. For Kodak Black, the tension between his artistry and his addictions has never been more stark. His music continues to draw attention, yet the cloud of substance abuse threatens to overshadow his career. Fans and peers alike hope he finds the strength—and support—to confront his struggles and step toward recovery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)

GloRilla is asking a federal court in Louisiana to dismiss a copyright lawsuit that claims she borrowed a viral phrase for her song “Never Find.” The motion, filed alongside UMG Recordings, Warner Chappell Music, and BMG Rights Management, argues that the phrase “no BBL” is too short and common to be legally protected. The suit was brought by Natalie Henderson, also known as Slimdabodylast. Henderson’s complaint centers on her song “All Natural,” which features the lyrics “all naturale, no BBL.” She says her track gained traction on social media in early 2024 for celebrating natural bodies. Henderson contends that GloRilla’s lyric—“Natural, no BBL, but I’m still gon’ give them hell”—is strikingly similar and that the rapper and her collaborators have profited from her original work. GloRilla’s legal team challenges the lawsuit on multiple fronts. They argue Henderson cannot prove that GloRilla had access to her song. Posting a track online, they say, does not meet the legal standard for establishing access. Courts typically require evidence that a work has been widely distributed or commercially successful, which they claim Henderson’s song does not satisfy. The defense also disputes any substantial similarity between the two tracks. Henderson’s phrase appears repeatedly as a hook, while GloRilla’s line is used once in a different context with a distinct rhyme. The lawyers point out that expressions like “give them hell” are common across music and do not constitute copying. Additionally, GloRilla’s team questions whether Henderson can claim both statutory and actual damages and says she has not demonstrated infringement sufficient to warrant an injunction. They also argue that phrases celebrating natural bodies are common in other recent songs and do not meet the originality required for copyright protection. The motion asks the court to dismiss the case entirely, stating that viral expressions, even popular ones, cannot automatically be treated as intellectual property.

Saweetie stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her new EP Hella Pressure, which dropped in August. She opened up about why she chose that title, how the project mixes rapping and singing, and whether she feels the industry has allowed her to grow at her own pace. She also reflected on going nearly a decade without releasing her debut album and what being in “album mode” really means. Saweetie didn’t shy away from addressing critics either, including the viral “1% battery” comment, and spoke about how she handles trolls online and who she turns to when it gets overwhelming. She also talked about her Afrobeat-inspired track “I Need Some Inspo” and shared how she finds motivation in life and music. Beyond music, Saweetie talks about how she’d want a biopic on her to look, her plans to launch a beauty brand and what’s next. Nessa asked about sacrifices she’s made for her career, how she navigates fame compared to when “ICY GRL” blew up, and the advice she’d give her younger self. Saweetie also reflected on the legacy she wants to leave behind and how she wants to be remembered. Stream Hella Pressure now!

The legal saga surrounding YNW Melly continues to shift as new developments unfold in the case of his co-defendant, Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry. Bortlen, implicated in the alleged 2018 murders of Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams, struck a plea deal just a day before his jury selection was set to begin. Bortlen, originally facing two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of accessory after the fact, was also navigating a separate 2023 witness-tampering case. Under the agreement, he will serve 10 years in prison, followed by six years of probation. He pleaded no contest to the accessory after the fact charges and the tampering counts, leading to the dismissal of the more serious murder allegations. The deal also obliges him to assist prosecutors, providing testimony that could prove pivotal in ongoing investigations. Bortlen Plea Shakes Up Melly Case John M. Phillips, the attorney representing YNW Sakchaser’s family, weighed in on the implications. “As predicted, YNW Bortlen took the plea deal. He also agreed to a proffer—which means he’s talking,” Phillips noted on social media, signaling potential ripple effects for related civil proceedings. Meanwhile, Melly remains behind bars as he prepares for a retrial after a 2023 jury deadlock ended in a mistrial. The second trial, scheduled for January 2027, will revisit two counts of first-degree murder. Known for his 2018 track “Murder on My Mind,” Melly has requested new legal counsel, bringing on seasoned attorneys Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout amid concerns over his current representation. Adding another layer to the case, Melly has alleged inhumane treatment while in Broward County Jail, fueling public scrutiny and debate. Together, these developments highlight the intricate and often unpredictable nature of high-profile criminal proceedings, where plea deals, retrials, and new allegations continuously reshape both legal outcomes and public perception.

Fat Joe recently opened up about how conflicts with other artists impacted his career and cost him major business deals. On a recent episode of Complex’s Sneaker Shopping, the Bronx rapper revealed that both Air Jordan and Reebok deals fell apart in the mid-2000s because of his well-known feuds with 50 Cent and Jay-Z. He explained that a confrontation with 50 Cent at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards played a role in Air Jordan passing on a collaboration. Fat Joe says Michael Jordan personally called him to explain the situation. “Yo, Big Joe, you know, I’m not with controversy. Maybe we look at this in the future,” Jordan reportedly told him. Reebok, which had offered a multi-million-dollar sneaker deal, also withdrew after an executive realized Fat Joe was not on good terms with Jay-Z. “Reebok had approached me and was like, ‘Yo, we want to do a sneaker with you for millions.’ I caught the squeeze play cause Hov was over there and 50 Cent,” he said. “They shut it down. They was just like, ‘Yo, we won’t do business with you if you give this guy a sneaker.’ That’s part of the karma. It’s part of the ins and outs. I’ve done it to other guys. It came back to me.” Outside of business setbacks, Fat Joe is also facing legal challenges. In June, his former hype-man Terrance Dixon filed a $20 million lawsuit, claiming he witnessed the rapper engage in illegal behavior, including sleeping with minors and using intimidation tactics. Fat Joe has denied the allegations and addressed them on social media. “I’ve never let anyone on the streets extort me, so how would I ever let a crooked attorney and a coward ex-hype man extort me?? I’m from the Bronx!” These experiences highlight the costs of high-profile rivalries and legal battles in the music industry. Fat Joe’s story shows that even for seasoned artists, the choices made in conflicts and personal relationships can have lasting effects on both career opportunities and personal life.

Offset has drawn widespread attention with the release of his third studio album, KIARI. The project arrives with high expectations and a standout roster of collaborators, from John Legend and NBA YoungBoy to Gunna and JID. Their track “Bodies,” built around a Drowning Pool interpolation, highlights a synergy where Offset’s precise delivery meets JID’s lyrical sharpness. Critical and fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive. KIARI is being hailed as one of Offset’s most accomplished solo efforts, bolstered by appearances from YFN Lucci and Key Glock. The energy carried over to The Tonight Show yesterday, where Offset and JID delivered a live performance of “Bodies” that drew immediate praise. One fan captured the moment succinctly: “It’s like this song was made for everybody on that stage.” Offset has paired the album with striking visuals, releasing a music video for each track and amplifying the project’s impact beyond streaming platforms. A remix of “Bodies,” produced by BNYX, adds fresh urgency to the rollout, demonstrating his determination to remain central in both the hip-hop scene and the broader cultural conversation. Artistic Success, Personal Strain Yet his professional momentum unfolds against a backdrop of personal upheaval. Offset’s divorce from Cardi B, finalized last year just before the birth of their third child, continues to draw public attention and scrutiny. On the Full Send Podcast, Offset addressed marriage and commitment with characteristic candor. “I’ve done it. Had three kids with it — It’s like a mission that’s been complete,” he said, acknowledging the toll and transformation involved. He went further, advising host Kyle Forgeard on the challenges marriage entails: “Yeah, I’d tell you don’t get married unless you’re ready for a complete life transition,” he explained, offering insight that mirrors both the intensity of his personal life and the precision of his artistry. Offset & JID perform “Bodies” with Drowning Pool on The Tonight Showpic.twitter.com/bFj7LLSJ1H — HotNewHipHop (@HotNewHipHop) September 9, 2025

Teyana Taylor graces the latest cover of Marie Claire, opening up about her career, creativity, and the advice that helped shape her path in music and performance. In the interview, she reflects on her latest album, making it clear it’s about far more than personal relationships. “It’s so much bigger than, you know, people automatically just assuming, ‘Oh my god, this is just [about a] relationship.’ No, baby. I’ve been in relationships with music … friendships … business, all of the things, all across the board,” the 34-year-old tells Marie Claire. “So it’s escaping the things that just do not serve me—even if that includes myself, because we sometimes fall into these dark places. You got to hold yourself accountable. Say, ‘Girl, get up. Get out of this space. Get out of this room. Get out of this box.’” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marie Claire (@marieclairemag) Teyana’s perspective on ambition was shaped early by Beyoncé. At just 15, she choreographed Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” video, and the superstar became a long-term mentor. Around the release of her debut album VII in 2014, Teyana recalls a pivotal conversation with Beyoncé: “You’re never gonna fully get what you want unless you go and do it yourself.” That guidance fueled Teyana’s ambitious approach. “I was kind of one of the only up-and-coming artists that was like: ‘I want a band, I want six dancers. I want, I want, I want.’ I wanted the world. I wanted everything with a bubblegum and shoestring budget. And I realized that I would walk away with less money because I was paying more people,” she explains. Beyoncé’s mentorship reassured her: “Of course it hurts in the moment, because it’s like, ‘Oh my god, I could be making so much more money.’ But then [I’d talk] to Bey, and she just gives you that reassurance of like, ‘Oh no, that’s normal. That just means you’re a true creative. Spend the money. Do what you gotta do to get what you want.’” That early advice not only shaped Teyana’s career decisions but also helped establish her as a bold, uncompromising creative in music and performance.

In 2022, Kendrick Lamar reached a defining moment in his career, earning his first Emmy for his role in the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. Sharing the stage with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent, Lamar was honored in the category of Outstanding Variety Special (Live). The accolade marked a milestone for hip-hop, underscoring the genre’s growing influence within mainstream entertainment. A year later, Lamar once again made history with his performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, drawing 133.5 million viewers. The number surpassed Michael Jackson’s 1993 record of 133.4 million, cementing Lamar’s place as a cultural force capable of commanding unprecedented attention on a global stage. During the show, Lamar delivered a dynamic medley, featuring hits such as “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Euphoria.” Among the standout moments was a powerful live rendition of “Not Like Us,” a track recently spotlighted in a lawsuit filed by Drake against Universal Music Group. Lamar’s performance blended theatricality with precision, offering fans a vivid glimpse into both his catalogue and his artistic evolution. Lamar’s Emmy Win and Chart Streak The presentation earned Lamar his second Emmy, this time for Outstanding Music Direction, an honor he shared with his musical director, Tony Russell. The performance also garnered nominations for Outstanding Choreography for Variety/Reality, Outstanding Directing in a Variety Special, and Outstanding Variety Special (Live), reflecting the careful craftsmanship behind the production. Beyond these accolades, Lamar continues to set benchmarks in contemporary music. Reports indicate he is the only rapper this year to have a song appear on the Billboard Hot 100 each week. Tracks from his latest album—including “Luther” featuring SZA, “TV Off,” “Peekaboo,” and “Not Like Us”—have driven this streak, reaffirming his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most influential and visionary voices.

Meek Mill is moving to reassert control over his career, announcing that he is seeking $5 million to fund a new round of projects that include a book, an album, and a short film. The Philadelphia rapper has used social media in recent weeks to voice his frustration with the industry, arguing that artists who step outside the traditional label system face steep and often unfair hurdles. “I need $5M in funding for a book, album, and short film,” Meek wrote in a post on X. In the same message, he took aim at the structure of record deals, saying, “These label deals are not looking fair at all… they have essentially tarnished the game, but I’m poised to revitalize it! Why can’t I receive the same level of investment as tech initiatives in rap culture?” He went further, pointing to banks and financial institutions as gatekeepers that should be challenged by artists. Sharing a clip from radio host DeDe In The Morning, Meek reflected on the deep imprint of Black culture across American life. “Why, as independent music artists, are we not engaging with banks when everything in the music industry ultimately circles back to financial institutions? We possess total control—let’s take action! Is it truly so difficult to secure funding outside of a record label in America? It’s perplexing, to say the least.” Meek Mill turns scrutiny into a blueprint for independence The rapper’s transition to independence has been under sharper scrutiny since his split from Roc Nation earlier this year. That scrutiny grew louder after Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, in a lawsuit against Diddy, made allegations touching on Meek’s private life. Meek rejected the claims outright in a lengthy statement online. “I have a 14-year-old son. I refuse to let unfounded rumors tarnish my name or manhood… My son has had to confront such negativity at school! This is part of a silent war against black men, and we must unite!” Meek presented that resolve as its own form of strength. “I am a real-life KING. They’ve realized I can uplift entire communities just by showing up… I can mitigate street conflicts without threats… I can mobilize billions to challenge the system… turning $0 into $100 million. This is why I played it low-key; someone caught on!” His call for financial autonomy underscores a larger shift in hip-hop. Increasingly, artists are questioning the value of conventional label deals, instead pushing for the kind of investment and independence that Meek Mill is demanding as he turns the page on the next stage of his career. I need 5m in funding for book.. album and short film …These label deals not looking fair at all… they ruined the game basically … but I can reboot the whole thing! Why I can’t get the same attention as a tech investment in rap wthelly — MeekMill (@MeekMill) September 8, 2025

In June, Cardi B confirmed her relationship with Stefon Diggs, opening a new chapter less than a year after finalizing her divorce from Offset. The announcement quickly drew attention, particularly after Offset appeared to weigh in online. Following Diggs’ debut with the New England Patriots, Offset posted to Instagram, calling the wide receiver’s performance “Trash,” punctuated with a laughing emoji. Cardi, for her part, leaned in with support. She shared a clip of Diggs pulling down a pass from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, adding an emphatic caption: “Come on Eight!!!!!” Diggs closed the game with six receptions for 57 yards, a performance solid enough to fuel discussion both on and off the field. The split-screen commentary only gained traction when LiveBitez reshared the posts on Instagram. Fans poured in with reactions, many rushing to Cardi’s corner. “Stefon got the love of your life, more solid career, more money, more handsome,” one wrote. Another turned their criticism on Offset: “So when are y’all going to finally admit that he is super corny for this continuous behavior?” The exchanges underscored how closely Cardi’s personal life remains intertwined with her public image. Behind the Relationship Cardi B and Diggs went public in June after months of speculation. She had filed for divorce from Offset the previous summer and has since spoken candidly about navigating relationships in the glare of celebrity. In a recent interview with Billboard, she admitted, “It was very tough, but it is what it is. It’s tough hiding. It’s tough dating in your 30s too, but I like him. I love him today.” Her remarks reflected both the difficulty of starting over and her willingness to be blunt about it. On the professional front, Cardi is preparing to release her second studio album, Am I The Drama?, due September 19. The project comes more than seven years after her Grammy-winning debut, Invasion of Privacy, marking a pivotal return for an artist whose career has long blended personal turbulence with artistic success. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)