Kanye West is once again navigating legal challenges. This time, attention is focused on his 2022 project, Donda 2, which has drawn scrutiny from copyright holders over the use of a particular track. Billboard reports that West is facing a federal copyright infringement lawsuit for allegedly sampling soul singer Sam Dees’ 1975 song “Just Out Of My Reach” without permission. Filed September 4 by The GRC Trust on behalf of Ginn Music Group, an Atlanta-based publisher that controls Dees’ catalog, the suit centers on West’s collaboration with Vory, titled “LORD LIFT ME UP.” A comparison of the two songs reveals a marked similarity, especially in the opening seconds of Dees’ original, which West reportedly loops throughout the 2-minute, 10-second track. The suit names not only West and Vory—whose full name is Tavoris Javon Hollins—but also Yeezy LLC, highlighting the business entities tied to the release. Implications for Collaborators The lawsuit further implicates Kano Computing and its founder, Alex Klein, responsible for developing the Stem Player, the exclusive platform for streaming Donda 2. The filing asserts, “At no point did defendants obtain authorization from GRC to use the composition in connection with the infringing work. Defendants continue to exploit and receive profits from the infringing work, thereby violating GRC’s rights in this composition.” The GRC Trust is seeking both a court injunction and monetary restitution, demanding “all profits of defendants… plus all losses of GRC, plus any other monetary advantage gained by the defendants through their infringement.” The case underscores the increasing legal scrutiny artists face when sampling classic material, especially within projects distributed on unconventional platforms. The dispute coincides with anticipation surrounding West’s upcoming documentary, In Whose Name?, set to debut in select theaters. Developed over more than a year, the film examines pivotal moments in West’s life from 2018 to 2024, including his divorce from Kim Kardashian and his controversial remarks regarding antisemitism, offering an intimate look at the intersection of his personal struggles and artistic ambitions.

Sexyy Red has drawn attention as much for her outspoken persona as for her music. Since late 2024, she has been unusually candid about her admiration for NBA YoungBoy, the Louisiana star who at the time was entangled in a federal fraud case. Her mix of blunt humor and disarming honesty has made her one of the more unpredictable figures in hip-hop today. That interest in YoungBoy first surfaced in November, when she logged on to X, formerly Twitter, to post a cheeky note: “Free all da fine sht [crying emojis].” The message, half-joking yet pointed, revealed more than a passing curiosity. Months later, during an Instagram Live stream from Dubai, her fascination became even more apparent when she noticed YoungBoy among her viewers. Sexyy Red Pursues YoungBoy Boldly, Igniting Social Media Buzz “YoungBoy on here y’all,” she blurted with delight, before adding, “Shake that a*s for YoungBoy,” in a bid to capture his attention. Her pursuit sharpened recently when she weighed in on speculation about his expanding family. Responding to a caption that suggested he might be expecting his 22nd child—he currently has ten children with eight women—she shot back, “I’m ready… who tf just said dat??” The remark quickly circulated, underscoring both her boldness and her willingness to make the chase part of the show. YoungBoy, however, has remained silent. He has not acknowledged her remarks publicly, instead directing his focus toward his career. His first headlining tour, built around his latest album, Make America Slime Again, began September 1 in Dallas, signaling a fresh chapter for a rapper intent on cementing his place in the industry. The lack of response has hardly slowed Sexyy Red. Her willingness to play out her crush in public has left fans debating whether it is sincere affection, a calculated bit of humor, or some combination of the two. Either way, it has become a subplot in hip-hop’s wider conversation—one that continues to amuse, and occasionally bewilder, its audience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Young Thug is under fire after alleged leaked comments targeting some of hip hop’s biggest names, including J. Cole, André 3000, GloRilla, Kendrick Lamar, and Gucci Mane. The controversy comes as he navigates legal troubles and a snitching scandal, adding more heat to an already complicated situation. Young Thug calls out J Cole & Andre 3000 in a new leaked jail call. Compares J Cole w Youngboy NBA : “You have never in your life sold more records than this boy…Fuck is you thinking?” “…man niggas don’t like y’all music either, niggas don’t want that shit to come out..” pic.twitter.com/J4stVLi44f — GUNNA DAILY (@Gunnnaupdates) September 5, 2025 A clip shared on Twitter reportedly captures Young Thug criticizing J. Cole and André 3000. In the conversation, he questioned why J. Cole had not collaborated with rising artists. “YB the biggest artist in the world on YouTube. Why wouldn’t J. Cole do a song with him?” he allegedly said. He went on to call out artists for avoiding collaborations, explaining, “Like, come on, bruh. You ain’t never in your life sold more records than this boy, this young n***a. F**k is you thinking? Like, tripping. N***a just be on that, ‘Oh, I don’t like your music. I ain’t doing no music with you.’ Man, n****s don’t like y’all n****s’ music either. Ain’t nobody really like that st you’re talking about. N***as just want to do songs, it’s the game we in. It ain’t no Atlanta Falcons ain’t playing the Miami Dolphins because they don’t like the Dolphins. Man, we playing everybody. It’s the sport we in.” He also targeted André 3000 for not mentoring or supporting younger artists. “André 3000, you’re one of the biggest artists in the world. You became one of the biggest artists in the world. But you ain’t help nobody. You ain’t put nobody on. Now you vintage. Now you goddamn can’t put out a song and go top 50. You see what I’m saying? You put a song out right now, you can’t even go top 50. But you were the biggest artist in the entire world at one point. But you ain’t put nobody on, though. You ain’t did nothing. Ain’t no na saying they got a career off of you. Like, y’all n****s ain’t help nobody. All that cap rap s**t, that rap s**t don’t mean nothing. In 10, 15 years, that s**t don’t mean nothing.” Thug has also been criticized for mocking GloRilla, prompting her response on social media. He later apologized on Twitter, but fans are still waiting to see if he will address the larger controversy surrounding these alleged comments.

Hip-hop is no stranger to controversy, and its latest flashpoint centers on GloRilla and Young Thug. In recent weeks, leaked jail call recordings surfaced online, allegedly capturing the Atlanta rapper disparaging fellow artists. Among the remarks, he reportedly singled out GloRilla, describing her looks in unflattering terms—a jab that swiftly drew her into the broader storm surrounding his ongoing legal battles. For GloRilla, the attention arrived without warning. She had been in the headlines for her relationship with NBA forward Brandon Ingram, yet the leaked audio shifted the focus sharply. The clips also revived long-running allegations of snitching against Young Thug, raising new questions about his standing in both the courtroom and the culture. GloRilla, rather than sidestepping the moment, responded with a sharp retort on Twitter: “Mind you dis da same n***a blowing my phone up to ask what color my eyes is lmaooo.” The post ricocheted across social platforms, with fans dissecting both her wit and the complicated undercurrents between two prominent figures in rap. Young Thug Apologizes After Leaked Audio Not long after, Young Thug offered an apology that caught many off guard. “@GloTheofficial first of all I’m sorry to u for my words and I honestly don’t think ur ugly at all, I was speaking from jail just having a hard time with life.. I don’t like bashing girls and hardly ever did.. I’m sorry to u twin.” His message — equal parts contrition and explanation — revealed an unusually vulnerable side of an artist who rarely concedes ground in public. It was the second time in recent weeks he had addressed leaked audio directly. Earlier, he pushed back against chatter linked to his disputes with OTF and Lil Durk, while other instances of interrogation footage had drawn more evasive replies. The exchange with GloRilla, however, carried a sharper personal edge, underscoring both his volatility and his instinct to manage a narrative that seems to shift by the day. For now, the dust has settled. Still, with additional recordings reportedly in circulation, the open question remains: will Young Thug continue to confront them one by one, or will he let the noise dissipate as he turns his focus back to the music?

In hip-hop’s shifting landscape, Jay-Z still stands as one of its most enduring figures. His last solo album, 4:44, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim, but new remarks from producer Cash Cobain have stirred speculation that fresh music from the Brooklyn rapper may be on the horizon. Appearing on Billboard Unfiltered Live, Cobain suggested Jay-Z has new material in the works—music, he said, that could “shake the world.” Cobain did not hold back in praising Jay-Z’s stature in New York rap, calling him the undisputed king. “The king of New York is Jay-Z. It’s Jay-Z. Multi-platinum albums and president of Def Jam. He’s like the richest rapper, right? What didn’t he do?” he said. He added, “I heard Jay-Z is about to drop some sh*t that’s gonna shake the world. That’s what I heard.” His comments have only intensified speculation that a comeback may be underway. Hints of new music have already ignited a wave of reactions online. On X, formerly Twitter, fans voiced both humor and anticipation. “If Jay Z get on a cash beat ima really be weak but ima def need front row seats too,” one user wrote. Another suggested the resurgence of creativity in the genre—highlighted by the Clipse’s recent Let God Sort Em Out—could be pushing Jay-Z back to the studio. “THIS BETTER BE TRUE,” one fan declared, capturing the broader sense of expectation. 4:44 marked reflection—his next move could reshape rap Jay-Z’s most recent solo release, 4:44, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 with 262,000 album-equivalent units and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys. Beyond its commercial impact, the record was celebrated for its candor, with songs like “The Story of OJ” marking one of Jay-Z’s most introspective turns. The Billboard segment also featured Zeddy Will, who named Nicki Minaj as New York’s reigning queen. “Her fanbase is still crazy to this day, and she got all the hit records. The numbers don’t lie,” he said, pointing to her back-to-back sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. For Jay-Z, expectation is nothing new. If Cobain’s prediction proves true, his return would not only mark a new release but also add another chapter to a career that has long shaped hip-hop’s narrative. “I heard Jay-Z is about to drop some shit thats gonna shake the world that’s what I heard” -Cash Cobain pic.twitter.com/71y4Fcb1FS — Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) September 4, 2025

Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing one of the most consequential chapters of his career after being convicted on two counts tied to transporting individuals for prostitution. With sentencing set for next month, the hip-hop mogul is mounting an aggressive appeal, pressing for either a new trial or an outright acquittal. In filings reported by TMZ, Diddy’s attorneys argue that the prosecution’s case leans on an antiquated reading of the Mann Act, first passed in 1910. They contend that the term “prostitute” then referred specifically to women engaged in sex outside of marriage, a definition far narrower than what courts apply today. By revisiting the law’s origins, the defense hopes to chip away at the foundation of the jury’s decision. The team has also challenged prosecutors’ claims about the nature of Diddy’s financial ties to the men central to the case. He maintains that any payments were for time and companionship, not sexual services. It is an argument aimed squarely at the heart of the allegations and one that could carry weight as his lawyers push for leniency. Diddy’s Verdict Sparks Debate Over Power, Consent, and Celebrity Prosecutors have shown no sign of retreat. They describe the evidence as “overwhelming” and accuse Diddy of wielding money and status to manipulate those around him. Court filings portray him as leveraging threats against careers and livelihoods to ensure compliance, framing his conduct as coercive rather than consensual. The verdict itself offered a measure of contrast. While jurors convicted Diddy on transportation charges, they cleared him of more serious counts, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Still, the exposure is significant: he could face as much as 20 years in prison, though prosecutors have indicated they will recommend closer to four. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 3. The case has quickly become a flashpoint for larger debates about consent, legality, and power in relationships that cross personal and professional lines. For Diddy, the ruling carries both legal peril and cultural weight, with the potential to influence how future cases at the intersection of celebrity and the law are judged.

Memphis rapper GloRilla has seemingly clapped back at Young Thug after comments from a leaked jail call surfaced, in which the Atlanta rapper harshly criticized her looks. On September 4, 2025, audio leaked online of Young Thug speaking candidly during a phone call from jail. In the clip, he disparaged GloRilla, calling her “ugly as f*ck,” mocking her wig, and making other demeaning remarks about her appearance. He went on to say, “I would not pursue her, like at all…” View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked) The clip has since gone viral online, with fans defending GloRilla. While the rapper didn’t name Young Thug directly, she appeared to address the situation with a pointed post on X (formerly Twitter). She wrote: “Mind you dis da same n*a blowing my phone up to ask what color my eyes is lmaooo.” Following the response, fans praised her for flipping the narrative and highlighting the irony of the situation. Many noted the contrast between Thug’s alleged past private interest and his recent disparaging remarks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Drake has admitted that certain criticism from the Hip Hop community really gets under his skin, particularly being labeled a “culture vulture.” Despite his frustrations, Wu-Tang Clan legend Ghostface Killah has a simple message for the rapper: ignore it and focus on the music. #EXCLUSIVE Ghostface Killah Advises Drake to Blow Off ‘Culture Vulture’ Label “Been Called Worse Than That!”https://t.co/1lp1tZBywA pic.twitter.com/TYhMCp0GbS — TMZ (@TMZ) September 4, 2025 TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Ghostface at ABC Studios on Thursday, September 4th, while he was promoting his new album, Supreme Clientele 2. Laughing off Drake’s grievances, the veteran rapper suggested that there are far worse insults to endure in the industry and that some comments are not worth letting affect you. Drake has previously expressed sensitivity to accusations of jumping on viral trends, and he recently called out several tenured Hip Hop journalists. He even labeled Rob Markman a “goof” after Markman could not recall Lil Wayne’s “Cannon” lyrics at the request of Tory Lanez. Drake has been critical of reporters who he feels are entitled to his time, going so far as to call them “losers.” Markman responded to the remarks by defending the Hip Hop community. He emphasized that journalists are responsible for covering the culture and should not be personally attacked for doing their jobs. He also spoke up for any reporters who may have been unfairly criticized. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between artists and the media. While Drake navigates public scrutiny and commentary from fans and journalists alike, Ghostface Killah’s advice serves as a reminder that not every critique warrants a response. Focus on your craft and let the rest fade into the background.

As excitement builds for his upcoming album, Iceman, Drake is addressing the media attention that often shadows his releases. In a recent interview with Bobbi Althoff that has gone viral online, the Toronto artist suggested that critics may coordinate their responses to ensure negative coverage surrounds his projects. Drake elaborated on his perspective: “It appears that the first critics to respond are not necessarily offering genuine reactions to my albums. Instead, it seems there are strategic discussions taking place among media members, determining their individual stances—often negative—before my project even has a chance to be fully heard.” He added, “These discussions happen in a collective setting, where different critics decide their narratives to ensure there’s no overlap. Someone might declare, ‘I dislike the album,’ even before they have fully engaged with it, aiming for comments that generate the most interaction.” Drake on Media and ‘Iceman’ The remarks, shared widely by DJ Akademiks on social media, sparked a range of reactions. Some fans praised Drake for his candor and defense of his work, while others questioned his critique, pointing to his long-standing navigation of media cycles. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between artists and critics in an era where social media magnifies every opinion and reaction. Beyond discussing the press, Drake delved into more personal topics, including his approach to relationships and the continuing conversation around his authenticity and public image. These reflections, paired with his critique of media behavior, portray an artist both guarded and self-aware as he prepares for one of the year’s most anticipated releases. While an official release date for Iceman has yet to be confirmed, Drake’s comments provide fans a window into the mindset he hopes will frame the album. As anticipation grows, his observations about perception and criticism offer context for how the work may be received when it finally arrives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Lil Baby is preparing to release his long-awaited album, The Leaks, due Friday, September 5. The project arrives after a short delay from its original August 15 date, a postponement that has only added to the buildup. With features from Playboi Carti, Young Thug, and Lil Yachty, the Atlanta rapper is leaning on familiar collaborators to anchor what may be his most discussed release in years. The 17-song tracklist stretches wide, pulling in G Herbo, LUCKI, Veeze, Rylo Rodriguez, and Skooly. On the production side, Lil Baby has enlisted an equally heavy roster—Wheezy, Murda Beatz, TM88, and BabyWave among them—a lineup that all but guarantees a range of sounds. For the rapper, The Leaks serves as both an archival release and a chance to fold once-unfinished tracks into his official catalog. Lil Baby Turns ‘Leaks’ into a Statement Much of the conversation around the album has unfolded online, where fans have long circulated snippets of these songs. On Reddit, the idea of reclaiming leaked material has been met with enthusiasm. “It’s refreshing to see an artist embrace their unreleased material—there’s no revenue in songs that stay hidden away. As a devoted fan of Lil Baby, I’ve been enjoying many of these leaks unofficially for years,” one commenter wrote. Another pointed to “Get Along,” a posse cut featuring Lil Yachty, LUCKI, and Veeze, adding, “Track 14 has immense potential; it’s great to see a mainstream posse cut making its way into the spotlight.” The rollout, however, hasn’t been free of speculation. On the track “Otha Boy,” listeners anticipate thinly veiled jabs at Gunna and Offset, with lyrics rumored to reference Gunna’s fitness regimen. Whether those rivalries surface directly or not, the breadth of the project suggests Lil Baby is aiming to balance sharp-tongued bars with crowd-pleasing anthems. And this release may only be the beginning. In a recent live stream with PlaqueBoyMax, he confirmed more music is already lined up. “I’m actually dropping two albums, though. I’m dropping another album, like, four weeks after that, something like that. I wasn’t even planning on releasing this one,” he said—a signal that The Leaks could mark the start of an unusually prolific stretch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @lilbaby