Two decades ago, a teenage Rihanna left her home in Barbados with a dream. At just 17 years old, she released her debut album Music of the Sun on August 29, 2005. Now, twenty years later, Rihanna is celebrating the milestone with gratitude, nostalgia, and fresh surprises for fans. To mark the anniversary, Rihanna shared a moving message on Instagram, reflecting on the moment that changed her life forever.“20 years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music… Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) Her words not only honored the album but also highlighted the personal sacrifices she made in pursuit of her career—a journey that has since made her one of the most influential artists and entrepreneurs of her generation. As part of the celebration, Rihanna launched a campaign branded R20, updating her X (formerly Twitter) profile with visuals spotlighting all of her albums. The sleek campaign is both a nod to her roots and a reminder of the powerful discography she’s built since Music of the Sun. Rihanna also teamed up with Roc Nation to release exclusive merchandise inspired by her debut album. The limited-edition drop, arriving on August 29, gives fans a chance to relive her early era through fashion, while celebrating the record that introduced her Caribbean-infused sound to the world. When it was first released, Music of the Sun stood out for its unique blend of dancehall, Caribbean rhythms, R&B, and pop. Its breakout single, “Pon de Replay,” became a worldwide hit, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing Rihanna’s place in the global music conversation. The album itself debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified Platinum by the RIAA. While critics noted the unevenness of a debut project, many praised the cultural authenticity Rihanna infused into her music—a quality that would continue to define her artistry. Twenty years later, Rihanna is not just a music icon but also a fashion mogul, beauty entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Still, her anniversary celebration reminds fans of where it all began: a young artist with a vision, unafraid to carry the sound of Barbados into the global mainstream.

Shilo Sanders has broken his silence after being released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, offering an honest and heartfelt reflection on his journey while keeping his eyes set on the future. In a YouTube video shared on August 29, Sanders expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the NFL level. Despite being waived before the season, he made it clear that he views this as just one chapter in a bigger story. “I believe in God… I feel like this is just part of my story to grow and do bigger and better things. Whether it’s finding another team or getting another opportunity in the NFL,” Sanders said. He also showed appreciation for his time in Tampa Bay, thanking his coaches, teammates, and the community. “It was nothing but great,” he reflected, promising to stay in shape and ready for the next opportunity. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked) While football remains his main focus, Sanders revealed that he is not limiting himself to one path. He’s exploring other passions—including music, acting, and modeling—talents he’s nurtured throughout his life.“I’ve always done that my whole life… I’m well-versed,” he explained, signaling his openness to a multifaceted career if football doesn’t unfold as expected. Sanders also spoke candidly about his undrafted status, even comparing it humorously to the path of his brother Shedeur Sanders, who has had a different experience in the draft spotlight. Deion Sanders Speaks out: Shilo’s father, NFL legend and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, spoke proudly of his son after the news. He emphasized his belief that Shilo still has a future in professional football, while also acknowledging that his son is well-prepared for life outside the sport. “I’m praying he gets another chance in the NFL,” Deion said, while affirming that Shilo’s resilience and versatility will serve him no matter where he lands.What’s Next for Shilo?

Young Thug and the YSL crew are once again making headlines after an old police interrogation clip resurfaced online. The recording, which is around two years old, shows Young Thug mentioning Peewee Roscoe during a lengthy questioning session. Social media quickly exploded, with many fans accusing him of snitching. The controversy centers on Roscoe’s alleged role in a 2015 shooting on Lil Wayne’s tour bus. Despite the backlash, Young Thug defended himself on Twitter, writing, “They didn’t play my interrogation video in court cause I helped my brada #Ratwhere?” His statement fueled even more discussion among fans and hip-hop observers. Other YSL members have also weighed in. Woody, Ralo, Peewee, and Duke have all shared opinions, and outside voices such as Charleston White and Wack 100 joined the conversation. Many believe Young Thug betrayed Peewee, though Roscoe has stepped forward to clear him. Roscoe explained the situation and defended Young Thug’s actions. “That’s what you’re supposed to do. When you go in the interrogation room, that’s what you do. You tell ’em ‘We sold Dwayne Carter weed.’ What the fck is wrong with you? A statement is this right here…. He did what a tax-paying citizen do, a real street n***. He kept it silent, kept it overly real. Really, tried to pull me out the hole.” Despite Roscoe’s defense, accusations continue to circulate. Young Thug has shifted attention toward other members of the collective, naming Gunna, Ralo, and Duke as the ones he considers the real informants. The situation highlights how quickly past events can resurface and spark debate in hip-hop. Old footage, especially involving legal matters, can reignite tensions and put artists back under the public microscope, even years after the fact.

Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher have had one of hip-hop’s most talked-about feuds, and fans have been curious if the two Buffalo rappers could ever make peace. Their fallout began earlier this decade, triggered by a shooting joke and an alleged altercation in Buffalo. Recently, a video of the two at a Paris airport sparked speculation that they might have reconciled. “A lot of this rap sh*t be on some WWF… It wasn’t nothing everybody was making it out to be. I barely said a word.” Freddie Gibbs speaks on his recent airport encounter with Benny The Butcher. Full interview with @FreddieGibbs and @Alchemist drops next week. pic.twitter.com/acyWACLKLW — Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) August 28, 2025 Some, like Westside Gunn, saw the moment as a sign of calm and a possible truce. Others were more skeptical. While Benny The Butcher has not commented publicly, Freddie Gibbs addressed the situation during an interview with Complex’s Jordan Rose. Gibbs appeared alongside The Alchemist to discuss their new album Alfredo 2. “I’ma say this: I mean, you saw me standing there,” Gibbs said. “I was just in the airport. Everything that everybody tried to make out of it, that wasn’t true. I barely even said a word, I was just standing there. I saw them, was standing there. Of course, we ain’t a friendship; what we gon’ do? I ain’t going to jail over that, so, y’all do y’all thing. Only thing I really said was, ‘Aye, man, this ain’t the time or the place.’ I just tried to keep it gangster.” Gibbs explained that his focus was on his career rather than getting involved in drama. “I was on my way to London to meet up with [The Alchemist] and get a bag, so I ain’t about to f**k my bag up f***ing with no n****’s,” he said. “A lot of this rap s**t be on some WWF s**t, so I don’t get into that. I ain’t never even spoke to Westside Gunn, so I don’t know where all that comes from… I looked at the s**t and I saw people was talking about it and I was like, ‘Oh, yeah. There’s some more fake s**t.’ It wasn’t nothing that everybody was making it out to be. I was just standing there with my arms folded up, bro. I barely said a word, so… But them n****s into that wrestling s**t, so they do that. I don’t wrestle.” Gibbs made it clear that the airport meeting was not a dramatic showdown but simply a neutral encounter. Rumors, he says, often make ordinary moments feel larger than life.

Mýa is making it clear that her life path does not have to look like anyone else’s. The singer and actress recently appeared on the Hot & Bothered podcast with Melyssa Ford and opened up about why marriage and children have never been priorities for her. “I’ve never had a desire for marriage and children,” the 45-year-old artist said during the interview. She explained that her perspective was shaped at a young age after watching her parents go through a divorce. That experience, along with her own journey in the music industry, encouraged her to focus on independence, creativity, and spiritual growth rather than the traditional family structure. “It’s not even my focus, and it never has been,” she added. “I’ve witnessed a divorce between my parents… I’ve witnessed a lot of things, and it’s also not been a safe place in my mind as a little girl. So I’ve always thought a little different. The white wedding dress, I was very fearful of those things, so I looked elsewhere and probably escaped too much in my work. Knowing that if I have to be gone 95% of the time, and my work calls for me to travel, that must be intimidating, and I also can’t show up properly for my significant other.” Even with her strong stance, she admitted she is not completely closed to the possibility of change. “Not say I won’t [have the desire] and not to say I’m not open,” she shared. “… [But] it hasn’t kicked in for me yet.” Fans might remember the viral moment in 2020 when Mýa shocked the internet by posting photos of herself in a wedding dress on the beach. Many believed she had secretly tied the knot, but the images were part of her music video The Truth. The stunt was actually her way of celebrating self-love.

Freddie Gibbs is calling out rappers who use the assistance of A.I. to compose their verses. During an interview with The Ringer, Gibbs said that he has major problesm with artists who used A.I. tools for songwrting purposes. “Look at AI rap now man. I don’t even believe nobody that write. I don’t even believe if you even really make it anymore cause I done been in studios with motherf**kers and mutherf**kers is ChatGPT shit and I’m like, ‘What in the f**k?’ Like damn, how long am I gonna be able to do this sh*t? Cause I’m actually making fresh shit.” Gibbs added: “How long am I going to be able to do it when there’s motherf**kers in the studio typing into a computer to get their music? We in a lazy day and age, man. Heart is dying and you got to ask a computer to write your lyrics, sh*t is wack.” Freddie Gibbs speaks on the use of AI in music: “Art is dying when you gotta ask a computer and sh*t to write your lyrics. Sh*t is wack.”pic.twitter.com/agKRFpgqyw — Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) August 24, 2025 Elsewhere in the interview, Gibbs shared that Kanye West was not feeling his verse on Vultures 1 track “Back to Me” because fans like it more than his own. “This n-gga Kanye was mad about that shit. That n-gga was telling n-ggas like, ‘Man, how the fuck this n-gga think his verse is the best on my album?’”“When I sent it to him, I sent it to him thinking that, with the premise, he’d be proud of me. ‘Cause I look up to you. So I would think that, I rapped on your album, and people talking about it like this, you would think that a n-gga like you would be proud of me,” he continued. “That pissed him off.” In conclusion he noted, “A lot of that shit was a slap in the face. I’m putting my shit on pause to be on Vultures bitch ass n-gga. I could be recording Alfredo 2. I put a lot of shit on hold to come to Italy to work with you and for you to shit on some of my best work ’cause you mad ’cause n-ggas saying it’s better, you know what I’m saying?”

42 Dugg is coming to the defense of Drake. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday afternoon, the Detroit rapper showed his support for the “6 God,” noting that people will quickly switch up on hip-hop artists. He also pointed out how many artists Drake has helped. “Man GET THE MONEY. Eventually they gone tear you down could be something you did or didn’t do eventually they get tired of your ass no matter who you is. THATS Why MY ADVICE IS ALWAYS GET ENOUGH MONEY TILL YOU CAN LEAVE THIS SH*T ALONE FOR GOOD,” he wrote in one post. Man GET THE MONEY ,Eventually they gone tear you down could be something you did or didn’t do eventually they get tired of your ass no matter who you is. THATS Why MY ADVICE IS ALWAYS GET ENOUGH MONEY TILL YOU CAN LEAVE THIS SHIT ALONE FOR GOOD — 42Dugg (@42_Dugg) August 28, 2025 “I knew our ass was out when these muf*ckas turned on Drake, Drake put on 400 rappers an counting if they can say f*ck him ah street n***a got zero chances,” he wrote in follow-up post. In other Drake news, the “What I Miss” rapper appears in a new trailer for the upcoming documentary, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes. The doc “will take an in-depth look at the iconic TV series.”  “I didn’t have a great time in high school. I just didn’t really fit in,” Drake admits, “ Drake says in trailer. In a statement to Deadline, director Lisa Rideout said: “Degrassi changed the landscape of television with real, unvarnished storytelling and did it unapologetically from a teenage perspective,” Rideout said.  “I was inspired by how fearless the series was in tackling issues that others wouldn’t touch,” the statement continued.m “This documentary celebrates the iconic Canadian franchise while revealing the impact it had on the people who made it and the audiences who loved it.”

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Caribbean Music Awards is a premier platform dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the talented individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Caribbean music and culture. Rooted in pride and purpose, CMA champions the growth of the Caribbean creative community, fostering unity with those who share our commitment to uplifting and empowering Caribbean talent worldwide. 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards is happening August 28th at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn Proud Sponsors: HOT 97 & WBLS. Watch the Red Carpet Live

Expect to see more of Cam Newton on ESPN.  The former NFL MVP has signed a muliti-year deal with the network who will expand his role on First Take, ESPN’s signature morning debate show. OnThursday (August 28), Newton made his return during a live show at Norfolk State University as part of the First Take HBCU tour. In a statement, Newton expressed his excitement to be back with the sports network. “I am excited to be back with the First Take team and share my voice on all things sports,” Newton said. “This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fans and bring my passion and knowledge to a show I’ve always admired.” “Cam Newton is a unique talent who is authentically himself, and that’s a key ingredient for success on First Take,” said David Roberts, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment at ESPN. “Cam is also an ultimate team player. All of us at ESPN look forward to watching Cam create a strong connection with his teammates and our fans.” The news of Newton’s signing comes after Shannon Sharpe, who served as a regular contributor on First Take, was let go from the company after settling a sexual-assault lawsuit. Sharpe was accused of sexual assault and battery by a former romantic partner. There were conflicting reports over the nature of his exit,  Newton is no stranger to ESPN. Last season, Newton appeared on “First Take” on Fridays during the NFL season. As a standout collegiate player, the  Heisman Trophy led Auburn University to the BCS National Championship in 2010, becoming the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He would go on to win the NFL Rookie of the Year, the NFL MVP award in 2015, leading the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50 the same year. He also holds the NFL record for most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 75.

Wack 100 weighed in on the latest Young Thug controversy during a phone call with DJ Akademiks that was streamed live. The debate centers around a resurfaced police interrogation clip where Thug mentions Peewee Roscoe, raising questions about whether it counts as snitching. During the conversation, Akademiks tried to explain Thug’s perspective and offered reasons why the rapper might have said what he did. Wack 100, however, was firm. “Telling is telling,” he said, emphasizing that even if Thug tried to spin the situation, speaking to law enforcement about Peewee Roscoe qualifies as snitching in his eyes. He also made it clear that he still respects and supports Thug as an artist. Wack noted that the clip is not new, but it has become a topic of discussion recently because of Thug’s public jabs at Gunna, who has faced his own snitching allegations. In Wack 100’s opinion, Thug should have stayed silent and avoided discussing Wunna with police. Akademiks offered a different viewpoint, pointing out that how the streets perceive someone and their fan support often matters more than the actual facts. The controversy has also fueled additional tension. Ralo accused Thug of causing Lil Baby to distance himself due to supposed snitching claims. Thug addressed the situation on Twitter, drawing a distinction between his actions and others. “Your friends said you didn’t lie,” he wrote. “You actually told on real people. You said that somebody actually did something that they was arrested for. I made an honest mistake saying that we sold Lil Wayne Weed to try to prove to the detectives that we wasn’t beefing with him. See the difference? And let’s not forget u told fani [Willis] u would take the stand on me and [YFN] Lucci in our case to get out of jail [crying-laughing emoji]. I tried to free my mans. You tried to fry yours [crying-laughing emojis] @ralofamgoon.” This discussion shows how past actions and old recordings can quickly reignite debates in the hip-hop world.