Oakland rap legend Too $hort is weighing in on the growing intersection of hip-hop and partisan politics, arguing that artists should think carefully before turning political affiliation into public identity. Speaking to TMZ at a recent single release party for Chanel West Coast at Andys in West Hollywood, Too $hort addressed questions about rappers aligning with the MAGA movement. The conversation referenced recent political commentary from Nicki Minaj and Nelly. The Oakland MC expanded the discussion beyond individual artists. He said both entertainers and everyday Americans should be mindful about publicizing political loyalties. In his view, civic engagement matters, but branding oneself around party politics can overshadow the music. “Keep your political views to yourself,” he said, reflecting on how celebrity culture has evolved. Too $hort described an earlier era when fans focused on albums and performances rather than party affiliation. Artists voted and supported causes, he said, but rarely folded campaign rhetoric into their public personas. That separation, he argued, protected hip-hop’s broad appeal. Too $hort Wants Hip-Hop To Stay Out Of Politics He believes the current climate blends activism with marketing in ways that can divide audiences. Music, he suggested, should bring people together across backgrounds and beliefs. Overt political alignment, he warned, risks alienating listeners who turn to hip-hop for expression and community. Hours after the event, Too $hort clarified his remarks in a statement to TMZ. He underscored his long-standing interest in civic life. “I’m seriously into politics and I wish everybody would get involved and fight for the causes they believe in,” he said. He added that he has followed American and global politics since childhood. “No Americans should stay out of politics,” he continued. “Especially in 2026.” As election cycles approach, his comments highlight a broader debate within the Bay Area music scene and beyond about the balance between artistic freedom and political responsibility.

DJ and media personality Abby De La Rosa is opening up about life within her uniquely structured family with Nick Cannon. During a recent appearance on the Lovers by Shan Podcast, hosted by certified sexologist Shan Boodram Brady, Abby spoke candidly about co-parenting with Cannon. She shares twin sons Zion and Zillion and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with Cannon. While their children have relationships with their many half-siblings, she revealed that she does not maintain personal ties with the other mothers. “When you see the kids all together, which I’ve been very, very blessed to experience that numerous times, it really is like, ‘OK, my ego can’t win in this. The kids deserve to know each other,’” De La Rosa said. Cannon, a television host and producer, is a father to multiple children across several relationships. De La Rosa emphasized that although the children are encouraged to bond, the adults lead separate lives. “There’s a beautiful aspect to it, especially when you see the kids,” she explained. “Now, as for the mothers? Don’t know. We don’t have any communication with each other. We all live very separate lives and we’re all very individualized. There’s never no family gatherings or Sunday dinners.” Instead, she shared, Cannon takes the lead in coordinating time between siblings. He arranges visits and playdates, while parents and caregivers handle schedules. According to De La Rosa, the structure works for everyone involved. Abby De La Rosa Says Nick Cannon’s Baby Mamas Don’t Communicate With Each Other “We all live very individual lives, so in a sense, it feels monogamous,” she said, describing the emotional clarity she feels within the arrangement. Later in the conversation, De La Rosa addressed speculation about labels often attached to Cannon’s romantic life. While some have described him as polyamorous, she noted that he does not claim that term. She also avoids defining their relationship in rigid terms when speaking with their children. “Daddy loves many people, daddy has a lot of love to give, that’s just who daddy is,” she said.

A Tennessee state court has delayed a plea hearing for Cornelius Smith, the admitted gunman in the 2021 killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, as counsel for both sides finalize the terms of a negotiated agreement. Smith, 36, was expected to enter a guilty plea Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting of the “100 Shots” hitmaker, born Adolph Thornton Jr. Instead, the court reset the matter to March 30 at the request of attorneys who said they needed additional time to “iron out the details” of the deal before presenting it to the judge. Smith previously testified under oath during the trial of co-defendant Justin Johnson. On the stand, he admitted that he and Johnson carried out what he described as a paid hit. Smith told jurors the order originated with Big Jook, the late brother of Memphis rapper Yo Gotti. Big Jook was later killed in a separate shooting. Young Dolph’s Shooter Corneilius Smith Accepts Plea Deal Young Dolph was gunned down on Nov. 17, 2021, at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in Memphis, a storefront he frequently visited. The killing prompted widespread public reaction and intensified scrutiny of violence within the local music scene. Johnson was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder and related offenses. Prosecutors argued the shooting was premeditated and financially motivated. A jury found him guilty on all counts, and he received a life sentence in state prison. Another defendant, Hernandez Govan, was accused of orchestrating the murder by connecting the shooters to the alleged plot. However, a jury acquitted Govan last summer, marking a significant shift in the prosecution’s case. Smith is the last remaining defendant whose legal exposure has not been resolved. His anticipated plea could conclude one of Memphis’ most closely watched criminal proceedings in recent years.

Victoria Monét and Jamie Foxx are among many great black artists, both emerging and superstars alike, who are returning to music over the weekend following Bad Bunny’s incredible Super Bowl LX performance. Black History Month is a great time for black artists and their music to thrive, with the nation rooting for everything black. J. Cole’s long-awaited album, The Fall Off, eclipsed everything in music over the weekend. While the North Carolina superstar finally speaks, there were plenty of emerging acts that slipped through the cracks with electrifying music, which shows what’s next in today’s music. From Ja Rule and 50 Cent reigiting their feud to tour announcements from Wale, Floetry, and more to the Grammy aftermath, plenty of superstars and fresh faces have kicked off their 2026 run this week. All are seeking to be the year’s biggest stars. Whether you missed the return of Victoria Monét or are eager to find your next favorite new artist in Shotgun Suge or Billionaire Buck this week. Behind the headlines, here’s a complete list of new music you might have missed this week. Victoria Monét Wants You To “Let Me” Bring This Romance This V-Day She’s back. When the 3x Grammy Award winner isn’t cooking at culinary school, she’s cooking up a new love song before she hits the road with Bruno Mars. Let me just say this pleasure-pleasing track marks the singer’s new era. Gunna & Chris Brown Wanna Know Again “WGFT” The unexpected hit from the Atlanta-meets-Virginia connection gets a raunchy and seductive visual to bring it back to life in 2026 after taking over 2025. Added are the enticing R&B vocals by one of the greatest ever, alongside the grimy raps that hypnotized us in 2025 from a superstar who was deemed the walking dead. This is already on your Valentine’s Day playlist. Baby Rose & Leon Thomas Says Their Parties Are For “Friends Only” Following a huge night of gold for the mutt, the duo’s collaboration captures the tension between intimacy and emotional self-protection. Over moody, minimalist production, the two explore blurred boundaries — where chemistry lingers but commitment feels risky. Their smoky vocals trade vulnerability and restraint, portraying two people drawn to each other yet hesitant to define it, choosing guarded connection over heartbreak. Victoria Monét, Leon Thomas, Chris Brown + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week Armor Tells Us Don’t Worry, “Get Yours, I’ll Get Mine” The U.K. hotshot’s latest single dives into the contradictions of street life, where ambition, addiction, and survival collide over a hard, punchy beat. Rather than glamorize fast money and chaos, he exposes the mental toll beneath it, delivering a gritty, self-aware record that underscores his raw storytelling edge. SFace Just Up’d & “Stolen Flow” Ready to steal the fame like a thief in the night, the emerging South London rapper blends smooth delivery with a lived-in perspective. A hustler’s ambition, the freestyle drawn directly from day-to-day experience — work, pressure, ambition, and the push to move forward. The quick track will make off with your attention and leave you speechless, like your wallet just got stolen, so pay close attention. Jamie Foxx Is Ready To Shower “Somebody” With New Love The multi-talented entertainer returns to music with his new song for the lovers out there. It appears to deliver the singer’s classic sound, matching his one-of-a-kind vocals over the traditional R&B production, blended with sensual lyrics. The song will surely pull at heartstrings and will welcome the hitmaker back with open arms. View this post on Instagram Joshua Baraka Grabs Shenseea To Go Back To “Moroco” The afrobeats remix adds the new Dancehall Queen for a sultry verse and flips the hook into. It’s a call-and-response that brings a fresh dancehall energy to the track. They teased the remix in the BK Arena, which resulted in fans tearing the roof out, demanding the record on streams immediately. View this post on Instagram “Me Personally,” It Looks Like Newark’s Shotgun Suge Is Bum Rushing 2026 Hip-Hop Hailing from an area that gave us elite lyricists like Joe Budden, Red Man, and Ice-T, the latest rising star’s EP showcases his battle-tested reputation displayed as a legit recording artist. Known for his imposing presence and punishing bars. The five-track tape pairs street-hardened records with introspective turns, unpacking loyalty, survival, and ambition. Still unpolished, the project shows signs of greatness that can’t be ignored.

Snoop Dogg’s appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan took an unexpected turn this week after a backstage encounter between his security team and Dutch speed skating champion Marianne Timmer. The incident reportedly occurred at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium following the men’s 1000-meter race. Timmer said she was waiting in a hallway to speak with athletes when a member of the rapper’s security detail approached. What she described as a routine moment quickly became tense. In an interview with Sportnieuws, Timmer said she was pushed while standing against a wall. “I was standing against a wall, and one of the security guards pushed me even closer,” she said. “I said, ‘Just act normal’, it’s a really wide hall, about four metres. But then the guy came back and I said, ‘What? Do I have to go through that wall or something?’” She indicated that the hallway had ample space and that she did not understand the need for force. Timmer also made clear she was focused on her reporting responsibilities, not on the entertainer’s presence. “I said something mean back: ‘I’m not here waiting for Snoop Dogg, I’m waiting for Jennings de Boo,’” she recalled. “‘We want to see Joep (Wennemars), we want to talk to Kjeld (Nuis) for a moment.’” She added that she witnessed another spectator being escorted away by security. “We saw a Dutchman being roughly escorted away from the stands by some very large security guards,” Timmer said. “I could just picture myself being grabbed by the neck and thrown out. That would have been a great story.” Peace Message Overshadowed by Backstage Tension The episode emerged during a week in which Snoop Dogg has been prominently featured at the Games. Ahead of the opening ceremony, he carried the Olympic torch through Northern Italy, drawing applause from spectators. In a video posted to social media, he described the experience. “I’m showing peace and love and it’s an honor to have this torch in my hand right now,” he said. “I want to spread a whole lot of love to the athletes, to the people of Italy, to the whole world right now. Because that’s what the Olympics is all about. Spread peace and love from the D-O-dub.” The contrast between that public message and the reported backstage dispute has prompted discussion, though no formal statement has been issued by his representatives. For now, the focus of the Games continues, even as questions about the encounter linger quietly in the background.

Nicki Minaj turned to social media this week to urge her supporters to contact their senators about the SAVE Act, a federal election bill that recently passed the House of Representatives. Her message followed a post from Elon Musk, who wrote, “Please call your senator and ask for voter ID to be passed.” Minaj echoed that call directly to her fan base, known as the Barbz, blending civic engagement with her signature online style. The posts quickly spread across platforms. “Barbz, get your pretty little fingers out & call your senators. I’ll bribe you if I have to. ” she wrote. She followed that with another message: “Dear Barbz, call your senators, then tweet #SaveAct to let me know you did it. Here’s a little video as a bribe to get you to do it. If you all do it, I’ll let you choose between a new look & [X] Spaces. The choice is yours. ” Alongside the post was a brief video of Minaj walking down a hallway in a gray tracksuit, white sneakers and a fur coat. The approach was playful, but the subject matter was serious. Later, Minaj expanded on her position by referencing earlier public health policies. “Test your pattern recognition skills. The ppl who told you to get that vaccine, and to get a thousand boosters, and to show proof everywhere you went that you had been vaccinated—are now telling you that people should NOT show ID to VOTE Haha,” she wrote. She concluded with, “Dear God, help US #SaveAct.” The remarks align with skepticism she has expressed in the past regarding vaccine mandates. The SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) America Act would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification when registering to vote. The legislation would also revise certain mail-in voting procedures, according to ABC News. The House approved the latest version of the bill by a narrow 218-213 margin. It now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain. Barbz, get your pretty little fingers out & call your senators. I’ll bribe you if I have to. https://t.co/zJqOXbnRQZ — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 12, 2026 Dear Barbz, call your senators, then tweet #SaveAct to let me know you did it. Here’s a little video as a bribe to get you to do it. If you all do it, I’ll let you choose between a new look & Spaces. The choice is yours. pic.twitter.com/CVmFezGutC — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 12, 2026 Clash Over Election Security and Voter Access Supporters of the proposal argue that clearer identification standards could strengthen public confidence in elections. President Donald Trump recently wrote on Truth Social, “America’s Elections are Rigged, Stolen, and a Laughingstock all over the World. We are either going to fix them, or we won’t have a Country any longer.” Advocates of the measure say it is designed to ensure eligibility requirements are consistently enforced. Opponents, however, caution that stricter documentation rules could create difficulties for some eligible voters, particularly those without easy access to updated government-issued identification. Representative Mike Thomson said, “The SAVE Act would make it harder for registered, legal voters to vote.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously stated, “The Republicans’ SAVE Act reads more like a how-to guide for voter suppression. It goes against the very foundations of our democracy. Mark my words: This will not pass the Senate.” Critics argue that existing safeguards already address concerns about election integrity. Across the country, voter identification rules vary. Thirty-six states require some form of ID, while others rely on alternative verification methods. Election experts have said instances of noncitizen voting are rare, though debates over election access and security continue. As the bill heads to the Senate, lawmakers on both sides are expected to weigh concerns about participation, fairness, and trust in the electoral system.

The tension between 50 Cent and T.I. resurfaced this week after remarks about a potential Verzuz battle circulated online. During an appearance on Nightcap Live, T.I. suggested that he had once expressed interest in facing 50 Cent on the platform. “When I was talking to Swizz [Beatz], I was like, ‘Yeah, I’d do it, but the motherf*er that really would be the one, it ain’t gon’ happen, but if Gucci [Mane], Young [Jeezy] and Gucci, that’s the one,’” he said. He added, “Then I called my man, I said who I wanted. I said I wanted 50. He don’t want no smoke, though. I called my man out, he don’t want no smoke. He ducking smoke.” 50 Cent responded on Instagram shortly afterward. He shared a clip of a Crime Stoppers Atlanta commercial featuring T.I., implying cooperation with law enforcement. In the caption, he wrote, “I know Atlanta pick and choose who they support,” followed by, “But yall gotta do better. LOL keep my name out ya mouth !” The post drew significant attention and prompted further commentary. T.I & 50 Cent call each other RATS pic.twitter.com/sB316HrGYv — Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) February 12, 2026 Music talk turned personal fast He later posted courtroom footage of T.I. speaking about a friend’s death. Alongside the clip, 50 Cent wrote, “No, no , i don’t like it. No verses let’s do (The stay away challenge ) and stay away from me,” adding “LOL.” The exchange quickly shifted from a discussion of music to questions of credibility. In comments that circulated widely online, 50 Cent referred to T.I. as “King Rat.” T.I. answered directly. “You playing on MY NAME when Only 1 of us a rat in real life. You know I got your paperwork right? And my transcript is available online. Your Excuses is useless. Get yo ho a** in the box or STFU and live in fear. You soft son. You’ve Lost my respect.” His response made clear that the disagreement had become personal.

Public exchanges are nothing new for 50 Cent, who has built much of his persona around direct responses. This week, he addressed remarks made by comedian Katt Williams in a recent Netflix special. During the performance, Williams joked about the rapper’s appearance, describing his head as square-shaped. The comment quickly made its way to Instagram. 50 Cent replied with a post that mixed humor and irritation. “Kat think I set him up in SHREVEPORT, he was talking to David Chappell back stage and didn’t see Michael Blackson hit the stage,” he wrote. “I think he said he smoke CRACK, or he was a crack head that’s why he mad at me. LOL.” The message circulated widely among fans. Soon after, his tone shifted. In a second post, he struck a more conciliatory note. “Damn KAT shooting at me, that’s my man,” he wrote. “Alright I’m taking a break before I don’t have no friends. Ok I got a box head, it’s cool.” The exchange suggested a willingness to treat the joke as just that. Verzuz Talk Turns Personal Between T.I. and 50 The back-and-forth with Williams came as another dispute resurfaced. During an appearance on Nightcap Live, T.I. accused 50 Cent of declining a potential Verzuz battle. “When I was talking to Swizz [Beatz], I was like, ‘Yeah, I’d do it, but the motherf*er that really would be the one, it ain’t gon’ happen, but if Gucci [Mane], Young [Jeezy] and Gucci, that’s the one,’” T.I. said. He continued, “Then I called my man, I said who I wanted. I said I wanted 50. He don’t want no smoke, though. I called my man out, he don’t want no smoke. He ducking smoke.” 50 Cent answered that claim on Instagram as well. He shared footage of a Crime Stoppers Atlanta commercial featuring T.I., adding the caption: “I know Atlanta pick and choose who they support. But yall gotta do better. LOL keep my name out ya mouth !” The exchange quickly gained traction online. What began as talk of a music battle shifted once again into personal territory.

On Wednesday (Feb.11), Cardi B kicked off her Little Ms. Drama Tour at the Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, CA. Clips of the performance have since circulated online. However, one in particular, where Cardi performs her track, “Pretty & Petty,” a diss track dedicated to BIA, caught the “WHOLE LOTTA MONEY” rapper’s attention. In response, BIA hopped into the comment section of a Cardi B fan page who posted the clip, taking shots at Cardi’s ex-boyfriend, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. “Can u name someone with more bms than receiving yards? I can! and I know that… ykwnvm ,” she wrote under the post. Diggs has faced several paternity lawsuits in the past and recently took a major loss at Super Bowl LIX. Cardi B and BIA’s beef stems back to early 2024, following the release of the Love & Hip Hop Alum’s “Like What (Freestyle).” BIA claimed that it was a rip-off of her track released a year prior, “I’m That (B*tch).” Bia throws some Stefon Diggs shade under a Cardi B tour post: “Can you name someone with more bms than receiving yards? I can!” pic.twitter.com/i1G63crPwR — Block Topickz (formerly Glock Topickz) (@BlockTopickz) February 12, 2026 Cardi B And Bia Trade Shots On Wax Both tracks happened to feature a sample from Missy Elliott’s “She’s a B*tch.” Not long after Cardi dropped off her freestyle, speculation arose that Cardi had copied BIA’s sound—a sentiment to which she agreed. Around May 2024, Cardi B jumped on GloRilla’s “Wanna Be” remix, taking several shots at BIA. “She did what?/ Had no idea/ Thought she was on the shelf, IKEA/ Hope she talk like that when I see her/ B*tch, please, don’t nobody wanna be ya,” Cardi rapped. A month later, BIA responded with “SUE MEEE?” where she accused Cardi of cheating on Offset. She also aimed at Cardi’s children in the track. Not long after the song was released, Cardi threatened legal action, and the track was eventually taken down from streaming platforms. It’s unclear if Cardi B will respond to BIA’s recent callout, but knowing the Bronx native, it’s only a matter of time.

Ja Rule has issued an official public apology following the viral verbal altercation that happened on a plane between him and G-Unit affiliates, Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda. “I’m not proud of my behavior it’s goofy to me,” Ja wrote in an Instagram post shared on Thursday (Feb.12). The rapper admits he wished the video wasn’t circulating online and that it depicts him being out of character. “I’m a grown man about to be a grandfather and I wish that video of me wasn’t out there either,” he continued.”I don’t like people taking me out of my character so for that I apologize to my wife, family, fans, business and investment partners. Ja added, “I want people to know at the end of the day I’m still a man. I’m going to stand my ground. I don’t start trouble.” View this post on Instagram Ja Rule Shares His Side Of The Story The disagreement occurred on a Delta flight traveling from San Francisco to New York. Accounts of what happened varied, but the exchange drew attention once the artists began posting publicly. The situation did not escalate beyond a brief intervention by airline staff. Posting on X, Ja Rule described the encounter in confrontational language. He portrayed the moment as both amusing and defiant, emphasizing that he was alone during the exchange. “I confronted these punks by myself on a plane lmao pssy ass n**s I threw the pillow at Yayo’s head ’cause you soft… [laughing emojis] knocked ya hat all off sht was hilarious…” he wrote. The post was widely circulated. Ja Rule later shared an email from TMZ that offered a different account. According to the report, witnesses said Ja Rule was loud and appeared to initiate the confrontation.