Waka Flocka is responding to fan speculation that he dissed Gucci Mane during a recent show. In a brief Instagram Story post on Thursday (Apr.9), the rapper made it clear he has no issues with the “Lemonade” rapper. “Y’all reaching with the gucci sh*t be bool and stop putting me and hate in the same sentence,” he wrote. Prior to his response, a video circulated online of the rapper performing “Hard in da Paint,” and when he approached the line “See Gucci, that’s my muthf*cking n*gga,” he seemingly brushed over it, which some fans took as a shot toward Gucci Mane. Back in the early 2010s, the pair shared a close mentor-mentee relationship; however, things quickly deteriorated over issues involving management and business disputes. That said, despite what fans may theorize, Waka and Gucci appear to have moved past their past grievances. In a 2018 interview, Gucci stated that the pair were “cool” and had no issues with each other. “Everything’s in the past now,” he said. View this post on Instagram

Remy Ma seemingly claps back at “ghostwriting” claims in new freestyle. In a newly released freestyle, the veteran MC seemingly addresses recent allegations from her ex, Papoose, who claimed in interviews and livestreams that he played a role in writing some of her biggest records. “The nerve of ni*as claiming they wrote those hits / When they whole career they ain’t never ghost wrote sht / Not for me or anybody else / You always act like you helped a n go help yourself!” View this post on Instagram As previously reported, during a livestream Pap claimed that he wrote 90% of her lyrics. “She wanna talk all this money talk and all of this, and what I don’t got and what I got? Since I met her, I have written 90% of the rhymes that came out of her mouth,” the Brooklyn rapper said at the time. “I can type in any word from one of her songs, and her entire rap will come up…I never asked for a penny, I never asked for credit. She was my wife, I didn’t want anything from her, I just wanted to see her win..” he doubled down. View this post on Instagram Fans reacted to Remy’s new freestyle, praising the Bronx rapper for her bars. “This what the culture needed..” commented one fan. “The way my mouth fell open and stayed like that the whole time….” reacted another. Papoose has yet to respond to the freestyle.

Honey Bxby stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her new single “Shame Remix” featuring Queen Naija and Bunna B, out now. She opened up about the real-life experiences behind the record, what inspired her to bring women together on the remix, and how each artist added something different to the track. She also shared stories about her close relationship with her mom, including the kind of bond she hopes to have long-term, and reflected on dating, heartbreak, and the lessons she’s still figuring out in her 20s. Honey Bxby also got honest about viral moments, including the intense reaction to her comments about dating older men and how she handled the backlash. She talked about navigating the internet, misconceptions about her personality and intelligence, and why she’s learning to take things less personally. She also shared behind-the-scenes moments from her career, including working with Fetty Wap, getting a major co-sign from Nas, and pushing herself through nerves during big performances. Plus, she plays “Run Away or Run It Back,” reacting to real relationship scenarios like guys who say all their exes are crazy (“I hope they all can fight”), catching someone with a second phone, late-night texting, and liking every girl’s pictures—leading to some of the most honest and hilarious moments of the conversation. She also looks ahead to what’s next musically, her evolving sound, and what fans can expect next.

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Erykah Badu made it clear this week that while she may enjoy a Kanye West concert, she is not interested in discussing the controversial rapper publicly. Following the Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Awards on Tuesday, Badu was approached by reporters regarding her recent attendance at West’s two-night residency at SoFi Stadium. Erykah badu has no comment on ye: Despite appearing in high spirits initially, the singer abruptly ended the conversation when the subject shifted to the man now known as Ye. When asked by TMZ Hip Hop to share her thoughts on the SoFi Stadium performance, Badu delivered a flat “Uh, no” before immediately walking away from the microphone. The refusal to comment stands in stark contrast to Badu’s recent social media activity. Last week, the “On & On” singer shared several videos on Instagram from the concert, which she attended with her daughter, Puma Curry. In the clips, Badu was seen rapping along to the lyrics of “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and praising the elaborate set design created by Aus Taylor. View this post on Instagram Badu further showed her support online by thanking West’s wife, Bianca Censori, for the invitation and describing the event as “phenomenal.” She also shared footage of Lauryn Hill’s surprise appearance during the second night of the Los Angeles run. The singer’s current silence may be a calculated move to avoid the ongoing firestorm surrounding West. The ban followed West being booked as the three-night headliner for the Wireless Festival this July. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the high-ranking officials who criticized the booking, citing West’s previous antisemitic comments and praise of Nazism. The ensuing backlash from government officials and major sponsors like Pepsi eventually led to the entire festival being canceled for 2026. While Badu has previously defended West, calling him “beautiful and kind” during a 2022 meeting at London Fashion Week, her latest interaction suggests a new boundary.

Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane breaks his silence with a new song, “Crash Dummy,” after news broke of his artist Pooh Shiesty being arrested on kidnapping charges stemming from an alleged January 10, 2026, incident involving the two in Dallas, Texas. Gucci surprised fans on Thursday evening (April 9) with a social media post, revealing “Crash Dummy” cover art. Laflare would turn off his comments for the cover art. He captioned the instantly viral post, “Dropping at midnight!” In the new song, Gwoap sends shots at Pooh Shiesty, Pooh Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams, Sr., and fellow Memphis rapper Big30. Gwoap describes the alleged events that took place. About Pooh Shiesty, Laflare begins with, “Tell the truth, you went out like a real crash dummy/And after all that, boy, you still signed to me.” Then, Gwoap goes at Big30, calling him a “funkie.” “I’m like Birdman, and n***a, this my Cash Money,” raps Gucci. “And your fat ass funkie, he a stone cold junkie.” On Shiesty’s father, Gwoap acknowledged the lineage while sharing that he put money on his commissary. He raps: Gucci Mane Releases New Song, “Crash Dummy,” After Rapper Pooh Shiesty Was Denied Bond On Kidnapping Charges “You learn from ya daddy / So I guess that it’s hereditary / I’m that same n***a who put money on your commissary. “ Throughout the song, Gucci shares his perspective on what happened between him and Pooh Shiesty. “I thought it was a business meeting, but it was setup,” Gucci raps, “I walk in the room, you can feel the pressure building / N***a dap me up, whole time they’re plotting against me.” He continued: “I pulled up on business, but y’all was on some weak shit.” Referencing the film, “Straight Outta Compton,” Gwoap says he’s not the Eazy-E in this situation. “”My n***a set up the play / Like Suge Knight did with Dre / But I ain’t Eazy-E, this ain’t back in the day,” he raps. Gucci would address the alleged signing of the release of Shiesty from his contract with 1017 at gunpoint. Claiming to be unafraid with a gun pointed at him, he raps: “Pressure on my chest but I still ain’t pressed / Pen to the paper, but it’s under derest / Read between the lines I don’t settle for less.” Gucci would taunt Pooh Shiesty throughout the song with subjective life phrases. “It’s all on you / Can’t be wearing no disguises / You play stupid games, then you win stupid prizes.” “Crash Dummy” was produced by longtime Gwoap producer Zaytoven. Fans and Hip-Hop stars alike would react to the track across social media. Until “Crash Dummy,” Gucci Mane hasn’t remotely acknowledged the alleged kidnapping incident inside a Dallas recording studio. While many believe he showed “proof” he still had the alleged stolen wedding band. The Instagram post on January 20, 2026, was an advertisement for the rolling papers brand, Loose Leaf.

Tia Mowry was spotted holding hands and sharing a kiss with a mystery man have effectively ended months of speculation regarding a potential reconciliation with her ex-husband, Cory Hardrict. The “Sister, Sister” alum was spotted out in public with a new partner this week, marking the first time she has been seen in a romantic light with someone other than Hardrict since their high-profile divorce was finalized in 2023. Social media platforms erupted after images surfaced showing the 47-year-old actress coordinated in a white top and mint-colored shorts, while her partner opted for an all-white ensemble. Mowry has been notably transparent about her post-divorce journey, frequently sharing updates with her millions of followers about her personal growth and her experiences as a single mother to two children. “Got her a YN OKAYYY,” one Instagram user commented on the viral images, another follower pointed out the futility of the previous reunion rumors, saying, “I kept telling people that wasn’t him. Why would she hide Cory when we already know him?” Mowry and Hardrict announced their separation in October 2022 and settled their divorce amicably last year. The former couple shares joint custody of their 14-year-old son, Cree, and five-year-old daughter, Cairo. W While the identity of the man in the photos has not yet been officially confirmed by Mowry’s representatives, the public outing suggests the actress is no longer interested in keeping her new romance behind a veil of secrecy. View this post on Instagram

Young Thug appeared to learn of Offset’s recent shooting only when asked about it on camera. This occurred in a brief moment captured by paparazzi and later circulated online. The Shade Room captured the encounter on April 9, showing him stepping toward a vehicle while pressed for comment. At first, he seemed unsure what was being referenced, pausing before asking who had been shot. Once told it was Offset, he reacted with visible surprise and said, “I didn’t know because I’ve been in Asia.” Reporters on the scene quickly filled in details, outlining what had been reported about the incident. One voice in the clip said, “It happened last night at the Hard Rock Cafe. Offset got shot. Supposedly it was Lil Tjay who was the one that sent somebody to do it.” The exchange continued as Thug was asked why he had not already heard the news. He responded, “I’ve been on a plane for 26 hours.” The brief conversation ended as he moved toward his car. Offset was wounded on Monday, April 6, near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, according to earlier statements from his representatives. In a message provided to Complex, a spokesperson said, “We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care. He is stable and being closely monitored.” Officials have since continued to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting. View this post on Instagram Affidavit Details Allegations, Lil Tjay Denies Involvement A probable cause affidavit later described allegations tied to the moments before the incident. According to that account, police believe Lil Tjay directed members of his group to initiate a confrontation at the venue around 7:22 p.m. ET. During what followed, an associate allegedly fired a weapon, injuring Offset. The document reflects an active investigation, and authorities have not publicly reached final conclusions. Lil Tjay was arrested the same day on charges of disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license. His attorney, Dawn Florio, pushed back on suggestions linking him to the shooting. She said, “We are issuing this release in regards to false rumors that Lil Tjay was involved in a shooting which occurred at the Valet Area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood which resulting in non-life threatening injuries to Offset, formerly a member of Migos. Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false.”

Afrika Bambaataa, a trailblazer in hip-hop and electronic music, has reportedly died at 67. TMZ reported that he passed away from complications of cancer in Pennsylvania on Thursday, April 9. Born Lance Taylor in 1957 to Jamaican and Barbadian parents, Bambaataa grew up in New York City’s Bronx River Projects. There, he became a fixture of the borough’s early music scene. He organized block parties that brought together DJs, MCs, dancers, and fans. Thus, he helped to shape the vibrant culture of hip-hop in its infancy. Bambaataa’s contributions to music were profound. His album Planet Rock, with singles released between 1980 and 1986, is widely regarded as a foundational work in both hip-hop and electronic music. He also co-founded the Universal Zulu Nation. This group was devoted to promoting hip-hop culture while emphasizing community awareness and social engagement. Afrika Bambaataa: Hip-Hop Pioneer Amid Controversy and Allegations Later in life, Bambaataa faced serious allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. These claims triggered resignations within the Zulu Nation and led Bambaataa to step down from his leadership role. In late 2024, French rapper Solo, of the Assassin collective, accused Bambaataa of sexually abusing him at age 17. The first public allegations emerged in 2016, when hip-hop artist and activist Ronald “Bee-Stinger” Savage said he had been molested at 15. Additional claims have surfaced over time. These include a lawsuit reported by The Guardian, filed by an anonymous plaintiff alleging abuse at age 12. Bambaataa consistently denied all accusations. Afrika Bambaataa’s life and career remain a study in contrasts: a visionary who helped define a global cultural movement, yet whose legacy is shadowed by profound controversy. His influence on music, youth culture, and the early foundations of hip-hop continues to resonate. Even so, the allegations surrounding his later years complicate the story of one of the genre’s most influential figures.

Cam’ron’s recent conversation with J. Cole drew immediate attention across hip-hop circles, with fans tuning in to hear Cole weigh in on some of the genre’s most talked-about topics. The discussion spanned everything from the tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake to the settled legal dispute between Cole and Cam’ron. Beyond the headlines, the episode marked a pivotal moment for Cam’ron’s platform, Talk With Flee, providing it with a visibility boost that could potentially attract future high-profile guests. Asked about his dream interviews, Cam’ron did not hesitate to put Drake at the top of the list. “Drake is the one,” he confirmed, noting the artist’s global influence and history of mutual respect. Such a conversation would attract considerable attention and fill a long-standing gap in hip-hop media, as Drake rarely participates in in-depth interviews focused on his peers or the industry’s inner workings. With ICEMAN anticipated soon, the timing could be particularly significant. Cam’ron Weighs Kanye Amid Hip-Hop’s Shifting Spotlight Cam’ron’s view of Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), in contrast, is more complicated. He pointed to Ye’s track “Cousins” as a potential issue, implying that the narrative may have used personal matters for dramatic effect. “Cam seems to believe that if you come out as gay, people will forgive you,” insiders note, though the song’s authorship—credited to Dave Blunts—casts doubt on the story’s accuracy. Blunts, also known for penning Ye’s controversial “Heil Hitler,” adds another layer of uncertainty. For now, a conversation with Drake seems closest to reality, promising both a ratings boon for Talk With Flee and renewed attention on hip-hop’s evolving discourse. Whether Cam’ron ultimately revisits the idea of sitting down with West remains uncertain, but the momentum from this interview underscores the show’s growing cultural relevance.