THE BEAT DROP 🥁

A pulse of the culture.

If you’re reading this it’s another Sunday in the culture, and I’ve finally played something other than ICEMAN, thanks to Ken Carson’s new release with xperiment. Also this week, Tay Keith was laid to rest in Memphis and the Beyhive was buzzing with glee when Beyoncé officially released “DONK” on DSPs July 4.

THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST 💿

The most important news items of the week.

1. Ken Carson released his highly-anticipated project xperiment and it’s fuego.

2. Beyoncé took over July 4 with the official release of “DONK.”

3. Tay Keith’s funeral took place in Memphis where Sexyy Red, Gunna and BlocBoy JB, among others, paid their respects.

4. The 2026 XXL Freshman Class was announced with Chris Patrick, Belly Gang Kushington, Slayr, La Reezy, Trim, Trap Dickey, Babyfxce E, Hurricane Wisdom, YKNiece, Skrilla, Sosocamo and 10th-spot winner Miles Minnick.

5. India Arie expressed she doesn’t like the message of Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” and J White Did-It, the song’s producer, decided to troll her with a version that used her song “Video.”

6. Kai Cenat’s Streamer University is underway and set to start Monday, July 6.

7. Ice Spice and Tobey Maguire were allegedly seen making out at Michael Rubin’s White Party…but her teams says they were just sharing a vape.

8. André 3000 says he has new music otw.

9. Concordia Univeristy in Montreal is set to offer a course on Drake this coming fall which includes readings from Carl Jung.

10. Pooh Shiesty’s alleged Gucci Mane robbery hit the net in 4k. The “Back in Blood” rapper’s trial is set for February 22, 2027.

BARS OF THE WEEK 🎤

Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.

“This shit hit so hard, they gon cop the vinyl and CD / Pull up to a rockstar show, yeah, come see me.” — Ken Carson on “edm” spitting facts.

“Saw a fit in Gucci and I kidnapped it” — Rylo Rodriguez on “Low Top Vanz” (is it too soon? 😭).

“Bad yellow b*tch look like Bardi in this motherf*cka.” — Cardi B switching up the lyrics to “ErrTime” in the midst of her beef with Latto.

CHART TOPPERS 📈

Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.

Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” hit #25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Drake’s ICEMAN entered at #2 on the Billboard 200 charts after being at #1 for four weeks while “Janice STFU” sits at #6 on the Hot 100 charts.

Meanwhile, Chris Brown’s BROWN entered at #22 on the Billboard 20 and YE's BULLY re-entered at #28.

SOUND WATCH 🎧

Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.

Subscribe now

Ken Carson dropped xperiement 22 tracks deep and it came with plenty of guest appearances. Once you press play, you’ll hear Playboi Carti on “wedidit,” Young Thug on “drug kit” and Lil Uzi Vert on my personal fave “ghost.” “wrist” goes crazy too. This isn’t it though. On July 10, expect something called Cartunez to hit your speakers, followed by 00Twinz with Destroy Lonely to wrap the year up on Oct. 30.

Rylo Rodriguez dropped his project S.K.A.T.E. (Silence Keeps All Targets Exposed) which includes the banger “Neighborhood Starz" with Lil Baby and Kevin Gates. Veeze, NoCap, YTB Fatt, among others also make an appearance.

Beyoncé reached down in the vault and released “Morning Dew (DONK),” a Self-Titled leftover that fans overly love.

Rico Nasty reunited with Kenny Beats for her new single “Cupcake.”

Smiley released something smooth his track “Two Tone.”

Fatt Smaxk came through ballin on the motivating “Up The Score.”

Naomi Sharon delivered her sophomore album, No Sleep In Paradise.

NBA Youngboy gets reflective on his latest release “Try So Hard.”

Bino Rideaux and the late Nipsey Hussle’s “All Summer” is out ahead of thier collaborative effort Prolific.

BBYKOBE came through with the R&B-tinged “U MISS ME.”

BJRNCK shared the music video for “Coming Home” featuring G Herbo.

Naisha came through with the summer vibes on “so then” featuring Ty Dolla $ign.

24hrs and MadeinTYO are still churning out vibes and “SLIDE” is the latest from the two brothers.

STEAK REPORT 🥩

Feuds, diss tracks and social media spats.

Cardi B tried to publicly make amends with Latto following the leak phone call of Bardi referring to the Atlanta rapper as “p*ssy ass Latto” and to no avail. But it seems she’s over it. During Cardi’s Essence Festival performance this weekend, she switched up the lyrics of “ErrTime” from "Bad yellow b*tch, look like Latto in this motherf*cka" to "Bad yellow b*tch look like Bardi in this motherf*cka."

During his Vancouver Don’t Be Dumb Tour stop, A$AP Rocky spotted a fan in the crowd waving a flag that read: “This cutie smoked all 3 of your f*ckass albums” — a clear response to the Harlem rapper’s tense back and forth with Drake. Rocky took aim at Drizzy on his Don’t Be Dumb track “Stole Ya Flow” and the Toronto rapper aimed back on ICEMAN with “Burning Bridges” that came with a viral “Where she at?” meme and emote. 🫣

Offset banned Rylo Rodriguez from Atlanta for dissing him on S.K.A.T.E. track "Eliza (Bless Me Up).”

Leave a comment

TOUR BUS 🚌

Lil Wayne is currently on tour celebrating 20 years of Tha Carter…but he’s been very late to hit the stage and had to apologize for missing his first tour stop in Maine (June 30), while later showing up to Michael Rubin’s White Party (July 1) to perform the next day. The tour runs through Oct. 23. For the brave, tickets are on sale now.

Following Ken Carson’s release of xperiment, the Billboard-topper is set to go on a festival run in Europe hitting Rokslide Festival in Denmark, Splash Festival in Germany, Openair Frauenfeld in Switzerland, Clout Festival in Poland and Frequency Festival in Austria. US-based fans will be able to catch him at COMPLEXCON headlining Oct. 3. This will be right after the release of Cartunez and right before 00Twinz with Destroy Lonely, so get ready.

Don Toliver announced the second leg of his OCTANE Tour, NITROUS. There will be 19 new North American arena dates and he will bring the show overseas this fall. So if you missed (like me), here’s your chance.

FREESTYLE 🎙️

Memes and viral moments.

Ken is on a historic run. 🔥

RAP HILL ⚖️

Legal matters affecting the music industry.

Sexyy Red recently learned she was named as a defendant in a lawsuit over unpaid royalties due to frequent collaborator Tay Keith and has asked the judge to remove her name from the filing. Sexyy said she doesn’t pay producers, her label does and a rep for Tay concurred, telling TMZ, “Royalty negotiations are handled by labels — not artists — and I've worked closely with the legal counsel and team for Tay Keith to finalize the royalty agreement to fully compensate him for his valuable contributions as a musical collaborator with Sexyy."

TRENDSETTERS

Updates on key figures who are driving the culture.

Megan Thee Stallion released her floral-scented Hot Girl Summer Eau de Parfum with notes of coconut milk accord, orchid accord and vetiver. However, it’s already sold out.

OUTSIDE 📸

Sightings and appearances.

Ken Carson had the streets of London flooded at a pop-up after leaving usb drives with xperiment around different cities ahead of the albums release.

Drake was spotted at the Portugal v. Croatia FIFA World Cup Match hitting the “Where she at?” emote.

Billionaire Michael Rubin held his illustrious White Party at his Bridgehampton, New York estate and Cardi B, Travis Scott, Quavo, Jay-Z, Ice Spice, Lil Wayne, Ciara, Alicia Keys, Meek Mill along with Fat Joe, among other A-list celebs, were in attendance.

BIRTHDAYS 🎉

Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.

PARTYNEXTDOOR, TraeABN, Plies, Missy Elliott, Vince Staples, Post Malone

OUTRO ✌🏽

A final thought.

Who Ken Carson feeling like?! The leader of the underground is about to go on a Future-like run with three projects dropping back-to-back: xperiment, which just dropped, then Cartunez on July 10 and 00Twinz with Destroy Lonely in October. It’s reminiscent of Future’s Monster-Beast Mode-56 Nights trilogy stack which at this point is Hip Hop canon. There’s a lot to say when it comes to the rising popularity of Ken and his YVL troupe, and when it comes to what matters next, Carson is right there. In 2025, I called Ken and Lone the future of Rolling Loud and knew at some point they’d be taking over as headliners, which finally happened this year. I’ve been to every Playboi Carti set at every RL I have ever attended (and I’ve attended a lot), and there’s no pit like a Ken Carson pit. ZERO. You have to experience it for yourself.

That being said, I am looking forward to seeing what Carson does in 2027. The takeover is imminent.

xx

THE BEAT DROP 🥁

A pulse of the culture.

If you’re reading this, it’s another Sunday at the crib and this week was filled with a lotta love. A new Nipsey Hussle joint was released with Bino Rideaux ahead of their collab album, Brent Faiyaz dropped Icon and Future confirmed an album was also on the way. With all this new music coming, 2026 is shaping up nicely.

THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST 💿

The most important news items of the week.

1. Bino Rideaux announced a collab project with the late Nipsey Hussle called Prolific and shared their single “Reckless” along with the announcement.

2. Brent Faiyaz delivered his new album Icon and doubled back with a Director’s Cut that includes two bonus tracks.

3. Future confirmed a new album is definitely otw.

4. A judge has banned the use of a few of Lil Durk’s lyrics. However, the use of screenshots from music videos will be permitted.

5. Young Dolph’s murder suspect is working on a plea deal.

6. Rumor has it that Travis Scott and Ye have a collab project otw. Havoc revealed a few of his tracks have possibly made the cut.

7. Lil Baby was accused of fighting with an NFL player who was later shot.

8. Takeoff’s murder trial has been set for November 9.

9. Tone Loc was hospitalized, however no reason was given outside of it being a medical emergency.

10. Ye put Drake, Kendrick, Future, Young Thug and Playboi Carti in his Rap Mount Rushmore.

BARS OF THE WEEK 🎤

Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.

“I know this cash don't make me / I know this fame don't make me / You know this game get crazy / I know this pain can't break me.” — Nipsey Hussle on “Reckless” with Bino.

“You’ve been looking for love in all the wrong, the wrong places / You’ve been looking for love in all the wrong the wrong faces” — Brent Faiyaz on the romantic cut “wrong faces.”

“I can make a n*gga get his mind right / the type of face card that don’t decline right!” — BunnaB on her latest cut “Mind Right.”

“It's stars in the Wraith, tell 'em, ‘Give me some space’” — Bossman Dlow talking that money talk on “Act Like Money.”

“I know the album is on the motherf*cking way.” — Future on what’s to come musically in 2026.

CHART TOPPERS 📈

Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.

J. Cole’s The Fall Off landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 and Don Toliver’s OCTANE entered at #4.

SOUND WATCH 🎧

Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.

Subscribe now

The late Nipsey Hussle and his longtime collaborator Bino Rideaux recorded “Reckless” a while back and now its available for fans to listen to. The single is part of their forthcoming project, Prolific, which is expected to be released this summer.

Brent Faiyaz released Icon with 10 joints and another two are expected with the Director’s Cut. Peep the “wrong faces.” music video here.

Victoria Monet brought all the love vibes with “Let Me.”

CMG signee Lil Poppa returned with his new single “Out Of Town Bae.”

Feng’s Weekend Rockstar dropped.

Sexyy Red linked with Key Glock for “Hang Wit A Bad Bitch.”

Luhh Dyl popped off with “Rollin With Me.”

Kenny Muney Muney Talk 2: The Encore Edition dropped.

Larry June, Curren$y and The Alchemist released the music video for “EVERYTHING ALLOCATED” off their forthcoming joint album SPIRAL STAIRCASES.

Jordan Adetunji shared the official video for “Climbing Up.”

Lefty Gunplay is now a Grammy Award-winning rapper and is taking advantage of the moment with a fresh introductory single “What’s My Name.”

Luh Tyler is full of love on his new track “My Boo.”

Buddah Bless announced Buddah Bless The Streets which will include "Owe Me" with Kodak Black and "See The World” with 2 Chainz, Bossman Dlow and Big Sean.

Cochise dropped off “JR Smith.”

BabyTron and Jorjiana came together for “Carhartt.”

Central Cee delivered “Slaughter” with J Hus.

Bossman Dlow shared the magnificently luxurious visual for “Act Like Money.”

The military-inspired video for BunnaB’s “Mind Right” was released.

Draft Day and Lil Yachty shared the soulful “Stylistics.”

Raq Baby released the visual for “WDH You Been Doin.”

Murda Beatz offered “By My Side” with Loe Shimmy and Cash Cobain.

A music video for Concrete Boys’ “Millionaire” was shared.

Big Moochie Grape balled out from his hospital bed in “Humongous.”

A Boogie Wit da Hoodie returned with his six-track EP Before Artistry.

Justine Skye and KAYTRANADA released “Thong.”

Alex Isley shared “Sweetest Lullabye.”

Maya J’an released her dreamy second single“pocketknife.”

Mike WiLL Made-It released his explosive new single “ROOMS,” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Chief Keef

BEHIND THE MUSIC 🎵

Industry news.

A new book about RUN-DMC is coming April 28 called RUN‑DMC AND RAISING HELL: 40 YEARS written by JayQuan. It has been described as a “definitive deep dive into the hip‑hop album that changed everything.”

Can’t wait for this one!

TOUR BUS 🚌

Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.

Cardi B’s “Little Miss Drama Tour” kicked off this week and is set to wrap April 18 in Atlanta.

Floetry announced their “Say Yes Tour.” It’ll be the duos first national run in a decade.

Wiz Khalifa announced “The Macrodose Tour.” It will be a limited run from April 15 to April 19.

Miguel officially launched his highly anticipated global “CAOS Tour” this week in Atlanta and is expected to wrap May 5 in Barcelona.

FREESTYLE 🎙️

Memes and viral moments.

They saying Latto run a strict program! 😂

RAP HILL ⚖️

Legal matters affecting the music industry.

Ty Dolla Sign and Ye are facing a lawsuit over a sample used on Vultures 2 track “530.”

R&B artist SWSH is accusing the pair of using her 2018 song "Break the Fall (Acoustic)” without permission.

Take a listen to Ye and Ty’s version for yourselves here.

OUTSIDE 📸

Sightings and appearances.

While on his “Trunk Sale Tour,” J. Cole hooped with fans in the DMV.

Rihanna showed up in support of her man A$AP Rocky for his AWGE fashion show in New York City. They were also spotted out doing Valentine’s Day together looking like the perfect couple!

BIRTHDAYS 🎉

Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.

Brandy, Megan Thee Stallion, Kelly Rowland, Yung Miami, Nasty C, Roc Marciano, Mike Shinoda, Khalid

OUTRO ✌🏽

A final thought.

News of Nipsey Hussle and Bino Rideaux’s collab album Prolific has to be the greatest news to hit this week. There’s no doubt that those two make great music together. I know for fact they are sitting on some gems and “Reckless” is proof of that! Another thing I want to touch on this week is the idea that Lil Wayne doesn’t rap with substance. Now, that’s just crazy talk. He’s one of the most dynamic rappers of our lifetime. We have to chill on disrespecting our greats while they are living.

xx

THE BEAT DROP 🥁

A pulse of the culture.

If you’re reading this, it’s another Sunday in Hip Hop — Super Bowl Sunday to be exact. And this week, J. Cole released The Fall Off as a double-disc to much fanfare, Mozzy and EST Gee revealed that they have a collab project in the chamber and so does Meek Mill.

THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST 💿

The most important news items of the week.

1. J. Cole dropped The Fall Off and sold physicals out the trunk of his Honda Civic, this weekend.

2. Mozzy and EST Gee are coming together for their collab effort Not A Chance In Hell due out February 20.

3. Meek Mill said he was planning on releasing 3-4 albums this year and to expect the first one real soon.

4. BigXThaPlug starred in a new campaign for the adidas Originals adistar XLG.

5. Pooh Shiesty gifted his mom a $1.1M dollar home.

6. Doechii revealed that she almost wore Beyoncé’s custom Roberto Cavalli archive dress to the Grammys, but it was too hard to move in!

7. Drake bet $1M on a Patriots win for the Super Bowl.

8. Speaking of Drizzy, a few ICEMAN snippets circulated online this week.

9. Lil Jon’s son, DJ Young Slade, passed away. He was 27.

10. Oh yeah, Hip Hop won big at the Grammys last week, as well. Kendrick Lamar and SZA took home Record of the Year for “luther,” which meant that Dot broke JAY-Z’s record for the most Grammys. And since Bad Bunny’s beginnings started with trap music, we’ll acknowledge his well-deserved Album of the Year win for DtMF.

BARS OF THE WEEK 🎤

Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.

“I'm the future of this rap shit, nigga, fuck everything that I did in the past.” — J. Cole popping his shit on “Two Six.”

“We know your shit is droppin', we ain't coppin' what you sellin' us / Bitch, you was good in school, why you hidin' your intelligence?” — Another Cole bar of him spitting that real off “Two Six.”

“You can't ignore how niggas up the score / From less fortunate to touchin' more.” Mozzy with the inspo on “WOULDN’T HOLD YOU UP” with EST Gee off the forthcoming NOT A CHANCE IN HELL.

“I’m supposed to drop 3-4 albums this year. I’m independent…Give me 30 days and we gon’ put it right in the streets.” — Meek Mill on what’s to come in 2026.

“And the Grammy goes to…Luther Vandross.” — Cher announcing Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” win for Record of the Year.

“I'm addicted to this money, I won't never go to rehab / Every time I sit down for too long I tend to relapse.” — Hunxho keeping it honest on “Stone Cold” with G Herbo off his surprise mixtape Not One Of Them.

“No friends, just fans, you wouldn't understand.” — North West snapping on “PIERCING ON MY HAND.”

“Delete or I will sue …immediately” — Cardi B playfully to TMZ for posting a robot falling on her while she gave it a lap dance.

CHART TOPPERS 📈

Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.

Megan Thee Stallion’s “Lover Girl” hit #1 on US Rhythmic Radio, which makes sense because it’s all I hear when I turn on the radio.

A$AP Rocky’s DON’T BE DUMB landed at #10 on the Billboard 200, this week, with SZA’s SOS holding it down at #9. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s Grammy Award-winning album DtMF shot up to #2.

And at #1, landed Don Toliver’s Octane with 162k units moved.

SOUND WATCH 🎧

Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.

Subscribe now

J. Cole’s The Fall Off arrived in the form of a double-disc project, 24 songs deep. It’s “Bunce Road Blues” featuring Future and Tems and “Bombs in the Ville/Hit the Gas” for meeee. Nevertheless, check out the music video for “Two Six” here.

Hunxho surprised fans with his mixtape Not One of Them.

Stove God Cooks collaborated with Swizz Beatz for “Welcome To My Garden.”

Omah Lay delivered the music video for his song “Don’t Love Me” off his forthcoming album CLARITY OF MIND.

Montana 700 unleashed the official music video for “LL Da Wizard.”

Ella Mai unveiled her long-awaited third studio album Do You Still Love Me?

Ahead of their collab project NOT A CHANCE IN HELL, Mozzy and EST Gee dropped off the music video for “WOULDN’T HOLD YOU UP.”

Super group 1 Umbrella, with Bay Area’s ALLBLACK, 22nd Jim, Zay Bang and Lil Bean, dropped their debut project.

North West officially dropped “Piercing on My Hands.” Mind you, she produced and wrote this herself.

R&B singer Jaymin released a debut EP in the form of Sweet Nothings.

Hurricane Wisdom’s music video for his loving “Over Now” is out now.

B. Howard released the visual for “Beautiful Nightmare.”

Chief Keef and Ballout teamed up for “Talking Ish.”

EsDeeKid is back with another banger called “Omens.”

MarcLo shared a video for his latest “Interest.”

Black Fortune released Road to Osshland III.

Fredo Bang shared “Baby Please.”

Feng’s “J*b” is out.

TKandz tapped Lil Baby for “NOW OR NEVER II.”

Loe Shimmy traveled to Lagos for “Purple Magic.”

BEHIND THE MUSIC 🎵

Industry news.

Apple recently shared with Bloomberg how important iTunes is. They revealed that 80% of iTunes users not are Apple Music subscribers, unveiling an untapped market.

STEAK REPORT 🥩

Feuds, diss tracks and social media spats.

T.I. called out 50 Cent, challenging him to a Verzuz battle.

"I said who I wanted I called out 50 that's what I said but he doesn't want any smoke though he's ducking me,” Tip said on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson.

The New York rapper responded with a Reel of T.I.’s old crime stopper commercial and by telling the ATL icon to keep his name out his mouth.

Well…let’s see how this goes!

Leave a comment

TOUR BUS 🚌

Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.

DaBaby officially announced the BE MORE GRATEFUL Tour with Zeddy Will, H3adband and Bri3.

FREESTYLE 🎙️

Memes and viral moments.

Shakepeare wishes.

RAP HILL ⚖️

Legal matters affecting the music industry.

Real Boston Richey was acquitted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

TRENDSETTERS 🔥

Updates on key figures who are driving the culture.

Chicago-based cannabis brand 93 Boyz announced the launch of its Free Smoke Medical Program with Vic Mensa. It’s a community-centered cannabis assistance initiative created to support individuals who rely on medicinal cannabis during periods of medical, physical and financial hardship.

OUTSIDE 📸

Sightings and appearances.

J. Cole popped up at a Fayetteville listening event and surprised fans.

Lil Uzi Vert was spotted in a vintage Micheal Jackson varsity jacket while performing “What You Saying” on Jimmy Fallon.

Good news! Future was spotted in the studio with YTB Fatt, ATL Jacob and Ty Dolla Sign. 😈

BIRTHDAYS 🎉

Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.

Big Boi, K’naan, Lola Brooke, Tego Calderón, RXK Nephew, That Mexican OT, OMB Peezy, T-Mo, Lil Debbie, Sean Kingston, Daddy Yankee, WC, Bobby Brown

OUTRO ✌🏽

A final thought.

I just feel like, The Fall Off is the J. Cole album I always wanted. I would consider myself a casual listener of Cole — someone who respects his craft and what he offers, including the handful of hits he’s given us throughout his career. I must say The Fall Off is living up to all the hype and that is rare in this day and age. What I respect the most, is Cole staying true to habit by giving his fans a truly immersive experience with this roll out. Showing up in person to the listening event in Fayetteville, pulling up to NCAT, selling physicals out the trunk of his Civic Honda…that’s the kind of experience (and hope) Hip Hop needs right now. I’m looking forward to the tour.

xx

THE BEAT DROP 🥁

A pulse of the culture.

If you’re reading this, it’s another Sunday at the crib and this week, we’re celebrating the life of Swishahouse co-founder Micahel “5000” Watts and J. Cole’s return before The Fall Off. Also, the Grammys are set to air this evening with Doechii, SZA, Clipse, Tyler, The Creator and Leon Thomas, among others nominated.

Happy Black History Month! ✊🏾

THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST 💿

The most important news items of the week.

1. Swishahouse co-founder and Houston legend Michael “5000” Watts passed away on Friday (January 29) at the age of 52.

2. It’s time for the Grammys! See the full list of nominees here.

3. J. Cole dropped a mixtape with DJ Clue called Birthday Blizzard ahead of his upcoming album, The Fall Off.

4. Hit-Boy and Mike Will Made-It’s Verzuz was a musical spectacle with the two production behemoths going hit-for-hit, bringing out friends like Big Sean, Chief Keef and Swae Lee.

5. Jordan Brand and Teyana Taylor came together for an exclusive Concrete Rose Air Jordan 3 sneaker and they are fire.

6. Drake signed Pimmie to OVO Sound and she released a new song called “Bet.”

7. Travis Scott was spotted in the movie trailer for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “Odyssey.”

8. MusiCares celebrated Mariah Carey as Person of the Year for her iconic legacy. Artists such as Jennifer Hudson and Teddy Swims paid homage to the award-winning singer at the event.

9. The “Joe and Jada” podcast is now on Netflix. Watch here.

10. Rihanna celebrated 10 years of Anti with a minute-trailer.

BARS OF THE WEEK 🎤

Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.

“Grown men peddlin' gossip of all things / I remеmber when it was rappin' and ball-playin' / Now the bread and butter is yappin' and parlayin” — J. Cole rapping what it is on “Bronx Zoo Freestyle”

“I was taking heartache medication / Straight shots for the pain, no chasing / Payback's so close, I can taste it” — Swae Lee on “Rockstar Raging”

“Never was worried 'bout bills when they bill a check / Patriot, makin' this paper, then savin' it 'til it's lookin' like it's pages or somethin” — Denzel Curry going crazy on “Lit Effect.”

“Just me here to let yall know my baby daddy got the NUMBER 1 ALBUM!!!” — Rihanna celebrating her man’s album DON’T BE DUMB going No. 1.

“I'm in H-Town, this a hell of a vibe.” — Don Toliver repping his hometown on “ATM.”

“You guys gotta train your ears.” — North West on making more beats following criticism from the critics.

CHART TOPPERS 📈

Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.

A$AP Rocky’s DON’T BE DUMB landed at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. On the Hot 100 “Helicopter” hit No. 24 and “Stay Here 4 Life” hit No. 23.

“Folded” by Kehlani sat at No. 8 on the Hot 100 chart, meanwhile Burna Boy earned his first top 20 hit on the Hot 100 this week for "wgft" with Gunna.

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s “Stateside” reached a new peak of #39 on the Hot 100.

Not to mention, Rihanna’s Anti is the longest charting album by a Black female artist in Billboard 200 history per Chartdata.

SOUND WATCH 🎧

Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.

Subscribe now

J. Cole dropped a 4-piece mixtape with DJ Clue called Birthday Bizzard “26.”

Don Toliver shared his album Octane.

Swae Lee and Mike WiLL Made-It came together for “Rockstar Raging.”

Denzel Curry, BKTHERULA and Lazer Dim 700 offered the “Lit Effect” off The Scythe’s upcoming project.

Nine Vicious released his long-awaited project B4FN.

fakemink shared 7 tracks on his latest release The Boy who cried Terrified.

Jordan Ward dropped Backward on…Backward Day.

Summrs offered the visual for “YESSA.”

Myaap dropped her music video for “What You Wanna Do.”

Atlanta rising star Zukenee released Zuminati.

xaviersobased released his project Xavier.

OhGeesy and Renz teamed up for the buzzy “Get Loose.”

Benny the Butcher released “Squeeze First” with Grafh.

Dave East and Joyner Lucas linked up for “Traffic.”

Fivio Foreign decided to diss 21 Savage on “Rat Trap.”

Concrete Boys unleashed the monstrous “We’re Back.”

Snot was deep in his “Flow State” for his latest release.

Fredo Bang dropped “Young Ready.”

E-40 delivered “Pesos.”

Lil Yachty and Thundercat tapped in for the jazzy “I Did This To Myself.”

Lelo offered “Dice Roll.”

Babyfxce E came through with “Trackhawk.”

The Game, DJ Drama and Mike & Keys delivered a Gangsta Grillz mixtape.

Bay Area’s Yatta Bandz released the melodic “Memory Lane.”

EJ Jones got BigxThaPlug for the “Gas Station Love” remix.

NLE Choppa released “Shotta Flow 8.”

Bnyx and Kid Cudi came together for the “EVERYWHERE I GO” music video.

Cochise released a fun visual for “Custard.”

DaBaby delivered his album Be More Grateful.

BEHIND THE MUSIC 🎵

Industry news.

Rolling Loud and Pelle Pelle just dropped a limited edition collector's jacket with OsamaSon as the face. You can get it here.

Mass Appeal launched a new platform for fan-driven artists collaboration called Imagine That. Think of your dream collab and submit here.

TOUR BUS 🚌

Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.

Tickets for A$AP Rocky’s upcoming world tour are on sale now.

Ye was in Mexico this week performing a bunch of his hits and even shared the stage with North West, who took the moment to perform “Piercing On My Hand.”

Ne-Yo and Akon announced their 57-city Night Like This global tour.

Kid Cudi announced his Rebel Ragers Tour and tickets are now available.

FREESTYLE 🎙️

Memes and viral moments.

Ball so hard…

RAP HILL ⚖️

Legal matters affecting the music industry.

Drake appealed the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against UMG.

Chad Hugo sued Pharrell Williams for unpaid Neptunes royalties.

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BIRTHDAYS 🎉

Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.

Rakim, J. Cole, Kid Cudi, Gorilla Zoe, Anita Baker, Kirk Franklin, Jetsonmade, Angela Davis, Rick Ross, Big Freedia, Anthony Hamilton, Marvin Sapp, Adekunle Gold, Riff Raff, Charlie Wilson, Payroll Giovanni, Philthy Rich, Jody Watley, Jackie Robinson

OUTRO ✌🏽

A final thought.

Houston is like my second home. I really owe it to the city for a lot of what has inspired the motion of my career in the music industry as a journalist. Hearing the news of the passing of Watts has been heartbreaking. Growing up, all I did was listen to my music chopped. Beyond that, The Day Hell Broke Loose and Before Da Kappa are projects that have had a profound influence on my music taste. A lot of popular music has adopted its sound from the underground movement in Houston, and Watts was a significant part of that, so I just wanted to dedicate my first newsletter of 2026 to Watts. 🙏

Nevertheless, once again, Happy Black History Month!

THE BEAT DROP 🥁

A pulse of the culture.

If you’re reading this it’s another Sunday in the culture, and Young Thug’s leaked jail calls still has us all in chokehold. Not to mention, former rivals Latto and Ice Spice up linked up for the plot and delivered the music video for their collaborative effort “Gyatt.” Lastly, rumors are strengthening that a new JAY-Z album is looming upon us.

THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST 💿

The most important news items of the week.

1. Young Thug did an interview with Big Bank to explain himself over the treasure trove of phone calls that have leaked over the past week of him talking about everybody from Drake, Future and Kendrick Lamar. A call of him chatting it up with someone not named Mariah the Scientist did as well

2. Speaking of beefs, Latto and Ice Spice squashed theirs with “Gyatt” and made an appearance on Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon.

3. Meanwhile, Cardi B was getting ready to drop Am I the Drama? and took it to the streets. Literally.

4. Cash Cobain fueled rumors that a JAY-Z project is on the way.

5. Drake’s Iceman Episode 3 streamed live with a slew of snippets…but left fans underwhelmed. He also appeared on Bobbi Althoff’s new show for a lighthearted conversation.

6. 2 Chainz announced that he’d be releasing a memoir titled, The Voice In Your Head Is God.

7. Warren G became co-owner of the Long Beach Baseball Club.

8. Future’s son with Ciara officially took on Russell Wilson’s last name.

9. Pras Michel’s sentencing was delayed after emergency colon cancer surgery. It’s been pushed back to October.

10. Dame Dash filed for bankruptcy.

BARS OF THE WEEK 🎤

Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.

“Since elementary, bitches said I think I'm all that.” — Latto spitting on “Gyatt.”

“Hit her from the back, I'm her master / Mink on her toes, Alaska.” — Young Thug on “Closing Arguments.”

“I poured so much into him, I can’t even hate him. In jail I thought I hated him... But I don’t wish no ill will on him. No ill feelings at all.” — Young Thug on still loving Gunna still during his interview with Big Bank.

“All those summers of slappers, you owe me.” — Drake on a snippet from the ICEMAN 3 stream.

CHART TOPPERS 📈

Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.

Gunna’s album The Last Wun landed at #7 on the Billboard 100, SZA maintained her top 10 spot at No. 9 and BigXThaPlug entered at No. 10 with I Hope You’re Happy.

Offset's KIARI debuted at #16 with 29K sold.

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Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.

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Netflix Building The Band winner’s 3Quency released the music video for their single “Top Down” and I had to run it back a few times.

Latto and Ice Spice got in the ring with “Gyatt” and squashed their differences, giving us a plethora of ass-shaking gifs to work with. JaNa from Love Island also made a special appearance!

Summer’s not over yet, because Arya Starr just delivered the music video for “Hot Body.”

Justin Bieber gave us some more bangers with SWAG II, including a feature from THEE Hurricane Chris.

Song by Young Thug called “Closing Arguments” leaked, and he’s sliding and standing on business.

Houston native Josh Levi shared “Hold On.”

Every one went crazy over Drake and Yeat’s “DOGHOUSE.”

"Easy Kill" by Rio Da Yung OG was released.

Joyner Lucas shared a new one called “NVM.”

Buddha Bless and Kodak Black linked up for “Owe Me.”

Trippie Redd sampled Ashanti for “World Boss.”

SG Lewis released his third studio album Anemoia.

Paper Route Woo dropped off “Rick Owens.”

Star Bandz shared her new song “Die.”

Hennessy offered her latest smooth concoction, “On Camera.”

Big Moochie Grape released a Roblox-inspired music video for “Raww Dawwg.”

Queen Naija dropped the sensual “Rain…”

Fredo Bang delivered the introspective “Traumatized Child.”

Veeze released the music video for “L.O.A.T.”

Rema shared “Fun.”

STEAK REPORT 🥩

Feuds, diss tracks and social media spats.

It’s Young Thug vs. everybody right now. More calls were released this week like a multi-million dollar roll out and apparently, Thug had some words for Drake, Future, Andre 3000 and GloRilla.

A music video for a song titled “Closing Arguments” was also released where he dissed YSL members Gunna, Yak Gotti, Slug, DK, Woody, Obama and SlimeLife Shawty.

Watch Thug’s interview with Big Bank in full to get his perspective.

Leave a comment

TOUR BUS 🚌

Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.

Lil Baby’s European tour dates were canceled.

NBA Youngboy had Dallas and Houston turnt for his “MASA” tour.

Dee-1 made a pit stop in Houston for his “Hipocritical Hop Tour.”

The Weeknd announced 2026 tour dates for the “After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour.”

G Herbo is set to ring in his 30th birthday at his 1st Annual Birthday Bash on Saturday, October 26th at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.

FREESTYLE 🎙️

Memes and viral moments.

They saying this Latto and Ice Spice 😭

TRENDSETTERS

Updates on key figures who are driving the culture.

Roc Nation Founder JAY-Z, CEO Desiree Perez and Chairman Jay Brown and VP of Marketing, Bianca Edwards were recognized in Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players 2025.

CMG’s Yo Gotti was also recognized, along with Quality Control’s P and Coach K, as well as Top Dawg of TDE, among others.

OUTSIDE 📸

Sightings and appearances.

Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson were seen boo’d up on his boat spending some quality time.

OG Ron C unveiled his new hemp wraps at Rain TX.

Drake was spotted in Paris being escorted by six police cars while shopping.

BIRTHDAYS 🎉

Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.

Beyoncé, YK Osiris, August Alsina, Eazy-E, Tion Wayne

OUTRO ✌🏽

A final thought.

This week, marked the end of Latto and Ice Spice’s beef and the beginning of a beautiful friendship. “Gyatt” is a cute song and like Pimp C says, there’s always more money to be made together than in a beef.

Hopefully, Young Thug and Gunna catch on soon because my whole playlist is in shambles right now. Please respect my privacy at this time. 😔

xx

THE BEAT DROP 🥁

A pulse of the culture.

If you’re reading this it’s another weekend at the crib, and I am writing live from the H at the coffee shop Slow Drip TX sipping slow on my Iced Drip caramel coffee. This week, an old interrogation video starring Young Thug resurfaced and now people are calling him a rat, putting the whole of Atlanta in a frenzy. Cardi B also got the press in a frenzy as she fights charges from an alleged altercation with a security guard. Meanwhile, JAY-Z re-released the music video for “Imaginary Players” after Cardi B’s own version made waves earlier this month.

THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST 💿

The most important news items of the week.

1. Young Thug has been getting the Gunna treatment after an old interrogation video popped up of him pointing the finger at Peewee Roscoe for shooting Lil Wayne’s tour bus up in 2015, thereby throwing him into the category of a rat. Whatever that means in 2025.

2. Cardi B’s assault trial started this week, with the rapper taking the stand in the case of a security guard accusing her of spitting on her 2018.

3. JAY-Z re-released the music video for “Imaginary Players” on his YouTube, following Cardi B’s rendition of the 1997 In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 cut. Apparently, there might be a new Hov album on the horizon, according to The Alchemist.

4. Travis Scott and Tyla had a scare at a music video shoot when a knife-wielding London man threatened the set.

5. Ken Carson earned four new Platinum certifications for A Great Chaos.

6. Kanye West was ordered over $52,000 in legal fees over a Donda track.

7. Funkmaster Flex announced that he’d be switching his time on Hot 97 to 5-9PM, following the Labor Day holiday.

8. Rihanna celebrated 20 years in the game with some fire merch and no new music.

9. Gunna announced his run club Wunna Run with a 5K marathon set to take place in NYC September 3. He also gave an inspiring speech ahead of the event.

10. Alchemist and Erykah Badu were supposed to drop an album this week and she blamed Al for the faux pas.

BARS OF THE WEEK 🎤

Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.

“Y'all rapping ass niggas, y'all funny to me / You're selling records being you, but still you wanna be me.” — JAY-Z on “Imaginary Players” talking that talk.

“They jumped the gun.” — Young Thug on Lil Durk, Lil Baby, and others turning against Gunna before he could speak on it.”

“Duke you broke my heart, that pussy shit you did was flaw.” — Yak Gotti on “My Lil Soulja” saying how he feels about Duke talking to police.

“They ain’t lying though.” — 21 Savage on a line from Gunna’s song “bread & butter” saying “You switched up on me when you know you in business with a rat.”

“We be fighting shit. Everyday ain’t easy. Instead of going out there to got damn get it out, you might as well come in here. I promise the results will be better.” — Gunna inspiring his Wunna Run club members.

“I’m really not trying to be a conspiracist but I’m starting to think these phones are not just listening to us…” — Cardi B keeping it real on something we all been thinking.

CHART TOPPERS 📈

Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.

On the Billboard 200, Tyler, The Creator’s Cherry Bomb re-entered the chart at #6, BigXthaPlug landed at #7 with I Hope You’re Happy, and Gunna’s The Last Wun placed at #9.

On YouTube, Gunna entered at #25 on US Top Artists following the release of his sixth album, The Last Wun. "just say dat," ranked at #42 on US Top Songs with more than 1.4M views. Cardi B’s “Imaginary Playerz” landed at #21 on US Top Songs with more than 2.1M views and sits at #85 on US Top Artists, ahead of Am I The Drama? Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller’s hit "It Depends," entered at #14 on US Top Songs with more than 3.2M views and Brown landing at #13 on US Top Artists.

As far as certifications, Doechii updated five of her own records with the RIAA, including a Platinum plaque for “Anxiety” and a Gold one for my personal fave, “Nissan Altima.”

On radio, Playboi Carti reached #1 at Urban Radio with “Rather Lie” featuring The Weeknd.

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Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.

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Yak Gotti dropped a music video for “My Lil Soulja” where he comes for his label mate Lil Duke over snitching allegations.

Rising Atlanta rapper Pluto released, “Party All Night,” which expected to land on her forthcoming project Pluto World.

4batz came through with “My Lil Shoota.”

Lancey Foux and Murda Beatz linked for “White Tee.”

Raq Baby released "Switch Crowd" featuring Fattmack.

Ian, Nino Paid and Lazer Dim 700 shared the music video for "Rich in Rome."

J.I.D dropped the music video for “Community” with The Clipse.

Lil Baby teased a diss track aimed at Offset and Gunna called “Otha Boy.”

Flo Milli shared her latest single “Perfect Person” featuring Coop.

Luhh Dyl sampled Kid Cudi for "Nite N Day" featuring Babyfaxce E and 1Up Tee.

Eminem released a new one called “Everybody’s Looking At Me.”

Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul and Rapsody came together for “STILL.”

Fridayy unleashed “Below Zero.”

DJ Khaled got Post Malone and NBA YoungBoy together for “Brothers.”

1900Rugrat delivered “Where Da Fine Shyt” featuring Rio Da Yung OG.

The Kid Laroi released “She Don’t Need To Know.”

Ella Mai shared her feelings over “Tell Her.”

Kee Nola came through with “Jezebel.”

Destin Conrad offered an album in the form of wHIMSY.

Tiara Thomas shared “A Hug.”

Bossman Dlow released "Flood / Resurrect The Trap."

DJ Snake and Don Toliver linked for "Something Wrong."

Jay Fizzle and OJ Da Juiceman delivered "Twenty Three."

Peezy and Icewear Vezzo got together for "So Ghetto.”

Yung Kayo released “Walking.”

Mick Jenkins and EMIL shared a new one called "Coco Gauff."

STEAK REPORT 🥩

Feuds, diss tracks and social media spats.

On Wednesday (August 27), a two-hour interrogation video featuring Young Thug re-surfaced and all hell broke loose in Atlanta. Now, people are saying that Thugger is a snitch because he name-dropped Peewee Roscoe as the gunman from an incident involving Lil Wayne’s tour bus getting shot up, back in 2015.

Roscoe later chimed in, claiming it was a misunderstanding, even though he had been sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of probation. He further insinuated that Ralo, Lil Duke and Gunna are the real snitches.

In response, Yak Gotti dropped “My Lil Soulja,” where he referred to Lil Duke as a snitch, which prompted Duke to speak out, denying the claim.

Later, YSL Mondo came to Gunna’s defense and said that Thug has everyone brainwashed.

After all this, Ralo called Peewee Roscoe a bitch. On Thursday (August 28), Ralo shared a Motion in Limine that he claimed revealed Thug gave information about a murder. However, the motion itself states what happened is untrue, which Thug later clarified in a tweet, firmly asserting he’d NEVER rat.

Next, Ralo posted more paperwork to prove he never told on anyone, despite rumors to the contrary, and also claimed Thug told Lil Baby not to associate with him.

Thug responded, saying Ralo was willing to snitch on him and YFN Lucci to Fulton County DA Fani Willis.

As the two continued to go back and forth, and Ralo accused Thug for being the reason Atlanta rappers are turning against each other, such as Rich Homie Quan, Future, YFN Lucci and Gunna, and it is also believed that he tried to turn Birdman against Lil Wayne.

Thug took to Unfook and Duke’s defense.

As all this is going on, audio leaked of Thug wanting to ruin Gunna’s roll out for Gift and a Curse with Business Is Business. Also in the leaked audio, Thug shared more of his feelings about how things went down with Gunna. Now, Lil Baby has his own diss track called “Otha Boy” aimed at Gunna and Offset.

A lot of people are sharing their thoughts on the drama going down in ATL, and I am sure the police are having an absolute field day with folks seemingly turning against each other. As they say, loose lips sink ships.

Here’s to hoping everyone gets it together and gets back making to the beautiful music the city is known for.

Leave a comment

TOUR BUS 🚌

Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.

Pluto announced the “Party All Night Tour.”

Lenny Kravitz is set to headline the 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.

FREESTYLE 🎙️

Memes and viral moments.

RAP HILL ⚖️

Legal matters affecting the music industry.

In the case of Drake versus UMG, the case is currently going through the discovery phase. After UMG delivered a heavily redacted version of Kendrick Lamar’s contract with the label, Drake’s legal team filed a Motion to Compel to produce an unredacted version of the contract.

Furthermore, the judge also granted Drake’s legal team and UMG’s legal team’s request to file Lamar’s recording contract under seal under a previously filed Court Ordered Protective Order.

OUTSIDE 📸

Sightings and appearances.

Someone spotted 21 Savage and Latto together, seemingly confirming they’re together. But maybe they were just hanging out together as homies. 🙂‍↔️

Chris Brown was outside and teased a song with Sexyy Red.

BIRTHDAYS 🎉

Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.

Cordae, Bishop Nehru, Lil Yachty, Lil Tecca, BossMan Dlow, Skaiwater, Ma$e, Fab Five Freddy, Tiffany Evans, Pebbles, Me’Shell NdegeOcello, Van Morrison, MJG

OUTRO ✌🏽

A final thought.

Chile, what is going on? One day we wake up and they calling Young Thug a snitch. For someone like me, that doesn’t matter, because I still ride around listening to Gunna. But, Thug, has stood 10 toes down, not one toe missing on how much he despises a rat — it does matter. Now, all of Atlanta is pointing the finger at each other and having a paperwork party…when in reality we the people just want the music.

I get there’s a code these men have likely lived by when they were younger and running the streets. But, when do we grow up and realize we’re not a young nigga in the street anymore? When do we let that go and realize there’s more important things to worry about in life?

The rap industry as whole seems to be in shambles and it will take some ego deaths and forgiveness to move past it. Hopefully, sooner than later.

xx

THE BEAT DROP 🥁

A pulse of the culture.

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