Lil Durk remains held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles while awaiting trial on federal charges. These charges allege his involvement in a murder-for-hire conspiracy. The rapper, born Durk Banks, had initially been scheduled to go before a jury in January. At the request of his legal team, the date was first moved to April. This was done to allow more time to review evidence and prepare a defense. “We would have been ready to try the case (in two weeks), but the court appropriately decided that with everybody together, we still aren’t there yet,” his attorney, Drew Findling, said. “It’s a complex case. These are the stepping stones towards a trial.” During a pretrial hearing this week, the court pushed the trial back again. They set a new date of August 25, 2026. Rolling Stone reporter Nancy Dillon noted on social media that the revised schedule was partly tied to a co-defendant’s request. She wrote, “Lil Durk’s trial moved to 8/25/26 at a hearing today, but there’s a catch. If the judge grants pending motion from 3 co-defendants seeking to sever their cases from Durk’s trial, Durk wants to go sooner. The 8/25 date was set to accommodate defense for codefendant, not Durk.” Lil Durk’s trial moved to 8/25/26 at a hearing today, but there’s a catch: If the judge grants pending motion from 3 co-defendants seeking to sever their cases from Durk’s trial, Durk wants to go sooner The 8/25 date was set to accommodate defense for co-defendant, not Durk — Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) February 23, 2026 Retaliation claims and rap lyrics loom over trial Prosecutors contend that Durk helped orchestrate an attack targeting rapper Quando Rondo. This attack was in retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von, a fellow Chicago artist and associate. In 2022, shots were fired outside a gas station in the Los Angeles area where Rondo and his cousin, Lul Pab, were present. Rondo was unharmed. However, Lul Pab later died from his injuries. Durk has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In recent weeks, the judge ruled that prosecutors may introduce certain song lyrics and music videos as part of their evidence. This decision has drawn attention amid ongoing debate over the use of creative work in criminal proceedings. As the case moves through its pretrial stages, both sides continue to prepare for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.

The long-running tension between 50 Cent and T.I. has taken on a generational dimension. Over the weekend, King Harris, the son of T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris, directed a series of pointed posts at the G-Unit founder on Instagram. In one, he shared a photo of 50 Cent seated with his younger son and wrote, “You think you raising a man having him sit in yo lap as a teenager…. DATS A HO SIR,” adding, “this not A.I.” The post was accompanied by 50 Cent’s early single “Wanksta.” King continued in subsequent messages, tagging 50 Cent and criticizing what he described as a pattern of seeking attention. He wrote that the rapper “got shot nine times and did nothing,” and referenced the 2007 chart battle with Kanye West, adding, “Got outsold and embarrassed by Kanye West on his third album.” In addition, his comments drew attention not only for their tone. They were also noticed for the way they revived moments from hip-hop history as part of a current dispute. Old Beef, New Blood In a longer post, King cited several figures who have publicly clashed with 50 Cent over the years, including Diddy, Rick Ross, Ashanti and Vivica A. Fox. He wrote, “The list of people he’s disrespected over the years is endless.” He continued, “He came into the game creating unnecessary controversy. And damn near 30 years later, he’s still the same attention whore.” The younger Harris had previously spoken out in defense of his mother after she became the subject of online mockery, prompting a response from 50 Cent that included a Pepe the Frog image. T.I., for his part, has largely kept his focus on music. He has previewed tracks titled “War” and “The Right One.” Meanwhile, the broader rivalry between the two veteran artists continues to surface in waves. Now, it is complicated by the involvement of family members who have grown up in its shadow.

While in Milan this week, Megan Thee Stallion spoke candidly about love during a casual outing with Olympians Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight, who recently announced their engagement. After watching a TikTok clip of Knight’s proposal, Megan offered her congratulations. “I heard y’all just got engaged, congrats! I love love, that’s so sweet,” she said. Then, almost to herself, she added, “Manifesting my engagement, too,” crossing her fingers with a quiet laugh. Her remarks come as her relationship with NBA player Klay Thompson continues to draw attention. The two have shared glimpses of their time together online. For example, Megan organized a recent birthday celebration for Thompson that featured a surprise performance by Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony. Public moments like that have fueled speculation. However, neither has offered many details about the private dimensions of their relationship. @theestallion The first half of KLAY DAY Happy Birthday to my babyyyyy I can’t wait for you to see your next surprise ♬ original sound – Off The Ave An Unexpected Relationship, on Her Own Terms In an interview with People, Megan described the relationship as unexpected. She said she “didn’t even expect to be in a relationship” before meeting Thompson and noted that he makes her feel “overly comfortable.” Reflecting on her personal growth, she added, “I think that because finally I started being in a better mind space about myself and my life, and I had already been doing a lot of work to heal me, maybe God just opened up that space for me to have somebody that loved me right.” Last fall, Megan posted a photograph of the pair holding matching house keys, a subtle signal that their connection had deepened. Whether an engagement is imminent remains unclear. For now, her comments in Milan suggest less about a timetable and more about a sense of possibility. In fact, she is a public figure speaking, briefly and plainly, about wanting something lasting.

Beyoncé, Venus Williams, are among the co-chairs for the 2026 Met Gala. On February 23, it was announced that 2026 Met Gala promises to blur the boundaries between style and fine art.  This year’s exhibition theme is “Costume Art,” and the official dress code for the evening is, “Fashion Is Art,” which invites guests to interpret fashion as a creative medium. Returning Monday, May 4, the annual fundraiser marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition. Every year the Met Gala has different theme, centered on the exhibition the Costume Institute displays in conjunction with the gala. “Celebrate fashion as an art form this spring at The Met,” an Instagram post about the exhibit from the museum read. “Focusing primarily on Western art from prehistory to the present, the show will explore artistic representations of the dressed body, pairing fashions and artworks from the Museum’s vast collection to highlight the inherent relationship between clothing and the body.” The code seems to have been chosen for maximum flexibility. And, says Andrew Bolton, curator of the Met’s Costume Institute: “Hopefully, it will put an end to the rather obsolete ‘is fashion art?’ debate once and for all.” The Costume Art theme, Bolton says, is to examine “the dressed body” in all its aspects, and to make the point that not only is fashion art – something previous shows have demonstrated – but that art is fashion. In previous years attendees have worn costume-like pieces for the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” event, Chanel designs for the gala that honored designer Karl Lagerfeld, and pieces with religious nods for “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” Beyoncé and Williams join Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour as co-chairs for the glitzy New York bash. The dress code for the 2026 Met Gala has been unveiled: Fashion Is Art. pic.twitter.com/xNtIlGGsmY — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 23, 2026

Nicki Minaj’s fan base—commonly referred to as the Barbz—has become infamous for leading attacks on the rapper’s detractors. Now, it’s being revealed that her social media following has been plagued by thousands of fake accounts, according to a new study. Cyabra, the firm behind the study, is an Israeli disinformation security company that detects fake social media accounts, per its website. The study, titled “Coordinated Inauthentic Amplification of Political Discourse on Nicki Minaj’s X Account,” gave an overview of the rapper’s X account and who has been amplifying her posts. Over the past few months, Minaj has become an unofficial mascot for Trump’s MAGA movement, using her platform to amplify right-wing talking points such as Voter ID regulations, hesitancy around the COVID-19 vaccine, and more. These particular posts have seen significant amplification over the past few months. However, according to the study, a “materially elevated level of inauthentic activity” is happening in the comment section of these posts. WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 28: Musician Nicki Minaj (L) joins U.S. President Donald Trump on stage during the Treasury Department’s Trump Accounts Summit at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on January 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. “Trump Accounts” are a portion of recently passed tax and spending legislation where the federal government will deposit $1,000 into investment accounts for every child born between 2025 and 2028 once parents sign their children up while filing their income taxes. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Nearly 33% Of The Accounts Engaging With Minaj’s Posts Were Fake, study reveals Cyabra reports that nearly 33% (over 18,000) of the accounts engaging with the rapper’s posts were deemed to be fake. This is “substantially higher” than the supposed baseline levels typically seen on social media posts, the study read. One of the more shocking revelations from the study is that Minaj’s newfound far-right political view apparently has less to do with her support for MAGA, but more with “boosting” her reputation. “[The campaign was] focusing on reinforcing visible support for Nicki Minaj — particularly in posts that attracted criticism — in order to manufacture the appearance of broad public endorsement and a supportive fan base,” the report states. The comments, supposedly generated by fake profiles, were “predominantly brief, repetitive and low in semantic complexity.” The study proposes that the “sham profiles” operated in a “coordinated manner,” using “synchronized posting, repeated keywords and messaging.” Cyabra claims Minaj’s campaign was quite “effective,” resulting over 59,000 engagements and “substantially” increased her visibility. The campaign appears to have worked out well for Minaj, the firm claims. “Overall, the findings show that the campaign was effective, using coordinated inauthentic engagement to materially influence perceived support and narrative visibility,” the firm concludes in its report.

Drake has begun hinting at the arrival of his ninth studio album, ICEMAN, offering little more than a pair of carefully chosen words. In a recent Instagram Story, the Toronto rapper wrote, “MAKE THEM CRY,” without elaboration. The post circulated quickly, prompting a familiar cycle of online interpretation. Some fans read it as a clue to the album’s emotional tone, while others responded with impatience, urging him to release the project outright. In a separate update, Drake suggested the album would arrive sometime in 2026, though he stopped short of confirming a date. The absence of specifics has done little to dampen interest. Instead, it has reinforced a pattern in his recent rollouts, where atmosphere and suggestion often precede formal announcements. The timing of the teaser coincides with another stretch of commercial milestones. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry recently ranked Drake as the third best-selling artist worldwide in 2025, placing him behind Taylor Swift and Stray Kids. It also marked his eleventh consecutive year as the highest-ranked rapper on the organization’s annual list. Drake via his story: Make Them Cry pic.twitter.com/pWg9dz66f1 — Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) February 24, 2026 A Historic Run Sets the Stage as ICEMAN Looms in Mystery Streaming records continue to follow. Earlier this year, Drake became the first rapper to surpass 2 billion Spotify streams in 2026. He later reached another benchmark, with 300 songs each crossing the 100 million stream mark. His 2025 collaboration with PartyNextDoor, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, has since earned multiple RIAA certifications, including platinum and gold distinctions across several tracks. For now, ICEMAN remains more suggestion than substance. Drake has offered a mood and a title, but little else. The restrained approach leaves room for interpretation—and for anticipation—as listeners wait to hear what direction he chooses next.

T.I. and 50 Cent’s ongoing beef doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. On Monday (Feb. 23), the Atlanta rapper dropped off his second diss track toward the G-Unit founder, “Right One.” Prior to this, T.I. dropped off “War,” which some considered a warning to 50. However, with “Right One,” the rapper has clearly drawn a line in the sand. “Ayy, this the n*gga y’all scared of, man?/ Man, f*ck this LEGO head-a** n*gga, man,” T.I. says at the beginning of the track. “Ain’t nobody scared of this f*ck n*gga, man.” “Okay, they finally got the right one/Roll somethin’, light one,” T.I. continues in the chorus. “That’s alright dunn/We’ll have him ‘fore the night come.” The rapper then proceeds to infer that 50 Cent is a bully and accuses him of tearing down other Black entertainers, but not his white counterparts. “To me, you just a small man in a big shell/B*tch-made-a** n*gga need pigtails,” he raps. “You take no issue with them White boys/It’s only our people that you find to be an eyesore, huh?” T.I. unfazed by 50 Cent’s Online Antics T.I. seemingly takes a chapter out of Kendrick Lamar’s book by taking shots at 50 Cent’s looks and interactions with women. He even referenced Diddy’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Daphne Joy. “Ol’ tender d*ck n*gga all mad ’cause Puff let your b*tch have it/Gave her tartar sauce and mustard like a fish sammich,” T.I. raps. While 50 Cent has been considered one of rap’s greatest trolls, it appears that T.I. is unfazed by any of his online antics. Toward the end of the track, the rapper also took a moment to address Fif for taking shots at his wife, Tiny Harris. “Havin’ a moment, hate to let this nigga inch in my life/But I’ll give his ass a case to solve bout him mentionin’ my wife,” T.I. raps. Not long ago, 50 Cent shared an unflattering photo of Tiny to his Instagram with the caption reading, “Keep my name out ya mouth!”

While their championship fight may be over, Claressa Shields and Franchón Crews-Dezurn are having a war of words on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), Ring Magazine shared a post about a conversation that Shields and Crews-Dezurn were having after their duel. “I have so much respect,” Shields says in the caption. “I love you,” Crews-Dezurn replied. Resharing the post,  Crews-Dezurn took issue with the tweet and wrote how she really felt. My words was out of hurt and betrayal. We are not friends they know what was done https://t.co/lpSF6NiQ7V — Franchón Crews-Dezurn (@TheHHDiva) February 24, 2026 “My words were out of hurt and betrayal, “ Crews-Dezurn said. “We are not friends, they know what was done.” In response, Shields took the time to offer a rebuttal. Smh Franchon, Everything I said to you after the fight, I meant. I love you, I admire you & I wish you and your family well. And we don’t have to be friends. It’s ok. Thank you for all you’ve ever done for me Bye https://t.co/9WvLuEz0Nr — Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 24, 2026 “Smh. Franchon, Everything I said to you after the fight, I meant. I love you, I admire you & I wish you and your family well,” Shields wrote. “And we don’t have to be friends. It’s ok. Thank you for all you’ve ever done for me. Bye.” The Shields and Crews-Dezurn rivalry goes back almost 15 years. They have faced each other in the ring since they were both amateurs. Shields first defeated Crews-Dezurn in the 2012 Olympic Trials and went on to beat her again in the 2012 Police Athletic League finals and the 2014 US National Championships. On Sunday (Feb.22),  Shields defeated Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision in front of more than 17,000 fans at Little Caesars Arena in Detriot. After her victory, Shields spoke highly of Crews-Dezurn’s performance. ​”I felt like I had to take my time. Franchon hits hard, and she’s tough, and you’ve got to be very tricky with her,” Shields said after the fight. “She was trying to cause the upset today and got me with some shots. But Franchon is exactly who she thinks she is — ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva.’ And that’s one of the best fights that I’ve been in in my professional career,” she continued. “Especially at 10 rounds. It was fun. I had to watch my ass every round.”

Grammy-winning rap duo Salt-N-Pepa have escalated their copyright battle against Universal Music Group, filing a notice of appeal on February 4 in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The appeal challenges a January 8 ruling by District Judge Denise Cote that dismissed the duo’s lawsuit over ownership of their master recordings. Judge Cote’s decision held that Cheryl James and Sandra Denton never legally owned the copyrights to their recordings and therefore cannot exercise termination rights under Section 203 of the Copyright Act. The statute allows artists to reclaim transferred copyrights 35 years after the original grant, but only for transfers executed by the artist themselves. Salt-N-Pepa previously served termination notices on Universal in March 2022, with the earliest effective date set for May 15, 2024. Their case centers on a 1986 recording agreement with Noise In The Attic Productions, a company owned by producer Hurby Azor. That contract granted NITA ownership of the master recordings, and on the same day, Azor transferred the rights to Next Plateau Records, a predecessor to Universal. The duo signed an inducement letter linked to the distribution deal with Next Plateau and argued it represented a direct grant of rights, enabling them to reclaim their masters decades later. Judge Cote rejected the claim, stating, “The only copyright transfer effectuated by these agreements was the one from NITA to Next Plateau Records. Plaintiffs can only terminate copyright transfers that they executed.” Salt-N-Pepa Hires “Blurred Lines” Attorney & Files Appeal In UMG Lawsuit Dismissal The court also dismissed a conversion claim in which Salt-N-Pepa alleged Universal interfered with their possession of master tapes, finding no evidence the artists ever held ownership of those recordings. Universal called the dismissal a “complete vindication,” adding it had sought to resolve the dispute privately. A spokesperson said, “While we are gratified that the court dismissed this baseless lawsuit, we remain open to dialogue to support Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy.” Salt-N-Pepa contend their catalog generates substantial revenue, citing millions in streaming and synchronization licenses. The appeal follows months after their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and marks the first involvement of veteran copyright attorney Richard S. Busch, known for his work representing the Marvin Gaye estate in the “Blurred Lines” litigation. The Second Circuit now must determine whether the pioneering duo can reclaim control over the masters that defined their legacy in hip-hop.

Rapper Blueface has confirmed he is expecting another child, sharing the news during a February 22 Twitch livestream with his girlfriend, Nevaeh Akira. The West Coast artist revealed a positive pregnancy test on camera, then celebrated the moment in real time. “You’re having a Blueface baby,” he told Akira, before kissing her stomach and shouting in excitement. View this post on Instagram The announcement marks Blueface’s fourth child. He shares two children, Javaughn and Journey, with Jaidyn Alexis. He also shares a son, Chrisean Jesus Jr., with Chrisean Rock. Akira has a son from a previous relationship, expanding an already blended family dynamic that has often unfolded in public view. The livestream followed weeks of online speculation about Blueface and Akira’s relationship status. Days earlier, he sparked breakup rumors after posting that she was “cut from the roster.” Rapper Blueface Expecting Fourth Child With New Girlfriend Nevaeh Akira, BM Jaidyn Alexis Reacts He also appeared on a livestream with Stunna Girl, which intensified chatter across social platforms. The pregnancy reveal appears to quiet that noise, at least for now. Blueface amplified the moment by sharing two separate tests that confirmed the pregnancy. He described the first as inconclusive, then pointed to the second, which clearly read “Pregnant.” His reaction set the tone. He leaned into the spectacle, turning a private milestone into viral content. Alexis, the mother of two of his children, later addressed the news during her own Twitch broadcast. She maintained that the pregnancy does not affect her household. She emphasized stability and wished everyone involved well. Her response fueled debate online, with supporters praising her composure and critics questioning her sincerity. Meanwhile, Blueface’s mother, Karlissa Saffold Harvey, publicly congratulated the couple and called children a blessing. Akira also expressed joy on social media, signaling optimism about the new chapter. Blueface recently gifted Akira a Mercedes-Benz, adding another headline to the week’s developments. Although minor damage later appeared on the vehicle, he insisted she was not responsible. For Blueface, the announcement reinforces a familiar pattern. His personal life remains intertwined with his brand, unfolding live and unfiltered for millions to watch.