Two petitions on Change.org in favor of Nicki Minaj’s deportation have reached over 100,000 signatures—specifically, 130,967 and counting. One petition, which was started by a user named Pedonika Minaj, appears to be a former fan of the rapper. Currently sitting at 86,150 signatures, this petition, which features photos of Minaj and several mugshots of her husband, Kenneth Petty, claims she is “spiraling out of control and seems to be experiencing psychosis.” The second petition, named “Deport Nicki Minaj back to Trinidad,” is currently at 44,832 signatures. “Nicki Minaj’s actions and words have taken a turn that has left many of her supporters and those who once found solace in her music feeling deeply betrayed,” the petition reads. “Once a voice for the LGBTQ+ community, she has now flipped her stance, asserting outdated and harmful notions such as ‘boys should just be boys.’ These statements aren’t just insensitive; they undermine the very foundations of a community that looked up to her for advocacy and understanding.” PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 21: Erika Kirk and Nicki Minaj high-five during an interview on the final day of Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Minaj spoke about her frustrations with California Governor Gavin Newsom, and about why she has embraced the conservative movement. (Photo by Caylo Seals/Getty Images) Nicki Minaj Talks Gavin Newsom, Trump At Turning Point Event A few weeks back, Minaj sent social media into a tailspin after stopping by Turning Point’s AmericaFest. Throughout her conversation with Erica Kirk—the wife of late right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk—Nicki Minaj discussed her ongoing beef with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The rapper also shared her thoughts on Donald Trump’s administration. Minaj specifically commented on Newsom’s support for gender affirming care for transgender youth. Not long ago, during an appearance on The Ezra Klein Show, Newsom said, “I want to see trans kids…I have a trans godson. There’s no governor who has signed more pro-trans legislation than I have. No one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ community.” During the event, Minaj decided to re-read one of her X posts where she criticized Newsom.“Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids, haha, not even a trans adult would run on that,” she read. “Normal adults wake up and think they want to see healthy, safe, happy kids — not Gav.” The Pink Friday rapper then made a call to action about “boys being boys.” She added, “There is nothing wrong with being a boy. How about that? How powerful is that? How profound is that? Boys will be boys, and there is nothing wrong with that.”

According to a new lawsuit, Drake, popular streamer Adin Ross, and others have been accused of being part of an online gambling scheme with the online casino platform, Stake.us. The lawsuit, which was filed in a Virginia courtroom, claims that the rapper used profits from this alleged scheme to inflate his streaming numbers artificially. The plaintiffs, LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, claim that the “Nokia” rapper, Ross, and another man identified as George Nguyen were “zealous promoters” of the digital casino platform. Per Ridley and Hines, the trio not only “preyed upon consumers,” but they also potentially exposed them to “substantial risks of gambling addiction.” The two women claim they were “influenced to participate” in Stake’s “predatory gambling environment” after viewing Drake’s continued promotion of the site. Drake & Ross Allegedly Used Tipping Feature As A “Money Transfer Conduit” The lawsuit also claims that the trio used the platform’s “tipping” feature to transfer money amongst themselves. Ridley and Hines claim that the trio used Stake like a covert “money transfer conduit.” It works as “an unlimited and wholly unregulated money transmitter that appears to exist outside the oversight of any financial regulator.” There was also mention that the funds from the alleged scheme were used to “finance fraudulent streams” and “amplification campaigns” against the rapper’s competitors. “At the heart of the scheme, Drake — acting directly and through willing and knowledgeable co-conspirators — has deployed automated bots and streaming farms to artificially inflate play counts of his music across major platforms, such as Spotify,” the suit reads. “This manipulation has suppressed authentic artists and narrowed consumers’ access to legitimate content by undermining the integrity of curated experiences.” ]Along with Ridley and Hines, the lawsuit will work to represent other Virginia residents who “lost one or more wagers using Stake Cash within the last three years.” Drake and his co-conspirators are accused of violating the Virginia Consumer Protection Act and engaging in a racketeering conspiracy, which is a violation of the federal RICO statute.

Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion continues to command attention. She does so not only for her music but also for her high-profile legal disputes. Known for her bold performances and magnetic stage presence, she remains a defining figure in contemporary culture. Megan’s legal team, led by Roberts & Klein, has intensified efforts to reinstate a key ruling in her ongoing case against Milagro Gramz. Last month, Gramz was found liable for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unlawfully distributing altered sexual imagery involving Megan. Yet, Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga later reversed the defamation ruling. This prompted Megan’s attorneys to respond decisively. As reported by AllHipHop, Clare Locke LLP—now representing Megan—has formally requested to present additional arguments in court. They argue that Florida’s retraction statute should not apply to Gramz. She identified herself as an “entertainer” rather than a journalist during testimony. This distinction, they contend, is central to her defense against claims of neutrality in the events in question. Megan Faces Legal Battles While Challenging the Limits of Defamation Law Clare Locke’s filings emphasize the broader consequences of applying the statute in this case. They suggest that such enforcement could compel victims of defamation to endure additional public scrutiny before seeking justice. This could potentially deter others from pursuing legal recourse. Megan is also contending with a separate legal matter. Tory Lanez, convicted for shooting her in 2022, has announced plans to appeal his ten-year prison sentence. Lanez maintains his innocence in an NBC News interview, asserting, “I believe not only that I was wrongfully convicted but also that the new evidence emerging since that trial has been overwhelming.” Despite these legal challenges, Megan continues to assert her voice both on stage and in court. Her dual commitment to advocacy and artistry highlights the intersection of creative expression and the pursuit of justice. This reinforces her influence as a prominent figure in music and broader cultural conversations.

Celina Powell exposes how Offset spent his New Year’s Day as the socialite shares an NSFW clip of the two in bed on her Instagram account on Friday (Jan. 2), with the implication they made a sextape. The clip, posted to her account, shows Powell naked under the covers while Offset sleeps next to her, the room lit by the glow of a hotel television. As the camera moves closer to Offset’s face, Powell flashes her middle finger toward him, then pulls back, letting the visual linger. Powell’s has a long history of controversy involving rappers. The imagery in the clip adds further suspicion that they made a sextape. “Made a tape last night & all u heard was him in the video, lol,” she wrote, adding, “Offset you sleepy boy,” followed by exhausted-face emojis. View this post on Instagram Powell and Offset have been linked to each other in the past, according to the socialite in previous interviews. By suggesting that “all u heard was him,” Powell implied that the rap star was oversatisfied by the encounter. The tone blended sarcasm, control, and spectacle. The post arrived during a turbulent period in Offset’s personal life. The Migos rapper remains publicly entangled in disputes with Cardi B, his estranged wife, including ongoing legal and financial claims that have played out online. That backdrop shaped how viewers interpreted Powell’s message, turning the clip into more than a shock post. Reactions poured in quickly. Model Jordyn Gorr commented, “get back gang,” framing the moment as retaliation. Gorr and Offset have allegedly had several run-ins recently in Miami. Celina Powell Shares A Social Media Clip In Bed With Rapper Offset Another user leaned into the drama, writing, “This about to be good today im glad im staying home let the entertainment begin.” DJ Akademiks appeared stunned, responding simply, “Wait wat.” Several commenters highlighted the irony surrounding Offset’s public narrative. “ain’t he in court tryna get money from cardi cause he claim she with a new man? how the jokes write themselves,” one person wrote. Others broadened the critique beyond Offset. “As unsurprising as it be when you do expose these men it’s still shocking every time,” another commenter said. One joked, “Number 1 reason you never fall asleep at a chiccs house.” Gender dynamics also surfaced in the discussion. “He’s out doing whatever with WHOEVER but mad Cardi gotta whole new family,” one user wrote, adding that Offset was still “steady asking for ‘spousal support.’” Powell, known for viral moments and public feuds, offered no clarification beyond the caption. Offset has not responded publicly. As the clip circulated, the silence became part of the spectacle. The post functioned less as a revelation and more as a provocation, with Powell controlling the implication and the internet supplying the reaction.

After nearly eight years away from the album format, A$AP Rocky is moving deliberately toward a long-awaited return. His upcoming project, Don’t Be Dumb, is scheduled for release on January 16. This marks his first full-length album since TESTING arrived in 2018. The road to this moment has been drawn out, filled with pauses, pivots, and sporadic updates. However, the release date now appears firm. For fans, the anticipation feels earned rather than manufactured. Interest intensified this week when Rocky announced a new single, “Punk Rocky,” slated to arrive on January 5. He shared the news alongside a teaser for the music video. Rocky directed the video with collaborators Folkert Verdoorn and Simon Becks, whom he referred to collectively as “The Three Musketeers.” The visual was produced by Magna Studios, Freenjoy, and AWGE. It features Winona Ryder, with appearances from Brooks Ginnan, known for roles in recent alternative rap videos. In the post, Rocky declared, “VIDEO OF THE F***IN YEAR,” followed by, “HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026 – DONTBEDUMB PUNK ROCKY MONDAY.” VIDEO OF THE FUCCKIN YEAR !!! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026 -DONTBEDUMB PUNK ROCKY MONDAY pic.twitter.com/1ATfOODR6O — LORD FLACKO JODYE II (@asvpxrocky) January 2, 2026 Rocky Previews Genre-Bending Album Tied to Harlem Roots The short audio preview offers only a restrained glimpse of the song. It opens with slow guitar tones before shifting into heavier drums. Rocky has kept most details under wraps. This strategy has sustained curiosity rather than dulling it. His direct involvement in both the music and visuals signals a tightly controlled creative vision. The rollout suggests an artist more focused on precision than volume. Early descriptions of Don’t Be Dumb point to a 15-track, 2LP vinyl release. Reports indicate a total of 17 tracks, including two bonus songs. The album is said to move freely across jazz, hip-hop, metal, indie, and R&B. It treats genre as atmosphere rather than limitation. Rocky has also partnered with Bilt to offer rent assistance to residents of the Harlem building where he once lived. This ties the release to a personal history. As January 16 approaches, attention is shifting from speculation to expectation. Don’t Be Dumb is positioned as a defining statement in the next phase of his career.

What might once have unfolded in verses and liner notes is now playing out in fragments online. The exchange between 50 Cent and Papoose has taken shape not as a musical contest but as a running digital spectacle, built on short videos, captions, and the rapid feedback loop of social media. It is a familiar posture in contemporary hip-hop, where visibility often matters as much as lyrical response. 50 Cent, whose online presence has long blended humor with calculated provocation, recently pushed the exchange forward by posting an AI-generated clip referencing Papoose’s relationship with boxing champion Claressa Shields. The video, adapted from the film Black Sister’s Revenge, placed altered likenesses into a melodramatic scenario designed less for narrative than for reaction. As is often the case with his posts, the clip circulated quickly, drawing commentary well beyond his immediate audience. View this post on Instagram A rap rivalry played out in parody and posts Papoose answered in kind, releasing an AI-generated response that cast 50 Cent in an intentionally exaggerated setting. The reply leaned on parody rather than escalation, framing the moment as mutual ridicule rather than outright attack. Shared widely after appearing on The Shade Room, the clip carried a caption that sharpened the tone: “Why is everyone comparing 50 to a b***h? Is it because he gossips so much? Why hasn’t he responded to ‘Let’s Rap About It’? Deep down, he knows he’s not the best! Go apologize to Banks, Chump. You need him now!” The exchange continued when 50 Cent later posted a skit featuring a fan joking that Claressa Shields must have “knocked him out for New Year’s.” The remark extended the back-and-forth while hinting at a deeper conversation about relevance, attention, and public perception in rap’s current landscape. The origins of the dispute remain vague, with occasional references to Remy Ma circulating mostly as speculation. For now, the episode stands as a snapshot of how hip-hop rivalries increasingly unfold less in the studio and more in the scroll.

Singer D4vd is facing increasing professional and legal scrutiny as authorities continue investigating the death of Celeste Rivas, a case that has begun to generate collateral consequences despite the absence of criminal charges. The Los Angeles investigation stems from a discovery made Sept. 8, when police responded to reports of a strong odor coming from a vehicle at an impound lot. Officers located a body inside a 2023 Tesla that had been towed days earlier. View this post on Instagram Law enforcement later confirmed the vehicle was registered to David Anthony Burke, the artist’s legal name. Burke is a Texas resident whose music career has surged in recent years under the stage name d4vd. The discovery prompted immediate fallout. One day before police found the body, d4vd abruptly canceled his world tour and ceased posting on social media. His last Instagram activity occurred Sept. 7, according to public records. Industry partners have since taken steps to distance themselves. When the Madden NFL 26 soundtrack was released in August, it included d4vd’s song “What Are You Waiting For.” TMZ reported this week that the track has since been removed from the game’s official playlist. EA Sports and representatives for the Madden franchise have not publicly commented on the removal or its rationale. Brand relationships have also unraveled. Crocs and Hollister removed the artist from a joint advertising campaign. D4vd’s Songs Pulled From Video Games With Grand Jury Indictment Expected In a statement to Footwear News, the companies said they were aware of the developing situation and removed campaign materials featuring d4vd while the investigation continues. In November, ABC News reported that law enforcement sources had placed d4vd on a list of persons of interest. The outlet also reported that sources claimed investigators believed he was not cooperating with authorities. No agency has publicly confirmed those assertions, and no warrant or charging document naming d4vd has been filed. ABC News further reported that sources described Rivas’ body as dismembered and suggested investigators believe multiple individuals may have been involved in the dismemberment and disposal. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not released an official cause or manner of death. A grand jury has since been convened to review evidence and consider potential charges. Prosecutors have not announced any decisions. As of publication, d4vd has not been charged with any crime. TMZ reported that sources believe an indictment could be forthcoming, though no timeline has been disclosed. Until formal action is taken, the investigation remains ongoing, leaving the artist’s legal status unresolved and his professional future uncertain.

Instagram model Jordyn Gorr ignited controversy on Jan. 1, 2025, after posting a disturbing series of Instagram Stories that appeared to accuse rapper Offset of being connected to a violent incident involving her in Miami. The posts featured a photo of Gorr with visible cuts and bruises across her face, underscored by Migos’ breakout hit “Bad and Boujee,” a song closely associated with Offset’s rise to fame. The imagery alone drew attention, but Gorr’s words quickly intensified the moment. “Everytime I’m in the same building as this man I somehow get jumped by mulitple girls,” she wrote, directly implying a pattern tied to Offset’s presence. View this post on Instagram She followed with an even more alarming statement: “I want to make it very clear that if something more serious happens to me it was super tender shrimp .” Her claims resurfaced an earlier incident that had already circulated widely online. On Dec. 7, 2025, a video went viral showing Gorr being attacked by multiple women inside a bowling alley. View this post on Instagram The footage spread rapidly across blogs and social media platforms, fueling speculation about the circumstances that led to the altercation. According to online chatter, the incident occurred shortly after Gorr exposed an alleged private conversation involving herself and Offset. That alleged exchange, widely debated but unverified, included claims that Offset attempted to involve NFL star Stefon Diggs, who has been publicly linked to Cardi B, Offset’s estranged wife. While none of those claims have been independently confirmed, the speculation has continued to follow the story, adding layers of tension tied to Offset’s highly publicized personal life. Jordyn Gorr Claims Offset Had Her Attacked Again After Allegedly Trying To Set Up Setfon Diggs By stating she had been attacked “for a second time,” Gorr framed the Miami incident as part of an ongoing pattern rather than an isolated event. Her assertion that simply being “in the same building” as Offset led to violence reinforced her belief that the situations were connected, though no official findings have supported that claim. In a subsequent Story, Gorr shifted from accusation to reflection. “I appreciate everyone who checked in on me,” she wrote. “I’m so grateful for each person who took the time to personally reach out to send love & support.” She ended with a broader message that resonated with many followers: “Don’t ever be afraid to speak up. Silence only protects the wrong people.” As of now, Offset has not publicly responded to Gorr’s allegations. With no official statements or legal actions announced, her posts remain a raw, unsettling account that has reignited debate online about accountability, power, and the personal risks of speaking out in the public eye.

Atlanta rapper Hunxho surprised social media at the top of the new year after posting a pair of understated Instagram Stories that appeared to confirm the birth of his child. View this post on Instagram On Jan. 1, 2026, the Atlanta rapper shared images of himself holding a newborn baby girl. One photo was captioned simply, “Happy New Year,” while another featured the time stamp “11:25.” Hunxho offered no additional explanation, but the imagery was enough to send social media into a frenzy. The reaction was driven less by the announcement itself and more by Hunxho’s highly publicized, on-and-off relationship with R&B singer Keyshia Cole. Cole has not been pregnant, leading fans to quickly deduce that the child was born to another woman. That realization sparked intense discussion across hip-hop blogs and repost pages, including Livebitez, where commenters flooded the post with speculation, criticism, and concern. Hunxho Introduces Newborn On New Year’s Day, Social Media Feels For Keyisha Cole Some fans framed the moment through a musical lens. “I smell a good heartbreak album from Keyshia Cole,” one commenter wrote, implying the situation could fuel new material from the veteran singer. Others took a harsher stance. “Well can’t feel bad for her she knew what she was up against,” another user commented, suggesting Cole understood the risks of the relationship. Concern for Cole’s emotional well-being surfaced repeatedly. “Somebody check on Keyshia,” one person wrote, echoing a broader sentiment that the reveal felt sudden and potentially painful. Another commenter widened the critique, writing, “These men will embarrass you every time,” framing the situation as part of a larger pattern rather than an isolated incident. Hunxho himself also faced backlash. One comment argued the reveal hurt his public standing. “You fuqed your image up the value on you just went completely went down,” the user wrote, viewing the moment as damaging rather than celebratory. Another added, “These men will be sneaky, disrespectful and selfish every time,” capturing the frustration shared by many viewers. Notably, Hunxho did not respond to the discourse. His Stories made no mention of the child’s mother and did not reference Cole. That silence allowed the narrative to unfold without clarification. The contrast between the quiet captions, “Happy New Year” and “11:25,” and the explosive reaction online turned a personal milestone into a full-blown hip-hop conversation overnight. For fans, the situation underscored the tension between private choices and public relationships, especially when love, celebrity, and expectations collide.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Sportsperson of the Year. Gilgeous-Alexander will grace the cover of the Sportsperson of the Year print issue, available on newsstands January 8. ​The Oklahoma City Thunder star will receive the honor in person, along with the additional 2025 award winners, at the Sportsperson of the Year Awards Ceremony next Tuesday, January 6th, at Wynn Las Vegas. ​Awarded since 1954, Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year is one of the most prestigious honors in all of sports. It’s given “to the athlete or team who best symbolizes in character and performance the ideals of sportsmanship.” Previous winners include Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, and LeBron James, among others. ​During the interview, Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about his phenomenal 2025 campaign. View this post on Instagram “I think more than anything I was excited by the fact that I had achieved those things. And still had so much room to grow,” he explained. ​He also shared the obstacles he overcame to be one of the NBA’s best players. ​“The way I saw it was when I was in ninth grade, nobody saw me and was like, ‘He’s going to be the 11th pick in the NBA draft,’ ” says Gilgeous-Alexander. “And I did it. So why can’t I just implement the same thing on a different scale, on a different level, using the same process?” ​In 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander reached the pinnacle of basketball excellence, cementing his status as a global superstar. He captured his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a franchise-record 68-14 record. He also won the league scoring title with a career-high 32.7 points per game. His historic campaign didn’t end with the regular season; he powered the Thunder to their first NBA Championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. He took home the Finals MVP honors.