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.

Halle Berry is done with faking in bed. In the preview of the appearance of the Sex With Emily podcast, Berry shared why she puts her sexual needs first during romantic encounters. The Oscar-winning actress is no longer willing to please the male ego at the expense of her own desires. “We had to get there so that he felt good about bringing us to orgasm,” Berry told host Emily Morse. “So we had to say that we did it so that he would feel good about himself. Because what is that doing? That’s putting his needs before our own. And now I don’t do that anymore.” “I’m like, ‘No, I cum first like you cum first to you,” Berry continued. “We both deserve to have this be a mutually enjoyable experience where we both can roll over and go to sleep because we feel good. Not one snoring and one looking… [like], ‘What the f**k am I doing?’” View this post on Instagram After much speculation, Berry confirmed that is engaged to her long-time partner and musician Van Hunt. She spoke about the exact moment that she knew Van Hunt was the one. ​“You know, you get to be 54, you just kind of done it a few times, three, to be exact,” Berry said. “You just kind of know when it’s right, ’cause you know when it’s wrong.” ​During an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Berry spoke about the rumors of her engagement. “There’s some confusion that he asked to marry me, and I said no,’ Berry said. “But, that’s not the case?” Fallon. “No, that’s not the case,” Berry explained. “I did not say ‘no,’ we just don’t have a date. Of course, I said ‘yes, I would marry him.’ “ ​“I’m so happy, you guys are a great couple,” Fallon said. ​“Thank you. He did put a little ring on it,” Berry replied.

Baltimore rapper Poppa Fetti is facing a new federal indictment alleging child sex trafficking and interstate transportation of a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. View this post on Instagram A federal grand jury in Maryland returned a three-count indictment against Deion Philip, 33, charging him with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of transporting a minor across state lines for unlawful sexual activity. Federal prosecutors allege Philip exploited two underage victims for commercial sex acts for financial gain. According to the indictment, Philip trafficked one minor over several weeks in 2025. Prosecutors further allege he trafficked a second minor between October and November 2025. The charging document claims the conduct involved arranging and profiting from commercial sex acts involving the minors. Baltimore Rapper Poppa Fetti Indicted On Federal Sex Trafficking Charges The indictment was unsealed Monday, escalating Philip’s legal exposure beyond pending state charges. In November, Maryland authorities brought nine sex trafficking counts against him. He also faces related charges in Howard County. The federal case now proceeds separately in U.S. District Court in Maryland. If convicted on the federal counts, Philip faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with each sex trafficking charge carrying a potential life sentence. The interstate transportation charge also carries substantial penalties under federal law. Philip has denied the allegations in prior proceedings and has maintained his innocence. His counsel has not publicly commented on the newly unsealed federal indictment. Federal prosecutors said the case reflects coordinated efforts between local and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation. A detention hearing and arraignment are expected in federal court. No trial date has been set. The charges remain allegations. Prosecutors bear the burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and Philip is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Luci4, the underground rapper who broke through with the viral hit “BodyPartz,” has died at 23. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the artist, born James Dear, passed away on Feb. 22 in Los Angeles. His cause of death remains under investigation. View this post on Instagram According to his grandparents, Luci4 died at a friend’s home as his career was gaining traction. “We don’t know what happened yet — but we’re suspicious,” they said. The family claims his wallet was emptied and expressed concern about new people in his circle as his fame grew. “We had warned him,” they added, noting they are waiting for answers from police. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical call at 11:40 a.m. Paramedics arrived and found him deceased. Authorities then contacted law enforcement. Sources say officers secured the location as a potential crime scene. Investigators have not confirmed foul play. Atlantic Records’ Luci4 Died At 23, Family Confirms Luci4 carved out a distinct lane in the internet rap underground. He emerged as a leading voice in sigilkore, a digital-born microgenre defined by distorted beats and dark aesthetics. His music exploded on TikTok in 2021, where fans propelled his songs into viral territory. “BodyPartz” became his breakout moment. The track spread rapidly across streaming platforms and social media. It later achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, signaling his arrival beyond niche circles. The buzz led to a deal with Atlantic Records. Industry insiders viewed him as a pioneer of the sigilkore wave. His sound resonated with a generation raised on algorithm-driven discovery. Friends described Luci4 as fearless and visionary. He often spoke about independence and creative control. Now, as detectives continue their investigation, fans mourn a young artist whose momentum felt unstoppable.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has issued a formal apology to actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo following an onstage incident during the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London. The apology comes after an audience member shouted a racial slur while Jordan and Lindo were presenting an award at the Royal Festival Hall. The actors, who co-starred in the film Sinners, were on stage when the outburst occurred. The remark was later identified by attendees and viewers as the N-word. In a statement released Monday, BAFTA addressed the incident and acknowledged the harm caused. “Tourette syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics that the individual has no control over,” the organization said. “Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional.” BAFTA added that “a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room.” The statement continued: “Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologize unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.” The ceremony was broadcast by the BBC on a delay. However, the slur was not censored before the program aired, prompting criticism online after viewers replayed the moment. BAFTA Apologizes To Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo After N-Word Incident Jordan and Lindo did not respond publicly during the ceremony. They continued presenting the award for Avatar: Fire and Ash and maintained composure on stage. BAFTA later commended the actors for their “incredible dignity and professionalism.” In subsequent remarks, Lindo said he and Jordan “did what [they] had to do” in the moment. He also said he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to [them] afterwards.” The organization’s apology was issued nearly 12 hours after the broadcast concluded. BAFTA said it takes “full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation” and pledged to keep inclusion at the center of its work moving forward. The audience member later released a statement reiterating that the verbal tic was involuntary. He did not issue a direct apology to Jordan or Lindo.