Martell, one of the oldest cognac houses, enters a new era after announcing this week that it has appointed award-winning music journalist Ivie Ani as its new Culture Ambassador. For Martell, appointing Ani creates a new narrative that highlights the brand’s illustrious history. For Ani, the new title adds to a stellar resume as a Nigerian American, including on-air correspondent, strategist, and trailblazer. In journalism, her work is heavily praised for exploring identity across Black culture worldwide. “Ivie brings a very distinct perspective to Martell’s Culture Ambassadors platform,” said Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships at Martell. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Martell (@martellofficial) Odutola praised Ani’s work documenting Afrobeats and African culture. He also highlighted her ability to connect cultural stories with wider audiences. “She is someone who has been actively documenting culture, shaping stories and helping audiences understand the people behind Afrobeats and African culture,” Odutola said. “Her perspective is thoughtful, current and deeply connected to the diaspora,” he added. Ani will join fellow Culture Ambassadors Adesope Olajide and Abdul Abdullah, both of whom have been with Martell since 2025. The platform centers cultural expression, storytelling and collective achievement. Ani’s appointment adds a journalism perspective to that mission. Award-Winning Journalist Ivie Ani Appointed Culture Ambassador At Martell Cognac “I’ve spent my career documenting culture across the diaspora,” Ani said. “Joining Martell as a Culture Ambassador feels deeply aligned with the work I have done.” Ani said storytelling remains central to preserving culture while allowing it to evolve. “Culture moves through stories, sound, memory and community,” she said. “For me, my work has always been about amplifying those voices with care, authenticity, and accuracy.” She also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for emerging perspectives. “It is about upholding tradition while continuing to innovate,” Ani said. “Creating space for new perspectives and helping the next generation see themselves in the story.” Ani also marked the appointment on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. “No manager, no talent agency, no team—just the work, people who believe in it, and people who believe in me,” she wrote. No manager, no talent agency, no team— just the work, people who believe in it, and people who believe in me — Ivie Ani (@ivieani) August 27, 2026 The tweet inspires journalists worldwide amid a massive shift in today’s media. 2026 has been a year of mass layoffs and acquisitions in media. In July, Ivie Ani joined a group of journalists who helped J. Cole revive the nostalgia of hip-hop journalism with the launch of The Fall-Off magazine’s debut issue. J. Cole’s magazine featured interviews with rap stars like GloRilla, Beanie Siegel, and Lil Yachty, supporting his tour and album of the same name. Now, through Martell’s Culture Ambassador platform, Ani will bring that perspective to a broader cultural conversation. The partnership reflects Martell’s continued focus on diaspora voices, authentic expression and the people shaping culture’s next chapter.

A South Carolina federal judge has postponed rapper Blacc Zacc’s RICO trial until April 2027, granting his request for additional time to prepare his defense. U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin granted the continuance Friday, Aug. 21, in the federal case against Blacc Zacc, whose legal name is Zachary Chapman. The ruling moves the rapper’s trial from September 2026 to April 2027. Judge Austin found that delaying the proceedings serves the interests of justice. USA (@SC_Courts) v. Blacc Zacc: Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin GRANTED Blacc Zacc, real name Zachary Chapman, Motion of Continuance in new order filed with the court on Friday, August 21. The federal RICO trial has been rescheduled from September 2026 to April 2027. Judge… pic.twitter.com/76XJZLD2OB — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) August 22, 2026 The court also determined that those interests outweigh the defendants’ and public’s interest in a faster resolution. Blacc Zacc remains in federal custody. The court previously denied his request for bond release. The rapper faces allegations tied to an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. He has denied the allegations through his defense, and the charges remain pending. The case has unfolded alongside major developments in Blacc Zacc’s personal life. His girlfriend, South Carolina rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta personality Renni Rucci, recently shared a photograph with him on Instagram. The post appeared Sunday, Aug. 16, and featured “Death Do Us Part” by Fridayy and MTS. Rucci and Blacc Zacc began dating in 2023. The couple welcomed a son in early July while Chapman remained detained pending trial. Rucci has continued to publicly support the rapper during his legal proceedings. Her relationship with Blacc Zacc is also featured in the final season of Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta. The case now faces a substantially longer timeline before reaching trial. The April 2027 setting gives prosecutors and defense attorneys additional time to prepare for the federal proceedings. For Blacc Zacc, the continuance also means remaining behind bars while the case moves forward. The court’s decision does not resolve the allegations against him. Instead, it establishes a new timeline for the federal prosecution. With his trial delayed until next year, Blacc Zacc’s legal battle will continue alongside the rapper’s growing public profile and his family’s efforts to support him outside the courtroom.

Award-winning singer Miguel is speaking out about alleged harassment targeting his family as he and his wife, Margaret Zhang, prepare to welcome another child. The Grammy-winning R&B singer shared a lengthy statement describing what he says has been a difficult year for his loved ones. Miguel alleged that his family has faced racism, harassment, stalking, privacy invasions and false accusations. View this post on Instagram He also said Zhang has recently experienced racist and anti-Asian attacks. Miguel did not name Zhang in the statement. The singer and the fashion executive have largely kept their family life private. The couple welcomed their first child together nearly two years ago. In August, Zhang debuted her growing baby bump during an appearance with Miguel at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles. The public appearance confirmed that the couple is expecting their second child. They have not publicly shared the baby’s sex or due date. Amid the pregnancy news, Miguel said his family has faced unwanted attention that has crossed boundaries. Singer Miguel Addresses Racists & Anti-Asian Attacks Targeted AT His Wife Margaret Zhang He also claimed that his child has been targeted by abusive comments. “Racism, threats, harassment, stalking, invasions of privacy, and targeting of children are abuse,” Miguel wrote. “Not opinion.” The singer acknowledged that fame comes with public commentary. He said people can express opinions about him, his music and his career. Still, Miguel argued that criticism does not excuse personal attacks against his family. “It doesn’t become acceptable because someone dresses it up as criticism, fandom, speculation, or ‘concern,’” he wrote. Miguel also warned that legal action remains an option. He said his family has already pursued legal remedies over some incidents. He did not identify the people involved or provide details about specific allegations. Instead, his statement focused on protecting his family during a significant personal moment. The couple’s pregnancy has brought renewed attention to their private lives. Miguel’s latest comments suggest that attention has become increasingly difficult to manage. For the singer, however, the issue extends beyond celebrity scrutiny. With another child on the way, Miguel is making his position clear. Public interest, he says, should never come at the expense of his family’s safety or privacy.

Gladys Knight is slowing down, but the Empress of Soul is not saying goodbye. After more than seven decades onstage, the 82-year-old icon announced Thursday that she plans to perform less. Knight also wants to devote more time to family and personal projects. The decision marks a meaningful shift for a singer whose voice has defined generations of soul and R&B. “After much soul-searching, I’ve decided that I will be easing into fewer performances,” Knight wrote. She said the change reflects “the next stage of my career and life.” View this post on Instagram For Knight, that next chapter includes more time with her husband and grandchildren. “I’ll be spending more time on projects with my husband and visiting with my grandbabies,” she wrote. “I am looking forward to this new era.” Knight also used the announcement to honor the fans who carried her through decades of music. “I’d like to take a moment, in advance, to thank all my fans over this last three-quarters of a century,” she wrote. “You made a little girl’s dream come true.” “I am immensely grateful to all of you,” Knight added. “I send my eternal love back to you.” Soul Singer Gladys Knight To Ease Up On Performances But Not Retiring Her touring career is not ending immediately. The Taft Theatre still listed Knight for a Sept. 11 performance in Cincinnati as of Aug. 28. The announcement follows questions surrounding some recent performances. Videos circulating online prompted concern from fans about Knight’s appearance and stage presence. Knight did not cite a medical condition when announcing her reduced schedule. She also did not connect the decision to any specific health issue. Those concerns intensified after her son, Shanga Hankerson, questioned her touring schedule last year. He raised concerns about the demands placed on his mother. Hankerson also accused Knight’s husband and manager, William McDowell, of encouraging her to continue working. Knight and her representatives disputed those allegations. Knight responded at the time with her own assessment. “I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented,” she said. “I want my fans and those concerned to rest assured I am doing very well.” “I’m healthy and happy,” Knight added. Her legacy remains immense. Knight has won seven Grammy Awards from 22 nominations. The Recording Academy honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. She also entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Pips in 1996. Knight’s recordings continue to resonate across generations. “Midnight Train to Georgia” remains one of soul music’s defining anthems. Now, Knight is choosing a different rhythm. Her message is not retirement. It is about making room for family, creativity and the next chapter.

Rap star Cardi B addresses the darker side of becoming one of hip-hop’s biggest stars to help guide those newly famous from falling into the same pitfalls. The “Aha Aha” hitmaker reflected on fame, pressure and public scrutiny in Vogue Arabia’s September issue. Her rise from social media personality to rap superstar brought the success she once wanted. View this post on Instagram The reality of that success, however, looks different than she imagined. “I have proven a lot of people wrong over and over and over again,” Cardi said. “It makes me feel good that I achieved things that nobody else did.” That accomplishment comes with another reality. Cardi said celebrity life carries pressures she never expected when she dreamed about becoming famous. “That’s why they say to be careful about what you wish for because you just might get it,” she said. “Being a celebrity comes with a lot.” “Sometimes I feel I didn’t apply for this,” Cardi added. Hip-Hop Star Cardi B Gives Advice To The Next Famous Star For Vogue Arabia The rapper also described fame as a psychological challenge. Constant attention can make it difficult for celebrities to protect their private lives. “You can’t really protect yourself,” she said. “You are never gonna be ready for this type of pressure, you know?” Cardi urged people dealing with similar pressures to find constructive ways to cope. She also delivered a direct warning about drug use. “You just gotta find a mechanism that works for you,” she said. “But whatever mechanism you decide on, just don’t turn to drugs, okay?” “I know it’s hard. I know it really is,” Cardi continued. “Being famous is almost like a mental game.” Cardi knows the transformation firsthand. She gained an audience through Instagram and Vine before joining Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. Then came “Bodak Yellow” in 2017. The breakout single turned Cardi into a dominant force in mainstream rap. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, followed in 2018. The project earned Cardi the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2019. She later released Am I the Drama? in 2025, extending a career built on cultural influence and commercial success. Yet Cardi’s latest comments reveal another side of that journey. Fame delivered the recognition she chased, but it also created pressures she never anticipated. For Cardi B, becoming newly famous was only the beginning. Learning how to survive the spotlight has become part of the job.

R&B singer Kehlani has canceled two dates on The Kehlani World Tour after a sudden hospitalization left her unable to perform. She announced the cancellations Wednesday on social media. She said she developed severe pain and difficulty swallowing after two days without a show. “After two off days feeling completely normal..ive been up all night unable to swallow & in so much pain,” she wrote. “I just left the hospital & am not cleared to sing for the next two shows,” Kehlani continued. “I’m so sorry Camden & DC. My team is working on a solution.” View this post on Instagram The affected performances were scheduled for Camden, New Jersey, and the Washington, D.C., area. Both shows are part of the tour’s North American leg. Kehlani did not disclose a diagnosis. She said medical professionals had not cleared her to sing at either performance. The cancellation follows a demanding stretch of touring for the Grammy-nominated artist. Her announcement also comes after recent discussions about maintaining her well-being. The Kehlani World Tour is currently scheduled to resume Aug. 29 in Richmond, Virginia. Kehlani is slated to perform at the Allianz Amphitheater. R&B Singer Kehlani Announces 2 Rescheduled Shows On The Kehlani World Tour After Being Hospitalized The tour supports Kehlani, her self-titled fifth studio album. Released in April, the album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The project features collaborations with Cardi B, Brandy and Usher. It represents another major chapter in Kehlani’s career. The North American tour is scheduled to continue through early October. The international itinerary will then take Kehlani to South America, Europe and South Africa. For now, the Camden and Washington cancellations leave ticket holders awaiting further information. Kehlani’s team said it was working on a solution. Her decision comes as she follows medical guidance before returning to the stage. The singer’s message offered no guarantee that the Aug. 29 performance would proceed. The Richmond concert remains scheduled at this time. Fans will have to await additional updates from her or her touring team. The sudden hospitalization highlights the physical demands of an international concert schedule. For the R&B singer, the immediate concern appears to be recovering before resuming the tour.

Vic Mensa opened “The Vic Mensa Show” with a guest whose history with him reaches back to adolescence: Chance the Rapper. The Chicago rappers used the premiere to revisit a friendship that began when they were about 14. That relationship eventually helped shape Save Money, the collective that influenced Chicago hip-hop. Mensa said he first encountered Chance at Jones College Prep during an open mic. Mensa had traveled from Whitney Young Magnet High School to perform. He spotted Chance in the school lunchroom. At the time, Mensa admitted his microphone skills had not caught up with his ambitions. Still, the meeting marked the start of a friendship that would span decades. The two later became prominent figures within Chicago’s independent rap scene. Mensa recalled one of their earliest recording sessions. They worked on a song called “Lord Release,” with Mensa’s father paying for studio time. Their loyalty also faced an early test. Mensa said older students had threatened Chance at school. According to Mensa, he responded by bringing roughly 25 people from Whitney Young. The confrontation became physical. Save Money’s Vic Mensa & Chance The Rapper Discuss Their Friendship On The Debut Episode Of The Vic Mensa Show Mensa previously described the episode during an appearance on “All the Smoke.” “Long story short, you know, found them, beat they ass, for fucking with Chance,” Mensa said. “It was just like, so we’ve been locked in since childhood.” Chance later captured that bond on his 2013 mixtape “Acid Rap.” On “Acid Rain,” he referenced the competitive edge between the two friends. “But if you touch my brother,” Chance rapped, “all that anti-violence shit goes out the window.” The friendship became part of the foundation for Save Money. The collective brought together Chicago artists who helped define a new generation of local hip-hop. “The Vic Mensa Show” now gives Mensa another platform to explore those relationships. The 24-episode series expands on his Orange Tree video series. Mensa said Orange Tree showed him the power of conversation. He described that potential through “radical ideas, humor, honesty and vulnerability.” Chance’s appearance established the tone. It also placed one of Chicago hip-hop’s most enduring friendships at the center of Mensa’s new chapter.

Yung Miami has officially announced the lineup for the remix of her hit single “Spend Dat,” enlisting hip-hop heavyweights Lil Baby and Kodak Black for the new track. The former City Girls star confirmed the collaboration Wednesday, revealing that the highly anticipated song will be released to the public this Friday, Aug. 28. The announcement comes as Yung Miami, born Caresha Brownlee, continues to build momentum for the track, which has already seen significant success on the Billboard Hot 100. Prior to the official remix announcement, the Miami rapper released several alternate versions of the record in May, including versions titled “Fast,” “Booster,” “Scammer” and “Baller.” “Wham & Yak WTF IS UPPPPPP!! Spend Dat Remix OUT THIS FRIDAY!” the rapper shared on social media, using nicknames for Lil Baby and Kodak Black. View this post on Instagram While fans had previously speculated that Drake might appear on the track, the final lineup maintains a strong regional connection by featuring fellow Florida native Kodak Black. The decision to include Kodak Black has sparked significant conversation among fans due to the pair’s tumultuous history. In 2019, while Kodak Black was incarcerated, he released a freestyle that contained threatening lyrics directed at Yung Miami, who was pregnant at the time. The lyrics referenced a past relationship and suggested physical harm to her unborn child. Public concern intensified in August 2019 when Yung Miami’s vehicle was targeted in a drive-by shooting outside Circle House Studios in North Miami-Dade Fans can expect the “Spend Dat Remix” to hit all major streaming platforms at midnight on Friday. The release marks another milestone for Yung Miami as she establishes herself as a dominant solo force in the industry following the hiatus of the City Girls. View this post on Instagram

Kehlani has announced the cancellation of two scheduled tour dates this week following an emergency hospital visit. The singer, who is currently headlining a massive world tour, informed fans on Wednesday that she is physically unable to perform after experiencing sudden and severe health complications. The 29-year-old artist was scheduled to take the stage at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden on Wednesday evening, followed by a performance at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., on Thursday. Both shows have been scrapped after medical professionals advised the singer to rest her voice. “After two off days feeling completely normal.. ive been up all night unable to swallow & in so much pain,” Kehlani shared in a post on Instagram. “i just left the hospital & am not cleared to sing for the next two shows. i’m so sorry Camden & DC. my team is working on a solution.” The cancellations mark the first significant disruptions for the 33-date Live Nation run, which began earlier this month in Minneapolis. The tour is currently supporting her self-titled fifth studio album, which debuted at the top of the R&B charts and produced the hit single “Folded.” Kehlani expressed her frustration with the setback, noting that she maintains a rigorous health regimen to avoid such situations. “breaks my heart to have to ever do this,” she said. “i do everything i’m supposed to to ensure my health stays up to par & it still isn’t guaranteed.” While the singer did not elaborate on the specific diagnosis that led to her hospitalization, she has been vocal in the past about the challenges of maintaining wellness while on the road. In a recent interview, she discussed the importance of routine, meditation, and medication in managing her overall health and bipolar disorder while navigating a grueling professional schedule. Local fans in Camden were notified of the change just hours before the doors were set to open. View this post on Instagram The “Kehlani World Tour” is expected to resume its scheduled itinerary in Virginia once the singer receives medical clearance. Her team is currently exploring options for the canceled dates, though it remains unclear if they will be rescheduled for later in the year. The tour is currently slated to conclude this October in San Francisco.

Samuel Monroe Jr., whose film career began with the searing 1993 drama “Menace II Society,” has died. He was 52. His mother, Joyce Patton, announced his death on Facebook. Her message came after months of concern surrounding Monroe’s declining health. “I want to thank all of my Facebook family and friends, new and old, for praying for Samuel Monroe Jr., my son,” Patton wrote. “But today God called him home.” She asked supporters to continue praying for Monroe’s family, particularly his three children. Monroe had been hospitalized since April after developing MRSA pneumonia and meningitis. He also underwent dialysis to help manage his kidney function. “Menace II Society” & “The Players’ Club” Actor Samuel Monroe Jr. Passed Away At 52 His condition deteriorated in July. His wife, Shawna Stewart, said Monroe suffered more than 20 seizures around July 30. The seizures caused swelling around his brain, according to Stewart. She also said Monroe underwent three brain surgeries. Doctors warned that Monroe might spend the rest of his life in a vegetative state. Stewart continued asking supporters for prayers as his condition worsened. For Monroe, acting offered a lasting connection to a pivotal period in Black American cinema. His first credited film role came in “Menace II Society,” the Hughes brothers’ uncompromising portrait of Watts. The film became a defining work of 1990s Black cinema. Monroe later appeared in “Tales From The Hood” and “Set It Off.” He also appeared in the 1996 comedy “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.” In 1997, Monroe returned to familiar territory with “The Player’s Club.” Directed by Ice Cube, the film starred LisaRaye McCoy as Diana, an aspiring dancer. Monroe played Junior, Ronnie’s brother, adding another memorable performance to his growing filmography. His roles made him a recognizable presence in films that reflected Los Angeles culture and Black life. Decades later, those movies remain influential touchstones. Monroe’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign in April to help cover his medical expenses. His stepdaughter said he could require around-the-clock care. He is survived by his wife, mother and three children.