Serayah has ended her engagement to Joey Bada$$ more than a year after the couple welcomed their first child. The actress announced the breakup Monday on Instagram. She also explained why she decided to end the relationship with the rapper. “There comes a point in a woman’s life when choosing herself is no longer an option, it becomes necessary,” Serayah wrote. “After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to end my engagement and relationship with the father of my child, Joey.” Serayah reveals that she’s ending her engagement & relationship with Joey Badass pic.twitter.com/KXzpNX4aQz — 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) August 24, 2026 Serayah, 31, said she once believed deeply in the future they were creating. She also said she wanted to protect their family. However, the “Kingdom Business” star said she eventually confronted what she called a painful reality. Serayah alleged that Joey had repeatedly been unfaithful throughout their relationship. She said the alleged infidelity occurred during some of the most vulnerable moments of her life. Serayah did not provide additional details about the alleged incidents. Serayah & Hip-Hop Star Joey Bada$$ Call Off Engagement “I believed wholeheartedly in the life we were building,” she wrote. “I wanted nothing more than to protect our family.” Serayah stressed that she was not discussing the breakup for sympathy or retaliation. Instead, she urged women to trust their instincts when relationships begin to feel wrong. “If your intuition is telling you something is wrong, listen to it,” she wrote. She also encouraged women to maintain their values rather than sacrifice them to preserve a relationship. Serayah said another person’s decisions should never determine someone’s sense of worth. The actress said she will keep the couple’s personal matters private moving forward. Their son remains her central concern as they navigate parenthood separately. “I will always respect the fact that we share a beautiful son,” Serayah wrote. “My priority will be protecting his peace, privacy and relationship with both of his parents.” Serayah and Joey Bada$$ began dating in 2023. They welcomed their son in June 2025 and announced their engagement the following month. Although their relationship has ended, Serayah said she remains focused on what comes next. “This chapter did not end the way I prayed it would,” she wrote. “But endings can also be beginnings.”

Max B has officially weighed in on the long-standing rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, throwing his support behind the Toronto superstar. During a recent interview with media personality Jason Lee, the artist known as the “Wave God” explained that his preference is rooted in the current musical landscape and the atmosphere of New York City nightlife. “I’m taking Drake, man,” Max B said in a clip circulating on social media. “Yeah, I’m fucking with Drake. Drake’s new shit sounding good. I’m in the clubs with it.” The Harlem rapper specifically pointed to Drake’s recent releases, including “Janice STFU,” as tracks that are currently resonating with him and the public. While many critics and fans declared Lamar the victor of the high-profile lyrical battle that dominated 2024, Max B argued that a artist’s legacy is built on endurance rather than a single conflict. He compared Drake’s current position to that of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who faced significant public scrutiny and calls for boycotts mid-career before eventually securing two more championships and cementing his status as a basketball icon. “It’s the equivalent of Kobe,” Max B said. “Everybody wanted to boycott him out the NBA and all that. When he went out there, won two titles, you never heard about that shit no more.” He suggested that as long as Drake continues to release chart-topping music, the sting of the battle will eventually fade from the public consciousness. The endorsement comes during a record-breaking year for Drake, who has maintained a dominant commercial presence despite the 2024 controversy. In May 2026, the OVO founder became the first artist in history to occupy the top three spots on the Billboard 200 simultaneously. Furthermore, he recently surpassed Michael Jackson for the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 among solo male artists. Lamar has also seen historic success following the feud. His scathing diss track “Not Like Us” made history at the 2025 Grammys, becoming the first song of its kind to win both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The Compton rapper further solidified the track’s cultural impact by performing it during his Super Bowl halftime show. Max B, who is currently navigating his own career resurgence following his release from prison, emphasized that Drake should ignore the external noise and focus on his craft. The Wave God has recently received public praise from industry titans like Jay-Z and Bad Bunny, but he appears focused on his own musical output rather than engaging in the industry’s ongoing tensions.nnAll he got to do is sit back and make his music,” Max B said, reinforcing his belief that the Canadian rapper’s longevity is tied to his ability to produce hits for the club scene.

Houston rapper and philanthropist Trae Tha Truth traded the studio for disaster relief in Gary, Indiana, last week. After seeing news coverage of the devastation, Trae decided watching from home was not enough. He contacted his team, boarded a flight, and headed north. “I called my brother and my team,” Trae said. “Two hours later, jumped on a flight, flew into Chicago and hit the ground working.” Trae joined Operation BBQ Relief, a volunteer organization serving communities affected by disasters. The group has distributed thousands of meals across northwest Indiana. Its efforts have reached Portage, Lake Station and Schererville. The operation later expanded into Gary, where residents faced difficult conditions. For Trae, showing up meant more than handing out food. He also helped residents clear debris from affected areas. Houston Rapper Trae Tha Truth Comes To The Aid Of Gary, Indiana The Houston artist said the meals were meant to provide something substantial during a difficult period. He wanted residents to receive food he would eat himself. “We are giving people real, hot meals, not crackers and Lunchables,” Trae said. “We are giving them meals we would eat.” His hands-on approach quickly resonated with people in Gary. Nevaeh Fuller, a local resident, watched Trae work alongside volunteers. “It is pretty amazing what all he did for us,” Fuller said. “Gave us food and then helping to clean up. He really cares.” Trae has built a reputation for responding when communities need help. His latest effort in Gary continues that work beyond music and entertainment. He also understands the disaster recovery will not end when he leaves Indiana. “When I leave here and go back home, there will still be lots of work to be done out here,” Trae said. Rather than treating the visit as a one-day appearance, Trae hopes his presence motivates others to get involved. “I hope someone sees what we are doing and it inspires them to help,” he said. “That is the goal.” For Trae Tha Truth, the mission in Gary is simple. Show up, serve people and keep working.

Hip-Hop star Blueface was detained Sunday (Aug. 23) after Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies investigated a reported shooting at a Santa Clarita restaurant, authorities said. The rapper was out of police custody by the evening. The rapper, whose legal name is Jonathan Michael Porter, was detained during the investigation at King of Crab. Deputies later released him after determining that no crime occurred. View this post on Instagram Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to the restaurant around 5:27 p.m., according to the department. King of Crab is located in the 26200 block of Bouquet Canyon Road. Sgt. Josh Nemeth of the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s station confirmed Blueface’s involvement in the incident. He said deputies conducted an investigation after receiving a report of a shooting. “Deputies responded, completed an investigation and determined no crime occurred at the location,” Nemeth told City News Service. Hip-Hop Star Blueface Arrested In Santa Clarita Over Shooting, Rapper Released Later Authorities reported no injuries. Deputies also made no additional arrests in connection with the incident. The detention did not result in criminal charges against Blueface. The sheriff’s department did not identify a suspect, weapon or victim following its investigation. Officials also did not immediately explain what prompted the original report of gunfire. The available information does not indicate that Blueface was arrested or charged with a crime. The incident occurred in Santa Clarita, where the 29-year-old rapper resides. Blueface has built a prominent career in hip-hop while attracting considerable public attention to his personal life. For legal purposes, the distinction between detention and arrest remains significant. Deputies temporarily detained Blueface during their investigation but ultimately released him. Nemeth’s statement indicates authorities found no criminal conduct at the restaurant. No injuries or additional arrests were reported. The investigation therefore ended without charges tied to the reported shooting. Blueface, known for songs including “Thotiana,” has remained a prominent figure in hip-hop. His legal name is Jonathan Michael Porter. The sheriff’s department has not disclosed additional details about the reported incident. No further criminal proceedings have been announced.

Legendary music producer Pharrell Williams wants T-Pain to help restore R&B’s cultural heartbeat. The legendary producer recently surprised T-Pain during a Nappy Boy livestream. Instead of exchanging pleasantries, Pharrell delivered an unexpected creative challenge. “What the f*** are you doing, man?” Pharrell asked. “There’s no one in your way.” The Virginia native then explained why he believes T-Pain is uniquely positioned to redefine R&B. “No one can make R&B that’s missing like you,” Pharrell said. “You make it look easy.” For Pharrell, the assignment extends beyond creating another hit record. He views T-Pain as a potential bridge between contemporary R&B and the genre’s deeper cultural identity. “I feel like you’re the bridge to bringing back R&B to what I feel like it means to Black people,” he said. “You are the bridge.” Music Producer Pharrell Williams Asks T-Pain To Return To R&B Pharrell also highlighted T-Pain’s ability to connect with younger listeners. That relationship, he suggested, could help make a new R&B movement feel authentic. “Ain’t nobody like you, bro,” Pharrell said. “And you got the personality of the youth, where the youth would gravitate towards you.” T-Pain appeared receptive to the challenge. Rather than dismissing Pharrell’s suggestion, the entertainer said he would give the idea serious consideration. “True that,” T-Pain responded. “I f*** with that.” He added, “Let me put my right brain on it, and I’ll reconvene, if you will.” The exchange unfolded on Nappy Boy’s livestream platform, giving fans an intimate glimpse into a conversation between two influential music figures. Pharrell has spent decades moving between R&B, hip-hop and pop. His production and songwriting have helped shape several generations of popular music. His message to T-Pain, however, focused on something beyond commercial success. Pharrell challenged him to explore what R&B can represent culturally. For Pain, that could mean another evolution in a career defined by experimentation. The conversation also raises a larger question for R&B: Who can push the genre forward without losing its foundation? Pharrell appears convinced T-Pain already has the answer.

Rapper BigXThaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was arrested in Dallas on Friday on DWI, drug, and firearm charges, authorities said. The 28-year-old “The Largest” hitmaker was booked into the Collin County Jail on three misdemeanor counts: driving while intoxicated, marijuana possession under two ounces and unlawful firearm possession. An Allen Police Department spokesperson confirmed the arrest. View this post on Instagram Authorities have not publicly disclosed details surrounding the traffic stop or circumstances leading to Landum’s detention. The arrest occurred the same day BigXThaPlug was scheduled to headline Winnipeg’s Country Rising Festival in Canada. Festival organizers canceled his appearance, saying the rapper could “no longer be able to perform” because of a “personal emergency.” BigXThaPlug was released from custody in time to perform Saturday at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Rapper BigXThaPlug Arrested In Dallas With DWI, Drugs, & Gun Charges Before taking the stage, he posted a video saying, “Des Moines, Iowa, I’m on my way.” During the performance, he addressed his recent detention. “They didn’t think I was coming,” he told the crowd, according to footage posted to social media. He later described praying while held in Collin County and hoping to make the performance. “When I was in Collin County, I was praying hard,” BigXThaPlug said. “I was like, ‘Please let me make it to Des Moines, Iowa.’” The rapper also appeared to reference the arrest while promoting new music on Instagram. His post featured his booking photo and read, “THAT SHIT LITE … ALBUM OTW…” View this post on Instagram The arrest marks the second similar case involving BigXThaPlug in the Dallas area within a year. He was arrested in August 2025 following an album-release party on marijuana and firearm allegations. He also faced a marijuana possession case in Arlington, Texas, in February 2025. BigXThaPlug’s representatives had not publicly commented on Friday’s arrest as of Sunday.

Pierre “P” Thomas, the influential cofounder of Quality Control Music, has been hospitalized in Las Vegas after suffering a heart attack, according to TMZ. Thomas is currently being treated in the intensive care unit as medical professionals monitor his condition and evaluate his recovery options. Family members have reportedly traveled to Nevada to be by his side. The music executive remains under the close supervision of doctors who are consulting with his inner circle regarding the next steps in his treatment. Thomas is widely recognized as a titan in the modern music industry, having cofounded Quality Control Music alongside Kevin “Coach K” Lee in 2013. Based in Atlanta, the label rose to prominence by identifying and developing some of the most successful acts in hip-hop, effectively reshaping the sound of the genre over the last decade. Under his leadership, Quality Control became a powerhouse synonymous with the “Atlanta sound.” The label’s roster has featured global superstars including the Migos, Lil Baby, and the City Girls. Thomas has been credited by industry peers for his keen eye for talent and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of independent and major label partnerships. News of the medical emergency sparked an immediate outpouring of concern from the entertainment community. Thomas is viewed not only as a business leader but as a mentor to dozens of young artists who have found commercial success under his guidance. The situation remains fluid as Thomas continues his stay in the ICU. View this post on Instagram Representatives for Quality Control Music have not yet released a formal statement regarding his long-term prognosis or the impact his absence may have on the label’s immediate operations. Quality Control’s influence extends beyond music into sports management and film, a testament to the expansion Thomas helped lead. The label was recently acquired in a high-profile deal by HYBE America, further cementing Thomas’s status as a top-tier executive in the global market. This story is developing, and further updates are expected as more information regarding his health becomes available.

The latest installment of the Verzuz series turned into a celebration of late-1990s and early-2000s R&B as veterans Joe and Donell Jones faced off in a nostalgia-heavy hits battle. While the event was framed as a tribute to two storied careers, Joe emerged as the night’s standout performer following a high-energy surprise appearance by rapper 50 Cent. The evening began with a warm-up set by Estelle before the two headliners took the stage to trade their most iconic tracks. Donell Jones, who expressed prior to the event that he viewed the night as a celebration rather than a rigid competition, brought early momentum by inviting the group 702 to the stage. The trio performed their 1996 classic “Get It Together,” a track Jones famously wrote and produced. Joe responded to the challenge by leaning into a catalog that social media users and live voters found increasingly difficult to beat. After performing staples such as “Don’t Wanna Be a Player” and his contribution to Big Pun’s “Still Not a Player,” Joe shifted the atmosphere by bringing out 50 Cent. The Queens rapper, joined by G-Unit associates Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, performed the 2003 collaboration “Wanna Get to Know You.” View this post on Instagram The collaborative energy continued as Joe and 50 Cent performed “Big Rich Town,” the widely recognized theme song for the television series “Power.” The surprise guest appearance appeared to tilt the scales in Joe’s favor, as fans on social media noted the singer’s vocal consistency and stage presence throughout the later rounds of the matchup. Despite the competitive nature of the event, both artists emphasized the importance of the era they represented. The battle served as a reminder of the deep influence both singers held during the peak of the hip-hop soul movement. While Jones was praised for his songwriting legacy and the 702 reunion, the general consensus among viewers was that Joe’s deep catalog and surprise guests secured him the win for the night. View this post on Instagram

James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers have come to terms on a three-year, $97 million contract. The deal that will keep the former in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season, according to ESPN. By the end of his current deal, James Harden will eclipse $500 million in career earnings. He’s now just the eighth player in NBA history to hit that incredible mark. He joins LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, and Joel Embiid.  Turning 37 next week,  Harden joined the Cavaliers before last season’s trade deadline and helped propel Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals. By opting out of his player option for next season, Harden aims to secure a final multi-year contract at a lower annual salary, giving the Cavaliers the financial flexibility needed to target wing upgrades this summer.  Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in his 26 regular-season appearances with the Cavs last season. In the playoffs, he posted 19.2 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in the playoffs. Cleveland  reached the conference finals, but was swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks. HARDEN’S REMARKABLE CAREER Regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive guards in basketball history, Harden began as an explosive second-unit scoring option. He won the 2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Houston Rockets. Harden earned the 2017–18 NBA Most Valuable Player award, three consecutive scoring titles (2018–2020), and two assist titles (2017, 2023). Beyond individual hardware, Harden revolutionized the game with foul-drawing, isolation efficiency, and signature step-back three-pointer. Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, “The Beard” boasts 11 NBA All-Star selections and eight All-NBA Team honors (including six First Team selections).  Along with Harden, the Cavaliers traded for Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets where he inked a four-year, $88 million deal.  

Hip-Hop mogul Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is heading to Russia this fall for two sold-out concerts in St. Petersburg. The shows come as Russia’s war against Ukraine enters its fifth year. AllHipHop broke the news on Wednesday (August 19). Ye is scheduled to perform Oct. 10 and 11 at Gazprom Arena. Tickets reportedly sold rapidly, including seats priced above $1,850. The cheapest tickets, costing about $105, also sold out, according to The Guardian. View this post on Instagram The performances would make Ye the biggest Western artist to appear in Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. His arrival carries significance beyond the concert stage. Russia remains under extensive Western sanctions and faces continued diplomatic isolation. Ye’s decision to perform there also comes after several European countries rejected his appearances. The United Kingdom barred Ye from entering the country. Italy canceled planned shows over public safety concerns. France, Poland and Switzerland also scrapped performances. Those decisions followed controversies surrounding Ye’s antisemitic statements and Nazi imagery. The fallout has sharply altered his standing across Europe. Ye (Kanye West)’s Upcoming Russia Concert Could Be Canceled Depending On The Hip-Hop Mogul’s Involvement In The Ukraine War In January, Ye published a full-page apology in The Wall Street Journal. He wrote that he was not a Nazi and said he loved Jewish people. The apology did not restore his access to several European markets. Elsewhere, Ye has continued attracting large international audiences. His May concert in Istanbul drew 118,000 people. About 70,000 attended his June performance in Tbilisi, Georgia. He also performed to a sold-out crowd in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Aug. 14. Russia, however, presents a distinct political challenge. Russian politician Nikolay Novichkov has called for an investigation into Ye’s previous praise of Adolf Hitler. He also demanded the St. Petersburg concerts be canceled unless Ye publicly supports Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. The demand adds another layer of controversy to Ye’s Russian concerts. His appearance could help Moscow project cultural relevance despite continued isolation. For Ye, meanwhile, Russia offers a major market without the restrictions confronting him elsewhere. The St. Petersburg shows therefore carry implications beyond ticket sales. They place Ye at the intersection of hip-hop, geopolitics and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.