Hip-Hop star Busta Rhymes has agreed to pay $25,000 to resolve a federal lawsuit brought by his former personal assistant, Dashiel Gables, over alleged unpaid wages and workplace misconduct. The settlement also resolves a countersuit filed by Rhymes, who accused Gables of making false claims that damaged the rapper’s reputation and business prospects. Neither party admitted wrongdoing under the agreement. View this post on Instagram Gables worked for Rhymes from summer 2024 through January 2025. His federal complaint alleged that he regularly worked 15 to 18 hours per day while receiving a flat $200 daily rate. Gables claimed Rhymes failed to properly compensate him for overtime. He initially sought nearly $6 million over alleged wage violations and mistreatment. The dispute also included an alleged assault. Gables accused Rhymes of punching him during a January confrontation in Brooklyn. The argument allegedly involved work responsibilities and Gables’ cellphone. Rap Star Busta Rhymes Privately Settles Assault & Unpaid Wages Lawsuit From Ex-Assistant Dashiel Gables Rhymes denied the accusation and called the allegations fabricated. He reportedly surrendered to authorities and received a desk appearance ticket for misdemeanor assault. Rhymes later countersued Gables, alleging the former assistant spread false statements that harmed his reputation. The rapper also claimed those allegations resulted in lost business opportunities and financial damages. The settlement calls for Rhymes to make two $12,500 payments. One payment will be classified as wages, while the other resolves Gables’ remaining claims. Gables must also return private materials associated with his employment. The agreement contains additional terms governing the parties’ resolution of the dispute. A federal judge must still approve the wage component of the settlement. The case will proceed toward closure after the required payments are completed. The settlement marks a substantial reduction from Gables’ original demand. His lawsuit sought approximately $6 million. The agreement allows the parties to avoid a trial over allegations involving wages, workplace conduct and reputational harm. Neither side acknowledged liability as part of the resolution. The settlement brings an end to a legal dispute that placed the veteran rapper at the center of competing claims involving employment practices and an alleged assault.

Hip-Hop mogul Ye, formerly Kanye West, will not be headed to Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia, after all this October — according to new reports. The “Stronger” and “Good Life” hitmaker was scheduled to perform Oct. 10 and 11 at the Gazprom Arena. The venue now says no agreement exists for either show. View this post on Instagram “Gazprom Arena was not and is not the organizer of this event,” the stadium said. “This was handled by the Moscow-based concert agency Say Agency.” The venue also said it never signed a rental agreement with the promoter. “Accordingly, the concert cannot take place at our venue,” it said. The reversal follows Gazprom Arena’s earlier promotion of Ye. The stadium had called him “the most influential musical artist of our time.” Say Agency disputed the venue’s account. The Moscow-based promoter said it scheduled the concerts using an official letter approved by Gazprom Arena. The agency also said it learned about the cancellation through social media. The concerts had been promoted as sold out, leaving ticket holders questioning what happens next. Russia’s Gazprom Arena Denies Hip-Hop Mogul Ye (Kanye West) Concerts In October “You were the first to announce the event and sell tickets on your official website,” one fan wrote. Another criticized the venue after fans traveled across Russia and booked hotels for the shows. Ye’s planned appearance would have carried unusual significance. He would have been the first major Western artist to perform in Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. His return to the stage has also unfolded amid renewed scrutiny of his antisemitism. Ye released the track “Heil Hitler” and faced backlash over swastika merchandise sold through Yeezy. Say Agency acknowledged that history when announcing the St. Petersburg concerts. “Not everything Kanye West said should be forgotten,” the agency wrote. “It’s easy to judge.” “It’s more difficult to listen to a person who has been changing the industry for decades,” it added. Ye apologized in January through an advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. He cited poor judgment during a period involving bipolar disorder. “I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions,” he wrote. “I am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change.” He added, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.” The apology has not stopped the fallout. Ye has seen concerts canceled across Europe, including shows in Poland, Italy and France. A London festival also collapsed after British authorities denied Ye permission to enter the country. The St. Petersburg cancellation adds another chapter to his increasingly turbulent global career.

Hip-Hop producer Hit-Boy says his award-winning run with rap legend Nas may be over and never happening again. The Grammy-winning producer made the revelation during a conversation with Elliott Wilson and DJ Vlad. His comments raised questions about the future of one of rap’s strongest producer-rapper partnerships. “We did a lot of great work, but I don’t see us working again,” Hit-Boy said. Legendary producer Hit-boy sits with journalist Elliot Wilson and youtuber vlad – he talks about working with Nas on so many projects, and not speaking to him in over 3 years: “There’s a lot of reasons but it’s not something I want to get into .. it’s pretty deep.. but… pic.twitter.com/iNlsR1aDBn — HipHopKlipz36 (@hiphopklipz36) August 25, 2026 The producer did not offer a detailed explanation for the apparent split. When DJ Vlad pressed him about the decision, Hit-Boy hinted at deeper issues. “There’s a lot of reasons, you know what I mean?” he said. “But it’s something I don’t really wanna dig too deep in ’cause it’s pretty deep,” Hit-Boy added. Hit-Boy and Nas built an impressive catalog during their three-year creative stretch. The pair released six albums across the “King’s Disease” and “Magic” series. Their collaboration began with 2020’s “King’s Disease.” The project launched a prolific period for Nas and Hit-Boy. Hip-Hop Producer Hit-Boy Reveals That He Hasn’t Spoken To Nas In Three Years & Will Probably Never Work Together Ever Again The duo followed with “King’s Disease II” and “King’s Disease III.” Their work later expanded through the “Magic” trilogy. The partnership also delivered a major career milestone for Nas. He won his first Grammy Award for “King’s Disease,” cementing the producer’s role in his late-career resurgence. Hit remains proud of what they accomplished. Even while signaling an end to their collaboration, he avoided diminishing their musical legacy. “Respect to what we did get accomplished in three years,” he said. That run produced some of Nas’ most celebrated work in decades. Hit-Boy’s production provided a contemporary backdrop for the Queensbridge legend’s lyricism. The partnership also helped introduce Nas’ music to younger listeners. Their chemistry became a defining element of the rapper’s later career. Still, Hit-Boy’s latest comments suggest another Nas and Hit album is unlikely. He declined to reveal what caused the apparent rupture. He also avoided directly criticizing Nas or discussing their personal relationship. For now, the producer is leaving the details behind closed doors. Fans may have hoped for another collaboration. Based on Hit-Boy’s comments, however, the six-album run could represent the final chapter of their story.

LeBron James is bringing a golf event to his hometown of Akron. On Tuesday, James announced a new partnership with the PGA Tour to bring a new golf event to the city of his birth. According to ESPN, the LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will be held in Akron, Ohio, in 2027. The inaugural event will occur July 6 through July 7 at the South Course at Firestone Country Club. Featuring amateurs and pros from the tour’s Pathway to Progression program, the LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational aims to introduce kids to the benefits of golf. LeBron James and the PGA Tour are partnering to bring a golf event back to his hometown of Akron, Ohio, starting in 2027, his foundation announced Tuesday. https://t.co/6K03DwBK3U — ESPN (@espn) August 25, 2026 In a statement, James spoke how golf has the potential to change lives. “Golf has become a passion of mine. I’ve seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships, and create opportunities that many kids don’t even know exist,” James said in a statement. “This partnership with the PGA Tour gives my foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me.” ​Founded in 2024, the Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program creates opportunities for talented golfers from underrepresented backgrounds to build a stronger pipeline of pro talent and expand the sport’s audience. Its collegiate tier awards the top five ranked players membership access to the APGA Tour. JAMES HAS FALLEN IN LOVE GOLF ​James recently launched a golf-focused YouTube channel (@LeBron) aimed at documenting his obsession with the sport. Also, he wants to introduce it to a broader, more diverse audience. ​Styled as a dynamic vlog-meets-lifestyle series, the channel offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at James mastering the game. The channel is complete with course vlogs, competitive trash talk, and high-profile guest rounds. James debuted the channel with a cinematic debut episode chronicling a reunion trip to Scotland’s Castle Stuart Golf Links alongside members of his 2016 NBA championship-winning Cleveland Cavaliers team.  Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson, Richard Jefferson, and Channing Frye are part of the series. ​

Issa Rae is set to return to her creative home at HBO with a new pilot order for a half-hour comedy set within the high-stakes world of professional boxing. According to reports, the project, currently titled “Untitled Male Friendship Show,” marks a significant reunion between the “Insecure” creator and the premium cable network following the conclusion of her previous overall deal. Set against the neon-lit backdrop of Las Vegas, the series focuses on the complex relationship between two longtime friends navigating the pressures of sudden fame. The story follows Menzel, a 30-year-old barber with aspirations of becoming a sports manager, and his best friend JB, a rising star in the boxing ring. As JB’s career begins to skyrocket, the duo finds their bond tested by the volatile combination of ambition, wealth, and personal insecurity. The project reunites Rae with one of her most trusted collaborators, Prentice Penny. Penny, who served as the showrunner for all five seasons of the Emmy-winning series “Insecure,” will take on the roles of showrunner, executive producer, and director for the new pilot. His extensive television background includes work on acclaimed comedies such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Happy Endings.” The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Rae, who recently expressed feelings of professional restlessness. During an appearance on the “Not My Best Moment” podcast, Rae admitted that she often equates her personal definition of success with having an active television production on the air. “I know that I appear successful to other people, but right now, no, I feel really stagnant,” Rae said during the interview. “Because I only feel successful when my sht is on the air. I don’t have sht on the air right now.” This new venture allows Rae to lean back into the authentic storytelling that defined her early career. She previously noted that earlier developmental setbacks taught her the importance of maintaining her unique creative voice rather than deferring to traditional industry expectations. Rae said she realized that network executives “want me to be as loud as possible with what I want to say.” Executive production duties for the pilot will be handled by Jax Clark for Rae’s Hoorae media company, alongside Jonathan Berry and Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment. While Rae recently signed a multi-year first-look deal with Paramount, industry reports indicate this boxing comedy was developed under her previous tenure at HBO. Since the conclusion of “Insecure” in 2021, Rae has remained a powerhouse in the industry, executive producing “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and creating the Miami-based music drama “Rap Sh!t.” This latest pilot order signals a return to the character-driven comedy that established her as a leading voice in modern television.

Dolly Parton, the legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist whose career defined the modern era of country music, has died at the age of 80. Her family announced her passing Tuesday through a video shared on her official Instagram account, featuring her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and her head of security. The news marks the end of a storied career that spanned six decades and saw Parton rise from the poverty of rural Tennessee to become a global icon. Born Jan. 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Parton was one of 12 children in a family so financially strapped that her father famously paid the doctor who delivered her with a bag of grain. Despite these humble beginnings, Parton often credited her upbringing for her resilience and positive outlook. “We didn’t have any money, but we were rich in things that money don’t buy,” Parton said in a 2015 interview. Rest in peace To an icon: “You know, like love and kindness and understanding.” Parton’s professional journey began in earnest the day after she graduated from high school, when she moved to Nashville to pursue music. She gained national prominence in 1967 as a regular on “The Porter Wagoner Show,” which served as the springboard for her solo career. Her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” launched in 1967, beginning a prolific run of nearly 50 studio albums that culminated in her 2023 rock-and-roll crossover project, “Rockstar.” Throughout her career, Parton achieved unprecedented success on the charts and in the record books. She was the first artist to earn a No. 1 record twice with the same song, “I Will Always Love You,” which reached the top of the charts in 1974 and 1982 before becoming a global phenomenon through Whitney Houston’s 1992 cover. Parton’s trophy room included numerous Grammy Awards, Country Music Association honors, and a 1999 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Beyond her musical accolades, Parton was beloved for her self-deprecating wit and her unwavering commitment to her signature look. Often joking about her height and her penchant for cosmetic surgery, she remained a vocal advocate for being true to oneself. “That’s my look and that’s how I’m always gonna be,” she told reporters in 2011, noting that she even wore high heels at home just to reach her kitchen cabinets. In the days leading up to her death, reports surfaced that Parton had been dealing with various health challenges, including digestive issues and dehydration. However, her legacy remains firmly rooted in her immense cultural contributions, ranging from her Dollywood theme park to her “Imagination Library” literacy program, which has gifted millions of books to children worldwide. She was recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as a “Living Legend” in 2004 for her role in shaping American heritage.

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles launched their murder-for-hire case against Chicago rapper Lil Durk on Monday, presenting explosive allegations that the artist funded a deadly retaliatory strike using his personal credit card and attempted to flee the country before his arrest. The Grammy-winning artist, born Durk Banks, faces charges related to a 2022 shooting in Los Angeles that targeted rival rapper Quando Rondo. While Quando Rondo escaped the ambush at a gas station, his cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, was fatally wounded. The prosecution alleges Banks orchestrated the hit as revenge for the 2020 killing of King Von, a close friend and collaborator. Reportedly during opening statements, prosecutors claimed that flight tickets for the alleged hitmen were purchased using Banks’ American Express card. The government also highlighted the rapper’s lavish spending habits during the same period, citing thousands of dollars spent at high-end retailers like Amiri and Neiman Marcus to suggest a lifestyle of luxury while allegedly financing criminal activity. A major point of contention in the courtroom involved the circumstances of Banks’ arrest in Miami. Prosecutors told the jury that the rapper was attempting to flee the United States when he was apprehended. However, the defense team countered this narrative, stating that Banks was in Florida solely for professional reasons. His attorneys said he was in Miami to collaborate on music with producer DJ Khaled. The trial is expected to lean heavily on the testimony of cooperating witnesses. The prosecution confirmed that several former associates, identified as OTF Jam, OTF Vonni, and Flacka, have agreed to testify against Banks. The defense has already begun challenging the credibility of these witnesses, specifically attempting to shift the blame to OTF Vonni based on his prior statements to authorities. Banks remains in federal custody and could face a sentence of life in prison if convicted on the murder-for-hire charges. The case continues Tuesday with further witness testimony expected to detail the logistics of the 2022 shooting.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Miguel and his wife, Margaret Zhang, are preparing to welcome another child, while keeping much of the pregnancy private. The couple has not revealed the baby’s sex or due date. Instead, their recent appearance has offered the clearest glimpse into this next chapter of their family life. It looks like Miguel & Margaret Zhang are expecting baby number 2! : IG / shirleystempleshow pic.twitter.com/Z1PqfmOMAi — TMZ (@TMZ) August 24, 2026 Miguel and Zhang previously celebrated becoming parents when their first child reached the age of 1. The couple marked the milestone with a heartfelt reflection on the privilege of raising their child. The birthday celebration gave fans a rare look at their family life. Miguel and Zhang have generally kept their relationship and parenting journey away from the public spotlight. Their latest family news follows that same approach. Rather than sharing extensive details, the couple has allowed photographs and video to speak for them. Miguel Announces Baby No.2 On The Way With Wife Margaret Zhang The images show Zhang embracing her pregnancy as she appears alongside Miguel. Her growing baby bump quickly drew attention and fueled excitement among fans. For the couple, the moment represents another milestone in their journey as parents. Yet they have offered no indication that they plan to disclose more details soon. Their decision to remain private is consistent with how they have handled their first child. The pair initially kept the arrival quiet before acknowledging the milestone publicly. When they celebrated their child’s first birthday, Miguel and Zhang expressed how honored they felt to be parents. Their message underscored the significance of that first year together. Now, they are preparing to experience parenthood again. For Miguel, the news arrives alongside a career that has made him a familiar figure in contemporary R&B. The singer is known for hits including “Adorn.” Zhang has also built a public profile through her work in fashion, media and creative direction. Together, they have maintained a relatively private family life. For now, though, the photographs tell the story. Zhang’s pregnancy is visible, while the details surrounding their newest addition remain theirs to share. And that may be exactly how Miguel and Zhang want it. The couple appears ready to welcome their next child on their own terms.

Hip-Hop lost another of our pioneers last week: Bronx rapper Keith Caesar, better known as MC Keith Keith of the Funky 4+1, who died at 64. News 12 The Bronx reported his death, describing him as a trailblazer from hip-hop’s earliest years. For Caesar, the culture was not yet an industry. It was a local movement taking shape through block parties, clubs and neighborhood performances. The Funky 4+1 emerged during hip-hop’s formative period and became one of its pioneering groups. In 1981, the group made television history on “Saturday Night Live.” Introduced by Debbie Harry, the group became the first hip-hop act to perform on the program. The Valentine’s Day appearance exposed early rap music to a national audience. The moment arrived when hip-hop remained largely outside mainstream television. The Funky 4+1 helped widen the culture’s reach. MC Keith Keith Of The Legendary Hip-Hop Group The Funky 4+1 Dies At 64 AllHipHop.com said Caesar and the group “helped build something that changed music” during the late 1970s. Grandmaster Flash, another figure from hip-hop’s foundational era, mourned Caesar in a social media tribute. “I do this video in sadness because one of our originators from the beginning of the culture Keith Caesar of the Funky 4 has passed away,” Flash said. “I’m really speechless at this point,” he added. “I just recently seen him, and he was OK.” Flash said Caesar’s death offered a painful reminder of life’s uncertainty. “The old saying, ‘Life is too short,’” Flash said. “You gotta love everyday that you can because you never know.” He then offered a final tribute to his fellow hip-hop pioneer. “Keith Caesar from the Funky 4, rest in peace,” Flash said. “You will not be forgotten.” Tony Santiago pointed to the group’s lasting influence on language and culture. “Backhandedly that group created a word that has become common slang in the Philly area, JAWN,” Santiago wrote. “Taken from ‘That’s the Joint.’ Rest in peace.” Judah Israel, a 72-year-old former Brooklyn DJ, remembered the group’s music. “I’m 72 years of age, and was a DJ out of Bed-Sty Brooklyn,” Israel wrote. “This is one of my favorite groups.” “I rocked [them] on the wheel of steel,” he added. “RIP my brother.” Keith Keith is survived by his brother, Kevin Caesar, of the Bronx.

R&B singer Tyrese Gibson has an interesting story to tell about how Kim Kardashian and Ray J’s sexual escapades created his classic song, “How You Gonna Act Like That.” The singer discussed the 2002 hit during an appearance on “The Kenny Burns Show.” He connected the song’s inspiration to his time living with Kim Kardashian and her then-husband, Damon Thomas. “You know, I lived with Damon and Kim when I worked on that album,” Tyrese said. “I lived with them for three years.” The song appeared on Tyrese’s 2002 album, “I Wanna Go There.” Thomas, a producer and songwriter, received a co-writing credit. During the interview, host Kenny Burns asked Tyrese about what he witnessed while living with the couple. “I’ll leave it at this: When everything happened with Ray J, I was there,” Tyrese said. “I seen all of it.” Burns then sought clarification about Tyrese’s comments. He asked whether the singer meant he witnessed the filming of Kardashian’s sex tape with R&B singer Ray J. R&B Singer Tyrese Reveals That “How You Gonna Act Like That” Was Inspired By Kim Kardashian & Ray J’s Sex Tape Situation “No, no, no,” Tyrese responded. “Meaning like, I was there whenever that sex tape happened.” “Damon was my brother,” he added. “I was literally at the crib. Everything happened in real time and I was there.” The conversation then returned to “How You Gonna Act Like That.” Burns noted the song’s inclusion on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest R&B Songs of the 21st Century. The track ranked No. 51 on the list. “I never knew that,” Tyrese said before explaining his connection to the song’s central theme. “It was inspired by wondering, how did she act like that while she was with Damon?” he said. Kardashian and Thomas filed for divorce in 2003. Kardashian later dated Ray J, with their relationship receiving intense public attention. The sex tape involving Kardashian and Ray J was reportedly filmed in 2003. It was released publicly in 2007. For Tyrese, the story behind “How You Gonna Act Like That” adds another layer to a song that became a defining moment in his R&B career.