R&B superstar Chris Brown is addressing the backlash surrounding Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s decision to honor his musical legacy. The R&B superstar shared an Instagram Story Monday, Sept. 14, featuring a photo of himself embracing the Texas Democrat onstage. The moment came after Crockett recognized Brown and Usher during The R&B Tour’s stop at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Saturday, Sept. 12. Chris Brown via IG story with a message for Jasmine Crockett: “I apologize for any backlash you have to deal with for awarding me.” this was beautiful . pic.twitter.com/2qAosb2ch9 — 𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖔 (@hwloiza) September 15, 2026 Crockett presented the artists with Congressional Record recognition for their contributions to music. She described the moment as a celebration of “Black joy” before recognizing Brown onstage. The tribute quickly sparked criticism because of Brown’s history of legal issues. Critics pointed to his 2009 guilty plea to felony assault involving Rihanna. His more recent legal troubles have also remained part of the public conversation surrounding his career. Brown appeared to acknowledge that scrutiny while thanking Crockett for the recognition. “Thank you so much . I apologize for any backlash you have to deal with for awarding me. I’m not political but I move off of frequency and energy and I’m so grateful. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU.” R&B Singer Chris Brown Apologizes To Rep. Jasmine Crockett For Backlash Over Congressional Recognition Honor In Dallas His response does not directly engage his critics. Instead, Brown centers his appreciation for Crockett and the recognition. The singer’s statement also draws a line between the honor and politics. By saying he is “not political,” Brown suggests he viewed the moment through his connection to music and the energy surrounding the celebration. His apology also recognizes the position Crockett now faces. Brown acknowledges that the backlash could extend beyond him and affect the congresswoman who presented the honor. Crockett’s appearance became a major talking point after the sold-out Arlington concert. She joined Texas state Rep. Venton Jones and producer RoccStar for the presentation. For Brown, however, the message remained centered on gratitude. Rather than defend his past or debate the criticism, he thanked Crockett again. His response leaves the broader controversy surrounding the recognition intact. The moment ultimately placed Brown’s R&B legacy and personal history in the same spotlight. Crockett celebrated his musical contributions, while Brown acknowledged the backlash that followed. His final words made his position clear: “ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU.”

Lil Durk issued a passionate plea for personal transformation to his young fans Tuesday, just days after a federal jury in Los Angeles acquitted him of all charges in a high-profile murder-for-hire trial. The artist, whose legal name is Durk Banks, took to social media to share a video showcasing his philanthropic efforts and community outreach. In a written statement, the Chicago native reflected on his own struggles and urged the next generation to resist the negative influences of their environments. “To the youth, I need y’all to hear me,” Durk said. Lil Durk Speaks: “There were times in my life when I felt lost and couldn’t see beyond what was right in front of me. I know how deeply your environment and surroundings can influence the way you think, the choices you make, and what you believe is possible for your life, but they don’t have to determine who you become.” The acquittal follows a complex legal battle involving a 2022 shooting that authorities alleged targeted rival rapper Quando Rondo. Despite the not guilty verdict in this specific case, the rapper remains in federal custody. He is currently awaiting a separate trial scheduled for October 5, which involves federal racketeering and firearms charges. Banks has long maintained a public commitment to social improvement through his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation. The organization focuses on career readiness and providing professional opportunities for individuals in underserved Chicago communities. In his Tuesday message, he emphasized that his work with the foundation is a long-term commitment. “Growth is real, and it’s never too late to choose a different direction,” Banks said. He added that his primary responsibility is to use his massive platform to motivate others and build opportunities that he did not have during his own upbringing. Legal experts suggest the acquittal is a significant victory for the rapper, though the upcoming racketeering trial presents another substantial legal hurdle. The rapper concluded his message by encouraging his followers to prioritize their futures and their families. “Choose your future. Choose your family. Choose growth. I’m standing with y’all. We’re moving forward with purpose,” Banks said. The rapper’s legal team has expressed confidence ahead of the October proceedings, while supporters continue to point toward his community initiatives as evidence of his character. View this post on Instagram

Wu-Tang Clan rapper Clifford “Method Man” Smith is taking his talents back to television. This time, he’s stepping into the AI music debate. The rapper and actor will guest star in CBS’ upcoming legal drama “Cupertino,” where he plays Yungwood, a rapper fighting an artificial intelligence music studio over his shrinking streaming revenue. Yungwood’s battle hits close to home for musicians navigating an industry increasingly shaped by technology. His lawsuit challenges a company he believes is profiting while hurting his music career. View this post on Instagram “Cupertino” premieres Oct. 8 on CBS and airs Thursdays. The series follows lawyers taking on powerful Silicon Valley companies accused of exploiting people. Mike Colter stars as a lawyer whose former employer withholds his stock options. After losing his job, he teams with another fired attorney, played by Rachel Keller. Together, they represent clients challenging the tech industry’s most powerful figures. Method Man of The Wu-Tang Clan Set To Appear On CBS’s Cupertino As A Rapper Suing AI Music Studio Method Man’s appearance comes as AI continues reshaping music. Artists have raised concerns about AI-generated recordings, digital replicas, unauthorized voices and compensation. Smith knows both sides of the entertainment business. He built his reputation as a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan before expanding into film and television. He starred as attorney David MacLean in all four seasons of Starz’s “Power Book II: Ghost.” His performance opposite Mary J. Blige earned four consecutive NAACP Image Awards. Earlier this year, Smith appeared alongside Kelly Rowland in Amazon MGM Studios’ romantic comedy “Relationship Goals.” His acting résumé also includes “How High,” “Garden State” and “Soul Plane.” He reunited with longtime collaborator Redman for Fox’s “Method & Red,” where they played fictional versions of themselves. “Cupertino” comes from Robert and Michelle King, the creators behind “The Good Wife,” “The Good Fight,” “Evil” and “Elsbeth.” The cast also includes Ella Stiller, Busy Philipps, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Nik Dodani. Now, Method Man is bringing his hip-hop perspective to another fight. In “Cupertino,” the stakes involve artists, artificial intelligence and who gets paid when technology changes the game.

A Dallas judge has rescheduled rapper Yella Beezy’s capital murder trial for Oct. 26, giving defense attorneys additional time to prepare. Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, had been scheduled to begin jury selection Monday. Judge Chika Anyiam granted Conway’s motion for continuance and set jury selection for Oct. 26, 2026. State of TX v. @YellaBeezy214: Yella Beezy’s Mur-For-Hire Trial has been rescheduled to begin with jury selection on October 26, 2026, with Judge Chika Anyiam presiding. The granted motion of continuance, signed by Judge Chika Anyiam, and new date were filed with the Dallas… pic.twitter.com/Uo5zbCRCcN — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) September 14, 2026 The order was filed with the Dallas County Clerk on Monday, Sept. 14. Anyiam will preside over the proceedings. Conway faces a capital murder charge stemming from the 2020 killing of Dallas rapper MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble. Prosecutors allege Conway arranged Noble’s killing by hiring Kewon White. They contend the alleged murder stemmed from a longstanding dispute between the two rappers. Noble was fatally shot during an ambush on Interstate 35 in Dallas. He was 28. Hip-Hop Star Yella Beezy’s Capital Murder Trial Rescheduled For October 26 In Dallas, Texas White was convicted of capital murder earlier this month and sentenced to life in prison. Conway’s defense has requested a transcript of White’s trial before his own case proceeds. Defense attorneys previously told the court several expert witnesses were unavailable during the scheduled trial period. The court reporter also expects to need about 30 days to complete White’s trial transcript. Conway’s attorneys requested two additional weeks to review the transcript. Prosecutors agreed to the continuance. The parties also plan to coordinate with the court regarding federal witnesses whose availability could affect the proceedings. Conway has pleaded not guilty and denied involvement in Noble’s death. He remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Conway is represented by attorneys Toby Shook, Michael Mowla and John Gussio. Dallas County prosecutors Tommy Adams, Ricardo Vela and Sharonda Davis represent the state. A third defendant, Devin Brown, also faces a capital murder charge connected to Noble’s killing. The October trial date gives Conway’s legal team additional time to examine White’s testimony. It also provides more time to prepare expert witnesses and address scheduling issues. The case remains closely watched within Dallas’ hip-hop community. The new date now places Conway’s trial on the court’s calendar for Oct. 26. For prosecutors, the case centers on their allegation that Conway orchestrated Noble’s killing. For the defense, the coming weeks provide additional time to challenge that case.

Tone Capone, the Bay Area producer who helped shape the sound of West Coast hip-hop, has died. He was 59. Capone, born Anthony Douglas Gilmour, died Saturday, according to reports shared by family members. His cause of death has not been disclosed. His passing closes the chapter on a career deeply connected to Bay Area rap. Capone’s production helped define the region’s mobb music sound. View this post on Instagram His signature moment arrived with Luniz’ “I Got 5 On It.” Released in 1995, the song became a Bay Area anthem and reached the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10. The record began taking shape after Capone reconnected with Mike Marshall in 1993. Marshall, a former Timex Social Club member, brought him into a session with Luniz. Marshall developed the melody for the hook. Capone built the beat around Club Nouveau’s “Why You Treat Me So Bad.” Legendary Bay Area Producer Tone Capone (E-40, Mac Dre, Luniz) Dead At 59 The song later received a star-studded remix featuring Dru Down, Spice 1, E-40, Shock G and Richie Rich. Jordan Peele revived Capone’s haunting production for the 2019 horror film Us. Yet “I Got 5 On It” represented only part of Capone’s extensive catalog. He produced records for Mac Dre, 3xKrazy, Celly Cel and E-40. His credits also included Devin the Dude, The Jacka, Dru Down, Mac Mall and Andre Nickatina. He worked with Spice 1, San Quinn and numerous other West Coast artists. Capone was born in Berkeley and raised in North Oakland near Bushrod Park. Music surrounded him from childhood, with funk legends filling his family home. He learned to DJ at Berkeley High School using a friend’s turntables. By the mid-1980s, he was building beats with drum machines and four-track recorders. After buying his first Technics 1200, Capone chose music over the streets. His influence eventually reached Houston, where he worked with Scarface. Capone contributed to Scarface’s 1997 platinum album The Untouchable. The project included “Mary Jane” and “Smile,” featuring one of Tupac Shakur’s final recorded verses. Scarface later named Capone among his greatest producers. Capone remained active for decades. His work with Mac Dre produced “Fire,” “Not My Job” and “Genie of the Lamp.” He continued exploring new sounds before his death. His recent work included a collaboration with Punjabi rapper Kanwar. No memorial arrangements have been announced.

Hip-Hop star Lil Durk’s music is catching fire following his federal acquittal. The “All My Life” hitmaker, born Durk Banks, has seen a major resurgence across his catalog. His Apple Music numbers are climbing as fans revisit his music after the courtroom victory. Lil Durk currently has five songs inside Apple Music US’ Top 100 following his NOT GUILTY verdict “Pass the Water,” “AHHH HA,” “3 Headed Goat” and more are currently charting pic.twitter.com/CNKzvBhFLF — RapTV (@Rap) September 12, 2026 Durk was found not guilty on all five federal charges in his Los Angeles murder-for-hire case. The verdict sparked an immediate wave of renewed interest in his music. Several of Durk’s pre-2020 albums have reportedly returned to Apple Music’s charts. The comeback marks a notable revival for projects released before his mainstream breakthrough. Durk currently has 15 songs charting on Apple Music. That total reportedly ranks second among all artists on the platform, trailing only Drake. Lil Durk’s Music Resurges With Several Hits Topping The Charts AFter Not Guilty Verdict The surge comes while Durk remains in federal custody. He is also scheduled for another trial on Oct. 5. Still, Durk’s latest message looks beyond his legal battles. The rapper spoke directly to young people about growth, choices and finding a better path. “To the youth, I need y’all to hear me,” Durk wrote. “There were times in my life when I felt lost.” He reflected on how a person’s environment can shape their decisions. Durk also stressed that circumstances do not have to dictate someone’s future. “Growth is real, and it’s never too late to choose a different direction,” he wrote. Durk connected that message to his responsibility as an artist. He also highlighted his efforts to create opportunities for younger generations. “My responsibility is to use my voice and my platform to build, motivate, and create more opportunities for the next generation,” he wrote. His words echo themes that have surfaced throughout his career. Durk has often used his platform to discuss survival, ambition and giving back. He ended with a simple message for the youth. “Choose your future. Choose your family. Growth,” Durk wrote. “I’m standing with y’all. We’re moving forward with purpose.” Meanwhile, fans are showing their support through the music. The Apple Music surge suggests Durk’s impact extends well beyond the courtroom. For now, his catalog is moving again. His message makes clear that he wants his next chapter to mean something.

Adidas has unveiled the newest addition to Anthony Edwards’ signature shoe line, continuing the momentum of one of the most successful basketball sneaker franchises in recent years. Tailored specifically to Edwards’ dynamic court presence, the modern model introduces refreshed design elements and high-grade cushioning built for maximum agility.  The adidas AE 3 “Cold Blooded” upgrades Anthony Edwards’ signature line with futuristic style and high-velocity performance. Built for explosive cuts and high-flying play, it pairs a sharp, sculpted TPU cage with full-length Hyperboost cushioning for maximum energy return and support. Retailing at $130, this low-cut silhouette proves “Ant-Man” is officially running basketball footwear.  Every time I step on the court, I want a shoe that can help me dominate,” said Edwards. “Each element is designed to help players take over whenever they pick up the basketball, no matter what court they’re playing on.”  View this post on Instagram To celebrate Anthony Edwards’ rise as a basketball superstar and cultural icon, adidas is launching MINNATLANTASOTA, a comedy sketch series debuting September 12, with new episodes dropping on the 5th of every month throughout the season. The show stars Edwards alongside fellow Adidas athletes and up-and-coming comedians. Embodying Edwards’ signature confidence, the new Anthony Edwards 3 sneaker will be worn by everal Adidas athletes. Olivia Miles, VJ Edgecombe, Kaleena Smith, and Karim Lopez will all be rockng the sneakers. EDWARDS’ UPCOMING SCENE Heading into the upcoming 2026–27 NBA season,Edwards enters the spotlight as the undisputed face of the Minnesota Timberwolves. With La Mello Ball as his backcourt mate,”Ant-Man” is primed to make a run at the league scoring title. And he;s aiming to push Minnesota deeper into June contention. Beyond the championship aspirations, Edwards also carries massive personal stakes into the year. If he makes an All-NBA campaign would make him eligible for a historic four-year, $300 million supermax extension. The Anthony Edwards 3 debuts in the “Cold Blooded” colorway on September 18, 2026. It will retail for $130 at adidas.com and select global retail stores.

The daughter of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has been ordered to pay a massive eight-figure sum following a civil trial stemming from a violent 2020 altercation. A Texas judge ruled that Iyanna “Yaya” Mayweather must pay Lapattra Jacobs more than $50 million in damages after a stabbing incident involving rapper NBA YoungBoy. According to court documents, the total judgment includes $40,105,000 in compensatory damages and an additional $10 million in exemplary damages. The court found that Mayweather’s actions constituted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and involved an “extreme degree of risk” to the victim. The compensatory portion of the award is divided into past and future categories. Jacobs was awarded more than $8 million for past medical expenses, physical impairment, pain and suffering, and disfigurement. An additional $32 million was granted to cover future damages in those same categories, reflecting the long-term impact of the injuries sustained during the attack. The legal battle began following an April 2020 incident at the residence of rapper NBA YoungBoy. Authorities stated at the time that Mayweather arrived at the home and engaged in a physical confrontation with Jacobs. The dispute escalated when Mayweather attacked Jacobs with two knives, leaving her hospitalized with significant injuries. Jacobs alleged in her civil lawsuit that the attack caused her severe and permanent harm. Among the most serious claims was the permanent loss of function in one of her arms, which contributed to the high valuation of the damages regarding her future earning capacity and physical impairment. On the criminal side of the case, Mayweather previously pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In 2022, she was sentenced to six years of probation for the crime. While NBA YoungBoy was present at the home during the initial 2020 incident and was briefly detained by police, he was not charged, and Jacobs’ legal claims against him did not proceed to trial. Exemplary damages, which function similarly to punitive damages, were added by the judge to penalize the defendant for the severity of the conduct. The $10 million addition brings the total liability to just over $50 million, marking one of the largest personal injury judgments involving a high-profile celebrity relative in recent years. Representatives for Mayweather have not yet commented on whether they intend to appeal the judge’s decision. The ruling concludes a multi-year legal saga that has followed the 24-year-old since the headline-grabbing arrest four years ago.

Drake is approaching a milestone age this October, and the Canadian superstar has revealed that he only wants one specific gift for his 40th birthday: a professional roast from comedic icon Jim Carrey. The “Hotline Bling” artist shared his wish on Sunday after viewing a viral video of Carrey roasting comedian Jeff Ross for Ross’s 61st birthday. In the clip, Carrey playfully attacked Ross, joking that the comedian was such an “ugly baby” that his mother was forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement at birth. Drake, clearly impressed by the performance, commented on the post, “Wow this is now all I want for my birthday.” Ross, a veteran of the celebrity roast circuit, expressed his delight at the tribute from Carrey, whom he described as a “Canadian mountain man.” The interaction between the three stars highlights a growing trend of high-profile roasts serving as the ultimate badge of honor within the entertainment industry. Carrey, who is currently preparing to star in a live-action “Jetsons” film, also used the video to joke about his “millions of dollars in passive income” compared to the time it takes to blow out birthday candles. Drake’s 40th birthday on Oct. 24 comes on the heels of an unprecedented year for the OVO founder. Earlier in 2026, he made music history by releasing three full-length studio albums—”Iceman,” “Habibti” and “Maid of Honour”—which simultaneously debuted in the top three spots of the Billboard 200. “Iceman” has since become his longest-leading No. 1 album on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts. While the rapper has not yet detailed his official party plans, he is known for hosting lavish celebrations. For his 39th birthday in 2025, he flew guests to the Bahamas for an extended tropical getaway. Fans are expecting an even larger production for the big 4-0, potentially featuring the Carrey roast he so publicly requested. In the immediate future, Drake is keeping his audience engaged with the release of a new visual project. He is scheduled to host a YouTube livestream Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET to premiere “FOMO (Fear of Missing Out),” a project he has described as a “not so short” film. The release adds to a prolific 24-month period for the artist, who recently told fans he has spent his time “proving people right” regarding his sustained dominance in the rap genre.

The upcoming HBO documentary series brought out Leonardo DiCaprio, SZA, Daniel Kaluuya, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe and more ahead of its September 18 debut. JAŸ-Z celebrated the upcoming release of his highly anticipated HBO documentary series JAŸ-Z In 8 with a star-studded world premiere at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House. On Sunday evening, Sept. 13, the artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist joined longtime friend, producer and director Rick Rubin at Lincoln Center for the premiere of the eight-part HBO Original series, which is set to debut Friday, Sept. 18 on HBO and HBO Max. The event drew an impressive list of guests from across music, film, sports and entertainment, including Leonardo DiCaprio, SZA, Daniel Kaluuya, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Gunna, Lindsey Vonn, Robert Kraft, Michael Rubin, Yo Gotti, Winnie Harlow and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Jay-Z Stopped to chat with HOT 97 on the red carpet View this post on Instagram Following the red carpet, guests gathered for a special screening of the documentary, which gives viewers an intimate look at JAŸ-Z’s life, career and creative process through a candid conversation with Rubin. The celebration continued afterward with an after-party at Lincoln Center Plaza, where guests enjoyed D’USSÉ cocktails throughout the evening. JAŸ-Z Reflects on Three Decades of Music Arriving 30 years after the release of his landmark debut album Reasonable Doubt, JAŸ-Z In 8 finds the Brooklyn legend looking back at the music, experiences and relationships that helped shape his career. The series also arrives as The Blueprint continues to demonstrate its lasting cultural impact. Twenty-five years after its original release, the album currently sits at No. 1 on Apple Music’s Hip-Hop/Rap Albums chart. Throughout the eight-part series, JAŸ-Z breaks down his approach to songwriting while reflecting on the people, places and pivotal moments that influenced his work. The documentary explores the connection between his personal experiences and his music, offering fans a deeper look into the thinking behind one of hip-hop’s most celebrated catalogs. A number of classic JAŸ-Z records are featured throughout the series, including “99 Problems,” “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “4:44,” “Can I Live,” “Where I’m From,” “The Story of O.J.,” “No Church in the Wild,” “Family Feud” and “Legacy.” JAŸ-Z In 8 also marks Rick Rubin’s documentary directorial debut. The series is executive produced by JAŸ-Z, Daniel Kaluuya and Rubin, with Leila Mattimore and David Rohde serving as producers. Dj Khaled on jay-z’S LEGACY: View this post on Instagram JAŸ-Z In 8 premieres Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. The premiere episode will be followed immediately by episode two, with both episodes also becoming available to stream on HBO Max at 8 p.m. ET. Two new episodes are scheduled to premiere every Friday through Oct. 9.