A federal fraud case tied to rapper G Herbo has added another guilty plea. This extends a legal saga that has unfolded across multiple years and defendants. On Monday, Steven Hayes Jr., a former manager identified by prosecutors as a key organizer in the scheme, admitted his role. This comes after a February jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. Authorities initially charged Hayes with fraud and identity theft. They also added an aggravated identity theft count that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of two and a half years. That charge was removed under a plea agreement in exchange for his admission of guilt. At the time of the alleged conduct, Hayes was already on probation in Cook County, Illinois, following a prior gun conviction. Herbo’s legal situation complicated the case further. According to court filings, the scheme relied on stolen credit card data to finance a steady stream of luxury spending. This included private flights, limousine services, high-end travel, and purchases that prosecutors say extended even to designer puppies priced at $9,000. Federal investigators estimated losses linked to Hayes at roughly $40,000. However, the amount connected with Herbo will be challenged when sentencing occurs. From Restitution to Prison: Sentences Vary in Federal Fraud Case As part of the agreement, Hayes agreed to repay $2,700 to affected airlines and a transportation company. This amount is a fraction of the broader financial figures outlined by prosecutors. Furthermore, Herbo and his co-defendants were impacted by these restitution requirements. G Herbo, born Herbert Wright III, resolved his portion of the case earlier. In January 2024, he was sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty. Herbo also had to pay nearly $140,000 in restitution and forfeiture payments and a $5,500 fine. Another defendant, Anthony Strong, received a far steeper sentence of 34 months in federal prison for his involvement. Prosecutors said the group was arrested while attempting to board a private jet. That jet was later identified as part of a federal sting operation involving Herbo among others. This detail moved the case into federal court in Massachusetts.

Rick Ross stepped back into the public conversation around his ongoing dispute with Drake this week, revisiting the subject during an appearance on the Joe and Jada podcast. The discussion came in the wake of Drake’s ICEMAN release, which included pointed references that many listeners linked to Ross and several other industry figures. Hosted by Fat Joe and Jadakiss, the episode moved between music, memory, and long-running rivalries. When pressed on how the tension with Drake began, Ross offered a brief and somewhat cryptic account. “Rozay was mentioned,” he said, without offering further detail about the moment or context he was referring to. He expanded on his general approach to conflict shortly after, suggesting the situation had evolved without his direct involvement. “That’s how it happened,” he continued. “It ain’t even defending… Rozay do what he do best. I go bad… I’ve always enjoyed giving a n***a a spanking if you don’t understand what’s happening… When you get little man right here, you ask him, ‘What made you mention Rozay, homie?’ […] We rocked with homie… It was a positive thing we had going… When it went left, that’s for them to figure out. I ain’t figuring that out. It’s really small talk to me… N***a know you had the tummy tucked, the nose reduction, all that s**t.” Ross Revisits Long-Running 50 Cent Feud The conversation later turned to Ross’s long-standing feud with 50 Cent, a rivalry shaped by industry criticism, personal remarks, and public interviews stretching back more than a decade. Fat Joe attempted to shift the tone of the discussion at several points, but Ross continued reflecting on the dispute. “The wack rappers that might get out of line… Just imagine if I had the chance to slap 50 Cent with this [diamond jewelry piece] right here,” Ross said. “The million-dollar backhand, you feel me? You was talking about 50 Cent, I caught that alley-oop. I’ma [Wembanyama] a n***a… The wack rappers, the n***a 50 Cent… Come get it, 50… They flopped. G-Unit. It was G-Unit… Uncle Murda… He need that rewind skin cream…”

Nicki Minaj’s recent embrace of conservative politics has continued to spark debate among fans, particularly those who remember the rapper’s earlier public support for immigrant communities and other social causes. While some supporters have welcomed her alignment with President Donald Trump, others have questioned what prompted such a visible political shift. The latest round of discussion intensified after songwriter Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes speculated publicly about Minaj’s motivations. Perry suggested the rapper may have made a “bad judgement” while trying to help someone close to her, fueling online theories that Minaj could be seeking favor from figures tied to the Trump administration. That speculation drew a sharp response from political adviser Alex Bruesewitz, who defended Minaj on X. “This is a disgusting and disgraceful smear that every Democrat and Trump critic is spreading about @NICKIMINAJ,” he wrote. “Nicki has never once asked the President for anything. She has only offered assistance and support. The insinuation that she’s looking for anything in return is total garbage.” This is a disgusting and disgraceful smear that every Democrat and Trump critic is spreading about @NICKIMINAJ. Nicki has never once asked the President for anything. She has only offered assistance and support. The insinuation that she’s looking for anything in return is total… https://t.co/0gqjwP9oJO — Alex Bruesewitz (@alexbruesewitz) May 18, 2026 Nicki Minaj’s Political Shift Continues to Draw Attention and Debate Minaj’s support for Donald Trump became more visible after she publicly backed his comments regarding alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria. She later spoke at the United Nations on the issue and eventually met with Trump. Since then, her social media presence has regularly included references to MAGA messaging and praise for several Trump policies. She also appeared at a Turning Point USA event alongside Erika Kirk, widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The appearances have added to public discussion surrounding her evolving political identity. Some fans view Minaj’s support as a reflection of genuine ideological alignment, while others continue to speculate about possible personal motivations. Neither Minaj nor her representatives have publicly addressed many of those theories directly. For now, the artist appears committed to publicly expressing her political views despite the criticism and scrutiny that continue to follow.

Rihanna has largely avoided publicly discussing Drake in recent years. Yet her name continues to surface in his music. That conversation reignited after the release of Drake’s new album ICEMAN. Listeners quickly focused on lyrics from the track “Burning Bridges” that appeared to be aimed at both Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. On the record, Drake raps, “Your baby momma ain’t even post a single, damn, where she at? … You saw my brother, you was tryna fix it, now you drop your album and you back dissing.” The lines spread rapidly online after the album arrived, prompting a wave of reactions across social media. Some fans reposted the lyrics directly beneath Rihanna’s Instagram posts, while others shared clips and GIFs tied to the song. The renewed attention arrives amid a long-running and highly publicized tension between Drake and A$AP Rocky. Earlier this year, while discussing his album Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky acknowledged that the relationship between the two artists had deteriorated over time. He also appeared to reference the situation musically on “Stole My Flow.” Many listeners interpreted that track as a response to Drake. “I just started seeing people who started out as friends and just became foes,” Rocky said. “Seemed like they was unhappy for me… started sending shots. I think that’s what led to any of our misunderstandings.” Rocky Hints the Rift With Drake Is Far From Over Rocky, who now shares three children with Rihanna, suggested in the same conversation that reconciliation is unlikely. Although he stopped short of expanding on the conflict in detail, his comments signaled that the divide between the former collaborators remains unresolved. Neither Rihanna nor Drake has publicly addressed the latest reaction surrounding “Burning Bridges.” Still, the discussion has become one of the dominant talking points tied to ICEMAN during its opening weekend. Fans continue to dissect lyrics, interviews, and online exchanges connected to the artists. For now, much of the conversation exists in interpretation rather than direct confirmation. However, public interest around the dynamic has shown little sign of fading.

Cardi B leads the 2026 BET Awards nominations, securing six noms including Album of the Year and Best Female Hip Hop Artist. The nominations, announced Tuesday, position the “I Like It” artist ahead of a highly competitive field of musicians and actors set to be honored at next month’s ceremony. The 2026 BET Awards will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 28. Following closely behind Cardi B are Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist, who both earned five nominations each after dominant years on the charts and the awards circuit. The recognition for Cardi B follows a record-breaking performance at the NAACP Image Awards earlier this spring. During that ceremony, she became the first female rapper since Lauryn Hill in 1999 to win Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album. Her latest BET nod for Album of the Year honors her recent release, “Am I The Drama?” and she is also recognized in the Best Collaboration category for the “Errtime Remix” featuring Jeezy and Latto. Lamar, who recently took home five Grammy Awards, continues his momentum with nominations for Video of the Year for “Luther” and Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Other major music nominees include Doja Cat, SZA, and Metro Boomin, while the duo Clipse also secured four nods. View this post on Instagram

Saweetie is facing a massive legal battle after a concert promoter filed a lawsuit seeking $3 million in damages over a series of canceled shows in Japan. The legal action, filed by Moon Dream Production, accuses the rapper and her company, Icy Grl Touring, of fraud and breach of contract. According to court documents, the dispute stems from a deal struck for four performances scheduled to take place across Japan between July 18 and July 26, 2025. The promoter alleges that Saweetie agreed to a $200,000 fee for the tour and received an upfront deposit of $100,000. However, the “Hella Pressure” artist reportedly failed to appear for any of the contracted dates. The lawsuit takes a sharper turn with allegations that Saweetie used the very resources provided by Moon Dream Production to perform for other organizers. The company claims it facilitated and funded visa services for the rapper and her entire team to enter the country. Once in Japan, the promoter alleges Saweetie skipped their scheduled events to perform at different venues for rival promoters during the exact dates she had already committed to. Moon Dream Production argues that the financial fallout extends far beyond the missing deposit. In addition to the $100,000 initial payment, the company claims it lost $100,000 on promotional marketing campaigns and another $200,000 to secure and hold the venues for the canceled shows. The $3 million figure sought in the lawsuit reportedly accounts for these direct losses as well as significant damage to the promoter’s professional reputation. “The issue went beyond just scheduling issues,” the lawsuit reportedly reads, noting that the promoter’s efforts to recover the $100,000 deposit have been unsuccessful. The plaintiff argues that the rapper’s actions constitute intentional fraud rather than a simple logistical failure. Saweetie, whose real name is Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, has not yet issued a formal public statement regarding the litigation. The Bay Area native has recently remained active in the music scene following the release of her EP last summer, but this legal development marks a significant hurdle for her international touring brand. Legal experts say cases involving international tour cancellations often hinge on the specific language regarding “exclusivity clauses” and “force majeure” events. If the allegations held in the complaint are proven true, the use of promoter-funded visas to work for competitors could provide strong evidence for the fraud claims.

Latto appears to have confirmed the birth of her first child. The “Big Energy” artist took to social media Tuesday to share an emotional video montage that documents her pregnancy journey, featuring intimate reactions from her inner circle and a brief appearance by fellow rapper 21 Savage. The heartwarming footage serves as a rare glimpse into the rapper’s personal affairs, as she has historically kept her romantic relationships out of the public eye. The compilation video shows various friends and family members reacting with joy and surprise to the news of her pregnancy, culminating in scenes that suggest the child has already arrived. Fans quickly noted a clip of 21 Savage attending a baby shower, seemingly solidifying long-standing rumors about the pair’s relationship. The timing of the announcement aligns with the rollout for her latest music, as the rapper captioned the post with “BIG MAMA 5/29.” While the date likely points toward a new musical release or project, the inclusion of the pregnancy footage suggests a significant life transition is at the forefront of her new era. The rapper cheekily referenced her “Big Mama” moniker, which has recently evolved in the eyes of her 14 million Instagram followers from a simple nickname to a literal description of her new role as a new mother. Though official details regarding the baby’s name or exact birth date have not been released, the video provides the most concrete evidence to date that the rapper has successfully navigated a private pregnancy. For now, the rapper seems content celebrating her new family while preparing for the next chapter of her professional career. View this post on Instagram

Claressa Shields has been indefinitely banned from all Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) events following a physical altercation with fellow boxing star Alycia Baumgardner. The incident occurred over the weekend at the MVP MMA 1 card, which featured a high-profile headlining bout between combat sports icons Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The promotional company, co-founded by Jake Paul, issued a formal statement on social media Tuesday morning declaring that Shields is no longer welcome to attend their future shows. “Effective immediately..” According to the promotion, the confrontation took place within a private VIP area of the venue, where both athletes were attending the mixed martial arts event as guests. “Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice,” the statement from MVP read. “There is a time and a place for fighter tension and banter, but to physically attack a fellow athlete while there as a guest inside a private VIP area is unacceptable.” The conflict reportedly escalated after years of established social media tension between the two fighters. Witnesses and reports indicate that Shields and Baumgardner exchanged heated words before Shields allegedly slapped Baumgardner’s hand. The promotion praised venue security for a swift de-escalation and commended Baumgardner for not retaliating during the scuffle. Shields later addressed the incident, suggesting that her actions were a response to provocation. She indicated that Baumgardner’s aggressive disposition and verbal barbs led to the physical contact. However, Baumgardner has denied these claims, asserting that the escalation was unprovoked and that she intends to pursue a professional and legal resolution to the matter. The ban represents a significant rift between the promotional powerhouse and Shields, who is widely considered the greatest female boxer of the modern era. Shields, who has also competed in professional MMA, has frequently traded barbs with MVP associates and fighters across social media platforms over various business and personal disputes. Baumgardner, the undisputed super featherweight champion, remains in good standing with the promotion. Representatives for MVP emphasized that maintain a safe environment for their athletes and guests is their top priority, regardless of any ongoing rivalries between professional competitors. “MVP would like to thank venue security for their swift response in addressing and de-escalating the situation and appreciate Alycia Baumgardner not retaliating and further amplifying the situation,” the promotion said in its official announcement. Neither athlete has confirmed if they intend to settle their grievances inside a boxing ring in the future. View this post on Instagram

Jeannie Mai revealed to fans this week that she is considering plastic surgery, opening up about the internal conflict of aging while remaining a proponent of self-love. The former co-host of “The Real,” who turned 47 in January, shared her journey in a recent vlog, documenting her search for cosmetic enhancements after noticing physical changes that do not align with her youthful spirit. Mai explained that she recently traveled to Korea to attend two surgical consultations, marking a significant shift in her personal philosophy regarding cosmetic procedures. “I can’t believe I’m actually at this place where I’m considering plastic surgery,” Mai said in the video. She noted that while she does not yet feel “old” on the inside, she began noticing her face changing in ways that prompted her to investigate her options. The television star and mother to 4-year-old Monaco Jenkins, whom she shares with ex-husband and rapper Jeezy, was candid about the pressures of being in the public eye. She admitted that people often compare her current appearance to younger versions of herself seen on long-running television programs, which can be difficult to internalize. Mai was quick to clarify that her interest in surgery is not rooted in a desire to “chase perfection” or simply look younger for the sake of vanity. Instead, she described the potential procedures as a way to bridge the gap between her physical appearance and her internal energy. “It’s more of wanting to look as alive on the outside as I still feel on the inside,” Mai said during the vlog. She challenged the notion that wanting to alter one’s appearance is a sign of low self-esteem, asking her followers, “Can you love yourself deeply and still want to tweak something? I think the answer is yes.” The revelation comes as Mai continues to navigate life as a single mother following her highly publicized divorce from Jeezy two years ago. She has remained active on social media and in the lifestyle space, recently making headlines for her dating life after being linked to musician Anderson .Paak. Mai has frequently used her platform to discuss the complexities of womanhood, dating in her 40s, and the emotional recovery process following the end of a long-term relationship.

Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, is calling for an end to the brewing feud between NBA superstar LeBron James and rap icon Drake. Paul expressed his desire for the two stars to find common ground during a Friday appearance on the “Game Over” podcast with host Max Kellerman, marking the first major response from James’ inner circle regarding the rift. The tension between the long-time friends reached a boiling point with the release of Drake’s new album, “ICEMAN,” which features pointed verses aimed at the Los Angeles Lakers forward. Drake seemingly viewed the basketball star’s lack of public defense as a personal betrayal. “At the end of the day, I think it’s important for adults to really reconcile down the road and stay out of that,” Paul said during the podcast. “For me, it’s just about allowing time to pass and hopefully, people can reconcile their differences. I do think, in any situation, it’s important to remove the middle man.” The lyrical shots on “ICEMAN” were unusually direct for the two stars, who have shared a public friendship for over a decade. In the track “Make Them Remember,” Drake references James’ jersey number and history of free-agency moves, rapping, “I shouldn’t even be shocked to see you in that arena / Because you always made your career off of switching teams up.” He further distanced himself by rapping that James is not a “real” person and claiming that integrity is in his own DNA. Paul, who has represented James since the beginning of his professional career, emphasized that external commentary often makes celebrity disputes worse. He noted that “agendas” and “opinions” from outside parties can stir up further conflict, making a private resolution more difficult. Despite the current animosity, Paul offered high praise for Drake’s career longevity and impact on the industry. He described the Toronto native as “the best music artist for the last 15 years,” suggesting that his respect for the rapper’s talent remains intact despite the personal friction involving his star client. James has not issued a formal statement regarding the lyrics on “ICEMAN,” which was released alongside two other surprise LPs, “MAID OF HONOUR” and “HABIBTI.”