Joey Bada$$ is looking to add another major acting opportunity to his growing résumé. The Creed franchise is one project he hopes to join. The rapper and actor recently spoke with Ty Cole for the With Love talk series on Patreon. There, he discussed his interest in becoming part of the boxing drama’s expanding world. After making appearances in projects including Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Badass said stepping into the Creed universe would be a meaningful next move. “I would love to play in Creed,” Badass said during the interview. Cole pointed out that while the next steps for the franchise remain unclear, more films involving Michael B. Jordan and the larger cast are expected. When it comes to the kind of character he would want to portray, Badass suggested he would rather take on a role with a physical presence. He would prefer that over simply appearing on the sidelines. “I’m open, you know what I’m saying?” he explained. “But, like, I definitely see myself playing a fighter.” Badass Eyes Role In Creed’s Future The possibility comes as the Creed series continues to build momentum following the release of Creed III in 2023. The film marked Jordan’s directorial debut while bringing him back as Adonis Creed. Notably, it became both a commercial success and a critical favorite. Since then, conversations around a fourth installment and a larger expansion of the franchise have continued. There are now plans to grow the series beyond the original films. Jordan previously discussed the future of Creed during an appearance on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast. He said another chapter is “eventually, definitely” happening. He also reflected on the franchise’s importance in his career, explaining that it has been “really kind” to him “in a big way.” For Bada$$, joining the series would represent another crossover moment between his music career and his work as an actor. While there is no indication that casting decisions have been made, his interest highlights the continued appeal of a franchise. Performers are still looking for roles with both dramatic weight and physical intensity.

Fetty Wap is marking a personal milestone after announcing his engagement to Alexis, his longtime partner. The New Jersey rapper shared the news with fans online. Additionally, TMZ later confirmed that the couple is preparing to marry after keeping their relationship mostly private. While the pair has not shared details about the proposal or a possible wedding date, the announcement quickly drew messages of support from listeners. These listeners have followed the artist through some of the biggest moments of his life. The engagement comes after a period of major change for Fetty Wap. In 2023, the rapper, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, was sentenced to six years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy tied to a larger trafficking investigation. Earlier this year, he moved to home confinement. This gave him the opportunity to spend more time with family while serving the remainder of his sentence outside of prison. Family has remained one of the most important parts of Fetty Wap’s life away from music. The rapper is the father of several children. Moreover, his experiences as a parent have often been discussed publicly throughout his career. In 2021, he suffered a devastating loss when his 4-year-old daughter, Lauren, died from complications related to a congenital heart condition. This tragedy brought condolences from fans and artists across the music world. View this post on Instagram A New Chapter Focused On Family Fetty Wap’s personal relationships have also drawn attention over the years, including his former relationship with reality television personality Masika Kalysha. He shares a daughter with her. This engagement arrives during a period of rebuilding for the rapper. It offers a rare focus on his personal life rather than the legal challenges that have dominated recent headlines. After breaking through with “Trap Queen” and becoming one of rap’s biggest breakout artists of the mid-2010s, Fetty Wap has experienced a career marked by both major achievements and difficult setbacks. His engagement represents a meaningful moment of stability as he looks toward the future with a renewed focus on family and personal growth.

Drake and Sexyy Red have developed one of hip-hop’s most talked-about friendships since they first began working together in 2023. Their public exchanges regularly spark speculation, but the playful back-and-forth has consistently come across as two artists leaning into an inside joke rather than confirming anything beyond friendship. That easy chemistry was on display again Sunday when the pair watched the FIFA World Cup final together, drawing almost as much attention as the match itself. Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina dominated the sporting headlines, yet social media quickly found another focal point. During the outing, Drake surprised Sexyy Red with a bright red Hermès Birkin bag, a gift she later shared with her followers. Alongside one post, she wrote, “First date kinda nervous.” She doubled down on the joke in another caption, writing, “THANKS FOR DA SHABIRKIN BABY DADDYYY BAE I LOVE YOUUUUU U MY EVERYTHING.” The photos showed the pair laughing throughout the exchange, with Drake smiling as he presented the handbag. Within minutes, the posts were circulating widely online, prompting another wave of conversation about the friendship that has become a recurring source of fan curiosity. pic.twitter.com/Limxg4qiNq — Sexyy Red (@SexyyRed314_) July 21, 2026 Drake’s Cultural Presence Extends Beyond the Music The appearance also arrives during a strong stretch in Drake’s career. His latest album, ICEMAN, has remained one of the year’s strongest commercial performers, fueled by sustained streaming numbers and records including “Janice STFU” and “Shabang.” The project’s reception has reinforced his staying power at a time when competition across hip-hop has remained especially intense. For Drake, public appearances often become part of the broader conversation surrounding his music, and Sunday proved no different. Whether the focus is chart performance, a surprise gift, or a courtside-style moment at a global sporting event, his ability to command attention has remained remarkably consistent. As the year continues, fans will likely keep watching both his next release and the moments between releases that continue to generate headlines.

West New York’s Salamanca City Central School District has approved the purchase of “Sally,” a humanoid robot developed by Realbotix. School officials say the technology will support courses in artificial intelligence and robotics while giving students firsthand experience with emerging technologies expected to shape future careers. New York school district to become one of the first in the United States to introduce a humanoid robot in the classroom pic.twitter.com/piq7lf8Yaj — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) July 20, 2026 Realbotix describes the deployment as its first major pilot in a U.S. public school and says the district’s feedback will influence future classroom applications. “This will help guide us in the future,” Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel said, referring to the company’s plans for educational robotics. Sally features a silicone face, lifelike facial expressions, and upper-body movement. The robot will work alongside Optio, an AI-powered digital tutor. It will allow students to continue learning outside the classroom by reviewing previous lessons and receiving personalized academic support. New York’s Salamanca City Central School District To Introduce “Sally” The AI-Powered Humanoid Robot To Teach Realbotix believes a humanlike presence could encourage greater student engagement. The company acknowledges it has not provided evidence that a physical robot enhances learning outcomes more than AI software alone. Salamanca Superintendent Mark Beehler said the robot is designed to complement classroom instruction, not replace educators. “The problems the robot can solve are limited,” Beehler said. He added that Sally’s greatest value is exposing students in rural communities. Education experts urge schools to evaluate whether the technology produces measurable academic benefits beyond its novelty. “The most important question is not whether students are fascinated by the robot,” Ryan Schaaf, a professor at Notre Dame of Maryland University, said. He continued: “But whether the robot helps a good teacher design and execute a more meaningful learning experience.” District officials say student participation will be voluntary. Conversations with the robot will remain encrypted and managed by the school. Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common in classrooms across the United States. The New York pilot could provide an early test of whether humanoid robots can enhance teaching while maintaining student privacy and public trust.

False reports claiming Atlanta rapper Alley Boy had died spread widely across social media Monday, prompting his daughter to publicly deny the rumors and urge people to stop sharing unverified information. In a statement posted to Instagram on July 20, Alley Boy’s daughter said her father is alive and criticized the rapid spread of inaccurate posts. “My daddy is NOT dead. Please stop spreading false information and posting things before you know the truth,” she wrote. View this post on Instagram She also thanked supporters who contacted the family after the rumors gained traction online. “I appreciate everyone who’s reached out and checked on me. I don’t have the strength to respond to everyone, but I’m so thankful!” she said. As speculation continued, she asked for privacy and prayers for her family. “I LOVE YALL. Please keep me & my family in your prayers. We really need it!!” she wrote, before concluding, “GOD HAS THE LAST SAY SO.” Atlanta’s Alley Boy’s Daughter Says Rapper’s Death Reports Are False The posts quickly circulated across social media, where many users removed memorial messages after learning the reports were false. The incident highlights how misinformation can spread rapidly online, particularly involving public figures, often causing emotional distress for families and fans before facts are confirmed. Born Curt Freeman, Alley Boy built a respected career in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene. He co-founded Duct Tape Entertainment with the late Big Bank Black and released his breakthrough mixtape, Da Don, in 2009. His debut album, The Gift of Discernment, followed in 2011. Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists including Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Childish Gambino, Juicy J and Freddie Gibbs. In recent years, Alley Boy has spoken openly about serious health issues. He revealed he suffers from kidney disease, which he has linked to years of excessive codeine cough syrup use. The rapper began dialysis in 2023 and later said he required treatments three times a week while seeking a kidney transplant. “I was put on dialysis a month ago… changed my whole life,” Alley Boy wrote in an earlier Instagram post. “WHAT WAS MEANT TO DESTROY ME WOKE ME UP NOW I KNOW MY PURPOSE… TELL MY STORY #INEEDAKIDNEY #FOREVERSCARED.” Although the rapper continues to face significant health challenges, his daughter’s statement makes clear that reports of his death are false and urges the public to verify information before sharing it online.

Drake’s multimillion-dollar sports wagers have once again fueled the internet’s favorite superstition after the rapper lost a $1.5 million bet on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. The Canadian superstar watched his latest high-profile prediction fall short Sunday when Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to capture the FIFA World Cup title. Drake had backed Argentina through a $1.5 million wager placed on Stake, a bet that would have returned more than $5.1 million had the defending champions lifted the trophy. DRAKE LOSES $1.5 MILLION ON WORLD CUP BET Drake’s latest sports bet didn’t go as planned. The Iceman reportedly lost $1.5 million after backing Argentina to defeat Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Spain ultimately came out on top, handing Drake another high… pic.twitter.com/0FpJnGVzct — Diverse Mentality (@DverseMentality) July 20, 2026 Instead, Spain’s victory handed Drake another expensive defeat and immediately reignited discussion surrounding the so-called “Drake Curse,” the viral theory that athletes and teams publicly supported by the Grammy-winning rapper are destined to lose. While the phrase remains an internet meme rather than a proven phenomenon, another headline-grabbing loss gave social media users fresh material. Drake faced a setback at the World Cup just days after losing a $1 million bet on Conor McGregor. McGregor’s comeback fight against Max Holloway ended quickly due to a serious knee injury. The referee awarded Holloway a first-round technical knockout, extending Drake’s string of costly public betting losses. Drake’s Curse Continues With $1.5 Million Loss To Argentina In FIFA World Cup Final The back-to-back defeats quickly dominated social media, where fans joked that the “Drake Curse” had claimed two more victims in less than a week. The theory has become a recurring fixture in sports culture whenever Drake publicly shares a betting slip before a major event. Despite the online narrative, Drake’s gambling history tells a more balanced story. The rapper has also collected several multimillion-dollar payouts on successful wagers, although those victories rarely generate the same attention as his losses. Sports betting has become a defining part of Drake’s online persona, with the rapper regularly placing seven-figure wagers on championship games, title fights and other marquee sporting events. Each bet draws widespread attention before the competition begins. Spain’s World Cup triumph added another chapter to that ongoing storyline. Whether viewed as coincidence or internet folklore, the “Drake Curse” continues to dominate conversation whenever 6 God’s publicly backs a favorite, ensuring his latest loss becomes another memorable entry in one of social media’s most enduring sports jokes.

Billy “DJ Bigga Rankin” Plummer, a pioneering Florida DJ, promoter and influential figure in Southern hip-hop, has died at 56, his family announced Monday. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Plummer helped launch the careers of several rap stars while mentoring emerging artists across the South. “It is with great sadness that we announce that the patriarch of our family, Billy ‘Bigga Rankin’ Plummer, passed away earlier this morning on July 20, 2026,” his family said in a statement. “Funeral arrangements and plans for a celebration of life will be shared when they are available.” View this post on Instagram We lost a legendary figure in Florida today. Bigga Rankin had an amazing spirit and he embraced me from day one. That’s the kind of love and loyalty you never forget. My dawg has moved on, but his legacy, his voice and the impact he made on this culture, especially Southern… pic.twitter.com/xBpEtFi9Jf — Yung Rénzél (@RickRoss) July 20, 2026 Based in Jacksonville, Plummer built a reputation as one of Southern rap’s most respected tastemakers. He played a key role in promoting artists including Rick Ross, T.I., Plies, Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane and B.o.B. He also served as an A&R executive at Think It’s a Game Records and as vice president of the Hittmenn DJs. Beyond the music industry, Plummer devoted years to community service. He founded Jacksonville’s Diamond Awards, supported young artists and organized charitable initiatives through the K.I.N.G. Foundation. His family said the organization’s annual Back to School Community Day will proceed as scheduled on Aug. 8 at A. Philip Randolph Park, providing free backpacks, food and activities for local families. Rapper Rick Ross Pays Tribute To Late Florida DJ Bigga Rankin In a previous interview with News4JAX, Plummer credited his upbringing for shaping his approach to life and business. “I’m always helping people… my mama always told me to give without expecting nothing back… I feel like I was real because I’m always giving,” he said. Plummer also spoke openly about serious health challenges in recent years, including complications from COVID-19 that resulted in the loss of a kidney and required regular dialysis treatments. Among the first artists to honor him publicly was rapper Rick Ross, who credited Plummer with supporting his career from the beginning. “We lost a legendary figure in Florida today,” Ross wrote on X. “Bigga Rankin had an amazing spirit and he embraced me from day one. That’s the kind of love and loyalty you never forget.” Ross added, “My dawg has moved on, but his legacy, his voice and the impact he made on this culture, especially Southern hip-hop, will live forever. Prayers up for his family and everyone who loved him. Rest in Power, Bigga Rankin.” Plummer leaves behind a lasting legacy as a champion of Southern hip-hop whose influence extended beyond music into mentorship, philanthropy and community leadership.

The New York Knicks’ championship celebrations have brought a wave of excitement across the city. Players appeared at events and enjoyed the spotlight after capturing their first NBA title in 53 years. But Jordan Clarkson’s celebration reportedly took an unexpected turn during a night out at one of Manhattan’s most exclusive clubs. The NBA veteran became part of a conversation surrounding an alleged incident involving rapper Travis Scott at Zero Bond. According to TMZ, Clarkson was present when tensions reportedly developed between Scott and another person inside the club on July 18. The exact details of what led to the confrontation remain uncertain. However, reports suggest the situation escalated before Clarkson attempted to step in. The outlet reported that the issue began after someone allegedly recorded Scott while he was speaking with another attendee. Reports described the moment by saying, “a man was allegedly filming Travis Scott chatting with another attendee inside the NYC hot spot when Travis allegedly confronted him.” The report further claimed that members of Scott’s entourage allegedly began throwing bottles, prompting Clarkson to intervene and help calm things down. Both Clarkson and Scott were later escorted out of the venue. View this post on Instagram Questions linger over reported club confrontation Furthermore, speculation has circulated online about who the other attendee may have been. Some fans have pointed toward Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native who has become close with Clarkson. He is often seen with Clarkson around the city. However, there has been no official confirmation identifying the person involved or explaining what sparked the reported disagreement. The private gathering featured several recognizable names, including 50 Cent, Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and Alix Earle. This added to the attention surrounding the night. As of now, those involved have not publicly shared a complete account of the incident. More details could emerge as additional information becomes available about what happened inside the club.

The tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has continued to influence conversations throughout hip-hop, shaping how fans interpret everything from collaborations to public alliances. Even after the most visible moments of their rivalry passed, the two artists remain linked in the eyes of listeners and industry observers. Since 2024, musicians connected to either artist have often found themselves facing questions about where they stand. That ongoing scrutiny has now included Lefty Gunplay, the rapper who appeared alongside Kendrick Lamar on “tv off.” According to Adam22, Drake has no plans to work with Lefty Gunplay, a claim that adds another layer to the broader conversation surrounding the rivalry. While speaking with Wack 100, Adam22 discussed rumors that Lefty had previously declined an opportunity to collaborate with Drake and said the response he received made the situation clear. Lefty Gunplay has been building his name as a developing artist, with his appearance on GNX bringing additional attention to his music. Like many emerging rappers, he remains in the process of refining his style, expanding his audience and establishing his own identity. His connection to Kendrick Lamar, however, has placed him in a much larger discussion than his individual career might otherwise suggest. Adam22 asked Drake if it was true that Lefty GunPlay refused to work with him and Drake replied “Why would I want to do a song with Lefty GunPlay?” pic.twitter.com/UjRdWVYBNT — Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) July 20, 2026 Drake’s Influence Stands On Its Own The speculation surrounding Drake and Lefty Gunplay grew after Kendrick’s GNX release and the continued fallout from the rivalry. Still, Drake’s career has long operated beyond any single collaboration or industry relationship. His latest album, ICEMAN, found success with a limited number of featured artists, reinforcing his ability to draw attention based on his own name and catalog. For more than a decade, Drake has maintained one of the strongest positions in contemporary music, moving between rap and mainstream audiences with unusual consistency. The conversations around potential collaborations may continue, but his standing in the industry has been built on far more than individual partnerships. Regardless of who appears alongside him, Drake’s influence remains one of the defining forces in modern popular music.

Rick Ross has explained why he was not part of JAY-Z’s recent Yankee Stadium performances, despite many fans expecting the longtime collaborators to share the stage once again. The concerts featured appearances from major artists, including Beyoncé, Nas, and Eminem, but Ross remained offstage when “F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit” was performed. The moment became a topic of discussion after fans inside the stadium speculated that Ross would join JAY-Z for the track. During a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Budden asked Ross directly about his absence. “I was at the show the other night, the Hov show,” Budden said. “‘F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit’ came on. Love that song. Absolutely love that song. That’s that s**t. There was a large amount of people in there that thought you would be coming out to perform, ’cause everybody came out to perform.” Ross responded with a brief remark that caught the room off guard: “That feels amazing.” Budden continued asking whether Ross had been unavailable because of another obligation or whether plans for an appearance never came together. Ross did not reveal whether he had received an invitation, but he suggested that other priorities influenced his decision. “I most definitely was flying out of Philly to Cleveland to get some moonyon,” Ross said. “I most definitely went to go pick up a little moonyon. So I’m glad y’all felt the vibrations, you know what I’m saying?” Rick Ross explains his absence from the Jay Z Yankee Stadium shows… after Joe Budden told him his presence was missed from performing some of his bigger collaborations with Jay Z https://t.co/nkNO9inKuy pic.twitter.com/pEET1W11Wo — Micah Jung Un (@Micah_W17) July 17, 2026 Ross Reflects On JAY-Z’s Lasting Influence The rapper’s answer reflected a familiar theme in Ross’ public persona: balancing relationships with business commitments. While he did not provide additional details about the performance, he appeared to appreciate that fans wanted to see him reconnect with JAY-Z onstage. Their reaction, he suggested, was a sign that the connection between the two artists still carries weight. Ross and JAY-Z have shared a professional relationship dating back to Ross’ 2006 signing with Def Jam. Over the years, they have collaborated on songs including “Free Mason,” “The Devil Is A Lie” and “GOD DID,” while Ross has often credited JAY-Z’s advice with shaping his career. Reflecting on one early conversation, Ross said, “In ’08, before I turned in my second album, I had a meeting with Hov,” describing guidance that changed how he approached creating music.