Earn Your Leisure is setting the tone for financial success in 2026. Known for breaking down money, investing, and wealth-building in a way that’s both practical and culturally relevant, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings is sharing key financial principles everyone should have in their playbook this year. Ahead of the release of the paperback edition of their New York Times bestselling book You Deserve to Be Rich, Earn Your Leisure joined HOT 97 for a powerful conversation centered on smarter money management, long-term wealth strategies, building financial discipline, avoiding common pitfalls, and positioning yourself to win in an ever-changing economy. View this post on Instagram What are the top three financial principles everyone should bring into 2026 if you had to say, if you had to pick three? Troy Millings: I would say in this kind of a principle that we’ve lived by is that having one income is too close to none, especially in this economic environment where we’re seeing your wages being cut. We’ve seen inflation. We’ve seen affordability run amok having one income, especially here in New York City, is not even an option. So we got to figure out ways to create opportunities to have more income coming into our accounts and our households, whether that’s creating a skill, creating a business and figuring out a way to monetize that. So that would be my first one. The second one is that is pretty, pretty interesting is that ownership is the new job security. I read that in a report earlier this week when you’re talking about CPI, and it was that idea around, you know, people and I come from that world where it was like the w2 employee, you know, if I got tenure in education, I felt like I was secure. But again, that’s still the only guarantees that I have on paycheck. And so we got to figure out ways to how do we create things that we own, whether it’s only stock, owning real estate, earning owning crypto, how do we start to realize like that is the new job security? It’s the only thing that’s going to protect us in economic turmoil. And then the last one, and this is for the world of like reality TV social media, is that, let’s talk more execution. Oh yes, I think people are watching things that they believe are reality, and they could be the furthest thing from that. And so people aren’t necessarily compare themselves to things that are falsehoods, and the people that are actually doing it, you know, or saying that they’re doing it, aren’t. So, you know, wealth is something that is built with patience, and sometimes that’s quiet. And so let’s talk more execution. Rashad Bilal: Principles? Yeah. I mean, well, also like actions as well. And I think that budgeting, it starts with budgeting. So I think that everybody should know. Most people don’t even know how much money is coming in and coming out. It’s like if you run a business and you don’t know how much money is coming in coming out, then that business not gonna work. Most people are just living their life, they don’t really know how much money they make. Because even if you know how much money you make, you know, you don’t know how much you spend, you don’t know how much taxes are actually coming out. You know how much you’re putting in your 401 K. You forgot how much your health insurance cost. You forgot about how much FICO is. You forgot so much different things you’re paying for your kids school. It just comes out automatically, especially now auto pay. So you don’t, you don’t even know. So really, having a gage of how much money’s coming in, how much money coming out, that’s really the best way it starts. Tai Marie: I think that is important, very important. And I love that you said that, and I love that you also mentioned, and you mentioned investing, and I wanted to ask you, when it comes to like saving, investing, spending.. how can we as a culture, like shift our perspective or change our mind going into the new year when it comes to just like saving, investing and spending? Rashad Bilal: I mean, I think it goes back to how you how you view money like, you know, I think as a culture, we really have been brought up to think about money as a as a tool to spend like. So it’s like, okay, I work a job and I have money, and then I’m gonna use that money to pay my bills or use that money to buy outfit, or use that money to go to Miami. And that’s a cycle of, get money, spend money. Get money, spend money. Even though a lot of those things are necessities. You have to, you know, pay your bills. But very, very few people actually look at it as as an opportunity to make more money. And that’s, that’s what really, that’s really, when you understand money, that’s, that’s the real benefit of money, it gives you an opportunity to make more money. So when you look at it from that standpoint, you’re more inclined to to invest, you’re more you’re more inclined not to spend money frivolously, because you look at the dollar that you saved as $1 earned and $1 that you spent as $1 wasted. Troy Millings: Yeah, I think if they, if they reverse engineer and start thinking about what wealth is, right? Like, how do we define that? And they are easy, and it feels like it’s easy or simple ways to explain it, right? Like, how do we obtain it? If you take the things that you actually listed, right? You said saving, you said spending, you said investing. Well, one, can you spend your way to wealth? No, can you save your way to wealth? No, can you invest your

Cher believes she manifested her partner Alexander “AE” Edwards into her life. In a podcast episode with Armchair Expert, the “Believe” singer, 79, revealed how she manifested boyfriend AE and his 6-year-old son way before they became an item. “Before I met him, I walked around my house saying, ‘I want a man and a toddler,’” she spilled. “I wasn’t expecting them together, but that’s what I wanted. I was expecting them separately.” Cher spoke on how 6 year-old Slash, the music producer’s son, whom AE co-parents with ex Amber Rose, 40, has brought joy to her life. “I’ve just seen The Lion King because we have a 6-year-old. And he’s really precocious,” she admitted. “His dad ended up chasing us, and I had a guard there, and he [Slash] goes up to the guard, and he takes his face, and he goes, ‘My dad’s a psychopath!’ He’s not.” Cher added that her boyfriend of over three years is a “wonderful person” and said he’s “really funny.” In addition to those compliments, she says AE isn’t jealous of her stardom, explaining, “The more I shine, the more he has won.” The couple, who have been linked since November 2022, have a significant 40-year age gap, which Cher addressed in an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings. “You know, you get older but your spirit is younger. I just love him. I think he’s beautiful and he’s really talented, she said in the interview. In response to criticism, she added, “They’re not living my life. Nobody knows what goes on between us, but we just have a blast.” Edwards works as a music executive at Universal Music Group where he helps produce tracks for artists such as Tyga as well as his own songs. 

Ebony Riley stopped by Nessa’s show and shared her inspirational journey from working mall jobs to modeling for global brands and now as a flourishing musician! She talks about living in Detroit to how she made her jump to become a successful model for international luxury fashion brands. Now, she’s excited for the next chapter in her career as a musician. She discusses her upcoming new album and how some of her exes inspired some of her new songs. Things get spicy as she talks about her experience filming her music video for “Only You.”

Harlem rapper Dave East goes viral on January 5 after a clip shows him refusing to work for free with a producer’s new artist due to past dealings with the producer. The clip is a lesson on how you treat those on the climb in the music business. The footage shows East speaking directly to a producer who requested a free verse for another artist. Instead of agreeing, East declined—and he didn’t hold back about why. “I don’t care about your artist,” East said flatly, cutting through the ask without bitterness. “I be seeing you and I still show you love.” Even as he refused the favor, East made it clear this wasn’t personal—it was about principle. Dave East refuses to give a verse to a producer’s artist after that producer refused to give East a beat when he was coming up pic.twitter.com/Wfx1ZS6mzm — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 5, 2026 The heart of the moment lies in history. “We not doing nothing because when I had no name that’s how you was acting with me,” East explained. “That’s a fact.” The words resonate with a common narrative in hip-hop: the struggle for recognition and respect before fame, and how early dismissals can linger long after an artist blows up. East has become an actor and recording artist since he arrived in the mid-2010s. East called out the producer by name. “Your name Skitzo, right? I know who you are,” he said, making it clear he remembered the past. Dave East Reminds Producer Of Past Charges While Refusing To Work With His Artist For Free He recounted a specific incident from his early career: “When I asked you for a beat that time… Nahhhhh,” East said, shaking his head. The gesture reinforced that he hadn’t forgotten being turned down when he was grinding and unknown. The producer continues to speak his peace about the past. Even in refusal, East kept it measured. “I don’t want to do nothing,” he said, then softened the moment with a gesture of respect: “But, it’s love, when I see you, it’s love. I’m good.” It’s a subtle reminder that boundaries can coexist with civility, and that respect is earned and remembered. The clip has struck a chord because it reflects an unspoken code in the culture. Connections and favors in hip-hop don’t flow retroactively—how you treat people before they blow matters. East’s response wasn’t revenge. It was consistency, a statement that he remembers the past and honors it on his terms. In the modern rap landscape, where clout and visibility often shift power dynamics, Dave East’s clip is a blueprint. Success doesn’t erase history—it amplifies it. And in his world, respect is currency.

Celina Powell appears to have had enough with rappers after sharing a post on January 6 with a blunt message on Instagram Story after going viral with rapper Offset. Directed at rappers, Powell’s post read, “I will NEVER fck with a rapper again in life !!!!!” Celina Powell says she will never mess with a rapper again pic.twitter.com/456yJY72Iu — SAY CHEESE! (@SaycheeseDGTL) January 5, 2026 The declaration followed renewed online chatter sparked by a short video clip Powell shared showing herself in bed with Offset. While she stopped short of confirming a sex tape, the framing suggested intimacy and immediately reignited public scrutiny around her long-discussed ties to hip-hop stars. The post landed as Powell once again found herself at the center of rap-adjacent controversy. Over the years, the content creator has built a polarizing reputation through viral moments tied to high-profile artists. She has previously claimed or been rumored to have sexual relationships with rappers including Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, and 6ix9ine. Those claims, disputed by some and amplified by others, have often driven Powell’s visibility while inviting harsh judgment online. Celina Powell Issues A Blunt Message That She’s Done Messing With Rappers After Offset Her caption reads as more than a passing comment. The wording and emphasis suggest a breaking point. For Powell, public attention has frequently come with accusations of clout chasing and narratives that frame her relevance through proximity to famous men. Declaring an end to sexual relationships with rappers signals an attempt to redraw boundaries and redirect how she is perceived. Still, the timing matters. Powell’s statement arrived hours after the Offset clip spread across social platforms, dominating discussion about her work. The emotional punctuation and forceful tone imply frustration with how quickly her identity becomes reduced to rumor and speculation. Within hip-hop culture, women linked to sexual narratives often shoulder the backlash, while male artists remain insulated from lasting damage. Powell’s message appears to confront that imbalance head-on. At the same time, Powell is fluent in the language of virality. Making a firm declaration immediately after sharing provocative content sustains attention and invites debate. Whether the post reflects genuine resolve or calculated spectacle remains open to interpretation. What is clear is that Powell understands how controversy fuels conversation. In framing her decision so publicly, Powell positions herself as someone attempting to reclaim agency over her image. Yet the contradiction remains. Her platform thrives on moments that blur intimacy with performance. The caption underscores the tension between control and exposure that defines her digital presence. Powell’s statement does not close the door on controversy. Instead, it marks another chapter in an ongoing negotiation between visibility, power, and self-definition in hip-hop’s online orbit.

A civil lawsuit filed in New York state court accuses Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin of sexually abusing a former congregant over nearly a decade, allegations McClurkin has forcefully denied through counsel. The complaint, filed Friday by plaintiff Giuseppe Corletto, alleges McClurkin engaged in repeated acts of sexual assault and rape between 2007 and 2015. Corletto names McClurkin as the sole defendant and seeks unspecified monetary damages for alleged physical, emotional, and psychological harm. According to the filing, Corletto met McClurkin in 2003 after joining Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island, New York, when he was 21 years old. Corletto says he sought spiritual guidance while struggling with his sexuality. The lawsuit notes McClurkin had previously written publicly about being “delivered from homosexuality,” which Corletto claims positioned the pastor as a trusted authority figure. The complaint alleges McClurkin provided prayer and mentorship framed around sexual “deliverance,” then later hired Corletto as a personal assistant. That role allegedly required extensive travel, during which the misconduct is said to have occurred. Donnie McClurkin Faces Sexual Abuse Lawsuit The lawsuit claims the first assault took place in 2007 at a hotel in California, where Corletto alleges McClurkin forced him into oral and anal sex. Additional assaults allegedly followed over the next several years during trips to New Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island, Florida, Boston, and Niagara Falls. Corletto alleges he attempted to sever ties multiple times. However, the complaint claims McClurkin discouraged him by asserting that Corletto’s spiritual purpose and healing depended on their continued relationship. Corletto ultimately left his employment in 2008 but remained within overlapping professional and religious circles, according to the filing. The lawsuit also includes an image of a 2013 email purportedly sent by McClurkin. In the message, the sender appears to acknowledge inappropriate sexual behavior and expresses remorse. The email has not been independently authenticated. McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, rejected the allegations in a statement, calling them “categorically false” and inconsistent with the facts. Lisi said McClurkin “did not engage in sexual abuse, assault, or coercion” and argued that some allegations reference conduct from decades ago. The complaint alleges Corletto suffered lasting emotional distress, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. McClurkin has not personally commented on the lawsuit. The case remains pending.

Bad Bunny’s ascent into rarefied touring territory is no longer a projection. It is a documented reality. On January 6, touring analytics account @TouringData posted a stark snapshot of the Puerto Rican superstar’s live dominance, writing, “Bad Bunny’s lifetime revenue has now surpassed $900 million from 5.7 million tickets sold since 2018. He is expected to become the fastest artist in history to reach $1 billion in the coming months.” Bad Bunny’s lifetime revenue has now surpassed $900 million from 5.7 million tickets sold since 2018. He is expected to become the fastest artist in history to reach $1 billion in the coming months (@sanbenito). — Touring Data (@touringdata) January 6, 2026 The figures place Bad Bunny not just at the top of contemporary pop, but within the uppermost tier of live music history. TouringData’s framing emphasizes velocity as much as volume. Most artists who eventually cross the $1 billion touring threshold do so after decades on the road, often near the end of long careers. Bad Bunny has reached the brink of that milestone in roughly eight years, powered by relentless global touring and consistent sellouts across stadiums and arenas. The projection that he will become the “fastest artist in history” to reach $1 billion reframes his success beyond genre. While his roots remain firmly planted in Latin music, the scale of his touring rivals legacy acts whose empires were built long before streaming reshaped how audiences consume music. In several markets, his ticket sales already outpace those veteran performers, underscoring his status as a global outlier rather than a regional phenomenon. Bad Bunny On Course To A Billion In 2026, Per Touring Data The timing of the data point adds weight. Bad Bunny is preparing for a Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance in February, one of the most visible stages in popular culture. Historically, the performance fuels surges in streaming, catalog consumption, and future tour demand. TouringData’s post implicitly links his live earnings to an even larger cultural moment, one likely to extend his commercial reach further. The tweet also highlights a broader industry truth. Touring has become the primary economic engine for modern superstars. Bad Bunny’s 5.7 million tickets sold since 2018 signal more than popularity. They reflect sustained fan trust in live experiences that command premium prices across continents. If projections hold and Bad Bunny reaches $1 billion by 2026, the achievement will redefine what a commercial peak looks like for a non-English-language artist. TouringData’s message reads less like speculation and more like record-keeping. Bad Bunny is no longer approaching history. He is actively rewriting it, one sold-out night at a time.

Dallas rapper Zeethewizard, real name Zec’qurie Cannon Grant Fields, has died after being critically wounded in a New Year’s Day shooting at Pink House Dallas, police confirmed. He was 25. The shooting unfolded around 4 a.m. Thursday during the nightclub’s grand opening, shattering what was meant to mark a celebratory start to the year for the city’s hip-hop community. Authorities say five people were shot inside the venue. The Oak Cliff native suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he died Monday despite emergency treatment. The four other victims were also hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Police have not released updates on their conditions. Rising steadily in the Dallas rap scene, Zeethewizard turned to music after a sports injury ended his athletic path. Friends say the setback became a turning point. He poured his discipline into recording, crafting songs rooted in personal struggle and neighborhood pride. His momentum had begun to build, with recent releases drawing attention beyond his immediate circle. He was also an active member of the New Dallas collective, a group of artists committed to reducing violence and encouraging unity within the city’s music culture. The collective often spoke publicly about accountability, safer shows, and protecting community spaces. The contrast between that mission and the circumstances of his death has weighed heavily on those closest to him. Dallas Rapper ZeeTheWizard Dies Days After Being Shot At Strip Club Pink House Dallas had been viewed as a promising new stage for local talent. BigXthaPlug was among those in attendance that night and witnessed the chaos that followed the gunfire. He later expressed grief over the shooting that critically injured his friend, according to people familiar with the situation. Many artists described the night as traumatic. In the days since, tributes have flooded social media. Fellow musicians and fans shared memories, lyrics, and messages mourning a life cut short. Several posts also called attention to ongoing safety concerns at nightlife events, particularly during high-attendance openings and holidays. Dallas police continue to investigate the shooting. No suspects have been identified, and no motive has been disclosed. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses who were inside the club. Pink House Dallas has not publicly commented. For Dallas hip-hop, the loss has been profound. What should have been a moment of celebration instead became another reminder of the risks surrounding nightlife spaces. Police urge anyone with information to contact investigators, as the community searches for answers and a sense of closure. ZeeTheWizard is survived by his two daughters.

Aaron Pierre sends social media in a frenzy as he shares a post via Instagram amid Teyana Taylor breakup rumors. As previously reported, Pierre and Taylor has reportedly end their year-long relationship, according to sources who spoke with Page Six. The couple went public at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles in early 2025. In June, Taylor celebrated Pierre’s 31st birthday with a touching tribute on social media. Back in June, Taylor posted a sweet birthday tribute to Pierre with a photo of the two looking cozy — she’s hitting a kissy face, and he’s all smiles behind her. Her caption read, “Cheers to Thirty-WON & many more wins around the sun. H‘AP’PY BIRTHDAY Woody” Pierre responded in the comments: “Now and always. Thank you Tey,” sending fans into a frenzy. Aaron Pierre also starred as Taylor’s love interest in her upcoming visual album The Escape Room, appearing in both the teaser trailer and the sultry music video for “Long Time.” The visuals, full of passion and emotional tension, had already sparked rumors — now confirmed by their public display. Pierre nor Taylor have addressed the speculation as of yet, however, Pierre did share a photo via Instagram and social media went wild. “Heard you alone now….need some company?” commented one fan. “Heard the contract has expired. Tragic!” reacted another. “If u ever need a shoulder to cry on…. View this post on Instagram