Yasiin Bey to Celebrate Gil Scott-Heron’s Life and Legacy The rapper/actor is teaming with Scott-Heron’s 1970s collaborator for an event in Paris. news May 15, 2026
Kendrick Lamar and LeBron James Dissed on Alleged Drake Leak “1AM In Albany” The leaked track features the Toronto rapper taking shots at some high profile rivals and former friends. news May 14, 2026
Bronx School of Hip-Hop to Open This Fall The institution is set to welcome its first incoming class of freshmen in September. news May 13, 2026
Daz Dillinger Files Lawsuit Against Company Managing 2Pac’s Estate The former Death Row producer says he’s owed money from some of the late rapper’s catalog. news May 12, 2026
Cam’ron, Chuck D and More React to the Knicks Sweeping the Sixers The Knicks head to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row. news May 11, 2026
Kevin Hart Squashes Katt Williams Beef at Netflix Roast With Tom Brady and More Regina Hall, Usher, Pete Davidson and more were on-hand to torch the superstar funnyman. news May 11, 2026
Kodak Black Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Released on $75k Bond Police searched a vehicle outside of a children’s non-profit back in November, where they reportedly found ecstasy. news May 8, 2026
Usher Offering Internships on His Joint Tour With Chris Brown The “Good Good” superstar is partnering with Boys & Girls Club of Greater Detroit for a new initiative. news May 6, 2026
Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu to Perform at Grammy Hall of Fame Gala The event will also feature honorary awards for albums by 2Pac, Ray Charles, Eric B. & Rakim and Alice Coltrane. news May 5, 2026
Kid Cudi Drops M.I.A. From His Tour: “I didn’t want anything offensive at my shows” The announcement comes after a viral rant by the controversial Sri Lankan rapper at the Dallas stop of Cudi’s 'Rebel Ragers Tour.' news May 4, 2026
Dame Dash Says Kanye’s Catalog Is Better Than Jay-Z’s The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder was asked to compare his former partner’s catalog to the artist he signed to the label. news May 4, 2026
Earl Sweatshirt and JPEGMAFIA Throw Shots at Each Other on Social Media The two rappers spar on social media after a ‘Pigeons & Planes’ appearance. news May 4, 2026
Pras of the Fugees Begins 14-Year Prison Sentence The “Ghetto Supastar” rapper was sentenced for money laundering and illegal lobbying in November 2025. news May 1, 2026
Rick Ross and French Montana Set for Verzuz Battle The two chart-topping rappers are due to face off on May 7 in Los Angeles. news April 30, 2026
Doechii and Lady Gaga Hit the “Runway” in New Video The two superstars’ hit collaboration is the lead single from ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.’ news April 28, 2026
Alicia Keys Calls Out Music Industry’s “Old Boy Network” The Grammy winner co-founded She Is The Music to help mentor female songwriters, producers and engineers in music. news April 27, 2026
Nicki Minaj Narrowly Missed White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting The controversial rap superstar and Trump supporter was invited to attend the event before chaos unfolded. news April 27, 2026
‘Michael’ Makes $217M Globally, Surpassing Biopic Box Office First Weekend Numbers The Antoine Fuqua-directed film is Lionsgate’s biggest hit in more than a decade. news April 27, 2026
OKP’s Biggest Takeaways From Kehlani’s Self-Titled New Album After a day of listening, Okayplayer gives its thoughts on Kehlani’s latest. news April 25, 2026
Questlove Raves Over ‘Michael’ Biopic: "He wanted to give his gift to the world" The Oscar winner shared how much Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic impressed and inspired him. news April 22, 2026
MusiCares Launches Suicide Prevention Online Resource for Music Professionals The organization is partnering with JED to address emotional wellness across the industry. wellness April 22, 2026
Lil Wayne Calls Grammy and Coachella Snubs “A Humbling Experience” The Grammy winner voiced his frustrations with being looked over at some of this year’s biggest musical events. news April 20, 2026
Eddie Murphy Honored by Dave Chappelle, Mike Myers and More The legendary comedy star’s career was celebrated with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. news April 20, 2026
From Bieber's Star-Studded Set to The Strokes’ Statement: The 5 Best Moments at Coachella 2026 Weekend 2 Superstars took the stage in the desert for the popular music and culture festival. entertainment April 20, 2026
The Lookback: 6 Dope Albums You Might've Missed in Q1 No, music isn't worse than it was before. You just need the curiosity to look around a bit. news April 17, 2026
Nas, Common, Anthony Hamilton Among Performers for Roots Picnic London The star-studded lineup also includes Floetry, Benny The Butcher, Musiq Soulchild and a host of others. news April 17, 2026
N.O.R.E. Says He Wishes He’d Edited Kanye West Interview “A lot more” The ‘Drink Champs’ host revisited his controversial conversation from 2022 and that Diddy played a role in how he edited the footage. news April 17, 2026
Lauryn Hill Stars in New Denim Tears Campaign With Her Family The brand is relaunching its DENIM TEARS program for the spring/summer 2026 season. news April 17, 2026
‘SNL’ Roasts Jack Harlow in Weekend Update Skit; His Aunt Thought it Was Him A “Weekend Update” segment spoofing the rapper that was cut from broadcast became a viral sensation. news April 14, 2026
Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah, Luther Vandross Among 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Phil Collins, MC Lyte, Sade, Oasis, Iron Maiden and Rick Rubin are also among this year’s inductees. news April 14, 2026
DJ Clue is Trying to Get Jay-Z Back in the Studio The mixtape legend says he’s been sending Hov everything from mixtapes to unheard beats to try and get him motivated to record. news April 14, 2026
Issa Rae Calls Out Hollywood’s "Identity Crisis" with D.E.I. The producer/director/actor spoke about telling inclusive stories in a Hollywood that now treats diversity like “a bad word.” news April 13, 2026
Afrika Bambaataa, Hip-Hop Pioneer and Zulu Nation Founder, Dies at 68 The Bronx legend’s later years were marred by allegations of child molestation from his days as a youth leader. news April 9, 2026
NYC Mayor Mamdani Teams With Cardi B to Promote Childcare Program The Bronx-born rapper is also asking fans to help come up with a jingle for the initiative. news April 8, 2026
Terry Crews and Rebecca Crews Open Up About Her Battle With Parkinsons The couple, who wed in 1989, share how a soundwave procedure has helped change Rebecca’s experience with the disease. news April 8, 2026
Offset in Stable Condition After Florida Shooting Offset was shot following an altercation at a Florida Casino in which Lil TJay was arrested. TJay's lawyer addresses “false rumors" of his involvement in the shooting. news April 7, 2026
Kanye West Denied Entry to the UK, Wireless Festival Canceled The decision comes after corporate sponsors pulled out and political leaders condemned the controversial rapper headlining Wireless Festival, due to his past antisemitic remarks. news April 7, 2026
Jake Paul Suggests He's Considering Blackface “Response” to Druski Sketch The controversial influencer-turned-boxer praised the now-viral sketch. news April 6, 2026
Jay Electronica Goes Off On Booing Fans: “We know you the enemy” The Roc Nation rapper reacted to some negative reactions to his a capella “Exhibit C” performance. news April 6, 2026
Pooh Shiesty Arrested, Charged in Gucci Mane Robbery The Memphis rapper and eight others now face charges following a raid at his home. news April 2, 2026
Albums We're Excited for in April Earl Sweatshirt to Thundercat, this month is going to see a diverse shower of high-profile releases from an interesting collection of big names. news April 2, 2026
Lil Durk Wants to “Save” the Next Generation: “We’ve got to be their heroes” The incarcerated rapper says he’s been reading works by activists like Huey Newton and Elaine Brown. news April 1, 2026
Pop Smoke’s Brother is Bringing 'Pop's Place' Coffee to Brooklyn Baristas are needed for the new shop dedicated to Pop Smoke, and a soft launch is set to take place in Canarsie. news March 31, 2026
Cam’ron Says Drake Has His Pink Fur Displayed in Personal Museum Cam revealed the fate of his most famous winter wear. news March 30, 2026
‘Pinky & The Brain’ Animator Barry Caldwell Dies at 68 From ‘The Smurfs’ to ‘Animaniacs,’ the New York-born artist worked on some of the most beloved series of the 1980s and 1990s. news March 30, 2026
J. Cole and Cam’ron End Feud After Lawsuit, Sit Down for Interview Rappers sit down to discuss their issues, plus Cole’s reaction to the Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef. news March 27, 2026
The Once and Expeditious King: T.I. on 'King' 20 Years Later, His Latest Album and More Speaking to Okayplayer, T.I. speaks on comedy and his new album while remembering ‘King’ on its 20th anniversary. featured March 27, 2026
JAŸ-Z Thinks Drake and Kendrick Lamar Beef Went Too Far The rap icon, criticized the role social media plays in fanbases taking sides in rap beefs, and said he was “heartbroken” over the lawsuit filed against him in 2024. news March 24, 2026
LeBron James Drops Nike Collection Inspired by MF DOOM and Madlib The collection features references to the classic ‘Madvillainy’ album from 2004. news March 24, 2026
Chance The Rapper Wins in Legal Battle Against Ex-Manager The Grammy winner was locked in a 5-year back-and-forth with his former business partner, Pat Corcoran. news March 23, 2026
Brandy to Get a Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Issa Rae and Babyface to Speak at Induction The R&B superstar and Grammy winner’s dedication ceremony is set for March 30. news March 23, 2026
Salt-N-Pepa and TLC Announce Joint Tour With En Vogue The three legendary groups will kick off their tour in Tennessee in August. news March 23, 2026
JAŸ-Z, Erykah Badu, T.I. and More: 2026 Roots Picnic Full Lineup Revealed The annual Philadelphia festival has unveiled a star-studded roster of performers, including Brandy, Wale, De La Soul, Kehlani and others. news March 20, 2026
Tank and Tyrese Set To Face Off In ‘Verzuz’ Battle The two R&B titans and former TGT members are bringing their extensive catalogs and hits to the popular showcase stage. news March 19, 2026
JAŸ-Z Announces Anniversary Shows at Yankee Stadium The rap icon is celebrating three decades of ‘Reasonable Doubt’ and twenty-five years of ‘The Blueprint.’ news March 19, 2026
Lollapalooza 2026 Lineup Announced: Clipse, Lil Uzi Vert, Olivia Dean and More Join Chicago Festival From Clipse to Little Simz, the Chicago festival’s latest lineup highlights hip-hop, R&B, pop, electronica and more. news March 17, 2026
JAŸ-Z Announced as Headliner for 2026 Roots Picnic The rap legend is taking the stage alongside the legendary Philly crew in May. news March 17, 2026
DJ Lord Sear Remembered: “One of the greatest people to be around” The Shade 45 host is being celebrated by Eminem, Fat Joe and others after his death at age 52. news March 17, 2026
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Among Celebs Snubbed During In Memoriam at 2026 Oscars James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane also forgotten during the emotional tribute segment. news March 16, 2026
Five Takeaways From Jack Harlow’s “Blacker” New Album ‘Monica’ Jack Harlow’s just dropped his first new album in three years. Here are our first impressions. featured March 14, 2026
Live Nation Staffers Bragged About Gouging Customers: “I Almost Feel Bad” Court documents in the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation revealed the exchanges between employees Ben Baker and Jeff Weinhold. news March 13, 2026
Jill Scott Bans Cellphones At Her Upcoming Tour The neo-soul icon isn’t allowing devices at her shows when the ‘To Whom It May Concern Tour’ kicks off in June. news March 13, 2026
Questlove Teases Soulquarians Reunion The Roots drummer says the death of D’Angelo has inspired him to revisit the famed musical collective. news March 10, 2026
Cardi B, Patti LaBelle Lead All-Women Essence Fest Lineup Brandy & Monica, Latto, are also among the performers announced for this year’s festival. news March 10, 2026
Lakeyah Honored Women Music Icons for International Women's Day The Milwaukee rapper showed love to legends like Lauryn Hill while also praising upstarts like YKNiece. news March 9, 2026
Michael Eric Dyson Apologizes to JAY-Z: “That Should’ve Remained Between Us” The acclaimed author shared that the rap mogul disagreed with his take on Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake. news March 9, 2026
Rihanna’s Home Struck By Gunfire The superstar’s home was shot at from a car parked outside. A thirty-something woman has been taken into custody. news March 9, 2026
Doechii Hates Cats and Doesn’t Care If You Disagree The Grammy winning rapper explained why she despises felines in a recent Threads post. news March 9, 2026
Kurupt is Back Home After Health Scare The West Coast rap legend was released from the hospital after battling “serious health issues.” news March 4, 2026
Bob Power Dies at 74; Famed Engineer Worked With A Tribe Called Quest, D’Angelo and More The famed engineer, producer and musician was behind the boards for some of the '90s most seminal works in hip-hop and neosoul. news March 3, 2026
Diddy’s Release Date Moved Up The fallen Bad Boy Records founder will be getting released from prison a little earlier than expected. news March 3, 2026
Drake Wasn’t Allowed on Lil Wayne’s Tour Bus Because Bloods Were on it, Says Director Before he became way too rich and powerful to keep out of anywhere, Drake apparently wasn’t allowed on Lil Wayne’s tour bus. news March 3, 2026
CyHi The Prynce Drops J. Cole Diss “B.R.A Lost Control” The song appears to be a response to Cole’s decade-old track “False Prophets.” news March 2, 2026
5 Best Moments from the 2026 NAACP Image Awards Black excellence was on full display in Pasadena, in what was a big night for ‘Sinners,’ as Deon Cole roasted Nicki Minaj and the BAFTAs. news March 2, 2026
Lil Jon Pays Tribute to His Late Son: “Life will never be the same” “Allah, give me strength.” The legend honored his son, Nathan Smith, as he grieved the loss of the 27-year old. news February 25, 2026
