Styles P, one-third of the Grammy-winning Hip-Hop group The Lox, held a private listening party this week to preview the Yonkers rapper’s three-part final album, titled Ghost of the Past, Present, and Future. The first installment is expected this fall. Styles played the 11-track project for guests inside the dispensary’s downstairs lounge, celebrating its one-year anniversary of his Strains For Life dispensary. The album features production from AraabMuzik, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Rsonist of The Heatmakerz. View this post on Instagram Jadakiss and Sheek Louch, his LOX collaborators, also appear on the project. The album confronts aging, accountability, legacy and the competing identities Styles has carried throughout his career. “They saying lyrics is dead, fuck it, I’m resurrecting ’em,” he raps on one track. The album’s title reflects a spiritual framework Styles has developed over decades. “In a spiritual sense, you’re always dealing with three different you’s,” he said. “The past is what you’re dealing with, what you came up with.” The present, he explained, represents awareness and appreciation for life. The future remains uncertain, but Styles imagines himself becoming “even more elevated.” The Lox’s Styles P Announces Three-Part Final Album “Ghost of The Past, Present, & Future” He has already begun recording the second installment. The third remains unwritten. Styles also has a clear idea of how he wants hip-hop to remember him. “What I would hope my impact would be,” he said, “is for those who have received my impact is to say, ‘He was genuine, he was honest, and he was raw and authentic.’” That commitment extends beyond music. Styles has spent years building businesses centered on wellness, including Juices For Life and Farmacy For Life. Strains For Life continues that philosophy through cannabis education and community programming. “My fanbase knows I eat and smoke plants,” Styles said. “Strains For Life is for those who do the same.”

Ray J is publicly pleading for a reconciliation with his estranged wife, Princess Love, marking their 10-year anniversary by declaring his refusal to proceed with their pending divorce. The singer and reality television star took to social media Wednesday to express his continued devotion despite a tumultuous four-year period defined by legal filings and domestic disputes. In a heartfelt post featuring a photo of Love, the “Sexy Can I” singer reflected on their decade-long journey, which began when the couple first met in 2013. Ray J acknowledged the public nature of their struggles, noting that their connection remains intact regardless of outside opinions. He emphasized that the pair has learned to love one another “without conditions” through both prosperous and difficult seasons. “I’m grateful I can still talk to you, be your friend—stand beside you and protect the family we created,” Ray J wrote. Directing his comments toward their ongoing legal separation, he added, “I told you I don’t wanna get a divorce! We will get it right—Happy 10 years.” View this post on Instagram The couple, who became staples of the “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood” cast, married in 2016 and share two children. Their relationship has been a recurring fixture in tabloid headlines since May 2020, when Love first filed for divorce. Over the last four years, the couple has cycled through four separate divorce filings, frequently reconciling before the legal proceedings were finalized. The most recent filing occurred in 2024, when Love issued a statement saying the pair had come to the “difficult realization” that their paths had diverged. At the time, she stated the decision was made with mutual respect and a commitment to co-parenting. However, Ray J’s recent anniversary message suggests he is not ready to close the chapter on their marriage. The road to this anniversary has not been without significant controversy. In 2025, Ray J faced legal trouble following an incident where he was arrested after allegedly brandishing a firearm during a livestream involving Love. As of Thursday morning, Love has not publicly responded to Ray J’s anniversary tribute or his plea to halt the divorce proceedings.

After a diss from Doja Cat and Pitchfork’s lowest rating ever, rapper Tyga is taking his $TARFACE era from streaming platforms to the stage with a L.A. and New York tour this September. The Los Angeles rapper will debut his ’80s-inspired $TARFACE persona Sept. 10 at The Roxy in Los Angeles. Two days later, he will bring the concept to Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg. View this post on Instagram The Sept. 12 show currently stands as the tour’s final announced date. With only two performances scheduled, fans have limited opportunities to experience $TARFACE live. Tyga built the project around a distinct character and an aesthetic rooted in 1980s culture. The album blends rap with pop, R&B, synth-wave, dance, funk and soul. The upcoming shows will expand that world through music, fashion, visuals and immersive production. Rather than presenting a traditional rap concert, Tyga appears ready to stage $TARFACE as a complete creative universe. Tyga Unveils $tarface Tour Coming To New York After Doja Cat & Pitchfork Disses The project has also attracted controversy over Tyga’s use of artificial intelligence. The rapper previously compared his use of A.I. technology to Auto-Tune. Doja Cat, however, offered a much harsher assessment during a livestream Wednesday. “Tyga is a penis for making an A.I. album,” Doja said. She acknowledged that nobody had asked her about Tyga before offering the unsolicited criticism. Her comments added another chapter to the artists’ history as collaborators. Doja and Tyga first connected musically on the 2019 remix of “Juicy.” They later reunited for “Freaky Deaky” in 2022. The criticism also follows a brutal reception from Pitchfork. The publication reportedly gave $TARFACE a 0/10 rating and condemned the project’s existence. Despite the backlash, Tyga is moving forward with the $TARFACE era. The tour will give him an opportunity to demonstrate how the controversial concept translates into a live setting. The Los Angeles performance will introduce the persona to audiences first. Brooklyn will follow with the second and final announced show. For now, there is no indication of additional dates. That scarcity could make the $TARFACE TOUR a notable moment for fans watching Tyga experiment with a new creative identity.

Luigi Mangione is expected to enter a guilty plea Friday in Manhattan federal court, potentially reshaping his separate New York murder prosecution. A federal hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT. The proceeding appeared on the court calendar earlier this week without advance public notice. Mangione, 28, faces two federal stalking-related counts resulting in death. Each charge carries a potential life sentence. He initially pleaded not guilty to the federal allegations. Multiple news outlets reported Thursday that Mangione is expected to plead guilty. His attorneys have not publicly confirmed the reported plea. The potential agreement could have major implications for Mangione’s pending state case. His attorneys could argue that double-jeopardy protections bar New York prosecutors from pursuing the state charges. New York law generally prohibits successive prosecutions for the same offense. However, exceptions permit separate cases involving distinct elements or conduct. New York’s Luigi Mangione Could Enter Guilty Plea In Federal Court Mangione’s state prosecution includes second-degree murder and weapons charges. Prosecutors could argue those allegations differ materially from the federal stalking counts. “It is incredibly complicated,” defense attorney Paul Shechtman told The New York Times earlier this month. State prosecutors have already signaled concern about a potential federal resolution. Assistant District Attorney Joel J. Seidemann addressed the issue in a July letter. Seidemann wrote that prosecutors could alert the federal court if a plea would undermine “a just outcome” in the state prosecution. He also urged the federal judge to consider that potential consequence. The plea negotiations could still collapse before Friday’s proceeding. Previous discussions reportedly broke down in June. Mangione’s state trial remains scheduled to begin with jury selection Sept. 8. His federal trial is scheduled for January if prosecutors and defense attorneys fail to reach an agreement. The cases stem from the Dec. 2, 2024, shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. Authorities arrested Mangione days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Investigators allegedly recovered writings criticizing corporate power and the U.S. health care system. Federal prosecutors initially sought the death penalty against Mangione. A judge later dismissed the federal murder charges, eliminating that potential punishment. A guilty plea could now become a pivotal development in determining whether Mangione faces trial in state court.

Cardi B reignites her ongoing feud with fellow rapper BIA, bringing BIA’s reported relationship with NBA player Cam Whitmore into the conversation. During an X Spaces session Thursday (Aug. 13), Cardi appeared to reference the 13-year age difference between BIA, 35, and Whitmore, 22. The Washington Wizards forward has been linked to BIA since 2025. “You gotta date n****s half your age, bitch,” Cardi said. Cardi B is once again on spaces ranting about BIA for the 100th time this week. The anger from her single flopping seems to be getting to her. She might be the only rapper that runs to the internet, instead of running to the booth. It’s tiring. pic.twitter.com/BjyYcaYdpM — Unpopular Opinions (@UnpopularAngles) August 13, 2026 She continued by making another pointed comment about the pair’s age difference. “You had your period when your n**** was born,” Cardi said. “When your n**** was born, bitch, you was already getting your menstrual.” BIA appeared to confirm her relationship with Whitmore in October 2025. She shared a video featuring the pair on her Instagram Stories, using her song “+44” as the soundtrack. Two months later, BIA posted footage of herself sitting courtside during a Wizards game. The posts fueled public interest in their reported romance. Rapper Cardi B Disses BIA Over Age Gap In Her Relationship With NBA Star Cam Whitmore Cardi also revisited an earlier disagreement involving her former husband, Offset. She accused BIA of telling one of Offset’s friends that Cardi had been unfaithful during their relationship. “Let’s talk about how months later your dumb ass told one of my ex-husband friend that I was cheating on him,” Cardi said. The Grammy-winning rapper strongly denied the allegation. “When you said that shit, I never flirted with a n****,” Cardi said. “I never kissed a n****. I never had a DM with a n****.” The latest comments followed a social media exchange involving BIA’s music. BIA recently responded to a commenter criticizing her song “Sue Meee?,” which has been viewed as a diss track aimed at Cardi. “Can we talk about this and how awful it is?” the commenter wrote alongside a preview of the track. BIA’s response came before Cardi addressed their feud on X Spaces. The latest exchange shows that tensions between the rappers remain unresolved. It also brings the Boston rapper’s reported relationship with Whitmore into a dispute that has continued to attract public attention.

Kevin Durant paid tribute to his former teammate Russell Westbrook who retired after 18 seasons in the league. Taking to X(formerly Twitter), Durant shared his thoughts on Westbrook’s “iconic career.” “I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice,” Durant wrote. “Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine. “A lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud. Nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He (led) by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom,” Durant continued.. “It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life. Crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years.”  I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably… — Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 13, 2026 Durant then spoke about the sacredness of pro ball. “This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ,” said Durant. “I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…” durant reflected on westbrook’s legendary career “The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured,” Durant said. “Bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin. Much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.” Durant and Westbrook spent eight seasons building one of the most dynamic superstar partnerships in NBA history with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Complementing Durant’s effortless scoring with Westbrook’s relentless intensity, the duo spearheaded a thrilling young squad that reached the 2012 NBA Finals and established OKC as a perennial contender.

Chris Paul may be heading to the Los Angeles Lakers in a new position. According to the Bleacher Report, Paul, who has close ties to the Lakers’ new owners, could be in line for a front-office role. Following the high-profile purchase of the Lakers by an ownership group featuring Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, league insiders have highlighted CP3’s deep personal connection with Iger as a potential bridge to a front-office position.  For a player famously denied the chance to wear purple and gold in his prime, moving into dynamic management for the iconic franchise offers a poetic full-circle moment.  “There’s a couple of names you should pay attention to: Chris Paul, a very close friend of Bob Iger’s. He’s sort of a mentor to Chris Paul,” Shelburne said on NBA Today. “Chris recently retired. He’s available; incredible basketball mind. I don’t know what that means for him, but I expect they’ll be talking.”  Bringing Paul into the Lakers’ front office injects world-class basketball IQ directly into operations. His two decades as an elite floor general translate seamlessly into roster construction, talent evaluation, and player development. Whether advising or taking on an executive role, Paul bridges court vision with modern team building, instantly boosting the franchise’s credibility in player relations and free-agent recruitment.  PAUL’S HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS Paul stands as one of the most masterful floor generals in basketball history. For his play, he earned the moniker “Point God” through two decades of elite playmaking and relentless leadership. The 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year built a Hall of Fame resume highlighted by 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA honors, and nine NBA All-Defensive Team nods.  Renowned for his floor vision and perimeter defense, Paul led the league in assists five times and steals a record six times, cementing his legacy on both ends of the floor. 

Boston rapper BIA is extending an olive branch to Doja Cat after the music superstar praised her latest collaboration with Fred again. The moment unfolded Wednesday (Aug. 12), when Doja mentioned the new track during a livestream. She praised BIA’s performance while sharing her reaction to the song with viewers. “I just played this earlier,” Doja said. “It’s Fred Again, and BIA is rapping on it. It’s so fucking nasty. It’s just nasty.” THANK YOU @DojaCat . I genuinely apologize for anything i ever said that was shady. I appreciate u playing my songs. I’ve always liked your music as well. Wishing you nothing but peace love and blessings — BIA (@BIABIA) August 13, 2026 Doja’s unexpected co-sign appeared to prompt the Boston rapper to revisit their history. On Thursday (Aug. 13), BIA addressed Doja directly on X and apologized for previous remarks she characterized as “shady.” “THANK YOU @DojaCat,” BIA wrote. “I genuinely apologize for anything i ever said that was shady.” BIA also acknowledged Doja’s support and expressed appreciation for her music. Rapper BIA Extends An Apology To Music Superstar Doja Cat Over Past Shade “I appreciate u playing my songs,” she continued. “I’ve always liked your music as well. Wishing you nothing but peace love and blessings.” The public apology quickly sparked another conversation among BIA’s followers. One X user compared the situation with BIA’s past comments involving Nicki Minaj. The user suggested BIA had fallen into a similar pattern after previously believing Minaj was authentic. BIA pushed back against that comparison. “I didn’t repeat SHIT,” she responded. “This ain’t that.” She then made clear that her position regarding another artist had not changed. “whatever tf I said about that other bitch. I STILL STAND ON & never taking it back,” BIA wrote. She ended the response with, “Thankgyaaaa.” Bianca’s comments draw a distinction between her past issues with Doja and her unresolved position toward the unnamed artist. The exchange marks a warmer moment between BIA and Doja after their relationship generated public attention in previous years. Doja’s praise of Bianca’s new music appeared to create an opening for reconciliation. For the controversial rap star, the message was direct. She apologized for what she previously said about Doja while refusing to retract separate remarks involving another artist. Doja has not publicly responded to Bianca’s apology.

Derrick Parker, the former NYPD detective known as the “Hip-Hop Cop,” died July 24 at 65, his family said. Parker’s brother, Ralph, told Fox News Digital that the longtime detective died unexpectedly at a Nassau County hospital. He did not disclose a cause of death. A funeral is scheduled Thursday at J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home in Jamaica, Queens. Parker gained prominence during hip-hop’s explosive growth in New York during the 1990s. He headed the NYPD’s rap intelligence unit, where he monitored artists, entourages and potential conflicts. His approach emphasized prevention and intelligence gathering. Parker worked with nightclub operators and law enforcement agencies to track artists and groups entering New York. “You have to watch and see who’s coming to your city,” Parker told Fox News Digital in 2024. “Who’s there and who’s what.” “We can’t track everybody,” he added. “But when certain people come to the city, you should know who.” Parker spent more than two decades with the NYPD. His assignments included homicide and cold-case investigations. He also worked alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, DEA and FBI. NYPD’s Derrick Parker, Legendary Hip-Hop Cop, Dead At 65 His career intersected with several pivotal moments in hip-hop history. Parker participated in the 1999 investigation into the Club New York shooting. Sean “Diddy” Combs faced charges stemming from that incident before his acquittal. Jennifer Lopez was also briefly detained and released. Parker later described his relationship with Combs as professional. “I was the law, so he was always friendly,” he said. “I’m never hard on these guys.” His investigative career became the subject of his book, “Notorious C.O.P.” The memoir detailed investigations involving Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G. and Jam Master Jay. Parker retired from the NYPD in 2002. He later worked in executive protection and event security. He remained active as a commentator on major criminal cases. Days before his death, Parker followed the Las Vegas prosecution of Duane “Keffe D” Davis. Parker also hoped to publish another book. “I want to really tell a big, big story about a lot of stuff,” he said. His death came before a planned birthday dinner with Ralph. “We were supposed to go out to dinner for my birthday,” Ralph said. “Well, I won’t be able to go eat with him.”

Music legend Lionel Richie took a shot at R&B superstars Usher and Chris Brown during a performance in Arizona this week, contrasting his generation’s behavior with the legal and social media troubles of modern artists. Speaking to a crowd at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday night, the 77-year-old singer suggested that the younger generation’s attempts at innovation are actually echoes of the past, albeit with more controversy. Richie, who is currently navigating his own headlining arena tour, referenced the “R&B Tour,” a massive joint stadium venture between Usher and Brown. The “All Night Long” singer told the audience that while the pair are attempting to “do something new,” his former bands already set the blueprint decades ago. He noted that the primary difference between his era and the present day was a lack of criminal records and the absence of constant digital scrutiny. “Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire, we were doing that back 40 years ago,” Richie said in fan-recorded footage shared on social media. “Only difference is, between then and now, we didn’t go to jail! We’re fine Christian men.” Richie’s comments appeared to target the long history of legal issues surrounding Brown, 37, as well as recent viral mishaps involving Usher, 47. The “R&B Tour” has been plagued by a string of unusual headlines, primarily centered on Usher. The singer recently faced backlash in Nashville for an awkward onstage interaction with a fan and sparked rumors in New Jersey that he had utilized a body double for portions of his set. Richie suggested that the immediate nature of platforms like TikTok and Instagram has amplified modern celebrities’ ability to spread misinformation or have their mistakes broadcast globally. “See, we didn’t have that Instagram and that TikTok and that go out and tell a lie and they go and post it,” Richie said during his Phoenix set. Chris Brown responded to the now viral video. “[Laughing emojis] “Damn, unk. We love ya paw paw.” View this post on Instagram