For Black History Month, we sat down with Why Hate Math (WHM), a Brooklyn-based, Black woman-owned math education company, to talk about the importance of Black children seeing themselves in STEM. WHM is dedicated to empowering students with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive academically and pursue opportunities in STEM innovation, careers, and leadership. Through math tutoring for K-12 students and adult learners, as well as consulting services for schools and districts, WHM works to close educational gaps and build stronger math communities. In this conversation, we discuss why representation in STEM matters, how early support changes outcomes for Black students, and what families and schools can do to better prepare the next generation of innovators and leaders. This interview highlights how math education can be a tool for equity, confidence, and long-term success.

Da Brat and her wife, Judy, open up about why they ultimately chose a white sperm donor while expanding their family. During a candid conversation, the couple addressed the topic directly, explaining that their decision was rooted in personal preference and what they felt was best for their growing family. The pair emphasized that the process of selecting a donor involved careful consideration, emotional reflection, and practical factors that many families navigating fertility face. Judy shared that transparency has been important to them throughout their journey, especially as public figures whose lives often play out in the spotlight. The couple acknowledged that conversations around donor selection can be sensitive, but they hope their openness helps normalize the many different paths to parenthood. Da Brat also stressed that love and intention were at the center of their decision-making process. For the couple, building their family was about finding the right fit for their vision of parenthood rather than outside opinions. Fans have continued to show support for the pair as they share more about their experiences with IVF, marriage, and motherhood. By speaking publicly, Da Brat and Judy say they hope to encourage honest dialogue and provide comfort to others navigating similar fertility journeys. As their family story continues to unfold, the couple remains focused on what matters most: raising their child in a loving and supportive home.

Family members of the singer D4vd are contesting a grand jury summons that would require them to testify in California as part of the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. According to court documents first reported by TMZ, the artist’s mother, Colleen Burke; father, Dawud; and brother, Caleb—all Texas residents—have challenged a Texas court order enforcing the subpoena. Their attorneys argue that key portions of the affidavits supporting the order were redacted. Without that information, they say, the family was left unclear about why they were classified as material witnesses. The relatives also contend that they were not given a fair opportunity to dispute the trial court’s decision before it was issued. TMZ reported that an appeals court has directed the presiding judge to respond within 10 days. The ruling could determine whether the family must comply with the request to appear before the grand jury. Interstate legal disputes of this kind often turn on procedural details rather than the underlying investigation itself. The subpoena is tied to a broader inquiry led by the Los Angeles Police Department. Earlier this month, Neo Langston, a former Twitch streamer identified as a friend of D4vd, appeared before the grand jury. Robert Morgenroth, who oversees the singer’s touring company and record label operations, has also provided testimony. Authorities have not publicly outlined the scope of the questioning. Grand jury testimony deepens LAPD probe Investigators began examining the case after Hernandez’s remains were discovered inside an impounded Tesla registered under D4vd’s legal name. The vehicle had reportedly been stored at a tow facility for several weeks before the discovery. The timeline coincided with the conclusion of the North American leg of the artist’s Withered World Tour. Scot M. Williams, commanding officer of the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, told People in September that the car had been stationary for an extended period, suggesting Hernandez’s death may have occurred earlier. In December, TMZ cited unnamed sources who said investigators believe D4vd could face murder charges. Law enforcement officials have not publicly confirmed those reports. The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been formally announced.

Kanye West’s career has been shaped as much by shifting relationships as by music. His collaborations have produced landmark albums, but his public breaks with figures like Jay-Z and Pusha T have also become part of his story. Now, a recently surfaced extended interview offers another glimpse into how he sees the current rap landscape. The footage, from a conversation with Justin Laboy on The Download, first aired last year but has reemerged online in a longer cut. During the interview, Laboy posed a familiar question with a twist. “I’m going to remove you and make it easier,” he said, asking West to name three artists to join him on a hip-hop Mount Rushmore. West did not limit himself to three. Instead, he named Future, Drake, Young Thug, and Playboi Carti. “That’s my answer,” he said. He then added, “Oh, new GOAT, Carti. Carti. Yeah, next generation. You know, if you put it by generation. I exist in every generation.” The comment was delivered casually, but it underscored how West views influence—not as something fixed in the past, but as something that moves with each wave of artists. Ye revealed his Rap Mount Rushmore in the extended version of his 2025 interview with Justin Laboy: FutureDrakeYoung Thug Kendrick Lamar He also crowned Carti as goat of the new gen pic.twitter.com/h0E7oBFwqV — THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) February 13, 2026 A Snapshot of Rivalries and Reverence The selections stand out partly because they reflect the present moment rather than hip-hop’s traditional canon. West’s public stance toward some of the artists he named has shifted over time. His relationship with Drake has moved between rivalry and praise, and he has previously accused Future and Metro Boomin of distancing themselves over the “Like That” remix. Still, admiration and competition often coexist in rap’s upper ranks. His mention of Playboi Carti is notable given occasional friction between them, though much of that appears to have unfolded after the interview was recorded. Young Thug, by contrast, has drawn relatively steady support from West in recent years. The list also prompted quiet discussion about who was not included—particularly veterans often cited in similar debates.

Snoop Dogg’s appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan took an unexpected turn this week after a backstage encounter between his security team and Dutch speed skating champion Marianne Timmer. The incident reportedly occurred at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium following the men’s 1000-meter race. Timmer said she was waiting in a hallway to speak with athletes when a member of the rapper’s security detail approached. What she described as a routine moment quickly became tense. In an interview with Sportnieuws, Timmer said she was pushed while standing against a wall. “I was standing against a wall, and one of the security guards pushed me even closer,” she said. “I said, ‘Just act normal’, it’s a really wide hall, about four metres. But then the guy came back and I said, ‘What? Do I have to go through that wall or something?’” She indicated that the hallway had ample space and that she did not understand the need for force. Timmer also made clear she was focused on her reporting responsibilities, not on the entertainer’s presence. “I said something mean back: ‘I’m not here waiting for Snoop Dogg, I’m waiting for Jennings de Boo,’” she recalled. “‘We want to see Joep (Wennemars), we want to talk to Kjeld (Nuis) for a moment.’” She added that she witnessed another spectator being escorted away by security. “We saw a Dutchman being roughly escorted away from the stands by some very large security guards,” Timmer said. “I could just picture myself being grabbed by the neck and thrown out. That would have been a great story.” Peace Message Overshadowed by Backstage Tension The episode emerged during a week in which Snoop Dogg has been prominently featured at the Games. Ahead of the opening ceremony, he carried the Olympic torch through Northern Italy, drawing applause from spectators. In a video posted to social media, he described the experience. “I’m showing peace and love and it’s an honor to have this torch in my hand right now,” he said. “I want to spread a whole lot of love to the athletes, to the people of Italy, to the whole world right now. Because that’s what the Olympics is all about. Spread peace and love from the D-O-dub.” The contrast between that public message and the reported backstage dispute has prompted discussion, though no formal statement has been issued by his representatives. For now, the focus of the Games continues, even as questions about the encounter linger quietly in the background.

Nicki Minaj turned to social media this week to urge her supporters to contact their senators about the SAVE Act, a federal election bill that recently passed the House of Representatives. Her message followed a post from Elon Musk, who wrote, “Please call your senator and ask for voter ID to be passed.” Minaj echoed that call directly to her fan base, known as the Barbz, blending civic engagement with her signature online style. The posts quickly spread across platforms. “Barbz, get your pretty little fingers out & call your senators. I’ll bribe you if I have to. ” she wrote. She followed that with another message: “Dear Barbz, call your senators, then tweet #SaveAct to let me know you did it. Here’s a little video as a bribe to get you to do it. If you all do it, I’ll let you choose between a new look & [X] Spaces. The choice is yours. ” Alongside the post was a brief video of Minaj walking down a hallway in a gray tracksuit, white sneakers and a fur coat. The approach was playful, but the subject matter was serious. Later, Minaj expanded on her position by referencing earlier public health policies. “Test your pattern recognition skills. The ppl who told you to get that vaccine, and to get a thousand boosters, and to show proof everywhere you went that you had been vaccinated—are now telling you that people should NOT show ID to VOTE Haha,” she wrote. She concluded with, “Dear God, help US #SaveAct.” The remarks align with skepticism she has expressed in the past regarding vaccine mandates. The SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) America Act would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification when registering to vote. The legislation would also revise certain mail-in voting procedures, according to ABC News. The House approved the latest version of the bill by a narrow 218-213 margin. It now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain. Barbz, get your pretty little fingers out & call your senators. I’ll bribe you if I have to. https://t.co/zJqOXbnRQZ — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 12, 2026 Dear Barbz, call your senators, then tweet #SaveAct to let me know you did it. Here’s a little video as a bribe to get you to do it. If you all do it, I’ll let you choose between a new look & Spaces. The choice is yours. pic.twitter.com/CVmFezGutC — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 12, 2026 Clash Over Election Security and Voter Access Supporters of the proposal argue that clearer identification standards could strengthen public confidence in elections. President Donald Trump recently wrote on Truth Social, “America’s Elections are Rigged, Stolen, and a Laughingstock all over the World. We are either going to fix them, or we won’t have a Country any longer.” Advocates of the measure say it is designed to ensure eligibility requirements are consistently enforced. Opponents, however, caution that stricter documentation rules could create difficulties for some eligible voters, particularly those without easy access to updated government-issued identification. Representative Mike Thomson said, “The SAVE Act would make it harder for registered, legal voters to vote.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously stated, “The Republicans’ SAVE Act reads more like a how-to guide for voter suppression. It goes against the very foundations of our democracy. Mark my words: This will not pass the Senate.” Critics argue that existing safeguards already address concerns about election integrity. Across the country, voter identification rules vary. Thirty-six states require some form of ID, while others rely on alternative verification methods. Election experts have said instances of noncitizen voting are rare, though debates over election access and security continue. As the bill heads to the Senate, lawmakers on both sides are expected to weigh concerns about participation, fairness, and trust in the electoral system.

Public exchanges are nothing new for 50 Cent, who has built much of his persona around direct responses. This week, he addressed remarks made by comedian Katt Williams in a recent Netflix special. During the performance, Williams joked about the rapper’s appearance, describing his head as square-shaped. The comment quickly made its way to Instagram. 50 Cent replied with a post that mixed humor and irritation. “Kat think I set him up in SHREVEPORT, he was talking to David Chappell back stage and didn’t see Michael Blackson hit the stage,” he wrote. “I think he said he smoke CRACK, or he was a crack head that’s why he mad at me. LOL.” The message circulated widely among fans. Soon after, his tone shifted. In a second post, he struck a more conciliatory note. “Damn KAT shooting at me, that’s my man,” he wrote. “Alright I’m taking a break before I don’t have no friends. Ok I got a box head, it’s cool.” The exchange suggested a willingness to treat the joke as just that. Verzuz Talk Turns Personal Between T.I. and 50 The back-and-forth with Williams came as another dispute resurfaced. During an appearance on Nightcap Live, T.I. accused 50 Cent of declining a potential Verzuz battle. “When I was talking to Swizz [Beatz], I was like, ‘Yeah, I’d do it, but the motherf*er that really would be the one, it ain’t gon’ happen, but if Gucci [Mane], Young [Jeezy] and Gucci, that’s the one,’” T.I. said. He continued, “Then I called my man, I said who I wanted. I said I wanted 50. He don’t want no smoke, though. I called my man out, he don’t want no smoke. He ducking smoke.” 50 Cent answered that claim on Instagram as well. He shared footage of a Crime Stoppers Atlanta commercial featuring T.I., adding the caption: “I know Atlanta pick and choose who they support. But yall gotta do better. LOL keep my name out ya mouth !” The exchange quickly gained traction online. What began as talk of a music battle shifted once again into personal territory.

The tension between 50 Cent and T.I. resurfaced this week after remarks about a potential Verzuz battle circulated online. During an appearance on Nightcap Live, T.I. suggested that he had once expressed interest in facing 50 Cent on the platform. “When I was talking to Swizz [Beatz], I was like, ‘Yeah, I’d do it, but the motherf*er that really would be the one, it ain’t gon’ happen, but if Gucci [Mane], Young [Jeezy] and Gucci, that’s the one,’” he said. He added, “Then I called my man, I said who I wanted. I said I wanted 50. He don’t want no smoke, though. I called my man out, he don’t want no smoke. He ducking smoke.” 50 Cent responded on Instagram shortly afterward. He shared a clip of a Crime Stoppers Atlanta commercial featuring T.I., implying cooperation with law enforcement. In the caption, he wrote, “I know Atlanta pick and choose who they support,” followed by, “But yall gotta do better. LOL keep my name out ya mouth !” The post drew significant attention and prompted further commentary. T.I & 50 Cent call each other RATS pic.twitter.com/sB316HrGYv — Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) February 12, 2026 Music talk turned personal fast He later posted courtroom footage of T.I. speaking about a friend’s death. Alongside the clip, 50 Cent wrote, “No, no , i don’t like it. No verses let’s do (The stay away challenge ) and stay away from me,” adding “LOL.” The exchange quickly shifted from a discussion of music to questions of credibility. In comments that circulated widely online, 50 Cent referred to T.I. as “King Rat.” T.I. answered directly. “You playing on MY NAME when Only 1 of us a rat in real life. You know I got your paperwork right? And my transcript is available online. Your Excuses is useless. Get yo ho a** in the box or STFU and live in fear. You soft son. You’ve Lost my respect.” His response made clear that the disagreement had become personal.

Victoria Monét and Jamie Foxx are among many great black artists, both emerging and superstars alike, who are returning to music over the weekend following Bad Bunny’s incredible Super Bowl LX performance. Black History Month is a great time for black artists and their music to thrive, with the nation rooting for everything black. J. Cole’s long-awaited album, The Fall Off, eclipsed everything in music over the weekend. While the North Carolina superstar finally speaks, there were plenty of emerging acts that slipped through the cracks with electrifying music, which shows what’s next in today’s music. From Ja Rule and 50 Cent reigiting their feud to tour announcements from Wale, Floetry, and more to the Grammy aftermath, plenty of superstars and fresh faces have kicked off their 2026 run this week. All are seeking to be the year’s biggest stars. Whether you missed the return of Victoria Monét or are eager to find your next favorite new artist in Shotgun Suge or Billionaire Buck this week. Behind the headlines, here’s a complete list of new music you might have missed this week. Victoria Monét Wants You To “Let Me” Bring This Romance This V-Day She’s back. When the 3x Grammy Award winner isn’t cooking at culinary school, she’s cooking up a new love song before she hits the road with Bruno Mars. Let me just say this pleasure-pleasing track marks the singer’s new era. Gunna & Chris Brown Wanna Know Again “WGFT” The unexpected hit from the Atlanta-meets-Virginia connection gets a raunchy and seductive visual to bring it back to life in 2026 after taking over 2025. Added are the enticing R&B vocals by one of the greatest ever, alongside the grimy raps that hypnotized us in 2025 from a superstar who was deemed the walking dead. This is already on your Valentine’s Day playlist. Baby Rose & Leon Thomas Say Their Parties Are For “Friends Again” Following a huge night of gold for the mutt, the duo’s collaboration captures the tension between intimacy and emotional self-protection. Over moody, minimalist production, the two explore blurred boundaries — where chemistry lingers but commitment feels risky. Their smoky vocals trade vulnerability and restraint, portraying two people drawn to each other yet hesitant to define it, choosing guarded connection over heartbreak. Victoria Monét, Leon Thomas, Chris Brown + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week OC Chris Joins The “F*k Ice” Movement After his Billboard spotlight, the next up Dallas rap star addresses a trending topic in his latest track. The protest song features the Texans’ wise-cracking attitude, aligning himself beside the culture for a serious issue while throwing up a middle finger to the deportation authorities. The empowering lyrics prove that the rising star is ready to fight the power. Armor Tells Us Don’t Worry, “Get Yours, I’ll Get Mine” The U.K. hotshot’s latest single dives into the contradictions of street life, where ambition, addiction, and survival collide over a hard, punchy beat. Rather than glamorize fast money and chaos, he exposes the mental toll beneath it, delivering a gritty, self-aware record that underscores his raw storytelling edge. BunnaB Is About To Get Your “Mind Right” Currently touring with YFN Lucci, East Atlanta’s hottest new star feeds her fanbase with the undeniably hungry emcee make her voice heard across zig-zagging synth leads, booming 808s, and a flurry of IG caption-worthy bars. Her infectious personality put a signature twist on the new hit. SFace Just Up’d & “Stolen Flow” Ready to steal the fame like a thief in the night, the emerging South London rapper blends smooth delivery with a lived-in perspective. A hustler’s ambition, the freestyle drawn directly from day-to-day experience — work, pressure, ambition, and the push to move forward. The quick track will make off with your attention and leave you speechless, like your wallet just got stolen, so pay close attention. Jamie Foxx Is Ready To Shower “Somebody” With New Love The multi-talented entertainer returns to music with his new song for the lovers out there. It appears to deliver the singer’s classic sound, matching his one-of-a-kind vocals over the traditional R&B production, blended with sensual lyrics. The song will surely pull at heartstrings and will welcome the hitmaker back with open arms. View this post on Instagram Joshua Baraka Grabs Shenseea To Go Back To “Moroco” The afrobeats remix adds the new Dancehall Queen for a sultry verse and flips the hook into. It’s a call-and-response that brings a fresh dancehall energy to the track. They teased the remix in the BK Arena, which resulted in fans tearing the roof out, demanding the record on streams immediately. View this post on Instagram “Me Personally,” It Looks Like Newark’s Shotgun Suge Is Bum Rushing 2026 Hip-Hop Hailing from an area that gave us elite lyricists like Joe Budden, Red Man, and Ice-T, the latest rising star’s EP showcases his battle-tested reputation displayed as a legit recording artist. Known for his imposing presence and punishing bars. The five-track tape pairs street-hardened records with introspective turns, unpacking loyalty, survival, and ambition. Still unpolished, the project shows signs of greatness that can’t be ignored. Billionaire Buck Returns To “Fup A Check” The Compton rap star returns for a promising 2026 that begins with the money-motivated track about splurging. He raps about his lavish spending while maintaining focus to acquire more bags through his lucrative hustling abilities. From hand-to-hand to digital to products, he’s getting to the money by any means necessary.

Sexyy Red is once again at the center of online debate after a video surfaced of her performing an explicit version of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” The clip, shared by Lil Yachty and circulated widely by social media accounts, spread quickly across platforms. Viewers responded almost immediately. Many objected to the reinterpretation of one of Jackson’s most enduring songs. Some reactions were blunt. “MJ rolling in his grave,” one user wrote. Another added, “I know damn well the Jackson’s is not signing off on this trash.” A third commenter widened the lens, posting, “I hate this generation of rappers.” The criticism reflected a mix of generational frustration and protectiveness over Jackson’s legacy. Sexyy Red has not commented publicly on the latest backlash. In the past, however, she has been quick to respond to rumors and criticism online. In December, she addressed a viral claim from a parody account suggesting she had proposed a throuple involving GloRilla and NBA player Brandon Ingram. She dismissed the rumor directly. Lil Yachty shares a video of Sexyy Red rapping over the beat of “Beat It” by Michael Jackson “sneak peek scene of the new michael biopic” pic.twitter.com/g1cBsWRDXD — Kurrco (@Kurrco) February 11, 2026 Where clout and chaos collide “I wasn’t even gone say nun but dis is wierd and fake asf,” she wrote. “I don’t even play des kinda games df… & whoever sat there and thought to do dis is hella lame !!” GloRilla also rejected the claim, posting, “Dats fake stop playing wit me.” The episode underscored how quickly false stories can circulate and gain traction. Moments of provocation have become part of Sexyy Red’s public identity. Last September, she generated conversation by posting an AI-created image that appeared to show her pregnant alongside NBA YoungBoy. The image sparked debate over the line between humor, publicity, and misinformation. As with much of her online presence, reactions were divided.