Nicki Minaj is planning to keep a low profile in 2026. Following her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, Minaj has deactivated her Instagram account. Walking out with Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Minaj lauded President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance as “role models” for young men. ​“This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them. Our vice president makes me … well, I love both of them,” Minaj said. “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.” “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president. I don’t know if he even knows this, but he’s given so many people hope,” Minaj continued. Minaj said she decided to follow Trump because she “got tired of being pushed around.” “I have something inside of me that’s stronger than what’s out there. So when you’ve had enough, you realize, ‘Wait a minute, why do I even care about these people and what they think? Who are they?’ They don’t even know who they are,” Minaj continued.  “So I’m not going to back down anymore. I’m not going to back down ever again.” Minaj also mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling him “New-scum”, a nickname Trump gave the California governor. But it wasn’t long before Minaj made a major gaffe, calling Vance an “assassin.” “You have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president,” Minaj said before realizing her choice of words. Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a Turning Point USA event on the campus of Utah Valley University in September. She covered her mouth with her palm, showing her embarrassment. “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman,” said Erika Kirk, coming to Minaj’s defense. “Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine… I love you. You have to laugh about it truly,” Kirk told Minaj. “You say what you want to say, because I know your heart and I will not judge that.”

Tyrese Gibson prepares for 2026 with a message rooted in faith, reflection, and spiritual intention. On December 24, the R&B singer and actor shared a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, that read more like a prayer than a typical social media update. The message arrived just days after his emotional, widely circulated interview with famed pastor T.D. Jakes, offering deeper insight into where Gibson says his heart and spirit are headed. “Dear Heavenly Father, as I stand at the doorway of 2026, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ,” Gibson wrote, immediately framing the upcoming year as a moment of transition. Dear Heavenly Father, as I stand at the doorway of 2026, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Before this new year fully unfolds, I place my life, my family, my work, and my future into Your hands. Go before me, and destroy every plan of darkness set against my life.… — Tyrese Gibson (@Tyrese) December 25, 2025 By placing himself at the “doorway” of 2026, he positioned the future as a reset rather than a continuation of past struggles. He went on to offer “my life, my family, my work, and my future” to God, signaling a desire for wholeness and alignment after years marked by public scrutiny and personal challenges. Throughout the post, Gibson leaned into language of spiritual protection and release. He asked God to “destroy every plan of darkness set against my life” and declared that “every curse that tried to follow me from previous years is stopped here.” He continued, “Every negative word, every repeated pattern, every hidden plan meant to delay my progress or steal my peace is cancelled now,” framing past pain as something he refuses to carry forward. Tyrese Gibson Delivers A Prayer For His Enemies Before 2026 One of the most striking lines, “What was sent to weaken me will not enter 2026 with me,” reads as a clear boundary. The sentiment echoes themes Gibson discussed with Jakes, including endurance, faith, and surviving judgment without losing oneself. Rather than naming specific people or moments, he used spiritual language to address what he later described as “the enemy.” Gibson’s declarations for the year ahead carried that same clarity. “I declare that 2026 will not be marked by struggle, but by direction; not by heaviness, but by freedom; not by curses, but by the blessing of God,” he wrote, emphasizing intention over reaction. He closed with an invitation: “Type ‘God is great’ to disappoint the enemy!” The call transformed the prayer into a shared moment, inviting followers into collective affirmation. Gibson’s post reflected renewal, not retaliation. It was a statement of faith, peace, and resolve, offering a reminder that healing can be both personal and communal.

Rap star Blueface is expected to return to celebrity boxing after serving a two-year sentence — according to a new report by AllHipHop. The Los Angeles rapper is set to compete in a sanctioned bout slated for spring 2026. The fight is already funded, meaning this matchup has moved past talk and into motion. The opponent has not yet been revealed, though the bout will feature another celebrity fighter. Ticket sales are expected to launch well ahead of the event. With deposits secured, promotion and logistics are already underway, signaling a full-scale rollout rather than a last-minute exhibition. Blueface has quietly carved out a space in the growing world of celebrity boxing. He has appeared in multiple sanctioned fights and taken training seriously. This is not a publicity stunt. Each appearance shows preparation, conditioning, and a willingness to absorb punishment. He is not chasing elite professional boxers. Instead, Blueface understands his lane. He competes against opponents within his weight, experience, and profile. That focus has helped him earn respect within the crossover boxing circuit. Fans know he enters the ring prepared to fight. Outside boxing, Blueface’s reputation for confrontation has followed him since before his rap career took off. That history fuels interest in his bouts. It also heightens unpredictability. Supporters and critics alike tune in because anything can happen. The upcoming fight is being managed by veteran industry figure Wack 100. His involvement carries weight in hip-hop and combat sports spaces. Blueface Set To Make Celebrity Boxing Comeback When Wack cosigns a deal, contracts are usually finalized. Promoters tend to move quickly once he is involved. Exclusive video confirmation backing the bout is expected to surface soon. Once released, the footage is likely to amplify anticipation. Planning has already advanced behind the scenes. Venues, dates, and broadcast discussions are reportedly in progress. Blueface continues to juggle music, controversy, and combat sports. Boxing offers another platform to extend his visibility. It also creates revenue outside streaming and touring. For many artists, the ring has become a new proving ground. Spring 2026 sets the stage for a loud Los Angeles spectacle. Celebrity boxing has found a home in the city. Blueface fits naturally within that scene. His presence guarantees debate, attention, and strong ticket demand. This fight will not redefine boxing. It will reinforce Blueface’s image. Fans expect confidence, chaos, and confrontation. He has built his brand on delivering all three. With Blueface’s return to the ring, it remains unknown when he will return to rap with an official single.

Singer Lizzo has entered the conversation surrounding Nicki Minaj’s recent political visibility, offering pointed commentary as debate continues across music, celebrity, and political spaces. Minaj, the rap superstar behind “Barbie World,” has faced growing criticism following her public support of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The scrutiny intensified after Minaj appeared at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she was seen alongside Erika Kirk, a celebrity figure tied to conservative political circles. The appearance sparked widespread reaction online and renewed questions about Minaj’s political alignment. Lizzo addressed the issue during a TikTok exchange that later circulated via PopBase on X. Responding to a fan question about Minaj, Lizzo expanded the discussion beyond one artist. She framed the moment as part of a larger shift among celebrities navigating politics, profit, and public image. According to Lizzo, audiences should expect more unexpected political moves from high-profile figures. She suggested the trend reflects calculation rather than coincidence. “You’re about to see an influx of people who see that it is more profitable and more beneficial to join that side,” Lizzo said. “You’re going to see it. It already started and it’s going to continue.” Lizzo responds to comment asking her thoughts on Nicki Minaj. pic.twitter.com/AyHSLUjHYU — Pop Base (@PopBase) December 25, 2025 She connected the moment to the current political landscape, cautioning fans against assuming the trend will fade quickly. “This is Trump’s first year as president,” Lizzo added. “We got three more years of people who are going to surprise you and it’s going to hurt your feelings. It’s gonna disappoint you.” Lizzo emphasized that wealth, access, and influence often shape public decisions. She encouraged fans to view celebrity politics through that lens. Lizzo Reacts To Nicki Minaj’s Turning Point USA AmericaFest Appearance With Erika Kirk “And you have to know that there’s money behind everything,” she said. “There are privileges behind every move people in these positions make. I’m not surprised.” While Lizzo did not repeatedly mention Minaj by name, the context was unmistakable. Her remarks landed as a critique of celebrity accountability and political branding, particularly when artists engage with organizations like Turning Point USA. The moment highlights ongoing tension within music culture, where artists often build careers rooted in shared identity and values. Political associations can complicate those relationships, especially as fans demand clarity. Lizzo’s comments arrived shortly after she shared news of a personal legal victory, reinforcing a moment of confidence and directness. Rather than expressing outrage, she positioned herself as a realist observing a shifting landscape. As scrutiny around Nicki Minaj, Erika Kirk, and AmericaFest continues, Lizzo’s remarks underscore a broader reckoning. For many fans, separating art from politics may become unavoidable. Lizzo’s message was blunt. More surprises are coming, and disappointment may follow.

It appears that Joe Budden and Nicki Minaj’s long-time association has come to an end following Minaj’s appearance at the latest Turning Point USA event with Erika Kirk. Budden announced the decision on a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast after clips of the event began circulating online. The New Jersey rapper’s co-hosts would agree with the decision. Minaj appeared onstage at the conservative conference alongside Erika Kirk, the wife of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The appearance quickly drew attention across hip-hop and political spaces, prompting debate about Minaj’s increasingly visible alignment with MAGA-affiliated figures. Budden said he received multiple phone calls alerting him to Minaj’s participation before he watched the footage himself. After seeing the clips, he said his response was final. “I’m out. I’m done. That was it,” Budden said. He described the moment as “the last candle on the cake,” signaling the end of any public support or personal engagement. Joe Budden says he is cutting all ties with Nicki Minaj after she appeared on stage with Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest pic.twitter.com/lxV8f8zlt7 — FearBuck (@FearedBuck) December 24, 2025 Budden emphasized that his reaction was not impulsive. He said Minaj had time to consider the implications of appearing at the event and how it would be received by her audience. According to Budden, the optics alone made the decision difficult to reconcile. He also criticized Turning Point USA directly, arguing that its political positions conflict with the values historically associated with Minaj’s music and fan base. “I don’t even know how much of this conversation I could have,” Budden said. “They’re so anti-transgender, which is confusing to me because I’ve been to the Nicki concert.” Joe Budden Says He’s Done With Nicki Minaj After Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest With Erika Kirk Budden said the disconnect between Minaj’s past messaging and the event’s ideology felt impossible to ignore. He described his reaction as disappointment rather than surprise. “Sometimes how y’all move out there does affect how I view you,” he said, adding that he would be “a fool” to believe Minaj had not anticipated backlash. He went further, labeling the appearance “anti-Black” and saying it felt chaotic and out of step with hip-hop culture. Budden framed his decision as a matter of principle rather than publicity. The comments come as Minaj faces growing scrutiny for her recent political signaling. She has not publicly responded to Budden’s remarks or addressed the AmericaFest appearance. As debate continues, the episode underscores broader tensions within hip-hop over politics, identity, and public alignment.

Serena Williams expressed her congratulations to Venus on her recent marriage to Andrea Preti. Taking to Instagram, Serena shared her love for her sister and new brother-in-law. “My sister’s keeper,” Serena began the lengthy caption. “Venus, where do I even begin?” “From the backyard courts to the biggest stages in the world, you’ve always led with grace, strength, and a heart bigger than any trophy. Watching you step into this next chapter surrounded by love felt like watching the sun rise. Steady, powerful, and full of promise,” Serena continued. View this post on Instagram She went on to describe Venus as her best friend. “You’ve been my built-in best friend, my protector, my teacher, and my reminder to always walk in purpose. Seeing you this happy, this loved, this radiant. It means everything to me. To love, to partnership, to laughter, and to a lifetime of choosing each other every single day. I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside you, not just today, but always.” Venus and Andrea Preti have officially said their “I do’s” in two separate weddings. The couple met at a Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week in 2024 and became engaged in early 2025. They first exchanged vows in an intimate, non-legally binding ceremony on September 18 in Ischia, Italy.  “We didn’t have enough time to do the paperwork,” Williams told  Vogue.“Because I’m a foreigner, it can take about eight months. So we decided to have a second wedding.” To finalize their union legally, they hosted a lavish five-day celebration in mid-December 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. The festivities kicked off on Monday with a luxurious yacht day, a gift from Serena. “We were singing, dancing, gossiping, and just enjoying each other,” Venus shared. The week included a boudoir-style bridal shower, an Asian fusion dinner, and a Beyoncé-filled dance party. Then they set off for Miami for an intimate Italian dinner followed by a sports day featuring tennis, volleyball, dodgeball, and pickleball.

Florida rapper and Rick Ross protege Nino Breeze is free on bond after surrendering to federal authorities on a marijuana conspiracy charge, allowing him to spend the holiday season at home while the case proceeds, according to statements from his attorneys. View this post on Instagram Nino Breeze, a Tampa native, turned himself in Monday to U.S. Marshals at the federal courthouse in Tampa. Federal prosecutors charged him with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, a felony offense that carries potential prison exposure if proven at trial. The surrender occurred days before Christmas. Defense attorneys Bradford Cohen and Mark Rankin confirmed that Nino Breeze appeared before a federal judge later the same day. Following the hearing, the court authorized his release on bond. The judge ordered a $100,000 cash bond and required an additional $100,000 in property as collateral to secure his release. During the hearing, the judge addressed the defendant directly, referencing his growing music career and public profile. The court encouraged him to continue pursuing his profession while complying with all court conditions as the case moves forward. The ruling allowed Nino Breeze to return home ahead of the holidays rather than remain in pretrial detention. His attorneys framed the decision as an important step while they prepare their defense. Rick Ross Protege Nino Breeze Arrested In Florida On Marijuana Possession “Nino will be home for Christmas,” Cohen and Rankin said in a statement. “We look forward to examining the evidence and reaching a fruitful resolution through trial.” The charge arrives as Nino Breeze continues to build momentum within the music industry. He is currently signed to Maybach Music Group, the record label founded by rapper Rick Ross. The label released Nino Breeze’s most recent EP earlier this summer, marking a notable milestone in his career. Rick Ross has not commented publicly on the federal case. However, the artist and his label remain central to Nino Breeze’s professional trajectory. The signing positioned the rapper as an emerging figure within Florida’s hip-hop scene. Earlier this year, Nino Breeze and Ross appeared together in a widely circulated interview unrelated to the case. The appearance highlighted their professional relationship amid growing attention around the artist. Federal marijuana conspiracy cases typically turn on evidence of coordination, intent, and distribution activity. Prosecutors must establish participation in an agreement to distribute controlled substances. Defense strategies often focus on challenging the scope of the alleged conspiracy and the reliability of government evidence. Nino Breeze has not issued a public statement regarding the charge. His legal team has remained focused on court proceedings rather than media commentary. For now, the rapper remains free under court supervision. The case remains pending in federal court in Florida.

Nicki Minaj is confronting a backlash that many fans once thought would never touch her. Over the past week, speculation has circulated through hip-hop circles, nightlife spaces, and social media timelines, focusing on her politics and their implications. For a portion of her longtime audience, the break now feels real. Minaj rose as a rap superstar whose early career resonated strongly with queer listeners. Her music projected rebellion, self-expression, and freedom at a time when hip-hop often resisted those themes. That relationship, once central to her cultural power, now appears under strain. Rumors of a growing disconnect between Minaj and parts of her fan base remain unconfirmed, but the reaction has been loud. The tension escalated as Minaj became more publicly aligned with Donald Trump and right-leaning voices. For some fans, that shift erased any benefit of the doubt. The scrutiny intensified after her recent sit-down with the ex-wife of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a figure long criticized in hip-hop and progressive spaces. Soon after, online users resurfaced past clips of Kirk disparaging Minaj. The contrast fueled confusion and anger. Many questioned why Minaj would engage with figures who once dismissed her. The optics alone unsettled listeners who believed her values aligned with theirs. Is Nicki Minaj Banned From LGBTQ Clubs After Turning Point USA? Online chatter suggests some DJs have quietly pulled back on spinning her records in clubs. Others argue her recent releases have struggled to cut through culturally. Those critiques now blend with speculation about a broader pivot in her public strategy. Several LGBTQ-owned venues are said to be responding quietly, avoiding public statements while making internal changes. For many fans, the issue runs deeper than playlists. Some describe a sense of betrayal, arguing Minaj once used coded language, imagery, and alliances that suggested solidarity with queer communities. That history makes her current positioning feel sharper by contrast. Critics have also accused Minaj of antagonism toward Black women, immigrants, and queer people. Those claims dominate online discourse. Comparisons have surfaced to artists like Kid Rock, who faced similar accusations of benefiting from hip-hop culture before embracing politics seen as hostile to it. Minaj has not publicly addressed the criticism. Few observers expect an apology tour. Many believe she understands the stakes and is choosing her lane. In hip-hop, loyalty carries weight. When that bond breaks, it is hard to rebuild. Nicki Minaj once stood as a symbol of fearlessness for millions. Now, her legacy faces competing narratives. How she navigates this moment may shape the future of her career.

Eager to retire at 35, Ice Spice has her sights set on making mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money in 2026, according to her latest interview. On Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, host Andy Cohen asked the Bronx rap star to share a New Year’s resolution, and the Bronx rapper offered a blunt response. “Just make more money,” she said. In 2026 Kate Hudson wants to read, and Ice Spice wants to make more money! #WWHL pic.twitter.com/nOSRwqBIu0 — Watch What Happens Live! (@BravoWWHL) December 23, 2025 The remark drew laughter from her fellow guest, actor Kate Hudson, and from Cohen. “That is real,” Cohen replied. Ice Spice did not retreat. “No, I’m deadass,” she said, addressing the seriousness behind the joke. At 25, Ice Spice has already established herself as one of rap’s most visible new figures, with chart success and a sharply defined public persona. Now, she is extending her ambitions beyond music. Acting has become a central focus, marking a deliberate expansion of her creative footprint. Earlier this year, Ice Spice made her film debut in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, appearing as Marisol Cepeda. The role introduced her to a wider cinematic audience and placed her within a lineage of artists Lee has used to reflect contemporary culture. The performance suggested a growing ease on screen, even in her first major role. Ice Spice Wants To Make More Money In 2026 That expansion continued through voice acting. Ice Spice voiced a character in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, which opened in theaters last week. She also contributed an original song, “Big Guy,” to the film’s soundtrack. At the premiere, she arrived in a sheer white lace dress and a bright pink wig, an ensemble that matched both the franchise’s whimsy and her own visual brand. Speaking later on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Ice Spice described the lengthy process behind the song. “This was probably the hundredth draft,” she said. She explained that the film’s narrative required discipline. “The whole premise of the film is about SpongeBob becoming a ‘big guy,’” she said. The revisions, she said, were worth the effort. The final version became her favorite, shaped by repetition and restraint. Together, Ice Spice’s remarks and recent projects reflect a carefully managed ascent. Financial ambition remains explicit, but so does creative curiosity. Music launched her career. Film and animation now offer a wider horizon, one she appears intent on claiming, directly and on her own terms.

Attorney General Letitia James will have the honor of swearing in Zohran Mamdani, the next mayor of New York City. According to CBS News, James and Senator Bernie Sanders will swear in Mamdani at the offcial ceremony. “It’s an honor to swear in Zohran alongside his family,” James said. “He ran a campaign that brought together New Yorkers around the universal idea that we should all be able to afford to live in our city. I look forward to working with him. And his administration to deliver on that vision as we keep all New Yorkers safe.” Sanders will then give the oath of office at Mamdani’s public swearing-in ceremony. “At a moment when democracy is under attack and cynicism about our politics runs deep, Zohran Mamdani represents a new generation of progressive leadership rooted in courage, integrity and solidarity,” Sanders said. “His victory is not just about one city or one election, it is about the strength of a working-class movement that says unequivocally: the future of New York belongs to the people, not the billionaire class. It is my honor to swear him in as the next mayor of New York City.” ​Mamdani expressed his gratitude for having James and Sanders swear him in. ​”It is an honor to be sworn in by two leaders I have admired for years: Attorney General Tish James and Senator Bernie Sanders. Attorney General James has taken on powerful interests in her defense of New Yorkers. And embodied the principle of equal justice before the law,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Senator Bernie Sanders laid the foundations for our movement with his steadfast commitment to the dignity of working people. His belief in a government that serves the many, not just the few. I can think of no better leaders to help usher in a new era for New York City.” The ceremony starts at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day and takes place at City Hall. CBS News New York will stream the ceremony live.