Clive Davis, one of music’s most powerful executives in hip-hop and R&B, was briefly hospitalized in New York City after developing an upper respiratory infection, according to a spokesperson. The spokesperson said Davis, 94, was admitted to a hospital “out of an abundance of caution” and was expected to be released within 24 hours. The hospitalization occurred less than a week after he attended the Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction in Manhattan, where he appeared in good spirits. View this post on Instagram For more than six decades, Clive Davis has occupied a singular place in American music. Few executives have exercised comparable influence over the careers of recording artists or the direction of popular music. His work has spanned generations, from the rock revolution of the 1960s to the contemporary pop era. Davis began his ascent in 1967 when he became president of CBS Records. During that period, he signed artists who would become foundational figures in American music, including Janis Joplin and Santana. He later played a key role in the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, and Billy Joel, helping establish Columbia Records as one of the industry’s dominant labels. Clive Davis, Whitney Houston & Alicia Keys Executive, Hospitalized In New York City After leaving CBS Records in 1973, he led Arista Records, where he continued to identify and cultivate major talent. His roster included Patti Smith, the Kinks, and the Grateful Dead. He also guided the careers of Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick during pivotal stages of their professional lives. Perhaps no discovery became more closely associated with Mr. Davis than Whitney Houston, whom he signed in 1983. Their partnership produced one of the most successful careers in popular music history. In 2000, he founded J Records and continued mentoring emerging artists, including Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and Kelly Clarkson. That same year, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer, recognizing his contributions behind the scenes. Beyond the boardroom, Davis became known for his annual Grammy-week gathering, a fixture of the music calendar. Reflecting on the event earlier this year, he said: “Well, it’s exciting because it’s as star-filled as ever, if not more. But it’s the emotion of people looking forward to it that keeps me on my toes.” Though the hospitalization prompted concern, those close to Davis indicated the episode was temporary. His legacy, meanwhile, remains firmly embedded in the history of American music.

Brooklyn rapper Maino is pushing back against Complex’s recently released Top 50 Greatest New York City Rappers of All-Time list after noticing one name missing from the ranking: Kool G Rap. In a viral video posted on May 29, Maino questioned how one of hip-hop’s most influential lyricists could be excluded from a list celebrating New York rap greatness. The veteran MC argued that Kool G Rap’s impact on the genre extends far beyond album sales, chart positions, or mainstream visibility. “This one guy is the godfather of New York City street rap,” Maino said. “There’s not one artist in New York City that’s never inspired by Kool G Rap.” Maino reacts to Complex top 50 best New York rappers of all time saying Kool G Rap is the most disrespected rapper of all time: “This one guy is the godfather of New York City street rap, there’s not one artist in New York City that’s never inspired by Kool G Rap, I never seen a… https://t.co/iosqMTjasL pic.twitter.com/I2TTdmrc5d — Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) May 29, 2026 The comments quickly resonated across social media, where many hip-hop fans echoed his frustration. For decades, Kool G Rap has been regarded as one of rap’s most technically gifted writers. Emerging from Queens during hip-hop’s golden era, he helped pioneer the vivid street storytelling. His intricate rhyme structures and crime-focused narratives later became staples of East Coast rap. Before Nas, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent dominated the culture, Kool G Rap was crafting cinematic tales that influenced an entire generation. Brooklyn Rapper Maino Slams Complex For Exclusion Of Kool G Rap From Greatest NYC Rapper List Maino suggested that the omission reflects a larger problem with all-time rankings. In his view, lists often prioritize commercial success and popularity over artistic influence and cultural significance. “I never seen a list that ever had Kool G Rap,” Maino said, expressing disbelief at what he sees as a recurring oversight. While Kool G Rap never achieved the commercial heights of some rap superstars, his influence remains widely acknowledged. Many credit him with helping shape the lyrical style that became synonymous with New York street rap. Maino closed his argument by emphasizing the respect Kool G Rap commands within the culture. “Everybody listens to him knows how much he meant to the culture,” he said. The debate has since reignited discussions about how hip-hop history should be measured. For Maino, the issue goes beyond rankings. His comments educate hip-hop fans on the foundational figures like Kool G Rap. The comments recognize the blueprint that countless New York rappers later followed.

Rapper Stunna Girl, real name Suzanne Sade Brown, was arrested in North Carolina on an outstanding failure-to-appear warrant tied to a criminal case that has remained pending since 2017, according TMZ. The recording artist, whose legal name has not been identified in publicly available records related to the arrest, was taken into custody Thursday night by the Mooresville Police Department during a traffic stop in Mooresville, North Carolina. This would eat as a album cover https://t.co/5xnGh5Vdbo — Stunna Girl News (@stunnagirlnews) May 29, 2026 Authorities said officers stopped a black-and-white Mercedes and subsequently discovered an active warrant connected to a prior criminal proceeding. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the reason for the traffic stop. Following her arrest, Stunna Girl was booked into the Iredell County Detention Center on the outstanding warrant. Jail records indicate she secured release several hours later after posting a $3,500 bond. Rapper Stunna Girl Responds To North Carolina Mugshot Going Viral Court records show the warrant stemmed from an unresolved 2017 case in which prosecutors charged the rapper with trespassing and resisting a public officer. Records further indicate that she allegedly failed to appear in court on multiple occasions, prompting the issuance of the warrant that remained active until her recent arrest. The matter is scheduled to return to court on July 28, when proceedings in the nearly eight-year-old case are expected to continue. The arrest generated significant attention online after media outlets published the rapper’s booking photograph. Stunna Girl appeared to address the situation on social media shortly after her release. “This would eat as a album cover,” she wrote on X. The post quickly circulated across social media platforms. It drew reactions from supporters and critics alike while the underlying criminal matter remains pending. Despite the arrest, the rapper has continued her professional commitments. Publicly available event listings indicate she remains scheduled to perform Saturday at Crybaby nightclub in Oakland, California. Stunna Girl’s popularity has been steadily rising throughout 2026. She’s been constantly sought out by the biggest names in hip-hop streamers since her viral moment with rapper Blueface.

Young M.A. sits down with Mero and the Mornings With Mero crew to talk about her highly anticipated sophomore album Kween (out May 29th via MA Music), what it means to be independently successful while owning her masters and publishing, and how she powered through years of writer’s block to get back in the studio. She breaks down the inspiration behind the album title, her recording process at home, working with Tory Lanez on “Gal Dem” featuring the Sister Nancy sample, the fan-favorite “On Her Body,” and why she’s never felt the urge to sign with a major label. Plus — she opens up about acting plans with 50 Cent, her love of reggae and R&B, and what it feels like when the crowd knows every bar.

Rapper Sexyy Red doesn’t play about her obsession with Chicago hip-hop star Chief Keef, and pop star Katy Perry has been warned. Chief Keef and Katy Perry linked up in person on Thursday for the first time ever since they had their infamous 2013 beef. Social media made the video of Perry and Keef hugging and hanging out in an apparent practice studio go viral. Enters Sexyy Red. Sexyy Red not feeling Katy Perry being all over Chief Keef: “Watch out gang” pic.twitter.com/SrhlyK5U8o — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) May 29, 2026 After seeing the clip circulate online, Sexyy Red dropped a comment that instantly sent fans into detective mode: “Katy u koo but watch out gang.” On the surface, it sounded like a warning. In reality, fans treated it like classic Sexyy Red comedy. Rapper Sexyy Red Reacts To Katy Perry & Chief Keef’s Cozy Meeting Like A Hip-Hop Star Would The rapper has spent years publicly celebrating Chief Keef. She has praised him in interviews, referenced him on social media, and repeatedly made it clear that the Chicago legend ranks among her favorite artists. At various points, she has even joked about having a crush on him. That history transformed a simple Instagram comment into one of hip-hop’s funniest moments of the week. Fans quickly interpreted the remark as mock jealousy rather than genuine concern. The internet responded exactly how expected, filling comment sections with jokes about Sexyy Red protecting her longtime rap crush. The timing made the moment even funnier. Few people predicted Katy Perry and Chief Keef would ever become collaborators after their 2013 dispute. Fewer still expected Sexyy Red to insert herself into the reunion. In true hip-hop fashion, one hug turned into a viral storyline. And thanks to Sexyy’s comment, fans are now joking that Katy Perry may have recorded a song with Chief Keef, but she still has to clear things with his most loyal supporter first.

Detroit rapper Allstar JR faces a felony prosecution in Harris County after Texas authorities accused him of critically injuring fellow rapper NBA Ben10 during a shooting inside a Houston restaurant earlier this year. Court records identify the defendant as Jeremy Christopher Ford, 36, who performs professionally as Allstar JR. Prosecutors charged Ford with aggravated assault causing traumatic brain or spine injury in connection with the April 8 shooting at Confessions, a restaurant near Kirby Drive and the Southwest Freeway in Houston’s Upper Kirby area. The alleged victim, rapper Ben Anthony Fields, known publicly as NBA Ben10, suffered severe spinal injuries during the incident, according to investigators and medical personnel cited in court filings. Houston police reported that Fields was discovered with a gunshot wound after violence erupted inside the venue. Medical staff later informed investigators that the injuries left Fields without sensation below the waist. Authorities now believe the paralysis affecting his lower body could be permanent. The Harris County prosecution adds to Ford’s mounting legal troubles. Detroit Rapper Allstar JR Faces New Charges In NBA Ben10’s Houston Shooting Case Federal agents arrested the Detroit rapper in Michigan during late April after prosecutors charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. That federal case remains pending. Investigators allege the Houston shooting began after several individuals confronted Ford inside the restaurant and attempted to rob him of jewelry, including chains he was wearing at the time. According to police, the confrontation escalated rapidly when multiple people joined the altercation. Authorities alleged Ford was assaulted by members of the crowd before he allegedly produced a handgun and fired several shots. Two men reportedly suffered critical injuries during the shooting. Officials have not publicly identified the second victim. The case attracted widespread attention across hip-hop circles because both artists maintain significant ties to rap culture. Allstar JR built his reputation through Detroit street rap releases and collaborations with Midwest artists. NBA Ben10 gained visibility through his music career and association with rapper NBA YoungBoy. Neither Ford nor his attorneys publicly addressed the Harris County allegations. The investigation remains active as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence tied to the restaurant shooting. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges or arrests. Ford remains in custody while both the federal firearm prosecution and Harris County criminal case proceed through the court system.

The legacy of Houston hip-hop pioneer DJ Screw is finally reaching streaming platforms in full. Beginning May 29, the estate of the late producer will officially release his original catalog through DJ Screw and Hitmaker Distro, starting with DJ Screw Originals Vol. 1. New volumes will continue arriving weekly during the next five weeks. For Southern rap fans, the release marks a historic moment. Long before streaming changed music consumption, DJ Screw’s tapes moved through Houston streets by hand. His mixes circulated through local neighborhoods, flea markets, mixtape shops, and car stereos across Texas. That underground movement helped create one of hip-hop’s most influential regional sounds. Born Robert Earl Davis Jr., DJ Screw revolutionized rap during the early 1990s through his signature “chopped and screwed” style. The sound slowed records down dramatically while layering chopped vocals, deep basslines, and hypnotic transitions. The result became synonymous with Houston rap culture. Over time, chopped and screwed evolved far beyond Texas. The production style later influenced mainstream hip-hop, trap music, R&B, and psychedelic rap. Artists across multiple generations borrowed elements from DJ Screw’s atmospheric approach. His influence can still be heard throughout modern Southern production today. Houston’s DJ Screw’s Music Hits DSPs On Friday Despite that cultural impact, much of DJ Screw’s official catalog remained absent from major streaming services for years. Fans often depended on rare cassette tapes, unofficial uploads, and archived recordings to revisit his music. Now, the estate plans to preserve the catalog for a new era of listeners. “This is for the fans who’ve always known and for those discovering him now,” the DJ Screw Estate said in a statement. “From a local legend to a global icon, his catalog will now be accessible everywhere keeping his legacy alive one stream at a time.” The announcement immediately sparked reactions throughout hip-hop communities online. Many longtime fans described the release as overdue considering DJ Screw’s lasting impact on rap production and Southern music culture. More than two decades after his death in 2000, DJ Screw’s presence still defines Houston nightlife, car culture, fashion, and music. Younger producers continue studying the sound he pioneered while artists across genres reference his influence regularly. For many listeners, this streaming rollout represents more than nostalgia. It preserves a cornerstone of hip-hop history.

Is Drake’s new number one single, “Janice STFU,” a diss towards his longtime rival Joe Budden? Fans think so and have evidence to back it up. The record exploded across streaming platforms shortly after ICEMAN dropped, quickly becoming one of the project’s biggest songs alongside HABIBTI and MAID OF HONOUR. Drake also dominated the Billboard Hot 100 with 42 charting records, continuing one of the strongest commercial runs of his career. Still, much of the online conversation shifted toward Joe Budden. No way Joe Budden many years back his “given white woman name is Janice” Damn, Janice STFU pic.twitter.com/HM6HfvKtRm — Hip-Hop Unison (@hiphopunison) May 27, 2026 The theory gained momentum after an older clip from The Joe Budden Podcast resurfaced online. During the segment, Budden joked that his “given white woman name is Janice.” Seconds later, he told his co-hosts to “shut the f*ck up.” Fans immediately connected both phrases to Drake’s song title. The timing fueled widespread speculation across social media. Is Drake’s “Janice STFU” An Insult Towards Joe Budden? Many listeners believe the title was intentional, especially considering Drake’s history of coded references and layered disses. Throughout his career, the OVO rapper has built a reputation for embedding subtle shots inside lyrics, captions, interviews, and song titles. Hip-hop fans regularly dissect his music for hidden meanings aimed at rivals and critics. Neither Drake nor Budden has publicly addressed the theory. However, the tension between both figures stretches back years. Budden frequently criticized Drake’s music and artistic direction during episodes of The Joe Budden Podcast. Drake later responded through social media posts and records many fans viewed as direct attacks. Listeners also pointed toward Drake’s song “Make Them Remember,” where he appeared to reference Budden more openly. Whether “Janice STFU” truly targets the former Slaughterhouse rapper remains unconfirmed. Even so, the resurfaced podcast clip intensified discussion around ICEMAN and added another layer to Drake’s latest chart-topping moment. Now, hip-hop fans are waiting to see whether Budden addresses the rumors on his podcast. Given their history, many expect a response sooner rather than later.

Rapper Erica Banks shared a surprising social media confession during a recent appearance on Respectfully The Justin LaBoy Show, revealing that fellow rapper Sexyy Red has apparently blocked her online. The unexpected revelation surfaced while host Justin LaBoy asked Banks which female artists she still hopes to collaborate with. The Dallas rapper immediately listed several names she admires, including Summer Walker, Sexyy Red, and Jhené Aiko. “I have not worked with Summer Walker. I have not worked with Sexyy Red,” Banks said during the interview. “They’re my top two right now. Summer Walker and Sexyy Red. Oh, and Jhené Aiko. Yeah. I love her.” “I’m blocked and I f**k with Sexyy Red” – Erica Banks names Sexyy Red as one of the women she’d collab with and thinks they mutually support each other, but doesn’t know why Sexyy has her blocked : @JustinLaboy : https://t.co/ReQiljh4Uj pic.twitter.com/VvtU06UM6q — Block Topickz (@BlockTopickz) May 28, 2026 The conversation quickly turned once Sexyy Red’s name returned to the discussion. Banks revealed she remains puzzled by the rapper’s social media behavior because she still sees signs of support online despite the apparent block. “But Sexyy Red, I don’t know what it is with Sexyy Red,” Banks explained. “Sister, when you see this, sister, I be seeing, like, when I be in the blogs and stuff, like, you f**k with me.” Rapper Erica Banks Says Sexyy Red Blocked Her On Social Media Banks stressed that she does not believe genuine tension exists between them. Instead, she sounded more confused than upset while discussing the situation. “But sister, you got me blocked,” she added. The studio reacted with visible surprise. Banks continued trying to make sense of the situation, joking that someone close to Sexyy Red might have accidentally blocked her. “I don’t know if one of your homegirls took your phone one day and was like, ‘f**k this b*tchh,’” Banks said with a laugh. LaBoy hinted there could be more to the story, though Banks insisted she remains unaware of any personal issue between them. The moment quickly spread across social media, where fans debated the mystery block and speculated about what may have caused it. Despite the confusion, Banks made one thing clear throughout the interview: she still hopes to collaborate with Sexyy Red someday.

In 2013, Drake found himself pulled into a highly visible moment on social media as Gucci Mane’s Twitter activity began to unravel in real time. What unfolded online felt immediate, even chaotic. However, its context only became clearer years later. Gucci’s later reflections would frame that period as one shaped by addiction and instability. These issues were not visible in the moment. His posts reached far beyond a single target, touching other major names in hip-hop, including Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross. Frustration spilled across his feed. “Tell drake he a true male groupie. I don’t need u u 2 much a, sissy stop tryin b me,” In the noise of that timeline, the message arrived without the distance or filter that might have softened it elsewhere. At the time, the exchange circulated in a digital space built for speed rather than reflection. Context often lagged behind reaction. Gucci Mane would later describe the period as one defined by addiction and a lack of stability. This combination ultimately led to incarceration and forced pause. From Prison to Accountability: A Quiet Exchange with Drake He was sentenced to three years and three months at Terre Haute Penitentiary. This stretch marked a turning point in both his career and personal life. After his release in 2016, he began rebuilding his routine around sobriety and therapy. Part of that process involved reaching out to people from his past. “I said some b####### about Drake, text him some crazy stuff. But I was going through an episode, so I kind of had to hit him back and be like, ‘I’m sorry about that. I was going through something,’” Those conversations, according to him, were less about resolution than acknowledgment. “Man, you know we going to get past that. Brothers go through stuff.” That brief exchange has since been cited as a quiet example of how accountability and restraint can shift the tone of public disputes altogether.