WWE superstar Cody Rhodes is comparing modern wrestling promos to rap battles, arguing that today’s microphone exchanges sometimes prioritize punchlines over storytelling. During a recent appearance on the Flagrant podcast, Rhodes watched an old promo featuring wrestling veteran JBL alongside host Andrew Schulz and his crew. The footage sparked a discussion about how wrestlers deliver insults and build compelling rivalries. “Promos have really become rap battles now,” Rhodes said. “What do you got in your pocket, you know what I mean? You got these zingers on one another.” Although Rhodes appreciates a memorable one-liner, he believes effective promos require performers to work together. Rather than constantly trying to outshine each other, wrestlers should create opportunities for their opponents to deliver powerful moments. WWE superstar Cody Rhodes Claims Today’s Promos Are Like Rap Battles “Those are fun, but I feel like a really proper — a giving partner in those segments is the one that lets you say all the cool stuff,” he explained. The WWE champion also emphasized that a great promo does not always need flashy insults. Sometimes, direct dialogue creates a stronger connection with audiences. “This is just a promo that’s not cool, it’s direct,” Rhodes said. “Nothing cool about that.” Rhodes further explained how wrestling villains can build compelling characters without relying on outright lies. “Just the idea that a bad guy isn’t necessarily telling falsehoods either, he might be telling you the truth,” he said. “It’s the way he’s telling you, it’s the grinding of an axe. It’s really complicated, it really is.” His comments highlight the balance between authenticity, character development and verbal sparring in professional wrestling. Rhodes’ discussion of rap battles also connects wrestling’s tradition of lyrical warfare with hip-hop culture. Both formats reward sharp delivery, memorable lines and the ability to command an audience. Meanwhile, Rhodes has another connection to pop culture through his involvement in the upcoming Street Fighter film. The WWE star is part of the video game adaptation’s cast, expanding his presence beyond the wrestling ring. Elsewhere on Flagrant, Rhodes discussed Dominik Mysterio and Solo Sikoa, including their leadership roles within WWE’s locker room.

R&B singer Nivea is sharing encouraging news about her health after revealing that her chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is in remission. The “Laundromat” singer, 44, became emotional while discussing the milestone during an appearance on The Tamron Hall Show Wednesday (Oct. 7). Reflecting on the unexpected progress in her cancer journey, Nivea expressed gratitude for the positive update. “I’m very grateful,” she said, admitting she “couldn’t believe” how quickly things had changed since her diagnosis. Nivea first revealed she had leukemia in July 2026. The mother of four explained that doctors performed two bone marrow biopsies before confirming she had chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. Since learning of her diagnosis, the singer has navigated treatment while managing difficult side effects. Although her medication has been working, Nivea said she has experienced fatigue and bleeding. She also revealed she is dealing with uterine fibroids. R&B Singer Nivea Shares She’s In Remission For Her Leukemia Diagnosis Despite the challenges, Nivea remains focused on taking her health journey “day by day.” She has continued making music and raising her children while adjusting to the demands of treatment. The singer has also expressed appreciation for the prayers, encouragement and support she has received from fans and loved ones. Their kindness has helped her navigate this unexpected chapter. Nivea’s latest announcement marks an encouraging development just months after she first shared her diagnosis publicly. While remission is welcome news, it does not necessarily mean the cancer has been cured. People living with CML may still require ongoing treatment and monitoring. For Nivea, the milestone offers a reason to celebrate while continuing to prioritize her health and family. Her emotional response also reflects the uncertainty that can accompany a cancer diagnosis and the relief of receiving positive news. As she moves forward, the singer remains committed to embracing each day with gratitude and focusing on what matters most.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad following his recent release from the New York Giants. Reunited with head coach Kevin O’Connell from their Super Bowl run with the Rams, the veteran wideout brings proven depth and scheme familiarity to a Minnesota offense seeking stability while Justin Jefferson recovers from an ankle injury. NFL.com reported that Beckham was released just three weeks into the season after being targeted only once across 20 snap counts, finishing his brief return to New York without a catch. ​ Beckham Jr. established himself as one of the most dynamic wide receivers of his era. He wielded a combination of elite athleticism, highlight-reel skill, and historic production. Drafted 12th overall in 2014 by the New York Giants out of LSU—where he won the 2013 Paul Hornung Award as college football’s most versatile player. Beckham took the NFL by storm, capturing the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award despite playing only 12 games. He also made history by becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 200 career receptions and 3,000 receiving yards. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2014–2016) and two second-team All-Pro honors while captivating fans with iconic plays. His legendary one-handed touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys is an all-time classic. ​Over his career, Beckham surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in five different seasons. He reached the ultimate peak of team success as a key contributor to the Los Angeles Rams’ victory in Super Bowl LVI. ​Taking a low-risk gamble on Beckham makes sense for a Minnesota offense that has sputtered under Kyler Murray. The move reunites him with head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was the Rams’ offensive coordinator during their 2021 Super Bowl run. While it’s uncertain how much the 33-year-old veteran has left in the tank, Minnesota is giving him one more opportunity to prove he can still contribute.

Representatives Drake are moving swiftly to dispel internet rumors suggesting he is the father of singer Keshia Chanté’s unborn child. The speculation erupted online shortly after Chanté announced her pregnancy on Tuesday, prompting a direct response from the hip-hop star’s inner circle. Melissa Nathan, a representative for Drake, addressed the viral claims in a statement to TMZ, asserting that the team can “completely and unequivocally deny” the reports. Nathan characterized the paternity rumors as “inaccurate” and total fabrications. The rumors began to swirl following Chanté’s formal pregnancy reveal in an article with Hello! magazine. The singer-songwriter shared stunning maternity photos and confirmed she is expecting a baby boy. View this post on Instagram While Chanté expressed excitement for the new chapter involving both “Mommy & Daddy,” she chose to keep the identity of her partner private, leaving a vacuum that social media users quickly filled with Drake’s name. The connection between the two artists is rooted in a well-documented history. Drake and Chanté dated during their teenage years in Toronto, and the “Hotline Bling” rapper has frequently referred to her as his first girlfriend. Despite their romantic past ending years ago, the two have remained close friends and have occasionally appeared in one another’s social media posts, fueling long-standing fan theories about their relationship. Drake, born Aubrey Graham, has been open about his journey into fatherhood in the past. He famously confirmed he had a son, Adonis, with Sophie Brussaux on his 2018 album “Scorpion” after the news was leaked during a high-profile rap feud. However, his camp insists that there is no secret child on the way this time. Chanté has not yet responded to the intense speculation regarding her child’s father. As of Wednesday, Drake’s team has made it clear that fans should look elsewhere when guessing the father’s identity.

Sunny Hostin received some pointed advice from Cynthia Erivo after her controversial remarks about the so-called “Cornell 7.” The “View” co-host revealed Erivo personally called her after seeing a viral clip from the daytime talk show. Hostin discussed their conversation during the Oct. 5 episode of “The View: Behind the Table” podcast. Erivo and Hostin are friends and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. According to Hostin, Erivo called from Paris after watching part of the controversial discussion. “Sis, I know you, and I know your heart,” Erivo told her, according to Hostin. Erivo reportedly told Hostin that the viral clip did not reflect the person she knows. The actress also challenged Hostin to reconsider how she delivers difficult legal analysis. Instead of beginning with legal technicalities, Erivo encouraged Hostin to first acknowledge the emotions surrounding sexual assault allegations. Hostin said Erivo’s advice ultimately changed how she approached the conversation when the subject returned to “The View.” Hostin faced backlash over her legal analysis The controversy began after Hostin addressed allegations involving former and current Cornell University fraternity members. A woman identified as Jane Doe alleges she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. She filed a civil lawsuit in September against Cornell, several former students, the fraternity and other defendants. No criminal charges have been filed against the men accused in the lawsuit. During an earlier “View” discussion, Hostin focused heavily on New York law and the accuser’s original statements. Hostin is a former federal prosecutor who previously handled sex crimes. She explained that voluntary intoxication does not automatically establish an inability to consent under New York law. “There is no way, according to her statement in 2024, that any prosecutor would’ve brought forth a case,” Hostin said. The remarks quickly drew criticism online. Some viewers accused Hostin of blaming the alleged victim or appearing overly sympathetic toward the accused men. Hostin later pushed back against that interpretation. She said she was explaining why prosecutors may have struggled to pursue the case under existing state law. “I apply the facts as I know them to the law,” Hostin explained on the podcast. Hostin also argued that New York’s legal standard needs to change. Erivo urges Hostin to lead with empathy Erivo’s criticism focused less on Hostin’s legal explanation and more on how she presented it. Hostin said Erivo encouraged her to make audiences feel heard before moving into legal analysis. “Instead of leading with the law, I need to lead with empathy,” Hostin recalled. Hostin acknowledged that her naturally direct communication style may have affected how her original comments were received. The controversy comes as the Cornell case receives renewed national scrutiny. Hundreds of students recently protested Cornell’s handling of the sexual assault allegations. Cornell has said its investigation resulted in sanctions that included expulsions and suspensions. The university also permanently banned the Chi Phi chapter from campus. New York Attorney General Letitia James is now overseeing a renewed criminal investigation into the allegations. Cornell has also brought in former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates for an independent review. The review will examine Cornell’s response to sexual misconduct complaints and its oversight of student organizations. For Hostin, Erivo’s call appears to have offered another lesson beyond the legal debate. Knowing the law and effectively explaining it can be two different things. Hostin said she still stands by her criticism of New York’s consent laws. However, she now appears to agree that compassion must be part of how that argument is delivered.

Lil Wayne has confirmed that he and Drake possess a massive vault of unreleased music that could eventually be shared with the public. During a recent appearance on “The Joint Venture Show,” the Young Money founder detailed the extensive backlog of songs the two hip-hop titans have recorded over the last decade. The Grammy-winning rapper noted that the archive is not merely a collection of recent scraps but includes significant work dating back to at least 2014. Wayne explained that he frequently revisits these older recordings to see how they hold up against modern production standards. “We have a whole bunch of unreleased material,” Wayne said during the interview. “I go through stuff every other day, just going down the drive and going through the files. We have music from 2014 and 2015. Like, really unheard stuff.” The process of bringing these tracks to life remains active, according to the “A Milli” rapper. Wayne said he often takes the initiative to refresh the older tracks before sending them to the Toronto superstar to reignite interest in their completion. He noted that he will “edit stuff up” and send new versions directly to Drake’s phone to gauge his reaction. According to Wayne, Drake remains enthusiastic about their collaborative history, often responding to the updated files by asking when the music will officially debut. Despite this mutual excitement, a full-length joint project has remained elusive for the duo for more than 10 years. The two artists last appeared together on the 2021 track “You Only Live Twice” from Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” album, as well as Nicki Minaj’s “Seeing Green” that same year. While rumors of a collaborative album have circulated since 2011, the rappers previously suggested that other high-profile industry releases, such as Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne,” influenced their decision to delay a full-length partnership. Wayne emphasized that their creative relationship is still defined by a healthy sense of rivalry. He said they continue to swap verses and make adjustments when one artist feels the other has delivered a superior performance on a specific track. Whether these vault tracks will form a new album or be released as singles remains to be seen.

Russell Westbrook will be honored by the city of Los Angeles for his remarkable career and community work. City Councilwoman Heather Hutt (District 10) will present a Council certificate to Russell on Friday, honoring his retirement from professional basketball and his ongoing dedication to empowering local youth and communities. Across an 18-season career, Westbrook compiled a legendary resume. A nine-time All-NBA selection, two-time scoring champion, and three-time assists leader, he averaged a triple-double in four out of five seasons between 2016 and 2021. He retires as the NBA’s all-time regular-season triple-double leader with 209—surpassing Oscar Robertson’s long-standing record of 181 on May 10, 2021.  He also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, the Denver Nuggets, and the Sacramento Kings. A native of Los Angeles, Westbrook attended UCLA and later played for the Lakers and Clippers. He started the Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which “aims to create pathways of empowerment for underserved communities in the areas of educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources.”  Westbrook confirmed his retirement on social media in August.  “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” Westbrook’s caption read. “You had to be there. And now it’s over. According to ESPN, Westbrook “had offers this offseason with the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards.” Instead, he leaves the game on his own terms.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said Westbrook laid the “foundation” for what the Thunder have become.  “He’s as dynamic as they come in terms of an NBA player, personality, and teammate. Westbrook was the whole package and laid the foundation we stand on now,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Part of the reason why this city is what it is is because of Russell Westbrook. He deserves all of those flowers.” The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. local time in City Hall. 

Freddie Jackson, the Grammy-nominated R&B crooner whose velvety baritone defined the “quiet storm” radio format of the 1980s, died Monday night. He was 70. Jackson’s death was confirmed Tuesday through a statement posted to his verified Instagram. While a specific cause of death was not immediately disclosed, the announcement noted that the singer passed away on Oct. 5, just three days after celebrating his 70th birthday. “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Freddie Jackson,” the family’s statement read. The memorial described Jackson as a “generous soul” who maintained a deep, lifelong connection with his global fan base. Born in Harlem in 1956, Jackson began his musical journey in the church before rising to international stardom in the mid-1980s. His 1985 debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” catapulted him to the top of the charts. The title track, “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart, while the follow-up single, “You Are My Lady,” became his signature song and a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Jackson’s dominance continued throughout the decade with a string of hits including “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody” and “Jam Tonight.” His sophisticated style and polished production made him a staple of romantic playlists, earning him 10 No. 1 R&B singles over the course of his career. He often collaborated with other soul luminaries, most notably topping the charts with Melba Moore on their duet “A Little Bit More.” In the statement released Tuesday, his family expressed gratitude to the millions of listeners who supported his decades-long career. “To everyone who ever sang along, danced, or felt something when Freddie took the stage: thank you,” the family said. Jackson is remembered by peers and fans alike for his ability to convey intimacy and vulnerability without oversinging.  His work remains a cornerstone of classic soul music, frequently sampled by hip-hop artists and played at weddings and celebrations around the world. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks are still far apart on a contract extension. ​Currently, Towns has a $61 million player option for next season and is eligible to sign a four-year, $276 million extension. The two sides are not even close, with the Knicks’ offer so far in the $45 million to $50 million per year range. ​On Monday, Towns shared his perspective on his contract situation. ​”It don’t look good,” Towns said about the chances of getting a new contract in place before the start of the regular season. ​When Towns was asked if he thought that winning the championships would make his contract extension a “slam dunk,” he had an interesting response. ​”No s—, Sherlock,” Towns said. “I just won a championship. You’d think it was pretty easy. Unless you guys [reporters] think I have something else to prove.” “I’ve made it known I wanna play here. … I would like to get one done, of course… so I can step on the court and feel as comfortable as possible.” Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns on extension talks. (via @jschwartz115)pic.twitter.com/66ooge2XJ5 — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 28, 2026 Keeping the Knicks’ core intact—and handing Jalen Brunson a max deal while dodging the second apron—will require financial sacrifices across the roster. Karl-Anthony Towns says he is open to taking a pay cut to help the cause, provided his contract still reflects what he and the team have built over the last two years. “Simply put, I want to do something that can keep the team together and work with the Knicks and also values me,” Towns said. “None of those things have come close to happening.” ​Towns proved to be the missing piece for New York, anchoring the interior and spacing the floor to power the Knicks to the 2026 NBA Championship. He led the franchise’s first title in 53 years. Serving as a dynamic inside-out threat alongside Jalen Brunson, Towns elevated the Knicks’ offense with his elite perimeter shooting and double-double production, providing the elite frontcourt versatility needed to snap New York’s historic championship drought. ​”I’ve made it known I want to play here,” Towns said on Media Day. “I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. I’d like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible.”

In his  memoir, The Perilous Fight, Colin Kaepernick offers a behind-the-scenes look at his evolution. Kaepernick traces his journey from a childhood navigating racial identity to the rigid institutional controls of professional football, detailing how corporate structures continually sought to police his expression and individuality. Here are some of the biggest reveals from his book. Encountered Racism As a Child At eight years old in Turlock, California, Colin Kaepernick was tied to a tree by older white playmates who shouted racist slurs at him until a neighbor intervened—an ordeal he kept hidden from his adoptive parents. Early racial tensions also surfaced at home; when young Colin idolized Allen Iverson, his mother dismissed the star as a “thug,” leaving Kaepernick intuitively disturbed by the racially charged comment but unable to express why.  He almost Fought his His College Coach During his time at Nevada, Colin Kaepernick had a tense relationship with head coach Chris Ault. After enduring ongoing verbal hostility and scapegoating, tension peaked when Ault grabbed Kaepernick’s facemask. Kaepernick retaliated by grabbing Ault’s shirt with both hands, warning him never to touch him again.  Faced a Paternity Lawsuit in College As a Nevada freshman, Kaepernick briefly dated a woman who later accused him of fathering her child post-breakup. Despite an initial DNA test showing a 0% chance of paternity, he was still served with a child support order, triggering a legal battle that only ended when a court-ordered second test cleared his name.  suffered a serious injury before super bowl xlvii On the morning of Super Bowl XLVII, Kaepernick’s back locked up during light stretching, sparking panic behind the scenes. After emergency medical treatment and nearly resorting to a Toradol shot, adrenaline and therapy enabled him to suit up and play. He went on to throw for 302 yards, one passing touchdown, and one interception, while adding 62 rushing yards and a 15-yard touchdown run—the longest scramble by a quarterback in Super Bowl history.  the 49ers Tried to change his look Kaepernick highlights how NFL management sought to control his image well before his activism, recalling former 49ers GM Trent Baalke repeatedly criticizing his attire, including snapback caps and sleeveless hoodies.