Paramount dropped the trailer for the live-action Street Fighter movie on Tuesday, and the internet’s been buzzing ever since. The biggest surprise? 50 Cent is playing Balrog, the iconic boxing villain from the game. Fitty didn’t just show up for a paycheck either. He trained hard and performed his own stunts, which is impressive at any age, let alone 51. The trailer shows him looking ripped and ready to throw hands, and fans are already loving the casting choice.

The movie centers on Chun-Li, played by Callina Liang, trying to convince Ryu (Andrew Koji) that Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) is in danger at the World Warrior Tournament. The cast is seriously stacked with Jason Momoa, WWE superstars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, and even country artist Orville Peck. It’s an unexpected mix of talent, but that’s part of what makes it so fun to watch.

Here’s the part that has hip-hop fans losing it. During a recent interview, 50 Cent let it slip that he’s working on a track with Eminem and the late 2Pac. He said, “I got some music that I’m working on. I did something currently me, Eminem and 2Pac.” If that record actually sees the light of day, it could be one of the biggest moments in rap history. Three legends on one track. Street Fighter hits theaters October 16th, and with this music tease hanging in the air, the buzz is only going to get louder. What do you think: is a posthumous 2Pac collab a good idea or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment? Drop your take in the comments.

50 Cent as Balrog in ‘Street Fighter’ movie trailerYouTube/Paramount Pictures

Nicki Minaj is adding a new title to her resume: reality TV judge. On August 31, the rap icon confirmed on X that she’ll serve as a judge for the Million Dollar Pitch Competition, a Trump Administration initiative backing small businesses. The event lands in Washington, D.C. on September 18, where five entrepreneurs will pitch their business models for a share of a $1 million cash pool. Minaj joins fellow judges Grant Cardone and Joe Gebbia, with actor Dean Cain hosting.

“Its a major, MAJOR KEY,” Minaj wrote on X. “Sooooooooooo looking forward to this!!! Imagine being a part of the Trump Administration’s initiative to support small businesses. Let’s GO!!!!!!!!!!” The announcement marks another chapter in the administration’s push into entertainment, following The Great American Road Trip earlier this year. It also revives the spirit of The Apprentice, the show that helped define Trump’s public persona decades ago.

The crossover between hip hop royalty and government-backed television is raising eyebrows and sparking conversations. Some see it as a genuine step toward supporting underdog entrepreneurs. Others call it political theater with a celebrity face. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on that stage September 18. Would you pitch your business in front of Nicki Minaj for a shot at a million dollars? Drop your thoughts below.

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Jay-Z is making London the center of the hip-hop universe this week. The icon just opened an immersive pop-up installation in Trafalgar Square that transports fans straight back to 2001, the year of The Blueprint. Open daily from 11am to 7pm until September 5, the free experience features era-defining TVs, classic music videos, and exclusive merch. It’s a full nostalgia trip ahead of his two headline performances at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 4 and 5, part of the JAŸ-Z 30 world tour celebrating three decades of dominance.

The Camden pop-up store is also still running until September 2, offering limited-edition UK tour gear with nightly DJ sets from the likes of DJ Target and DJ Semtex. That’s your last window to grab something exclusive before the stadium shows take over. The tour has already made waves with three sold-out nights at Yankee Stadium, and it continues in Paris and Los Angeles after London. Jay-Z recently delivered his first original rap verse in four years on the remix of Beyoncé’s ‘Morning Dew (Donk),’ but collaborator Cash Cobain has confirmed no new album is on the horizon.

For fans in the city, this week is a rare chance to connect with hip-hop history without spending a dime. Whether you’re pulling up to Trafalgar Square for the visuals or hitting Camden for the merch, this is living culture, not just archive material. The Blueprint turns 25 this year, and Hov is making sure London celebrates properly. What’s your favorite track off The Blueprint? Drop it in the comments.

Jay-Z Brings Free Blueprint Time Capsule to Trafalgar Square Before London Stadium Shows

Doja Cat is getting real with her fans in a major way. The “Paint The Town Red” singer took to TikTok on Monday and admitted that she struggled with cocaine about eight years ago, along with past issues with alcohol. “I have struggled with cocaine, could’ve been like eight years ago. But I’m well past that. Thank God,” she said. She also clarified that she “was never an alcoholic” but admitted she “definitely had problems” with drinking, warning fans not to pair substances together.

In the candid videos, Doja connected her past struggles to undiagnosed mental illness compounded by the pressures of social media. She also addressed allegations that she hates being a Black woman, revealing that she has struggled with self-hate since she was around 8 years old, when her family relocated to a predominantly white neighborhood. The singer shared that she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in March and has been in therapy for years. She said she needed to get this off her chest and that she’s in a much better place now.

Doja’s openness is a reminder that even the biggest stars deal with heavy internal battles. Her willingness to talk about addiction, therapy, and self-identity could be a lifeline for fans going through similar experiences. Does hearing celebrities speak honestly about their mental health make you feel more connected to them, or does it change how you see them? Let us know what you think.

dojacat/TikTok

The music world is in shock after rising star D4vd, legally David Anthony Burke, entered a not guilty plea on Monday to charges of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The teen’s remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke last September. According to prosecutors, Burke allegedly stabbed Hernandez and then used a chainsaw to dismember her, with the tools purchased online prior to the incident. He also faces charges of child sexual abuse and mutilation of human remains.

In a surprising twist, Burke’s legal team, which included celebrity attorney Blair Berk and her associates, withdrew from the case. A Los Angeles County public defender, Walid Kandeel, has stepped in to represent him. This move raises questions about the state of the defense and the evidence involved. A text message from Hernandez to Burke was read in court stating, “I swear to GOD I will kill u,” adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Burke’s career was on an upward trajectory with a young and dedicated fanbase. This case casts a long shadow over his future, regardless of the legal outcome. The details are graphic and disturbing, making this a difficult story to process. We will continue to follow this case as it develops.

What are your thoughts on the lawyers dropping this case? Let us know in the comments.

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Drake made a surprise appearance at Don Toliver’s Toronto concert on Aug. 31, delivering the first live performances from his chart-topping album ‘ICEMAN.’ The moment happened at Scotiabank Arena during Toliver’s OCTANE World Tour. Drake ran through fan favorites like “Shabang,” “Janice STFU,” and “Burning Bridges,” turning an already electric night into a historic one for everyone in attendance.

The chemistry between the two artists was undeniable. Toliver shouted out Drake as an inspiration, and Drake returned the love, thanking the crowd for being part of the album’s live debut since it topped the Billboard 200 back in May. It was a passing of the torch moment, with Toliver fresh off his first No. 1 album and Drake proving he still owns the room whenever he steps in it. Fans are now speculating about a full North American tour, which would be his first since 2023.

Adding fuel to the fire, Drake has been teasing a new project called ‘FOMO’ before the end of 2026. With ‘ICEMAN’ finally coming alive on stage and another release on the horizon, the momentum is building fast. Is this the start of a massive 2026 run for the 6 God? What track from ‘ICEMAN’ would you most want to hear live? Sound off in the comments.

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Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Pool Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP

Texas rapper BigXthaPlug is breathing a little easier today after a judge handed him a favorable outcome in his 2025 weapon case. The “All the Way” hitmaker entered a no-contest plea on Friday for a Class A misdemeanor unlawful weapon charge stemming from a traffic stop in Dallas. Instead of a conviction, he received six months of deferred adjudication probation, meaning the charge will not appear on his permanent record if he completes the terms. With no fine and three days of time served, his supervision is set to end on Feb. 28, 2027.

However, this legal victory is bittersweet. Just days before this court appearance, BigXthaPlug was arrested on separate charges including DWI, marijuana possession, and a firearm offense. That case remains open, adding another layer of uncertainty to the rapper’s future. While he’s managed to avoid a guilty verdict in this instance, the shadow of his most recent arrest still hangs over his career.

The legal back-and-forth hasn’t slowed his commercial momentum. His collaboration with Bailey Zimmerman, “All the Way,” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his status as a rising star with mainstream appeal. The contrast between his chart success and his courtroom visits is striking. Do you think legal troubles will affect his career trajectory, or can he keep the music on top despite the drama?

Live at the Moody Theater on March 14, 2026 in Austin, Texas.Stephen Olker/SXSW Conference & Festivals

Christian “King” Combs is standing by his father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, in the most public way possible. During a recent livestream hosted by rapper DDG, King looked directly into the camera and said “Free Pops” not once, but twice. The moment went viral for all the wrong reasons, as DDG offered only a tight smile and kept dancing, completely ignoring the plea for Diddy’s release.

This public display of loyalty comes as Diddy serves a 50-month federal sentence. He was convicted in July 2025 on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, though he was acquitted on the more serious charges of sex trafficking by force and racketeering conspiracy. Diddy’s sentence has been reduced multiple times, and he was only recently let out of temporary solitary confinement after an incident with another inmate.

The plea isn’t King’s first bold move to support his dad. He recently dropped an EP with Kanye West called “Never Stop” that includes a track titled “Diddy Free.” However, his public support has also drawn criticism, especially after he and his brother Justin appeared in a Keke Palmer birthday photo, which sparked its own online debate. From livestreams to music releases, the Combs family is keeping Diddy’s case in the spotlight, but is it helping or hurting? What do you think of King’s very public approach to supporting his father?