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.

Gucci Mane spoke candidly in a recent ABC “Nightline” interview about living with bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia. He described a long stretch of his life shaped by instability, addiction, and recovery. The Atlanta rapper also pointed to his memoir, “Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man,” released October 14, 2025, as a way of putting those experiences into a more structured account. Notably, his wife, Keyshia Ka’oir, is often central to that story. He traced part of that arc back to years marked by substance use and shifting mental health. “For the greater part of my 20s and part of my 30s, I struggled with severe addiction along with a dormant mood disorder that suddenly became active and destroyed my mental health,” Gucci Mane said. In the interview, he framed writing as both reflection and outreach. This was something meant to speak to artists facing similar challenges. Gucci Mane also described what he calls “episodes,” periods when his perception and behavior would change sharply. He explained them as moments of disorientation, including blackouts, memory gaps, and auditory hallucinations that could escalate quickly. “The episode is a brief day or up to a week to a month of me not really thinking rational, hearing voices and not being myself and at the same time doing things that are super irresponsible. It’s a total loss of control. It starts building. It starts just building like a snowball.” Ka’oir Reflects on Life Behind the Fame Ka’oir, in her own account during the interview, described how those periods affected their relationship and day-to-day life. “I felt like if I left that would be the end of him. He might hurt himself or hurt others cause when he gets into these episodes, he becomes very dangerous. He does have different personalities during different episodes. He thought he was a monster. He really did. Another episode we called him like Jason, like ‘Friday the 13th,’ like Mad Max. That’s the gangster one that would hurt you. It can be bad. It can be really bad,” Ka’oir said. Gucci Mane’s public history has unfolded alongside that private struggle. In 2005, he was charged in a fatal shooting in Decatur, Georgia, though prosecutors later dropped the case citing insufficient evidence. Years later, he has pointed to a 2011 face tattoo as another moment tied to what he now describes as a period of psychological distress. Despite that past, he remains a major figure in Atlanta hip-hop. His career has continued to evolve even as he revisits its most difficult chapters.

Gamma, the entertainment firm founded by Larry Jackson, is now at the center of a legal dispute. The issue involves what it describes as a coordinated online defamation effort. According to reports, the company has filed suit in New York State Supreme Court. Specifically, it is seeking to identify the anonymous operators behind a pair of websites it says were created to damage both its reputation and that of its chief executive. In court filings, Gamma alleges that the sites published false and damaging claims involving financial misconduct, streaming manipulation, and the misuse of investor funds. The company argues the material was not only untrue but strategically timed to circulate. This all occurred during a period of heightened visibility for Jackson and the firm within the music industry. The lawsuit points specifically to “larryjacksonexposed.com” and “gammaexposed.com,” which it says emerged shortly after a positive Bloomberg profile detailed Jackson’s growing influence in the sector. According to the complaint, the sites circulated a range of accusations. These included claims tied to inflated streaming activity for Ye’s (formerly known as Kanye West) Bully album and assertions that investor capital was spent on private aviation and other luxury expenses. Notably, one of the pages stated Jackson “is down to his last [USD] 10m of the 100m he raised” and alleged the company was “embezzling investor funds for private flights, grandiose lifestyle, personal PR and legacy artist signings to enhance image and status.” Gamma Denies Allegations as Coordinated Online Campaign Comes Under Scrutiny The filing also references additional claims involving artists associated with the company, including Mariah Carey and Usher. Those posts suggested financial wrongdoing, streaming manipulation, and internal instability allegations. Gamma firmly denies it in its court response. Beyond the content itself, the company argues the websites were supported by a coordinated amplification effort across social media. It claims hundreds of newly created accounts pushed links to the material in rapid succession. In addition, similar narratives appeared on Reddit before being removed. Gamma says its investigators have been unable to identify those responsible due to anonymized hosting structures and layered online protections. The company is now seeking damages, removal of the sites, and a jury trial.

Baltimore boxing champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis is facing renewed legal pressure after Maryland authorities issued an active warrant alleging he violated probation tied to an earlier criminal case. The warrant follows allegations connected to a confrontation at a Miami strip club last year. According to court records, a woman identified as Rossel accused Davis of grabbing her by the neck and forcing her through the club against her will during an argument. Investigators said surveillance footage appeared to support parts of her account. View this post on Instagram Florida authorities arrested Davis in January. Prosecutors later charged the undefeated boxer with felony kidnapping and misdemeanor battery. The Miami case soon triggered legal consequences in Maryland, where Davis remains under probation supervision tied to a previous conviction. Earlier this year, Maryland prosecutors argued the Florida arrest violated conditions of his probation. In February, a judge briefly approved a probation violation warrant before withdrawing it after arguments from Davis’ attorneys. His legal team maintained the Baltimore native cooperated fully with investigators and did not present a flight risk. That decision has now changed. A Maryland judge recently approved a second warrant connected to the alleged probation breach. Unlike the earlier order, this warrant remains active, making Davis officially wanted in Maryland while the Florida criminal proceedings continue. Boxer Gervonta “Tank” Davis Wanted In Baltimore The development adds another challenge for one of Baltimore’s most accomplished athletes. Davis, 31-0 with 29 knockouts, has become one of boxing’s premier attractions through sold-out fights, championship victories, and national pay-per-view success. Still, recurring legal issues have repeatedly interrupted discussion surrounding his achievements inside the ring. Critics argue the ongoing allegations risk damaging Davis’ long-term legacy in boxing. Supporters, however, continue backing the East Baltimore fighter, whose rise from poverty to championship status made him one of the city’s most recognizable sports figures. The active warrant also raises questions about Davis’ immediate future in boxing, including possible court appearances and how the case could affect upcoming negotiations for future fights. As of Wednesday, Maryland authorities continued seeking Davis in connection with the alleged probation violation. No additional hearings have been publicly announced. The Florida criminal case remains active.