The killing of Carlos Brown, a Fayetteville rapper who performed as Filthe Rich, left a lingering sense of grief in North Carolina’s music circles when he died in May 2023. This month, a Cumberland County jury found Joshua Tashun Joyce guilty of murder in the case. Joyce, a 42-year-old Army veteran, was sentenced to 20 to 25 years in prison. Prosecutors said the shooting followed a dispute that began on social media. It ended on a porch along Lynn Avenue; Rich later died at a hospital. Meanwhile, many fans felt Rich deserved more recognition during his life. During the trial, jurors were shown a series of Instagram exchanges between the two men. Joyce allegedly wrote, “I’ll be up there in a few minutes,” beneath a video Rich had posted shortly before the confrontation. Testimony also described tension that escalated after Joyce reacted with a laughing emoji to a post in which Rich shared personal struggles. According to witnesses, the disagreement was tied in part to a burglary that had left Rich without his belongings. This burglary had strained their relationship as well. Above all, the community mourned Rich and the contributions he made. Rich was half of the Fayetteville duo Bomm Sheltuh, alongside Brion Unger, who performs as Nervous Reck and testified during the proceedings. Unger described his collaborator as “definitely not a violent person at all,” adding, “Given the environment he grew up in, he probably had every reason to be that type of person. But he never was.” In court, the focus often returned to Rich’s character. The aspirations he continued to pursue were noted as well. In fact, Rich’s legacy was highlighted in many testimonies. Legal Closure, But a Career Cut Short At the time of his death, Rich was facing financial hardship and living in his car after the burglary displaced him. Unger said they had plans to meet in Durham the following week to record new music. However, that work, like much of what Rich intended to create, was left unfinished. As a result, Rich’s musical impact continues to resonate with those who remember him. Bomm Sheltuh’s influence extended beyond Fayetteville. J. Cole has credited the group with inviting him to perform at open mic nights as a teenager. The group also gave him one of his earliest recorded appearances on their Fayettenam Bommuhs compilation. For those who followed Rich’s career, the verdict brings legal resolution. However, it cannot restore the momentum that was abruptly cut short.

Rihanna has not announced a new album, but a recently posted vlog has stirred familiar speculation. The video, styled as a day-in-the-life montage, shows her moving between meetings, reviewing instrumentals, and briefly stepping into a recording booth. She does not reference any upcoming project, yet the sight of her in that setting was enough to prompt conversation. In one scene, she appears to jot down notes; in another, she sways to music playing through studio speakers. For fans who have waited since 2016, those fragments carried weight. Online reactions ranged from certainty that a return to music is imminent to skepticism that the footage could relate to film work, brand collaborations, or one of her many business ventures. View this post on Instagram Why Every Rihanna Sighting Sparks Album Buzz That level of scrutiny speaks to Rihanna’s particular place in popular culture. Over the past decade, she has built a sprawling portfolio in beauty and fashion, becoming as identified with entrepreneurship as with pop music. Each public appearance, especially one involving studio equipment, tends to be interpreted as a potential signal. She is also balancing motherhood and a high-profile relationship, realities that shape how and when she works. In that context, even a brief studio stop can feel significant. Nonetheless, this vlog was a quiet tease or simply a candid look at a full schedule, it served as a reminder that anticipation for her next album remains very much alive.

The public dispute between 50 Cent and T.I. has expanded to include the next generation. This week, T.I.’s son Domani released a track titled “Ms. Jackson.” He adds his voice to a conflict that has largely played out through social media posts and diss records. The song appeared on YouTube and quickly circulated online. As a result, it drew attention not only for its lyrics but also for its imagery. The cover art depicts a house in flames, an apparent reference to long-standing allegations involving Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and a fire at a residence connected to his former partner and child. The title gestures toward Domani’s mother. It also recalls Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson,” a song about family tension and accountability. In doing so, Domani places the current feud within a broader narrative about legacy and personal history. That history continues to be shaped by the involvement of 50 as a central figure. In the opening verse, he raps, “I want to have a one on one convo about the man you sacrificed your life for so the world could see his talent. He’s a legend now, I guess it worked out, but I need some answers / Are you happy with the way he been holding your family name? / I need to know ’cause I can’t sleep at night thinking you died in vain / I think it got to them, people won’t tell him because he pay them / The emperor’s new clothes, a tale we need to tell.” The lines blend grievance and reflection. They shift the focus from rivalry to questions of responsibility and memory. This is especially relevant as 50 Cent’s legacy is discussed. When Rap Beef Turns Personal King Harris, Domani’s brother, has also weighed in online. At times, he references Jackson’s late mother, Sabrina Jackson. She died in an apartment fire when he was eight, a tragedy that remains unsolved and has long been part of his personal story. The mention of her name has added a more sensitive dimension to what began as a dispute over a proposed Verzuz battle and years of intermittent tension. This all happens within the context of the ongoing 50 Cent controversy. For now, the exchange continues to unfold in music and on social platforms. Whether 50 Cent chooses to respond directly to Domani’s track remains to be seen. What is clear is that a rivalry once contained to two established artists has evolved into something more layered. It now touches on family, history and the weight of public reputation that surrounds 50 as well.

The Fulton County medical examiner has determined the cause of death for Nathan Smith. Officials listed the cause as “drowning in the setting of psilocybin use,” and the manner of death as an accident. Nathan Smith, 27, performed under the name DJ Young Slade. He was reported missing on Feb. 3. Authorities found a body in a nearby pond three days later. Police said there was “no indication of foul play” in the case. The Police Report The report said toxicology showed psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in certain mushrooms. Investigators said the drug was a factor in the drowning. The medical examiner’s office provided the ruling on Friday. Lil Jon confirmed his son’s death after rescue teams located a body in a park pond north of Atlanta. The discovery followed an extensive search by local crews. Family members had urged the public to keep them in their thoughts. Milton police said Smith left his home early on the day he was reported missing. He departed without a phone and may have been disoriented, the department said. Officers released few other details while the medical examiner completed its work. Friends and fellow artists reacted to the news on social media. They remembered Smith as a creative young musician. He had worked as a DJ, producer and engineer. He also had recently graduated from New York University. Local rescue crews used divers to search ponds and other waterways. Those teams located the body that was later identified as the missing man. Fire and police officials thanked volunteers and urged people to avoid speculation while authorities finished the inquiry. The medical examiner’s ruling ends the formal cause-of-death phase of the probe. Police said the investigation remains open. They asked anyone with relevant information to contact Milton authorities. The medical examiner’s report closes one chapter in a painful story. Local authorities said the investigation remains open for procedural reasons. Milton police asked anyone with information to contact their investigators. Lil Jon is known for hits like “Get Low.” He also has a young daughter, Nahara. The family has asked for privacy while they grieve. The rapper recently said he was grateful to have had time with his son before his death

Gina Huynh resurfaced in the public conversation this week during a livestream that was later shared widely online. Speaking openly about her past relationship with Sean Combs, she also addressed her long-running tension with his former partner, Yung Miami. The remarks revisited a rivalry that dates back to the period when Combs and the City Girls rapper were publicly involved. Huynh did not soften her feelings. “Yung Miami can suck my dck,” she said during the stream, responding to questions from viewers about the source of their conflict. She added, “I wasn’t even thinking about her,” while maintaining that she believes Miami played a role in Combs’s legal troubles. “She snitched on my man’s so I don’t fck with her,” Huynh said, offering no further detail. At the same time, Huynh expressed continued support for Combs, despite their relationship having ended years ago. “I hope he gets out in a couple months,” she said, echoing language from a letter she previously submitted during his bail proceedings. In that letter, she described him as a “changed man” who “has not been violent for many years” and “has been committed to being a father first.” Combs appeals as personal ties linger Combs is serving a 50-month federal sentence for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He is incarcerated at Fort Dix in New Jersey and is scheduled for release on May 8, 2028. His attorneys are pursuing an appeal, with a hearing set for April 9, 2026, as part of an expedited process. Huynh’s comments underscore how personal relationships continue to intersect with Combs’s legal case. Even from a distance, old alliances and grievances remain part of the public narrative.

Former NBA star Chris Bosh is opening up about a recent sudden health scare. On Wednesday (Feb 25), Bosh shared a video on his social accounts where he urged his followers to “take action” when it comes to living their hopes and dreams. The former Miami Heat star started off his message, “So I woke up covered in my own blood,” adding, “It was crazy. It was fast. It was instant. There was no warning, I didn’t have any time to prepare for it.” Bosh — who retired from playing professional basketball in 2019 due to health concerns — said he’d been getting ready for a date night with his wife, Adrienne Williams Bosh, when the next thing he knew he was “on the ground.” He didn’t go into the specifics of what happened but did point to the severity of the situation by showing off his blackened eyes.  “A numbing sensation shot down my left leg, that sharp, electric feeling you get when you bump your funny bone,” he explained on his Substack, The Last Chip. “Before I knew it, I was on the floor. “I slowly came to in a pool of my own blood while my wife frantically spoke with 911. I tried to move my body the way I always had, and it didn’t respond. There was no choice but to surrender. It was a terrifying event, something I had never experienced before.” Some things change you overnight. I wrote about my experience. pic.twitter.com/d8tYNsnvx5 — Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) February 25, 2026 The 41-year-old explained, “I’m lucky to be alive, and I feel great about that,” adding, “And now I’m thinking about how I live my day to day life, that’s really it, but don’t wait.” Bosh cites the incident as having a new outlook on life, encouraging others to stop waiting and step out on faith. “It was a scary thing, and it came fast,” Bosh said. “It made me really have a different outlook on life, and how things go, what we do for ourselves, what we do for our family, and how we live our lives.” “Don’t wait, just do it,” he said. History of Health Issues Per the NY Times, in 2015, Bosh was ruled out for the remainder of the season after a blood clot was discovered in his lungs. Months later, another clot was discovered leading to a tense riff between Bosh and the Miami Heat on whether he was deemed medically fit to return. The NBA ruled in June 2017 that the recurrence of a clot constituted a career-ending illness for the 11-time All-Star. Bosh officially retired in 2019.

For much of his career, Drake has paid close attention to presentation. Album covers like Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, and Views have become part of the visual shorthand of the 2010s, as recognizable as the songs themselves. But the artwork for his 2021 release Certified Lover Boy—a dozen pregnant-woman emojis arranged on a blank white field—has remained a point of contention. The album was a commercial success, yet its cover drew immediate skepticism from some fans who questioned its spare, almost ironic design. In the years since, alternative concepts that surfaced before the album’s release have circulated online, fueling speculation about what might have been. The conversation flared up again this week beneath an Instagram post from NFR Podcast, where the hosts debated polarizing album art. Drake via IG story “ICEMAN 2026” pic.twitter.com/Of4PggOYDR — Kurrco (@Kurrco) February 24, 2026 When the Cover Becomes the Conversation When one commenter called Certified Lover Boy the worst example, Drake replied succinctly: “r u dumb lol.” The response, brief and unfiltered, reignited discussion about how much album packaging still matters in an era dominated by playlists and streaming thumbnails. For some listeners, the cover’s simplicity reads as playful provocation; for others, it remains a rare visual misstep in an otherwise carefully curated catalog. The renewed scrutiny comes as Drake prepares his next studio effort, ICEMAN. He has referenced the project since 2025 but has not confirmed a specific release date beyond indicating a 2026 timeline. As anticipation grows, attention is likely to fall not only on the music itself but also on the imagery that frames it—a reminder that, even now, presentation can shape perception.

The investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has advanced, with an investigative grand jury naming the singer known as d4vd as the target of its inquiry. The grand jury, which began reviewing evidence in November, is examining whether he may bear criminal responsibility in the case. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the artist faces an allegation of one count of murder but emphasized that no charges have been filed and no arrest has been made. The designation became public after previously sealed court documents from California were transferred to Texas and unsealed. The records show that prosecutors have sought testimony from members of the performer’s family. His mother, father, and brother challenged earlier court orders compelling their appearance, arguing that the supporting affidavits were partially redacted and deprived them of full information about the basis for the summons. Additionally, the family of d4vd voiced concern in court filings about the transparency of the proceedings. Legal analysts note that once an individual is formally identified as a target, efforts to secure witness cooperation often intensify. It remains unclear when the grand jury will conclude its work or whether it will recommend an indictment. Notably, d4vd representatives have not yet responded publicly to the inquiry. Case Moves Forward as Prosecutors Signal More Details to Come Celeste was reported missing from her home in Lake Elsinore, Calif., in April 2024. Her remains were discovered in September inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to singer d4vd. Authorities have not publicly detailed the nature of any relationship between the two. For Celeste’s family, the announcement marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn sustained public attention. In fact, the media coverage around d4vd and the ongoing legal case continues to grow. Prosecutors have said additional information may be released as the grand jury’s review continues.

Iman Shumpert is mourning a heartbreaking personal loss and recently shared an emotional message about the passing of his father. During an emotional appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast “Club Shay Shay”, Shumpert recalls his late father’s love. “And our last convo, he just was like, ‘Man, you look good in them suits. Man, I like that you taking jobs now that you wearing that suit,’” he recalled. The retired basketball star took time to reflect on the profound impact his dad had on his life, speaking candidly about the grief he and his family are currently navigating. Known for keeping much of his private life low-key, Shumpert offered fans a rare and vulnerable glimpse into his emotions as he honored the man who helped shape his journey both on and off the court. “And then he told me, ‘Don’t come home, finish filming.’ Because we was filming the podcast. Told me and my brother not to come home, finish filming. He got to go in the hospital. He’ll be right back.” Shumpert says his father played a pivotal role in his development, not just as an athlete, but as a man. He credited him as a steady source of guidance, discipline and support throughout his rise from a standout high school prospect to an NBA champion. The loss, he admitted, has been extremely difficult to process. “I guess it’s like, the happiest hurt that you can have,” he said. “I know a lot of people didn’t have a father, and … I leaned on mine. I had friends that leaned on my father. And it’s like, it makes me happy as hell to say, like, he was a good man.” He added, “But it’s like, within that same breath, it makes you cry like a little baby [because] I ain’t got him no more.” View this post on Instagram Shortly after his passing, Shumpert took to Instagram to pay tribute to his late father. “Down goes the King…a sweet goodbye to the greatest man I’ll ever know,” he wrote. “You can take your rest pop, u did ur sh-t I promise. I don’t know if I’ll ever fit ur shoes but ima have em on everyday anyway. I love you man. Rest In Paradise.” View this post on Instagram

A Romanian appellate court on Thursday upheld a nine-month prison sentence imposed on rapper Wiz Khalifa, born Cameron Thomaz, for cannabis possession, rejecting his bid to overturn the conviction. View this post on Instagram The Constanța Court of Appeal deemed inadmissible Thomaz’s request to annul a December ruling that found him guilty of possessing dangerous drugs for personal use. The court also denied as unfounded his motion to suspend the sentence. The case stems from a July 2024 incident at the Beach, Please! Festival in Constanța County, where authorities alleged the Grammy-nominated artist smoked cannabis during his performance. Prosecutors said law enforcement later found more than 18 grams of cannabis in his possession. Romanian Court Rejects Wiz Khalifa’s Appeal Against 9-Month Prison Sentence Romanian law criminalizes possession of cannabis, including for personal consumption, with penalties ranging from three months to two years’ imprisonment or a criminal fine. In April 2024, a lower court fined Thomaz 3,600 lei, approximately $830, for illegal possession. Prosecutors appealed that sanction, arguing it was insufficient. In December, the trial court imposed a custodial sentence of nine months, replacing the earlier fine. Following the incident, Thomaz addressed the matter on social media. “I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage,” he wrote. “They were very respectful and let me go.” He added that he intended to return to Romania “but without a joint next time.” It remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will seek extradition. Thomaz is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania. Cross-border enforcement would likely depend on applicable treaties and prosecutorial discretion. Thomaz, a Pittsburgh native, rose to prominence with his mixtape Kush + Orange Juice and later achieved mainstream success with the single “Black and Yellow.” The appellate ruling leaves his Romanian conviction intact.