HipHop DX News
Drake Reveals ‘Iceman’ Release Date After Epic Ice Structure Stunt
Andy Bustard (22/04/2026)
The long wait for Drake‘s Iceman album will soon be over. The OVO Sound superstar has announced that his eagerly anticipated ninth LP — and first solo project since his high-profile rap battle with Kendrick Lamar — will be released on May 15. The release date was revealed on Tuesday (April 21) after fans successfully... The post Drake Reveals ‘Iceman’ Release Date After Epic Ice Structure Stunt appeared first on HipHopDX.
The long wait for Drake‘s Iceman album will soon be over.
The OVO Sound superstar has announced that his eagerly anticipated ninth LP — and first solo project since his high-profile rap battle with Kendrick Lamar — will be released on May 15.
The release date was revealed on Tuesday (April 21) after fans successfully chipped away at the huge ice structure he had erected in Toronto and retrieved a folder hidden inside.
The coveted package was discovered by Twitch streamer Kishka, who later filmed himself opening the freeze-proof folder outside Drake’s “Embassy” mansion in the Canadian city.
Inside was a Frank Ocean Boys Don’t Cry-style magazine featuring a page that read: “ICEMAN MAY 15,” as well as images of Sexyy Red, Drake’s father Dennis Graham and Pinocchio — a character that has appeared throughout Drake’s Iceman rollout and sparked theories about its meaning — in crosshairs.
Kishka was also gifted a bag of cash by Drake for uncovering his album release date.
The 6 God himself later confirmed the date on Instagram.
The development comes almost a year after Drake first began teasing Iceman through a series of livestreams, as well as the singles “What Did I Miss?,” “Which One” with UK rap sensation Central Cee and the Yeat and Julia Wolf-assisted “Dog House.”
He also told fans during a show in Australia last year: “When the time is right, I’ll be back with another album, a one-on-one conversation with y’all that you need to hear.”
While further details about Iceman remain scarce, media personality and OVO insider Mal recently shed light on the project, claiming that it contains “some of the best rapping I’ve ever heard from Drake.”
“Y’all don’t even know what Drake is preparing to do [with Iceman]. The music he’s created, the way he’s getting ready to entertain the culture, it’s on a whole different level,” he said during an episode of the New Rory & Mal podcast.
Mal also claimed that the album will make it “crystal clear who the top dog is,” alluding to Drake’s fierce rivalry with Kendrick Lamar.
Iceman will serve as the follow-up to Drizzy’s collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 last February with almost 250,000 first-week sales.
The post Drake Reveals ‘Iceman’ Release Date After Epic Ice Structure Stunt appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Drake Hides ‘Iceman’ Release Date In Huge Toronto Ice Structure
Andy Bustard (21/04/2026)
Drake has ramped up his Iceman rollout in spectacular fashion by hiding the album’s release date in a huge ice structure in Toronto. On Monday (April 20), the Canadian hitmaker announced on Instagram that he had erected an enormous ice installation in the parking lot of the Bond Hotel in downtown Toronto housing the release... The post Drake Hides ‘Iceman’ Release Date In Huge Toronto Ice Structure appeared first on HipHopDX.
Drake has ramped up his Iceman rollout in spectacular fashion by hiding the album’s release date in a huge ice structure in Toronto.
On Monday (April 20), the Canadian hitmaker announced on Instagram that he had erected an enormous ice installation in the parking lot of the Bond Hotel in downtown Toronto housing the release date for his eagerly anticipated new album.
“Release Date Inside. 81 BOND STREET DOWNTOWN TORONTO,” Drizzy wrote alongside photos of him stood next to the makeshift monument wearing a Green Bay Packers varsity jacket.
Since Drake’s post, fans have gathered in droves at the ice structure and some have even attempted to break it down with sledgehammers, pickaxes and other tools. Others have resorted to trying to melt it using flamethrowers, hairdryers and small campfires.
If fans are unsuccessful in their attempts, reports suggest the blocks of ice will melt naturally in around a week given the current seven-day forecast in Toronto.
The unique stunt follows a number of other recent Iceman teasers from both Drake and OVO insiders.
The Certified Lover Boy recently suggested that his album was finished by writing on his Instagram Stories, “It’s in” next to a photo of ice blocks.
He also appeared to be responsible for a huge explosion in Toronto last week, which was rumored to be part of an upcoming music video dubbed “Project Bot.”
On a recent episode of the New Rory & Mal podcast, media personality Mal shed light on what fans can expect from Iceman, claiming it contains “some of the best rapping I’ve ever heard from Drake.”
“Y’all don’t even know what Drake is preparing to do [with Iceman]. The music he’s created, the way he’s getting ready to entertain the culture, it’s on a whole different level,” he said.
Mal also claimed that the album will make it “crystal clear who the top dog is,” alluding to Drake’s fierce rivalry with Kendrick Lamar.
The post Drake Hides ‘Iceman’ Release Date In Huge Toronto Ice Structure appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More New Music Friday: Ludacris, 6LACK & 2 Chainz, Sexyy Red, Yasiin Bey & More
Andy Bustard (17/04/2026)
There may be no major rap album this week, but there’s still plenty of great music worth checking out in this week’s New Music Friday. Ludacris, who hasn’t released an album in over a decade, returns with a playful new single called “Pull Over” which boasts some trunk-rattling production from fellow Southern rap legend DJ... The post New Music Friday: Ludacris, 6LACK & 2 Chainz, Sexyy Red, Yasiin Bey & More appeared first on HipHopDX.
There may be no major rap album this week, but there’s still plenty of great music worth checking out in this week’s New Music Friday.
Ludacris, who hasn’t released an album in over a decade, returns with a playful new single called “Pull Over” which boasts some trunk-rattling production from fellow Southern rap legend DJ Toomp.
Luda’s former Disturbing Tha Peace signee 2 Chainz is also in the mix with a grown ‘n’ sexy feature on fellow ATLien 6LACK‘s silky new track “Sunday Again,” taken from his upcoming album Love is the New Gangsta (out May 22).
There are also heavyweight collabs from Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Pete Rock; Stove God Cooks and Conductor Williams; Blu, Exile, Black Thought and Mach-Hommy; Jay Worthy and 9th Wonder; and former Bad Boy labelmates Black Rob (RIP) and G. Dep, who are teaming up for a joint album called Black & Depper.
On the projects front, Sexyy Red serves up more trap-flavored, twerk-friendly anthems on Your Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa, Tony Yayo supplies your smokers’ holiday soundtrack with The 4:20 Tape, and rising Atlanta rappers Tezzus and diamond* get Young Thug‘s blessing on their collab effort UY SCUTI BØYZ — a nod to Thugger’s own 2025 album.
Check out all the best new rap albums and songs below.
Ludacris — “Pull Over”
Produced By: DJ Toomp
6LACK feat. 2 Chainz — “Sunday Again”
Produced By: Trey Lander, Justin Cho & Jesse Warren Tyler
Sexyy Red — Yo Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa
Featuring: Metro Boomin, Key Glock, ATL Jacob, PLUTO, DJ Holiday, Pretty Pinkk, Ghetto Beisha
Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) — “Amethyst Rock Salt”
Produced By: Pete Rock
Stove God Cooks feat. Chello & Nigel Sylvester — “Brick After”
Produced By: Conductor Williams
Blu & Exile feat. Black Thought & Mach-Hommy — “TSOD”
Produced By: Exile
Benny The Butcher & Black Soprano Family feat. Fuego Base, Rick Hyde & OT The Real — “Warehouse 4”
Produced By: High Honors
BNYX feat. Quavo — “HunchO STEP!”
Produced By: BNYX
Jay Worthy & 9th Wonder — “I Can’t Relate”
Produced By: 9th Wonder
Tony Yayo — The 4:20 Tape
Featuring: Wiz Khalifa, Berner, Uncle Murda, J.SOS
Black Rob & G. Dep — “Count On It”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
JT — “Numb”
Produced By: Danes Blood, Ben10K & Chicken
Sir Michael Rocks (of The Cool Kids) — “Sneak N Geek”
Produced By: Tavaras Jordan
M.I.A. — M.I.7
Featuring: Sunday Service Choir, Kala
Tezzus & diamond* — UY SCUTI BØYZ
Featuring: Young Thug, Rylo Rodriguez, Nino Paid, skaiwater, Bslime, Yung Fazo, HittMan, Biggs Money, ShawtyRokk, Pz’, Southsidesilhouette, EA TJ, Lil Righteous
Red Cafe — Once in a Red Moon
Featuring: Benny The Butcher, Max B, Boldy James, RJ Payne, Elcamino, DJ Envy, So Rich
Jenevieve feat. Freddie Gibbs & SALIMATA — “Flight Risqué”
Produced By: Elijah Gabor
Smoke DZA & Premo Rice — “Harley Race”
Produced By: DJ Muggs
Nick Grant feat. Punch (of TDE) — “Same Song”
Produced By: Stoic
KARRAHBOOO — “WYD”
Produced By: Take A Daytrip, Truebeatzz,!8 & Grogs
NEMS & Ron Browz — “The Mush”
Produced By: Ron Browz
The Kid LAROI — “I Condemn”
Produced By: Starboy, Outtatown & AM
Fakemink — “Night, Blooming Jasmine.”
Produced By: Fakemink
Chris Patrick feat. Mack Keane — “Run It Back”
Produced By: ESTA. & Mack Keane
Flee Lord — Everything I Never Said
Featuring: Mickey Factz, OT The Real, ETO, Mummz, Starz Coleman, Shoota93, Dirtyyaycochino, Pounds448
The post New Music Friday: Ludacris, 6LACK & 2 Chainz, Sexyy Red, Yasiin Bey & More appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Isaiah Rashad Reveals ‘It’s Been Awful’ Tracklist Feat. SZA & More
Andy Bustard (15/04/2026)
Isaiah Rashad has revealed the tracklist and artwork for his new album It’s Been Awful ahead of its release next month. The project, which serves as the long-awaited follow-up to 2021’s The House is Burning, clocks in at 16 songs and includes the recently released single “Same Sh!t.” It also boasts a small but star-studded... The post Isaiah Rashad Reveals ‘It’s Been Awful’ Tracklist Feat. SZA & More appeared first on HipHopDX.
Isaiah Rashad has revealed the tracklist and artwork for his new album It’s Been Awful ahead of its release next month.
The project, which serves as the long-awaited follow-up to 2021’s The House is Burning, clocks in at 16 songs and includes the recently released single “Same Sh!t.”
It also boasts a small but star-studded supporting cast comprised of frequent collaborator SZA and alt-pop star Dominic Fike, as well as up-and-comer Julian Sintonia.
“Boy in Red” will extend Zay and SZA’s prolific partnership, marking their sixth song together following “West Savannah,” “Ronnie Drake,” “Stuck in the Mud,” “Pretty Little Birds” and “Score.”
It’s Been Awful is scheduled to drop on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records. Check out the artwork and tracklist below.
Isaiah Rashad — It’s Been Awful (Tracklist):
1. The New Sublime
2. M.O.M
3. Same Sh!t
4. Boy in Red (feat. SZA)
5. Supaficial
6. Scared 2 Look Down
7. Happy Hour
8. Do I Look High? (feat. Julian Sintonia)
9. Ain’t Givin’ Up
10. GTKY
11. Cameras (feat. Dominic Fike)
12. Act Normal
13. 10 States Away
14. Nuthin 2 Hide
15. Superpwrs
16. 719 Freestyle
Isaiah Rashad shed light on his upcoming album in an interview with VICE last year, citing OutKast, Prince and Fousheé as key inspirations.
“The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé,” he said. “Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months. Then, for this tail-end part of my project, this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She’s been inspiring me and this other girl BunnaB.”
He added: “I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else. I would say Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it.”
The Tennessee native also described the album’s sound as a “sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy. Everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south,” according to the publication.
The post Isaiah Rashad Reveals ‘It’s Been Awful’ Tracklist Feat. SZA & More appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Wu-Tang Clan To Be Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Andy Bustard (14/04/2026)
Wu-Tang Clan have officially been voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Class of 2026 inductees were unveiled on Monday (April 13), with Sade, Luther Vandross, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Phil Collins, Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order also getting the nod. Fellow rap icons Queen Latifah and MC Lyte will also be... The post Wu-Tang Clan To Be Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame appeared first on HipHopDX.
Wu-Tang Clan have officially been voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2026 inductees were unveiled on Monday (April 13), with Sade, Luther Vandross, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Phil Collins, Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order also getting the nod.
Fellow rap icons Queen Latifah and MC Lyte will also be joining them in the Hall of Fame as recipients of the “Early Influence” award, which recognizes their status as pioneers in music and culture.
Wu-Tang and co. will be formally inducted on November 14 at a ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, which will be available to watch in December on ABC and Disney+.
“In all Humility. This announcement filled me with joy, proudness, profound achievement, and awe,” RZA wrote on Instagram in reaction to the news. “I’m grateful to all my brothers and those who helped us on the path. Thank you Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This is a true Triumph – Wutang Forever.”
Raekwon added: “History books will know this club! this my grammy. what we talking bout! haaaaaaaaaaa. shout out to all our mothers who birth these men. they won tonite,” while GZA said: “We couldn’t have reached this milestone without our hip hop predecessors, fans, collaborators, friends and family. We thank you.”
Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey and Shakira were among those also nominated this year but did not receive enough votes from the international voting body of more than 1,200 inductees, historians and music industry professionals.
With the addition of Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah and MC Lyte, there are now 18 hip-hop acts in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were the first through the door in 2007, followed by Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and N.W.A in subsequent years.
JAY-Z, Eminem, 2Pac, Biggie, OutKast, Missy Elliott and A Tribe Called Quest are also inductees, while LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Kool Herc have been recognized as either an Early Influence or a Musical Excellence Award honoree.
The post Wu-Tang Clan To Be Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Afrika Bambaataa Dies At 68
Andy Bustard (10/04/2026)
Afrika Bambaataa, the hip-hop pioneer with a checkered past of sexual abuse allegations, has died at the age of 68. The visionary rapper, DJ and producer (real name Lance Taylor) died on Thursday (April 9) in Pennsylvania, according to TMZ. Bambaataa’s lawyer confirmed to the Associated Press that his cause of death was prostate cancer.... The post Afrika Bambaataa Dies At 68 appeared first on HipHopDX.
Afrika Bambaataa, the hip-hop pioneer with a checkered past of sexual abuse allegations, has died at the age of 68.
The visionary rapper, DJ and producer (real name Lance Taylor) died on Thursday (April 9) in Pennsylvania, according to TMZ. Bambaataa’s lawyer confirmed to the Associated Press that his cause of death was prostate cancer.
“Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of Hip Hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa,” Kurtis Blow said in a statement as executive director of the Hip Hop Alliance. “[He] helped shape the early identity of Hip Hop as a global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun.
“His vision transformed the Bronx into the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world … At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community.”
Born in the South Bronx, New York, Afrika Bambaataa rose to prominence as a member of the Black Spades street gang before establishing himself as a popular local DJ. In the 1970s, Bambaataa launched the art collective the Universal Zulu Nation, helping to define the four elements of hip-hop culture: DJing, graffiti, breakdancing and MCing.
As a recording artist, he is best known for the 1982 hit “Planet Rock” with the Soulsonic Force, which cracked the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 and inspired a wave of electro-rap and dance-pop records, owing to its futuristic, Kraftwerk-sampling sound.
Alongside DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa is widely considered a founding father of hip-hop, helping to lay the foundation for the genre to grow into arguably the most culturally influential movement of the last 50 years.
However, Bambaataa leaves behind a complicated legacy tarnished by disturbing allegations.
In 2016, he was accused by a man named Ronald Savage of sexually abusing him in the 1980s when he was a young teen. Bambaataa denied the allegations, while Savage later retracted his claims.
“Bambaataa is not a pedophile and, in my eyes, he was doing something that was consensual with someone that he thought was of age,” he told AllHipHop in 2024.
After Savage initially came forward with his accusations, several other men subsequently accused Bambaataa of sexually abusing them as teenagers.
In 2021, Bambaataa was sued by an anonymous man who claimed that he had sexually abused and trafficked him for four years, beginning in 1991, when he was 12 and Bambaataa in his 30s.
The “Planet Rock” hitmaker never responded to the lawsuit and lost the civil case in 2025 after failing to show up in court. The alleged victim was awarded a default judgement.
The post Afrika Bambaataa Dies At 68 appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More New Music Friday: Isaiah Rashad, Gucci Mane, Doechii, Snoop Dogg, DJ Khaled & More
Andy Bustard (10/04/2026)
This week’s New Music Friday marks the beginning of a new chapter for multiple artists. After a five-year hiatus, Isaiah Rashad returns to kickstart the rollout for his new album with “Same Sh!t,” a southern-fried trunk-rattler that captures the feeling of being stuck in Groundhog Day. The TDE rapper’s third LP It’s Been Awful drops... The post New Music Friday: Isaiah Rashad, Gucci Mane, Doechii, Snoop Dogg, DJ Khaled & More appeared first on HipHopDX.
This week’s New Music Friday marks the beginning of a new chapter for multiple artists.
After a five-year hiatus, Isaiah Rashad returns to kickstart the rollout for his new album with “Same Sh!t,” a southern-fried trunk-rattler that captures the feeling of being stuck in Groundhog Day. The TDE rapper’s third LP It’s Been Awful drops May 1.
Also ending a lengthy break between albums, DJ Khaled revives his usual formula by tapping trap titans Future and Lil Baby for “One of Them,” the lead single from his long-delayed 14th album Aalam of God. Whether this is really one of them ones is up for debate.
Extending his prolific streak since purchasing Death Row Records, Snoop Dogg reunites with a few familiar faces — Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Erick Sermon, Rick Rock and Soopafly — on his new album Ten ‘Til Midnight, which accompanies his recently-released movie of the same name.
By far the most explosive release this week is Gucci Mane‘s “Crash Dummy,” a defiant diss song aimed at Pooh Shiesty and Big30, who are facing federal charges for allegedly kidnapping and robbing the 1017 boss earlier this year.
Elsewhere, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) delivers a rare freestyle over Future, Metro Boomin and Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That” (via his Substack channel, but a snippet can be heard below), BossMan Dlow and Joyner Lucas both drop star-studded projects, and there are surprise link-ups between Doechii and Lady Gaga, and Kehlani and Missy Elliott.
Check out the best new rap albums and songs below.
Isaiah Rashad — “Same Sh!t”
Produced By: Don Oskar, Mario Luciano & Nate Hobden
Gucci Mane — “Crash Dummy” (Pooh Shiesty & Big30 Diss)
Produced By: Zaytoven
DJ Khaled feat. Future & Lil Baby — “One of Them”
Produced By: DJ Khaled, TM88, Rozay Knockin, Marko Lenz & Concentracia
Snoop Dogg — 10 Til’ Midnight
Featuring: Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Erick Sermon, Nottz, Soopafly, Rick Rock, October London, Peezy, Trindad James, MyGuyMars
Doechii feat. Lady Gaga — “Runway” (From The Devil Wears Prada 2 Soundtrack)
Produced By: Bruno Mars, Andrew Watt, Cirkut & D’Mile
Yasiin Bey — “LikeZ” (“Like That” Freestyle)
Produced By: Metro Boomin
BossMan Dlow — Chicken Talkin Bastard
Featuring: G Herbo, DaBaby, Trey Songz, OJ Da Juiceman, YKNIECE, BossMan Pac, Goldenboy Countup
Joyner Lucas — ADHD 2 Reloaded
Featuring: Big Sean, Chris Brown, NBA YoungBoy, Kodak Black, Ty Dolla $ign, T-Pain, DaBaby, Fireboy DML, Ava Max
Kehlani feat. Missy Elliott — “Back and Forth”
Produced By: Khris Riddick-Tynes & The Stereotypes
Lupe Fiasco — “Crash Out”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
Fergie Baby feat. Cam’ron — “Harlem River Drive (Remix)”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
Marco Plus — “Windows 98”
Produced By: Marco Plus, Wulf Morpheus and IK-EY
Buddy — Simmie Sims III
Featuring: Jay Rock, Kalan.FrFr, Guapdad 4000, KEY!, CUZZOS, Huey Briss, Kent Jamz, Indigo Boys, Faucet
Nelly Furtado & Boi-1da — “Electric Circus” (Canada Soccer 2026 World Cup Anthem)
Produced By: Boi-1da & ZALE
Lil Tjay — “First Time”
Produced By: whywhiteshine & rigasbeats
Ovrkast. feat. Niontay — “Wata”
Produced By: Ovrkast.
Skrilla feat. NBA YoungBoy — “Free 40”
Produced By: Solo Wolf Beats UK
AZ fest. Mume Fresh — “So High”
Produced By: Bink!
REASON feat. CUZZOS — “Humble’Em_PINK”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
Blxst & Big Sad 1900 feat. Lori Perry — “Day After Day”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim — “MESHUGENA”
Produced By: J-Es
BunnaB — “We Back Outside”
Produced By: 10kjake & Sammy Haig
Sir Michael Rocks feat. Valee — “In Solace”
Produced By: Geeohhs
H3adband & DaBaby — “She Can Get It”
Produced By: SayyDuke
Tink — Fuck, Marry, Kill
Featuring: G Herbo, Tee Grizzley, Bryson Tiller, Rob49
DJ Muggs & T.F. — Don’t Call Me Lucky
Featuring: Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, Boldy James, Rome Streetz, Meyhem Lauren, OT The Real, HeartBreak JC
Serial Killers (Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick) — This Thing of Ours
Featuring: Chuck D, Scoop Deville
Blade Brown & Benny The Butcher — “Blue Marlin”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
Jason Derulo feat. Kevin Gates — “Sexy For Me (Remix)”
Produced By: Phil Greiss
Fetty P Franklin — “Zelle Money”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
Deante’ Hitchcock — “Electric Revival”
Produced By: Credits unavailable
El Costeau — “F U”
Produced By: twelveAM & Coco Costeau
The post New Music Friday: Isaiah Rashad, Gucci Mane, Doechii, Snoop Dogg, DJ Khaled & More appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Gucci Mane Disses Pooh Shiesty & Big30 On “Crash Dummy”: Listen
Andy Bustard (10/04/2026)
Gucci Mane has taken aim at Pooh Shiesty and Big30 on wax, just days after they were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and robbing him. The 1017 boss released a hard-hitting new song on Friday (April 10) called “Crash Dummy,” which finds him addressing the Memphis rappers ambushing him at gunpoint earlier this year. “Tell the... The post Gucci Mane Disses Pooh Shiesty & Big30 On “Crash Dummy”: Listen appeared first on HipHopDX.
Gucci Mane has taken aim at Pooh Shiesty and Big30 on wax, just days after they were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and robbing him.
The 1017 boss released a hard-hitting new song on Friday (April 10) called “Crash Dummy,” which finds him addressing the Memphis rappers ambushing him at gunpoint earlier this year.
“Tell the truth, you went out like a real crash dummy / And after all that, boy, you still signed to me? / I’m like Birdman and n*gga, this my Cash Money / And your fat-ass flunkie, he a stone-cold junkie,” he raps over signature trap production from Zaytoven that sounds straight from Guwop’s mid-2000s prime.
Gucci then recalls the January 10 meeting at a Dallas recording studio during which Pooh Shiesty allegedly pulled a gun on him and forced him to sign paperwork releasing him from his 1017 contract.
“I thought it was a business meeting, but it was a set up / I walk in the room, you can feel the pressure building / N*gga dapped me up, the whole time they plotting against me,” he spits, before adding: “Pressure on my chest, but I still ain’t pressed / Pen to the paper, but it’s under duress.”
He also reminds Shiesty, who was only released from prison in October 2025 after spending several years behind bars on separate gun charges: “You learn from your daddy, so I guess that it’s hereditary / I’m that same n*gga that put money on your commissary.”
Despite the humiliation of being ambushed by his own artist and facing questions over Shiesty and Big30’s arrests, Gucci’s tone is defiant throughout the track as he declares: “This 1017 the label, I built this shit from the ground / And I be damned if I let a n*gga take my shit down.”
He closes out “Crash Dummy” by repeating the refrain: “I done been betrayed, now my heart turned cold.”
Pooh Shiesty and Big30 were two of nine people arrested last week on kidnapping and robbery charges in connection with the alleged incident. Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., was also taken into federal custody.
In addition to forcing Gucci Mane to sign contract termination paperwork at gunpoint, Shiesty and his crew are accused of robbing Gucci and two of his associates, who are described as music industry professionals.
One of the victims was even allegedly choked to near unconsciousness during the ambush.
Shiesty has since been denied bond, with the judge citing the fact that he was on home confinement in his aforementioned gun case at the time of the incident.
“I can’t find any conditions to offer that haven’t already been granted to you,” Judge Renee Harries Toliver told the “Back in Blood” hitmaker during a court hearing earlier this week, per XXL.
Big30, who is accused of barricading the studio door with his body to prevent Gucci Mane and co. from leaving, was granted $100,000 bond but it was immediately stayed at prosecutors’ request.
Both rappers face up to life in prison if convicted.
Gucci Mane, meanwhile, came under more scrutiny this week when an FBI agent testified that he cooperated with police about the alleged robbery and kidnapping.
During Shiesty’s court hearing, FBI Special Agent Pamela Hanson revealed that investigators relied on statements that Gucci and the other alleged victims told cops after being called to the studio by a member of the rapper’s security on the night of the incident.
The post Gucci Mane Disses Pooh Shiesty & Big30 On “Crash Dummy”: Listen appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Kanye West Claims Nobody Can Beat Him In A Verzuz Battle
Andy Bustard (08/04/2026)
Kanye West has weighed in on the age-old debate over who (if anybody) could beat him in a Verzuz battle — and his answer is the most Kanye answer ever. The Chicago rap icon made a surprise appearance at Deon Cole’s comedy show at Hollywood Improv on Tuesday (April 7), where he hung out on... The post Kanye West Claims Nobody Can Beat Him In A Verzuz Battle appeared first on HipHopDX.
Kanye West has weighed in on the age-old debate over who (if anybody) could beat him in a Verzuz battle — and his answer is the most Kanye answer ever.
The Chicago rap icon made a surprise appearance at Deon Cole’s comedy show at Hollywood Improv on Tuesday (April 7), where he hung out on stage and loosely interacted with Cole and fellow comedian Ocean Glapion throughout the night.
When asked if by Glapion if there is any artist out there that he views as a worthy Verzuz oopponent, Ye shook his head and replied: “Nobody” before flashing his signature smirk.
Backing up his argument, Yeezy then pointed out that despite running through dozens of hits during his recent sold-out shows at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, there were still several huge songs that he didn’t perform including “Gold Digger” and “Touch the Sky.”
While on stage, Ye also briefly spoke about the upcoming deluxe edition of Bully, revealing it is still in the process of being finished.
He also (jokingly) agreed to let Deon Cole record an interlude for the project, à la DeRay Davis’ (who also popped up at Cole’s show) comedic skits on The College Dropout and Late Registration.
The prospect of Kanye West participating in a Verzuz battle has fueled fan debates for years, with fellow heavyweights such as Drake, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent and Future floated as potential opponents.
Swizz Beatz revealed in 2021 that Ye was actually “ready” to face off against Drizzy in the popular soundclash series that he co-founded with Timbaland, but it never materialized due to their ongoing feud at the time.
However, many believe that the only catalog that could stand toe-to-toe with Yeezy’s belongs to his former mentor, labelmate and collaborator JAY-Z.
During a recent episode of his eponymous podcast, Joe Budden and his co-hosts debated who would win between the Watch the Throne duo, with all of them agreeing that it would make for a tantalizing showdown.
Antwan “Ish” Marby ultimately backed Yeezy to take the W, saying: “I still think Hov is the greatest rapper ever, but when you getting up there with 20 bangers, hits… yes, Kanye can get him out of there.”
Brian “B.Dot” Miller, however, was adamant that Hov would edge it, saying: “If we’re talking about lead songs, I don’t think that JAY-Z loses to Kanye West.”
“I don’t either,” Budden concurred.
The post Kanye West Claims Nobody Can Beat Him In A Verzuz Battle appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Lil Tjay Calls Offset A “Rat” After Being Arrested Over Casino Shooting
Andy Bustard (08/04/2026)
Lil Tjay has hit out at Offset after being arrested in connection with the former Migos rapper’s shooting. Offset was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries on Monday evening (April 6) after being shot outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Police said that Tjay, who has been feuding with the “Ric Flair... The post Lil Tjay Calls Offset A “Rat” After Being Arrested Over Casino Shooting appeared first on HipHopDX.
Lil Tjay has hit out at Offset after being arrested in connection with the former Migos rapper’s shooting.
Offset was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries on Monday evening (April 6) after being shot outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Police said that Tjay, who has been feuding with the “Ric Flair Drip” rapper in recent years, was arrested and “charged in connection with the incident,” according to NBC News.
He is accused of instigating a fight with Offset that led to his shooting.
Jail records show that Tjay was booked on a disorderly conduct charge and released on bond on Tuesday (April 7).
While leaving the jail, the 24-year-old spoke with reporters and lashed out at Offset, calling him a “rat.”
“The last thing I seen was Offset looking at me like this, ‘Yo, that n*gga shot me! That n*gga shot me!’ That n*gga is a rat,” he said. “I didn’t do no damn fighting … Did I shoot Offset? That shit is crazy.”
When asked if Offset put hands on him, the Bronx native snapped: “I’ll smack the shit out of Offset. He would never play with me like that in his life.”
According to a probable cause affadavit, Lil Tjay “directed members of his [entourage] to start a fight with another group of males” in the valet area of the casino.
Surveillance footage showed Tjay pointing at Offset and then approaching him along with his associates, cops claim. During the altercation, one of Tjay’s associates allegedly pulled out a gun and fired, injuring Offset.
“Sworn statements were taken from the victims who stated that they were caring for their wounded friend [Offset], when the defendant [Lil Tjay] approached them in an aggressive manner with fists clenched and taking swings at them,” the affadavit reads.
Tjay is also accused of filming the confrontation on his phone.
The rapper’s attorney Dawn M. Florio previously denied his involvement in the shooting, saying in a statement: “Lil Tjay has not been shot nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false.”
A second person detained at the scene has not been charged, according to police, who added: “The investigation to identify one or more additional persons involved in the incident is ongoing.”
Offset, meanwhile, is still recovering at Memorial Regional Hospital. He was captured on Tuesday outside the hospital smoking a cigarette in a wheelchair.
BREAKING: Rapper Offset was spotted smoking in a hospital gown after being shot Monday near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. pic.twitter.com/33EfUWgkx3
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 7, 2026
BREAKING: Rapper Offset was spotted smoking in a hospital gown after being shot Monday near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The two rappers began feuding last year when Lil Tjay claimed that Offset was “broke” and owed him money due to his “gambling addiction.”
During a Twitch stream in January 2025, the “Calling My Phone” rapper claimed that he once lent Offset $5,000 at a casino and was owed upwards of $10,000 from the former Migo.
He also shared alleged screenshots of him threatening to “smack the whole shit” out of Offset if he didn’t get his money back.
After further taunts from Lil Tjay months later, Offset challenged the 24-year-old to a fight, writing on Instagram: “let’s hit on live I’ll fly to you this ain’t gone stop ya fell off allegations.”
The post Lil Tjay Calls Offset A “Rat” After Being Arrested Over Casino Shooting appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Isaiah Rashad Announces New Album ‘It’s Been Awful’
Andy Bustard (07/04/2026)
Isaiah Rashad is making his long-awaited return next month with his first album in five years. The Tennessee native has announced his new album It’s Been Awful, which will be released on May 1 via Top Dawg Entertainment and Warner Records. Along with a cinematic trailer for the project, which depicts Rashad limping across a... The post Isaiah Rashad Announces New Album ‘It’s Been Awful’ appeared first on HipHopDX.
Isaiah Rashad is making his long-awaited return next month with his first album in five years.
The Tennessee native has announced his new album It’s Been Awful, which will be released on May 1 via Top Dawg Entertainment and Warner Records.
Along with a cinematic trailer for the project, which depicts Rashad limping across a field after a vicious attack, the TDE MC has launched pre-saves for the lead single “Same Sh!t,” set to drop soon.
It also appears that Zaywop is plotting an accompanying tour, with his new interactive website displaying an It’s Been Awful Tour poster. Fans can also hear a snippet of an unreleased instrumental, presumably from his upcoming album, when they visit the site.
Isaiah Rashad began teasing his new album earlier this week, posting a cryptic card on his Instagram Stories that read: “Everybody wanna see you crash out, fall off, and burn out all for their entertainment. I just wanna see you smile.”
The back of the card featured the phrase “it’s been awful,” which fans now know is the name of his next project.
Fellow TDE artists Doechii, ScHoolboy Q, SiR and others also lent their support to Rashad’s rollout by tweeting out his album title on their respective social media pages.
Zay previously discussed the direction of his third studio album in an interview with VICE last year, naming OutKast, Prince and Fousheé as inspirations.
“The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé,” he said. “Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months. Then, for this tail-end part of my project, this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She’s been inspiring me and this other girl BunnaB.”
He added: “I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else. I would say Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it.”
The 34-year-old also described the album’s sound as a “sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy. Everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south,” according to the publication.
It’s Been Awful serves as the follow-up to Isaiah Rashad’s 2021 album The House is Burning, which itself came after a half-decade hiatus from music following his fan-favorite effort The Sun’s Tirade.
The post Isaiah Rashad Announces New Album ‘It’s Been Awful’ appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Kanye West Banned From UK, Forcing Wireless Festival To Cancel
Andy Bustard (07/04/2026)
Wireless Festival has been canceled after its headliner, Kanye West, was denied entry into the UK. The London-based rap and R&B festival announced in a statement on Tuesday (April 7): “As a result of the Home Office banning YE from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel. All ticket holders will... The post Kanye West Banned From UK, Forcing Wireless Festival To Cancel appeared first on HipHopDX.
Wireless Festival has been canceled after its headliner, Kanye West, was denied entry into the UK.
The London-based rap and R&B festival announced in a statement on Tuesday (April 7): “As a result of the Home Office banning YE from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel. All ticket holders will recieve an automatic full refund.”
The shock move follows mounting pressure from major sponsors, campaign groups and even UK leaders over the festival’s decision to book the controversial rapper as its sole headliner, despite his antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments in recent years.
Pepsi, Paypal and Diageo, among other brands, all pulled out of sponsoring the festival in recent days in protest of Ye’s booking, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it “deeply concerning.”
According to the BBC, Kanye made an application to travel to the UK on Monday (April 6) via an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The Home Office rejected his application on the grounds that his presence in the country would not be conducive to the public good.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kanye issued a statement addressing the backlash to his planned Wireless Festival performances, promising that his “only goal is to present a show of change” and “bring unity, peace and love through my music.”
He also offered to meet with “members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews responded to Ye’s statement by saying: “We are willing to meet Kanye West as part of his journey of healing, but only after he agrees not to play the Wireless Festival this year.”
In a surprise turn of events, Kanye had been defended by the managing director of Festival Republic, the company behind Wireless Festival, prior to his UK ban and the festival’s cancelation.
“What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me,” said Melvin Benn in a statement. “Ye’s music is played on commercial radio stations in this country. It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country.
“We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.”
Benn added: “Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world and I would ask people to reflect on their instant comments of disgust at the likelihood of him performing (as was mine) and offer some forgiveness and hope to him as I have decided to do.”
Kanye West was scheduled to healine all three nights of Wireless Festival on July 10, 11 and 12.
The Chicago native has not faced similar backlash on home soil having recently performed two sold-out shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in support of his new album Bully.
Ye was joined by a number of special guests over the two concerts including Lauryn Hill, Travis Scott and Don Toliver.
The post Kanye West Banned From UK, Forcing Wireless Festival To Cancel appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Offset Shot Outside Florida Casino
Andy Bustard (07/04/2026)
Offset has been hospitalized after being shot outside a casino in Hollywood, Florida. The attack occured on Monday evening (April 6) in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, according to the Seminole Police Department. The former Migos rapper suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in a stable condition. “We can... The post Offset Shot Outside Florida Casino appeared first on HipHopDX.
Offset has been hospitalized after being shot outside a casino in Hollywood, Florida.
The attack occured on Monday evening (April 6) in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, according to the Seminole Police Department. The former Migos rapper suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in a stable condition.
“We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care,” a spokesperson for Offset said in a statement to the press. “He is stable and being closely monitored.”
Two people have been detained in connection with the shooting, police said, but their identities have yet to be made public. An investigation is ongoing.
Shortly after news of the shooting broke, Offset’s former groupmate Quavo appeared to send his support by posting a praying hands emoji on his Instagram Stories.
Unsubstantiated rumors began circulating that Lil Tjay, who has been embroiled in a feud with Offset in recent years over an alleged gambling debt, was involved in the shooting.
However, his lawyer Dawn M. Florio quickly shut down the “false rumors,” writing in a statement shared online: “Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false.”
In January 2025, Tjay ruffled Offset’s feathers by claiming that he was “broke” and “must have a gambling addiction.”
“Why I diss Offset? Offset is broke,” the Bronx native said on a Twitch stream. “I’ll tell y’all a true story … I seen the n*gga in the casino. He was popped, he was panicking.”
Tjay further claimed that he lent Offset $5,000 at the casino and is owed upwards of $10,000 from the “Ric Flair Drip” hitmaker. He also shared alleged screenshots of him threatening to “smack the whole shit” out of Offset if he didn’t get his money back.
After facing further taunts from Lil Tjay on social media months later, Offset challenged the 24-year-old to a fight, writing on Instagram: “let’s hit on live I’ll fly to you this ain’t gone stop ya fell off allegations.”
The post Offset Shot Outside Florida Casino appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Jay Electronica Jumps Into Crowd & Confronts Fans For Booing Him At L.A. Show: “They P*ssy!”
Andy Bustard (06/04/2026)
Jay Electronica did not take kindly to being booed at his show in Los Angeles over the weekend as he jumped into the crowd to confront the hecklers. The Roc Nation rapper’s concert at The Compound on Saturday (April 4) went south when some attendees began booing him for performing “Exhibit C” acapella instead of... The post Jay Electronica Jumps Into Crowd & Confronts Fans For Booing Him At L.A. Show: “They P*ssy!” appeared first on HipHopDX.
Jay Electronica did not take kindly to being booed at his show in Los Angeles over the weekend as he jumped into the crowd to confront the hecklers.
The Roc Nation rapper’s concert at The Compound on Saturday (April 4) went south when some attendees began booing him for performing “Exhibit C” acapella instead of over the Just Blaze beat.
Footage from the concert posted on social media showed Jay halting his set and taking issue with the crowd’s response, saying: “If you fuck with me, shut the fuck up and listen to the bars!”
He added: “Whoever boos, we know you the enemy, n*gga, and you a coward! ‘Cause you won’t boo in my face.”
Jay Electronica responds to boos after they wanted him to play the beat through for Exhibit C at The Compound in LA pic.twitter.com/bWTnfqeAxu
— Eric Diep (@E_Diep) April 5, 2026
An angry Jay Electronica then jumped into the crowd and reiterated his message as he walked through the sea of fans, daring his hecklers to boo him to his face.
“See how they shut the fuck up! They pussy!” he yelled, before clarifying: “My fans know I ain’t talking to them. We on the same team … I came here to swing my sword at the enemy. If you want to boo, that’s fine; I’ve been booed at concerts before. But grow some nuts and boo in my face.”
One clip showed the New Orleans native squaring up to a male attendee with his mic in hand and reprimanding him — in rhyme form.
“Ms. Dorothy raised me up on the psalms of David / Plus worked her whole life, day and night on grave shift / So just know Jay Electronica ain’t to be played with!” he snaps, reciting his verse from “Abracadabra (A Written Testimony: Leaflets).”
Jay Electronica confronts a fan at The compound part 1 #jayelectronica #losangeles #concert #hiphop pic.twitter.com/LjARZJ96S7
— JoethePoet (@MusicByThePoet) April 5, 2026
Part 2 #jayelectronica confronts the fans in Los Angeles #concert #hiphop #rap pic.twitter.com/dzdH0nXLJf
— JoethePoet (@MusicByThePoet) April 6, 2026
Jay Electronica is currently in the midst of his Nineteen Day Reconnaissance Tour, which kicked off last month in Toronto.
Having already performed in Seattle, Portland, several Canadian cities and, of course, Los Angeles, the enigmatic MC heads to Las Vegas on Wednesday (April 8) before traveling to Orlando, Miami, Austin, Dallas, Houston and Virginia Beach.
The North American trek eventually wraps up on May 9 in Richmond, Virginia.
Jay Elec is on the road promoting his spree of surprise projects that he dropped last year: A Written Testimony: Leaflets, A Written Testimony: Power At The Rate of My Dreams and A Written Testimony: Mars, The Inhabited Planet.
On the song “Four Billion, Four Hundred Million 4,400,000,000 / The Worst Is Yet To Come,” he revealed that he “gave [JAY-Z] nineteen albums in one day and he ain’t have to pay me,” although it’s unclear if any further Jay Electronica projects are set for release.
The post Jay Electronica Jumps Into Crowd & Confronts Fans For Booing Him At L.A. Show: “They P*ssy!” appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More Kanye West’s ‘Bully’ First-Week Sales Are In As Deluxe Edition Nears
Andy Bustard (06/04/2026)
Kanye West‘s Bully has made a decent splash on the Billboard 200 despite the whirlwind of controversy leading up to its release. The album has debuted at number two on the chart after earning 152,000 equivalent units in its first week, according to Billboard. Of that figure, 96,000 came from streaming (98.43 million on-demand official... The post Kanye West’s ‘Bully’ First-Week Sales Are In As Deluxe Edition Nears appeared first on HipHopDX.
Kanye West‘s Bully has made a decent splash on the Billboard 200 despite the whirlwind of controversy leading up to its release.
The album has debuted at number two on the chart after earning 152,000 equivalent units in its first week, according to Billboard. Of that figure, 96,000 came from streaming (98.43 million on-demand official streams) while 56,000 comprised of traditional sales.
Ye was denied the top spot by K-Pop sensation BTS, whose 10th album ARIRANG earned 187,000 equivalent units in its second week following its blockbuster debut atop the Billboard 200 with 641,000 units.
Bully ends Kanye’s 21-year streak of number one solo albums, becoming just his second solo LP to miss out on the Billboard 200 top spot since his 2004 debut The College Dropout, which also peaked at number two.
At least this is one interpretation of the numbers.
Gamma., the company founded by former Apple Music exec. Larry Jackson that distributed Bully, has claimed that the album actually earned over 200,000 equivalent units in its first week, which would be enough to dethrone BTS and secure the number one spot.
On its Instagram Stories, Gamma. posted a “full seven-day sales and consumption” breakdown claiming that Bully generated a total of 200,997 units.
Neither Billboard nor Luminate, the data company that powers the Billboard charts, have yet responded to Gamma.’s claims.
Despite the album already featuring a generous 18 songs, there may be more where Bully came from.
In a separate Instagram Story, Gamma. teased an upcoming expanded edition, writing: “Bully deluxe on the way.”
Further details, such as a release date or number of bonus songs, have yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, Kanye West’s recently-announced headlining sets at London’s Wireless Festival in July are drawing plenty of scrutiny due to his past antisemitic behavior.
In recent days, a number of major sponsors have pulled out of the festival, including Pepsi, Paypal and drinks giant Diageo.
Even Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and London mayor Sadiq Khan have protested the move, with the former saying it is “deeply concerning” that the controversial rapper has been booked to perform “despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.”
Ye, who recently performed two sold-out shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in support of Bully, is due to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival.
The post Kanye West’s ‘Bully’ First-Week Sales Are In As Deluxe Edition Nears appeared first on HipHopDX.
Read More
