Yandy Smith-Harris has seemingly sent shots at her estranged husband, Mendeecees, who announced their split a few weeks back. On Friday (Dec.26), Smith-Harris hopped on her Instagram Story, sharing two posts that seemingly offered a peek into the Love & Hip Hop alum’s state of mind. One post read, “Now I finally understand the difference between people who love me, people who love to be around me, and people who love what I can do for them.” The second post reads, “‘You’re quieter now,’ I heard my business from people that I didn’t tell.” Awhile back, during an episode of Yung Joc And The Streetz Morning Takeover, Mendeecees addressed the couple’s estranged relationship. Rumors of infidelity on both their behalfs have often been discussed online and even on the popular reality series. He was specifically romantically linked to singer Tamar Braxton. Rumors have suggested they’ve been separated for some time and were, in fact, getting a divorce. However, according to Mendeecees, that’s not the case. “We not together. We was never legally married, so [we’re not getting divorce],” he said. instagram.com/yandysmith instagram.com/yandysmith “I didn’t do it for TV. It was Yandy’s idea,” Mendeecees Says According to Mendeecees, the elaborate wedding filmed on Love & Hip Hop was solely for show. “In the beginning, I was going through legal battles with courts and fines, and she said, ‘Let’s not sign the papers.’ I was like, all right, cool. Then it kind of just stayed that way.” He continued: “Then we got married again, and we still didn’t sign. If I look back now and see what people go through with divorce, assets, all that, we don’t got to go through none of that. You know what I’m saying? It kind of worked out.” Despite being together for over two decades, the pair just can’t seem to “get on the same page,” he says. According to him, they’ve been split up for over a year. Still, Mendeecees looks back fondly on their relationship, saying, “After 20 years, that person helped change who you are. I matured in so many ways being with Yandy. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for her.” He added, “She made me look at family different. She made me look at life different. If you saw how closed off I was before, I wouldn’t even be sitting here having this conversation.”

Tyler Perry has been hit with another lawsuit from a second accuser, TMZ reports. According to the outlet, Boo! A Madea Halloween actor, Mario Rodriguez, accused Perry of making unwanted sexual advances, including groping, multiple times. On Thursday (Dec.26), Rodriguez filed the suit in a California courtroom listing Perry and Lionsgate Films as the defendants. The model and actor claims he met the director back in 2015, after a gym trainer approached him and offered to connect him with the director. Later that same day, Rodriguez says he and Perry discussed a script he was working on (which ultimately became Boo! A Madea Halloween), as well as a possible role for him. Despite noting he didn’t have acting experience, he says Perry told him, “You know, Mario, I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.” In one interaction, Rodriguez claimed that after being invited into Perry’s home, they were drinking and headed down to his home theater. While there, the actor claims Perry “rubbed his shoulders and chest while moaning sexually.” ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 02: Tyler Perry speaks onstage during the Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy Atlanta screening at Regal Atlantic Station on November 02, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Amazon) lawsuit claims Perry made several unwanted advances toward actor Not long after, Rodriguez left. On the other hand, in the lawsuit, he claims Perry was never inappropriate during production. However, once filming wrapped, he says, despite Perry initially inviting him over to discuss future roles, things took a turn, and he asked several sexually charged questions. In another startling allegation, the actor claims Perry, once again, invited him over to discuss career opportunities. Shortly after his arrival, Rodriguez claims that Perry offered him fellatio before trying to reach into his underwear and grab his penis. Following the incident, he claims Perry offered him $5,000 and an apology. There was another occasion where Rodriguez says Perry grabbed his hand and forced him to touch his penis. As he got up to leave, Perry offered him another $5,000. The model and actor are suing for “sexual assault, sexual battery, and emotional distress,” and seeks punitive damages of at least $77,000,000. Perry’s attorney, Alex Shapiro, told TMZ that Rodriguez’s account was nothing more than a “money grab.” He added, “Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago, which will also be a failed money grab.”

In 2025, music producers are no longer confined to studios, cities, or even genres. The modern producer is global, independent, tech-savvy, and culturally fluent- shaping sounds that move effortlessly from TikTok to radio to international charts. As music as a whole continues to evolve, Producer WorldWideFresh is calling attention to the 2025 trends that drove the culture forward. Photo Credit: WorldWideFresh Akil King, professionally known as WorldWideFresh—or simply Fresh—is a 16-time Grammy-nominated, four-time Grammy-winning songwriter and producer whose impact reaches far beyond his Brooklyn roots. Raised in Brownsville, Fresh turned humble beginnings into a global career, amassing over 100 million records sold, more than 5 billion streams, and 944 songwriting and production credits to date. View this post on Instagram Fresh has contributed to No. 1 albums and singles across nearly every major global genre, including R&B, pop, hip-hop, Afrobeats, reggae, K-pop, country, and Latin music. His pen and production have shaped defining moments in modern culture—from Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning “Black Parade” to Coi Leray’s global hit “Players,” and Doechii’s viral smash “What It Is.” Fresh talks 2025 music trends: How would you describe the sound of 2025?  The sound of 2025 can be summed up in one word: R&B. It was the year the genre fully re-centered itself as the emotional and creative backbone of music again. What textures, rhythms, or creative approaches defined this year for you?  This year was about getting back to the core of music authenticity, originality, and intention. Creating from the heart, for the art, rather than chasing money, metrics, or popularity. The focus shifted back to feeling. What was the biggest production trend you noticed in 2025, and how did it influence your own work? Music returning to the core root of the late 90s early to mid 2000s feel. It’s like music went ahead just to come back again. Pretty much history repeating itself.  Did you see any unexpected sonic shifts this year sounds, genres, or techniques that suddenly took off?  The unexpected sonic shifts that I noticed this year was the ability to blend edgy hip hop drums over melodic R&B rhythms. Which leads to the genre that took off unexpectedly, R&B music. The 2 main acts the helped restore & rebirth that was Leon Thomas and Kehlani. Which artist or project did you work on this year that best represents where music is headed?  There were a number of projects I worked on that best represented where Music is headed today wine, Honey Bxby’s “Raw Honey”, 2. Elmiene “Heat the Streets” 3. 4batz “Still Shining” 4. Josh Levy “Hydraulic” which is showing that there was going to be a huge explosion in R&B music in 2026. And these four artists are all young R&B trailblazers in their own right, that are setting the stage for a huge explosion in R&B music in 2026.  View this post on Instagram 
How did regional sounds—NY drill, Jersey club, Afro-fusion, ATL trap, West Coast bounce—evolve in your opinion?  I believe New York drill has evolved since Cash Cobain has put his spin on it and develop sexy drill. I think jersey club music has evolved since the birth of Zeddy Will he makes Jersey club music fun again and makes people wanna dance and enjoy themselves carefree like they used to.  Afro fusion has evolved because now different genres of artist are putting their spin on afro beat music. Which is making it more popular to the masses.  Atl trap music has evolved since Metro Boomin. Who’s one of my favorite producers has returned ATL trap music back to its regional space. Helping new acts break to top 40 heights such as YKNiece With record like “take me through there”.  West Coast bounce has evolved since the return of Kendrick Lamar helping to not just evolve the music but evolve, new artist and producers simultaneously.  View this post on Instagram Has AI-assisted production or new plugins change your workflow? If so, how? Yes, AI production and plugins helped with workflow when I was able to go to the studio create a song for an artist that I love and instead of waiting for the particular artist to record the record use an AI plug-in to take the likeness of that artist and allow me to hear what it would sounds like with The Artists voice.  Were there any creative risks you took this year that felt different from previous years? The creative risk I took this year was not chasing the more established artist and investing my time in artist developing and helping to build and break new acts such as Honey Bxby, Zeddy Will, and Wesley Franklin.  How have TikTok, Reels, or short-form platforms influenced how producers approach making records in 2025?  I believe it has influenced producers on their approach of making music in 2025. It is simply the the greatest tool to measure & gauge what the kids are into. I believe it’s a direct indicator to what children love the most about music and most times believe it or not TikTok actually trends with great music that people like and not just trendy music sound bites or click bait.  What sounds or trends do you think will dominate and re-emerge in 2026? The sounds that will dominate in 2026 is R&B music and hip-hop music will make a comeback. K-pop music is going to get bigger and I believe we are going to see more boy and girl bands in 2026. I also believe Hip Hop is going to make a come back because it is in the reset phase. I think we’ll see the return of Drake dominating, more great music from future, 21 savage and also new acts like JID & BIG Xthe plug.  Heading into 2026, my focus is on creative dominance and legacy. WorldwideFresh is positioned to become one of the top five leading producers in the industry, with a strong presence across radio and streaming platforms. At the same time, I’m building Money Well Spent Records alongside

Akademiks believes that the rap industry’s fixation with high streaming numbers has given way to the internet streamer boom. During a recent stream, the podcaster shared his views on why he thinks “rappers are competing with streamers.” Streamers such as Kai Cenat, Adin Ross, and N3on, have all had rappers on their platforms. “Rappers made a huge mistake in the last two years,” Akademiks said. “When they were chasing numbers, they all went to streamers. You’ve got to understand, the rapper collab with the streamers is what got these guys to record levels of clout.” Akademiks went on to say that Tory Lanez appeared on Adin Ross’ livestream in 2021, two years before he was sentenced to a decade in prison. “These streamers on their way to whatever clout level they get to. They collaborate with rappers, but overall the end result is that it helped the streamers more than they help the rappers,” he continued. Ak also believes that hip-hop artists have “handed their audience over to discover these streamers.” “I do believe that streamers have done a great job to extract the attention of potential fans away from the rappers,” Ak said. “Now to the fact that the rapper have to show up to the streamers’ bedroom to try to get the attention back, expect, fans are making a hard choice.” “We’re buying into personality over this coolness factor and music that is hit-or-miss,” he concluded.

Tyrese Gibson prepares for 2026 with a message rooted in faith, reflection, and spiritual intention. On December 24, the R&B singer and actor shared a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, that read more like a prayer than a typical social media update. The message arrived just days after his emotional, widely circulated interview with famed pastor T.D. Jakes, offering deeper insight into where Gibson says his heart and spirit are headed. “Dear Heavenly Father, as I stand at the doorway of 2026, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ,” Gibson wrote, immediately framing the upcoming year as a moment of transition. Dear Heavenly Father, as I stand at the doorway of 2026, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Before this new year fully unfolds, I place my life, my family, my work, and my future into Your hands. Go before me, and destroy every plan of darkness set against my life.… — Tyrese Gibson (@Tyrese) December 25, 2025 By placing himself at the “doorway” of 2026, he positioned the future as a reset rather than a continuation of past struggles. He went on to offer “my life, my family, my work, and my future” to God, signaling a desire for wholeness and alignment after years marked by public scrutiny and personal challenges. Throughout the post, Gibson leaned into language of spiritual protection and release. He asked God to “destroy every plan of darkness set against my life” and declared that “every curse that tried to follow me from previous years is stopped here.” He continued, “Every negative word, every repeated pattern, every hidden plan meant to delay my progress or steal my peace is cancelled now,” framing past pain as something he refuses to carry forward. Tyrese Gibson Delivers A Prayer For His Enemies Before 2026 One of the most striking lines, “What was sent to weaken me will not enter 2026 with me,” reads as a clear boundary. The sentiment echoes themes Gibson discussed with Jakes, including endurance, faith, and surviving judgment without losing oneself. Rather than naming specific people or moments, he used spiritual language to address what he later described as “the enemy.” Gibson’s declarations for the year ahead carried that same clarity. “I declare that 2026 will not be marked by struggle, but by direction; not by heaviness, but by freedom; not by curses, but by the blessing of God,” he wrote, emphasizing intention over reaction. He closed with an invitation: “Type ‘God is great’ to disappoint the enemy!” The call transformed the prayer into a shared moment, inviting followers into collective affirmation. Gibson’s post reflected renewal, not retaliation. It was a statement of faith, peace, and resolve, offering a reminder that healing can be both personal and communal.

North West didn’t just celebrate Christmas this year. She set the internet off. The 12-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West shared photos and video showing off custom diamond grillz, instantly pulling hip-hop culture, celebrity parenting, and youth expression into the same frame. The top-row grillz came courtesy of Houston legend Johnny Dang, the jeweler whose work has long defined rap luxury aesthetics. #NorthWest got a iced out grill by Johnny Dang for Christmas pic.twitter.com/lD7HzgAHT3 — TeaWithTia (@RealTeaWithTia) December 26, 2025 In the images, North posed with teal-dyed hair, long acrylic nails, and the kind of confidence usually reserved for artists twice her age. A short dancing clip put the diamonds front and center, letting them catch the light as the post traveled fast across social media. Fans flooded the comments praising her self-assurance, creativity, and fearless visual identity. Supporters framed the moment as a young star experimenting with style while growing up inside one of the most famous families on the planet. Many described the look as playful and expressive. Others pointed out that North has spent her entire life in public view, making performance feel second nature. Not everyone was on board. Critics questioned whether diamond grillz were appropriate for a 12-year-old. North West Receives New Grill By Johnny Dang For Christmas Some comments shifted focus toward Kardashian and West’s parenting choices. Others raised concerns about dental health, citing potential gum irritation and enamel damage. Several voices called for more privacy for celebrity kids navigating adulthood in real time. The reaction echoed familiar debates around North’s public image. Previous appearances featuring temporary grillz, bleached eyebrows, and fake tattoos sparked similar conversations. Each moment split audiences between admiration and discomfort. Creativity versus exposure remains the core tension. Kim Kardashian has addressed those criticisms in the past, describing North’s fashion experiments as harmless self-expression. She has repeatedly said creativity is encouraged at home, with parental supervision and boundaries in place. Still, the court of public opinion stays loud. Johnny Dang’s involvement amplified the conversation. Known as the “King of Bling,” Dang has crafted grillz for hip-hop’s biggest names. His work carries cultural weight, rooted in Southern rap history. Seeing his designs on a celebrity child pushed the moment beyond aesthetics. For some, North’s grillz honored that lineage. For others, age overshadowed cultural context. That tension is unavoidable when fame arrives before adolescence. North West continues to grow up under a global microscope. Holiday moments become cultural debates. Style choices become statements. Her Christmas post proved that once again. Whether viewed as bold expression or premature spectacle, the image stuck. It wasn’t just about diamonds. It was about how hip-hop culture, fame, and youth collide in real time.

Nicki Minaj is planning to keep a low profile in 2026. Following her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, Minaj has deactivated her Instagram account. Walking out with Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Minaj lauded President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance as “role models” for young men. ​“This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them. Our vice president makes me … well, I love both of them,” Minaj said. “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.” “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president. I don’t know if he even knows this, but he’s given so many people hope,” Minaj continued. Minaj said she decided to follow Trump because she “got tired of being pushed around.” “I have something inside of me that’s stronger than what’s out there. So when you’ve had enough, you realize, ‘Wait a minute, why do I even care about these people and what they think? Who are they?’ They don’t even know who they are,” Minaj continued.  “So I’m not going to back down anymore. I’m not going to back down ever again.” Minaj also mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling him “New-scum”, a nickname Trump gave the California governor. But it wasn’t long before Minaj made a major gaffe, calling Vance an “assassin.” “You have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president,” Minaj said before realizing her choice of words. Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a Turning Point USA event on the campus of Utah Valley University in September. She covered her mouth with her palm, showing her embarrassment. “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman,” said Erika Kirk, coming to Minaj’s defense. “Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine… I love you. You have to laugh about it truly,” Kirk told Minaj. “You say what you want to say, because I know your heart and I will not judge that.”

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is used to making headlines on the field, but this offseason, the New York Yankees standout captured attention for a far more personal reason. View this post on Instagram The 26-year-old MLB star announced his engagement to model Ahnalys Santiago, also known as Ahna Mac, while spending the holidays together. The couple shared the news on Instagram, offering fans an intimate glimpse into a milestone that extends beyond baseball. Chisholm, who electrified New York last season with a rare 30–30 campaign, revealed the engagement through a joint post with Santiago featuring a series of relaxed beach photos. The images showed the pair smiling, barefoot, and celebrating their future together in casual seaside settings. In the caption, they kept things playful and confident, writing, “I’m not Da Gurl anymore yallllll I’m DA WIFEEEEEEEE AHHHHHHHHH WTF I CANT STOP CRYING 12.25.25 I love you so much WTF mannnn you tricked me @_jazz3 I guess when you know you know & he ain’t playing bout me AHHH WTFMS MAC CHISHOLM ” The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of likes and comments within hours. Fans and fellow athletes flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages and heart emojis. Jazz Chisholm & Ahna Mac Announce Engagement One fan wrote, “Yall are tooooo f-king cuteee ugh,” while another added, “So happy for you. He better treat you right.” The reaction reflected the widespread affection many have for the couple. The engagement highlights a quieter side of Chisholm, whose expressive personality and high-energy style have made him one of baseball’s most recognizable young stars. Off the field, he has often spoken about the importance of family and emotional support as he navigates the pressures of professional sports. Santiago, who goes by Ahna Mac professionally, has largely kept a low public profile despite her modeling career. She appears occasionally on Chisholm’s social media and has been a constant presence since their relationship became public in 2022. Their engagement feels like a natural progression after several years together. The timing is notable as Chisholm approaches a pivotal phase in his career, with a contract year looming in 2026. While his focus will soon shift back to the Yankees and the upcoming season, the engagement signals stability during a period often marked by uncertainty for professional athletes. As spring training approaches, Jazz Chisholm Jr. enters the next chapter of his career with both professional momentum and a future he’s clearly excited to build with Santiago.

Former NBA guard Sebastian Telfair is offering a firsthand account of life inside FCI Fort Dix as Sean “Diddy” Combs continues serving a federal prison sentence, adding personal context to an ongoing legal fight over the scope of Combs’ punishment. Telfair, who was released from the New Jersey federal facility days ago, spoke publicly about Combs’ condition behind bars. He described the Bad Boy Records founder as composed and disciplined, despite the abrupt shift from wealth and influence to incarceration. “Diddy’s holding it down. He’s doing what he gotta do,” Telfair said following his release. “He’s doing good. Diddy’s gonna be Diddy.” Telfair’s remarks come against the backdrop of his own legal history. He returned to Fort Dix after violating supervised release tied to a federal healthcare fraud case. Prosecutors accused him of submitting fraudulent claims to the NBA Players Health and Welfare Benefit Plan, part of a broader scheme that authorities said caused roughly $4 million in losses. Court records show Telfair personally obtained $358,000 through false reimbursements. He was charged in 2021 and later sentenced to probation in 2024. A failure to complete court-ordered community service resulted in a six-month custodial sentence, placing him at Fort Dix alongside Combs. Sebastian Telfair Gives Update On Sean “Diddy” Combs Imprisonment At FIC Fort Dix Photos of Combs circulating from inside the facility earlier this year drew public attention. The images showed Combs smiling with other inmates, appearing calm and physically altered, with gray hair visible. The photos challenged widespread assumptions about his mental and emotional state. Telfair said the adjustment to prison life has been significant for Combs. He described Combs’ pre-incarceration lifestyle as fast-paced and indulgent, a sharp contrast to the structure of federal custody. Still, he emphasized Combs’ adaptability and focus. Combs is serving a 50-month sentence following his July 2025 conviction on two counts under the Mann Act for transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. A jury acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian imposed the sentence, which legal observers have described as unusually severe for Mann Act violations. On December 23, Combs’ attorneys filed an emergency motion seeking immediate release, arguing the court improperly relied on conduct rejected by the jury. The defense called the sentence “a perversion of justice,” asserting Combs should have been sentenced only for interstate transportation tied to voluntary prostitution, which carries significantly lower guideline ranges. Combs remains housed at Fort Dix as appellate proceedings continue. Telfair’s account suggests a controlled routine rather than collapse. Inside federal custody, legal status defines outcomes. Personal resolve defines survival.

New York Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods had plenty to celebrate this Christmas. The NBA star capped the holiday by announcing their engaged, turning December 25 into a milestone moment both on and off the court. Woods, a model, entrepreneur, and media personality, shared the news alongside Towns in a joint Instagram post on Christmas Day. The caption was brief and playful: “Marry Christmas.” Within minutes, the announcement lit up social media. View this post on Instagram The couple revealed the engagement through a carousel of photos taken at Overstory, a rooftop cocktail bar overlooking Manhattan. Woods stunned in an all-white ensemble as she stood hand in hand with Towns, with the New York City skyline glowing behind them. Fans quickly flooded the comments with congratulations. Fellow athletes, celebrities, and supporters praised the couple’s chemistry and long-standing bond. Many noted how natural the moment felt, especially given how private Woods and Towns have remained over the years. New York Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns Gets Engaged To Long-time Girlfriend Jordyn Woods The engagement came on a day already filled with celebration for Towns. Earlier on Christmas Day, the Knicks secured a hard-fought win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The victory marked a professional high, making the proposal an emotional double win. Towns and Woods’ relationship has been years in the making. The two began dating publicly in 2020, though their connection started earlier as friends. That friendship laid the groundwork for a partnership built on trust and shared experiences. Both have spoken openly about navigating profound loss. Towns lost his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, to COVID-19 in 2020, a tragedy that deeply impacted him. Woods lost her father, John Woods, in 2017, shaping her outlook on family and resilience. Through grief and healing, the couple leaned on one another. Their engagement reflects that history, rooted in emotional support rather than public spectacle. The proposal setting added meaning without excess. Overstory’s panoramic skyline views offered elegance and intimacy, allowing the moment to feel private despite its grand backdrop. Photos from the engagement show Woods glowing as Towns stands beside her, smiling with quiet pride. The images captured a sense of calm and certainty rather than flash. For Woods and Towns, the engagement represents patience and intention. They waited for the right moment, letting their relationship grow away from constant attention. Christmas 2025 now holds lasting significance for the couple. It marks not just a holiday, but the beginning of their next chapter together.