The Weeknd is using his platform to support families in Jamaica who are still trying to recover after Hurricane Melissa tore through the island. His XO Humanitarian Fund is directing a major contribution toward helping communities that were left struggling after the Category 5 storm. The singer committed $350,000 to the World Food Programme, and the organization confirmed the funds will directly support their emergency operations across Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa was labeled “The Storm of the Century” after it hit the island last month with winds reaching up to 185 MPH. The impact was so widespread that the entire country was declared a disaster area, and many households lost access to basic resources. With so many communities dealing with massive damage and ongoing shortages, the WFP says The Weeknd’s donation comes at a crucial time. According to the WFP, his contribution will help provide food kits for as many as 200,000 people. These kits are designed to support families who have limited access to supplies and include essentials like rice, lentils, vegetable oil, canned fish, and canned meat. The organization noted that this type of assistance is vital in the early stages of recovery, especially in regions where transportation routes and local markets are still disrupted. The Weeknd has supported global humanitarian efforts for years, and this donation continues that pattern. His XO Humanitarian Fund was created to give rapid support to communities dealing with crises, and the situation in Jamaica fit that mission immediately. Other artists with Jamaican roots have also stepped in. Sean Paul and Maxi Priest both contributed to relief efforts as well, adding to the growing group of public figures trying to help families rebuild. Together, these contributions will help ensure thousands of Jamaicans have steady access to food while recovery continues.
Tay-K’s “Coolin” Track Draws Over A Million Streams After 80 Year Sentence Begins
Tay-K’s latest single, “Coolin,” has reignited interest in the jailed Texas rapper whose story continues to loom large in hip-hop. Released on November 7, 2025, the track stormed streaming platforms, earning over 1.3 million plays within its first weekend. According to Spotify data shared by X account @Kurrco, “Coolin” reached 1,310,056 all-time streams just three days after release. For a rapper serving an 80-year prison sentence, the numbers highlight Tay-K’s enduring grip on rap culture. Recorded before his incarceration, “Coolin” carries the same defiant spirit that made his early work viral. Over a dark, pulsing beat, the 24-year-old delivers bars about police chases, loyalty, and survival, rapping with a detached calm that mirrors his real-life tension between youth and chaos. Fans online called the release a comeback moment. “Better numbers than your favorite rapper despite being locked up,” one X user wrote on November 11. Another posted, “Tay-K was one of the best rappers of the 2010s and I will die on this hill.” Tay-K’s “Coolin” Reaches Over A Million Streams Instantly “Coolin” is Tay-K’s first new release in eight years, but it feels like a continuation of his legend. The track revisits themes that defined his 2017 breakout hit “The Race”—defiance, adrenaline, and the fleeting rush of freedom. For many listeners, it sounds like a time capsule from a life moving too fast to last. In April 2025, Tay-K—born Taymor McIntyre—was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the 2017 shooting death of 23-year-old photographer Mark Anthony Saldivar in San Antonio. Prosecutors said McIntyre, then 16, shot Saldivar during a botched robbery after hiring him for a photo shoot. At sentencing, Judge Stephanie Boyd told him, “You’re still alive. You can still better yourself. But the complainant in this case is deceased, and you need to internalize that.” Even behind bars, Tay-K’s influence remains undeniable. His name trends each time new music surfaces, proof that his mythology still captivates fans. “Coolin” cements that legacy—another reminder that Tay-K’s voice, even from confinement, continues to echo through hip-hop’s digital halls.
Former Fox News Anchor Charged W/ Murder After Allegedly Stabbing Mother
A former Fox 2 St. Louis news anchor has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say she fatally stabbed her 80-year-old mother on Halloween morning. According to reports, Angelynn “Angie” Mock, 47, is accused of killing her mother, Anita Avers, in Wichita, Kansas. Police responded to a 911 call around 7:50 a.m. on October 31 and arrived to find Mock outside the residence with apparent cuts on her hands. When officers entered the home, they discovered Avers unresponsive with multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Mock was transported to a hospital for treatment before being booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder. Her bond was set at $1 million. According to police and media reports, a neighbor told investigators that a blood-covered woman came to their door asking them to call 911, allegedly saying she had stabbed her mother. Mock has reportedly claimed she acted in self-defense and that she was trying to “save herself” during the confrontation. Mock previously worked as a TV news anchor at KTVI Fox 2 in St. Louis between 2011 and 2015 and held earlier roles at stations in Nebraska, Minnesota, Montana and Oklahoma, according to her professional profile.
AfroNaton Punta Cana Was Crazy; See What You Missed!
The ultimate destination party touched down in the Dominican Republic — and Afro Nation brought nothing but pure, unmatched energy. From sunrise to the final beat drop, the vibes were untouchable as thousands gathered oceanside to celebrate the biggest sounds in Afrobeats, dancehall, amapiano, and more. HOT 97 and Trace were right in the heart of it all, delivering that signature NYC heat straight to paradise. With exclusive access, live interviews, and nonstop coverage, the teams amplified the festival experience for fans on the ground and around the world. In the sun-drenched setting of Punta Cana, the beachfront festival was LIT as HOT 97 partnered with Trace Global to bring their livestream to life. The station’s signature urban energy met Afrobeat rhythms, reggae vibes and Caribbean flair — all hosted by Linda Aybar and J.R., who anchored the live-streaming experience with style and authenticity. Linda Aybar and J.R. stepped into the festival field, delivering live commentary, artist interviews, hype moments, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The setting was the scenic shores of the Dominican Republic, where the festival vibe turned into an interactive digital event. The broadcast blended live stage footage from Afro Nation’s diverse artist lineup with commentary from the hosts. From the electrifying performances to the oceanfront energy, the festival delivered moment after moment that will live long in the memories of everyone who touched down in the DR. With HOT 97 and Trace bringing the heat from the livestream to the festival grounds, the world got a front-row seat to the magic.
Busta Rhymes Reflects On Fave Busta Era, Tough Love from Swizz Beatz & Pharrell & Community Concert
Nessa sat down with Busta Rhymes on HOT 97 for a candid conversation ahead of his “The Blessings Don’t Stop” Brooklyn Bowl Concert Celebration on November 23. They touched on the toughest stretch of his life between 47–50, how he reset at 50, cutting off people (even relatives) to protect his peace, and the real accountability talks he got from Pharrell and Swizz. Busta also teases the four big anniversaries he’s celebrating next year, the songs and eras he’s most proud of, and the unreleased collabs fans always ask about. They get into how he rebuilt family dynamics and now does business with his kids, why he still studies and supports younger artists, and what inspires him today. Busta lays out the three-day community give-back around the show, hints at who’s pulling up on stage, and explains why this celebration is free—and what it means for the city.
YG Disses Offset With Saweetie & Cardi B Line In Red Bull Spiral Cypher
YG surprised the hip-hop world on Tuesday with his Red Bull Spiral Cypher freestyle, which dissed Atlanta rapper and Cardi B’s estranged husband, Offset, using YG’s ex-girlfriend Saweetie as the connection. Joined by fellow West Coast rap stars Jay Rock and Mozzy, YG prepares fans for the beef as he continuously yells out “Smoke” while the trio enters the room. Along with Offset, YG would mention Steffon Diggs, Cardi B’s boyfriend. Firing the first shot, YG raps, “Get yo tooth hit telling all them lies / You n***** funny on the internet you n***** plies /The devil tried to break me but I thrived / The opps tried to take me but I survived & now all my b****** looking like dimes / & n***** roll outs looking like mines / Offset the rims so you know I’m doing fine / Stefon digging in some s*** from behind / I’m really that gangsta you n***** rap about / I keep fire on me I’m with the clap it out.” YG’s diss follows a new trend of rappers using the Red Bull Spiral Cypher stage to address their issues with others. Joey Bada$$ ignited a rivalry with West Coast Hip Hop during his freestyle alongside Ab-Soul and Big Sean. Before the freestyle, YG’s issues with Offset were unknown to the public. YG Disses Offset Offset has denied claims of intimacy with Saweetie, who was previously in a long-term relationship with fellow Migos member Quavo. YG and Saweeite had a year-long relationship in 2023 before breaking up in early 2024. None of the celebrities mentioned in the Compton rapper’s freestyle has reacted to the disses at this time. Offset and Cardi B continue to battle it out in the courtroom over finalizing their divorce. It has been revealed that Cardi B and Steffon Diggs are expecting a son. The Red Bull Spiral Cypher is available now on YouTube.
Chadwick Boseman To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame November 20
Chadwick Boseman is set to receive one of Hollywood’s highest honors. On November 20, the late actor will be posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying his place among the industry’s most influential figures. The ceremony, hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 11:30 a.m. PT and stream live for fans around the world. View this post on Instagram Boseman’s star will be placed in the Motion Pictures category along Hollywood Boulevard, surrounded by generations of film legends. While originally announced as part of the 2024 Walk of Fame class, scheduling positioned the unveiling for late 2025—five years after his death—giving admirers time to reflect on the scope of his impact. Boseman, who died in 2020 at 43 after a private battle with colon cancer, left behind a body of work defined by purpose and precision. His portrayals of historical icons Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get On Up showcased his ability to merge art with activism, delivering characters who embodied resilience and dignity. Chadwick Boseman Gets Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame His most enduring role, King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther, redefined the modern superhero and became a touchstone of cultural pride. The film’s worldwide success—grossing over $1.3 billion—proved that diverse storytelling could be both socially resonant and commercially dominant. The phrase “Wakanda Forever” became a rallying cry for representation across generations. Marvel Studios later paid tribute to the actor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). The film is steeped in themes of grief, resilience, and remembrance. The sequel honored the same balance of strength and vulnerability that defined Boseman’s own presence on and off screen. Away from film sets, Boseman’s quiet philanthropy further impacted his legacy. He donated to cancer research, arts education, and programs supporting underserved youth—often without public acknowledgment. His upcoming Walk of Fame star serves as both a memorial and a milestone. It commemorates an artist whose influence extended far beyond the cinema. For many, Chadwick Boseman remains a symbol of excellence. The actor impact continues to shape Hollywood’s cultural and moral landscape.
Diddy’s Prison Sentence Extended Following Phone Violation
Diddy will be required to spend another month in prison after his alleged phone violation incident. According to PEOPLE, Diddy’s release date has now been extended to June 4, 2028. Diddy is serving his time at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI), Fort Dix, in New Jersey, where he was allegedly caught drinking homemade alcohol. The alleged drink was “concocted with a mix of Fanta soda, sugar, and apples and left to ferment for two weeks.” Following Diddy’s “spirited” bust, prison officials initially planned to move him from his old unit into a new one. However, two sources later updated that prison officials reversed the decision and left Combs in his current unit. Diddy’s representation claimed that the reports are false. “There have been several false and reckless reports circulating about Mr. Combs,” the rep said.”He has not violated any prison rules. His sobriety and self-discipline are priorities, and he is taking them seriously.” “This is only his first week at FCI Fort Dix. And unfortunately, rumors will surface throughout his time there,” the spokesperson continued. “We ask the public and the press to give him the benefit of the doubt. The privacy to focus on his personal growth, and the grace to move forward in peace. “He is in the drug treatment program and he is working in the chapel library,” the statement went on.. “The phone call he was on was initiated by an attorney, and it was attorney attorney-client privilege and appropriate.” Before his sentencing last month, Diddy claimed in a letter that he was “sober for the first time in 25 years.” Diddy was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in July. He was originally sentenced to 50 months in prison in October, with a release date of May 8, 2028.
The U.S. Mint Has Officially Made Its Last Penny
On Wednesday, the United States Mint in Philadelphia struck the final circulating penny, marking the end of its 232-year production. “There are an estimated 300 billion pennies in circulation — far exceeding the amount needed for commerce,” the Mint said in a formal statement. The penny remains legal tender, but new coins will no longer be released for everyday transactions. Why the Phase-Out of the Penny Happened Rising costs and shifting payment habits were cited as the chief reasons behind the decision. According to the Mint, producing each penny now costs about 3.69 cents — more than three times its face value. Acting Director Kristie McNally said, “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on.” Treasurer Brandon Beach, who pressed the final coin, added, “Today the Mint celebrates 232 years of penny manufacturing.” The move is expected to save about $56 million per year for the minting operation. Although new pennies will no longer be minted for circulation, the coinage law remains in force — existing pennies can still be used in commerce. The Mint will continue producing a limited number of 1-cent coins for collectors and numismatic purposes. Some banks and retailers are facing operational adjustments as the supply of newly minted pennies disappears. The American Bankers Association requested guidance from the Treasury on how to manage rounding and cash-handling. For many Americans, the 1-cent coin has held symbolic value since the coin was first authorized under the 1792 Coinage Act. Critics said the decision was long overdue. “We have been advocating abolition of the penny for 30 years,” said Jeff Lenard of the convenience-store association. “But this is not the way we wanted it to go.” Still, some merchants expressed concern about the abrupt nature of the change and the lack of comprehensive guidance. From this point forward, cash transactions in the United States may increasingly round to the nearest five cents, and digital payments will fill the gap the 1-cent coin leaves behind.
Diddy Takes Step Toward Sentence Reduction Through Drug Treatment
Sean “Diddy” Combs is serving over four years at Fort Dix following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Enrolled in the Bureau of Prisons’ Residential Drug Abuse Program, Diddy is pursuing rehabilitation while also being eligible for potential sentence reduction. Diddy’s spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, emphasized the mogul’s dedication to sobriety and personal growth. Engelmayer said Diddy is “committed to sobriety, focused on healing, and aiming to set a positive example for others.” Participation in the program could shorten his sentence by up to a year, highlighting the pivotal role of structured rehabilitation in his journey. During his trial, Diddy and his legal team acknowledged his long-standing struggles with substance abuse. In a court filing, attorney Teny Geragos requested his transfer from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to Fort Dix, pointing to the value of the program for recovery and family connections. “In order to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts, we respectfully request that the Court recommend Mr. Combs’ placement at FCI Fort Dix,” Geragos wrote to Judge Arun Subramanian. Life at Fort Dix At Fort Dix, Diddy shares a room with eight other inmates and has taken on responsibilities in the chapel library. He described the environment as “warm, respectful, and rewarding,” according to previous comments to CBS News. This routine not only fills his time constructively but also reflects a meaningful step toward personal development. His conviction followed a jury ruling earlier this year, which found him guilty of facilitating prostitution-related offenses while acquitting him of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Despite the severity of his sentence, Diddy appears to be embracing this chapter as an opportunity for transformation and recovery.