BigXThaPlug chose jokes over panic after his name got dragged into a viral social media rumor, flipping the narrative with humor in a December 20 Instagram video that quickly caught fire. Filmed inside a Miami, Florida, mansion, the clip served as the Dallas rapper’s tongue-in-cheek response to a post that surfaced a day earlier, in which a Caucasian woman claimed she had been paid for sex and shared photos of a large Black man asleep across a hotel bed in Dallas, Texas. A screenshot attached to the post read, “big x the plug right now in dallas tx,” drawing comparisons to a similar sex worker controversy involving Florida rapper BossMan Dlow in November. View this post on Instagram Rather than issue a dry denial, BigXThaPlug turned the situation into a full-blown skit. Addressing his entourage member Jarrett, the rapper opens with mock seriousness: “Aye Jarrett, aye man, you need to go get your partna. Your partna in Dallas, paying for causcasian coochie, man.” Jarrett immediately pushes back. “Ain’t no way.” BigXThaPlug Trolls Himself After Woman Makes False Claim He Paid For Sex BigX keeps pressing, deliberately leaning into the absurd. “Your partna, BigXThaPlug, he is — I’m telling you.” As Jarrett escalates—“I’m about to call his ass…”—BigX adds increasingly impossible details designed to collapse the rumor under its own weight. “He down there right now, buying for causcasian coohie. He even put his dreads back in.” Jarrett stops him cold. “He put his dreads back in?” BigX doesn’t flinch. “And I don’t know how the fuck he got rid of his tattoos, but them bitches is gone.” Jarrett fires back with disbelief. “Bitch, I thought he went bald.” BigX responds with a deadpan shrug: “Mannn…” The exchange wraps with BigX mock-advising his friend. “Listen, control yo partna.” Jarrett cracks up. “I’m finna go call his ass right now (laughs).” By inventing impossible physical transformations—vanishing tattoos, magically restored dreads, sudden baldness—BigXThaPlug made it clear he wasn’t taking the allegation seriously. The Miami location tag further undercut claims placing him in Dallas, while keeping the tone light and self-aware. In an era where viral accusations can spiral fast, BigXThaPlug’s response showed control and confidence. Overall, the latest claim continues to validate the crossover artist’s superstardom.

Detroit native Big Sean is repping for his city in a major way. On Sunday (Dec 21), the Detroit Pistons announced their expanded partnership with the multi-platinum artist Big Sean as the franchise’s Creative Director of Global Experience, deepening the organization’s commitment to creativity, cultural connection and global fan growth. The partnership, announced on World Basketball Day, will continue to bridge basketball, music, fashion and art—rooted in Detroit’s voice, talent and identity while inviting the world to participate in it. In addition to product and design, Big Sean will work closely with the Pistons on future community engagement and global fan development efforts, leveraging his platform and hometown pride to introduce Detroit Basketball to new audiences worldwide. @bfly_inthe_city @Big Sean rocking the new City edition Pistons jersey FLY Event: @Detroit Pistons x @StockX Jersey: pistons313shop.com Bandana: Black+White Paisley Boots: diemme.com IG: @diemmefootwear Jewelry: Custom Short: Black court shorts Socks: @Nike Watch: @Cartier Cartier Man’s Tank Solo #bigsean #detroitpistons #stockx #streetwear #Detroit #downtown #cartier #diemmefootwear #nike ♬ original sound – bfly_inthe_city “It’s been an honor to serve the Pistons community, and stepping into this expanded role as Creative Director of Global Experience allows me to do it on an even bigger scale. Detroit has always been rich with talent and culture, and my mission is to keep opening doors and hiring our city’s creatives to shine alongside one of the most iconic franchises in sports. I’m grateful to the Pistons for trusting me to help define what the culture of Detroit Basketball really means,” says Big Sean.  As part of the expanded partnership and in celebration of World Basketball Day, the Pistons and Big Sean launched “Creatives Across Continents,” a first-of-its-kind global creative initiative that invites designers, artists and cultural tastemakers across the globe to produce original work inspired by Detroit Basketball. Selected participants will receive a creative prompt directly from Big Sean and develop designs for a collaborative retail collection scheduled to launch in 2026. The program will spotlight global creativity while amplifying Detroit’s creative legacy on an international stage. “Big Sean’s influence reaches far beyond music — he’s a global creative visionary who already brings Detroit wherever he goes,” said Alicia Jeffreys, EVP, Chief Marketing Officer for the Detroit Pistons. “As Creative Director of Global Experience he brings authenticity, reach and imagination to the Pistons brand. ‘Creatives Across Continents’ is the next step in introducing Detroit Basketball to the world, and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to lead that vision.” The Pistons and Big Sean will unveil additional details of their partnership for projects surrounding NBA All-Star Weekend, 313 Day and fan engagement initiatives in 2026. View this post on Instagram

Nelly recently teamed up with Raising Cane’s to bring holiday cheer to his hometown of St. Louis. Along with Ashanti, the couple donaed 100 brand-new bicycles and helmets to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis. The surprise giveaway took place on December 22, 2024, during the annual holiday party at the Adams Park location. The gym was transformed into a festive display of red-ribboned bikes. At the event, families were treated to holiday cookies, drinks, and Santa hats. For the couple, giving back was a deeply personal gesture for them. Ashanti is a former Boys & Girls Club member herself. Nelly thanked the organization and Raising Cane’s founder, Todd Graves, for the opportunity to give back to the community that raised him. “I think that’s every kid’s dream on Christmas, right? That’s what you dream about, right?” Nelly said. “Waking up, going down there, and I know what it’s like to wake up on Christmas and nothing is under the tree. That’s not hyperbole. That’s facts. To see their faces again, I think that’s what it’s about. Christmas is about the kids.” “It’s just beautiful to see all the kids and all the excitement,” Ashanti added. “For us, it’s always important that we give our young people experiences. We want to help them with mentorship,” Brandon Williams, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis. “Whether it’s career readiness, workforce development. Having experiences like this where they can have a joyous occasion, so they can understand somebody cares about them. ” During the event, Nelly and Ashanti helped to pass out bikes and take photos with kids. They also held a press conference style interview where they discussed what it means to give back to the community. This event was part of a larger national initiative by Raising Cane’s. More than 2,500 bicycles across 25 cities during the holiday season to support local youth and encourage healthy, active lifestyles. ​

A$AP Rocky sounds off on Rap Reddit moderators on December 23 after attempting to engage fans about his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, on the long-running HipHopHeads forum. The issue spotlighted ongoing tensions between artist access and tightly moderated online music communities. Rocky’s presence on HipHopHeads stemmed from a post linked to the VINYLS 4 SALE DUMMIES forum, which he used as a bridge to speak directly to listeners while promoting Don’t Be Dumb. Instead of igniting conversation, the post was removed within hours. In its place appeared a standard moderation notice: “Sorry, this post has been removed by the moderators of r/hiphopheads.” A$AP Rocky goes off on Reddit moderators for deleting his posts “MODS STOP DELETING MY COMMENTS” pic.twitter.com/21ucBtL6aW — Kurrco (@Kurrco) December 23, 2025 The deletion appeared to frustrate the Harlem rapper, who quickly questioned the forum’s rules in a follow-up comment. Rocky taking the deletion personally was unexpected. “Artists have to check in with the mods to push they music 4 the fans? Don’t Be Dumb,” Rocky wrote, framing the issue as one of access rather than promotion. That comment was also removed, leaving behind an empty thread and prompting confusion among users who watched the exchange unfold in real time. Rocky then escalated his response, posting an all-caps message that read as both protest and declaration. “MODS STOP DELETING MY COMMENTS. MODS STOP DELETING AND HIDING MY COMMENTS. I’M HERE 4 THE FANS. DON’T BE DUMB.” A$AP Rocky Goes Off On HipHopHeads Reddit Forum Over Don’t Be Dumb The statement tells his belief that the removals were interfering with direct artist-to-fan communication, a dynamic increasingly central to modern album rollouts. HipHopHeads, one of Reddit’s largest music forums, is known for strict moderation policies. Those rules have long helped maintain the forum’s credibility, but Rocky’s comments reframed them as a gatekeeping mechanism. By repeatedly invoking DON’T BE DUMB, Rocky folded the dispute into the identity of his forthcoming album, effectively turning the moderation conflict into an extension of its promotion. Rocky’s upcoming album, which is rumored to feature Rihanna, has been constantly postponed throughout 2025. The incident highlighted the balance between community governance and artist participation in digital music spaces. Rocky’s frustration appeared less about breaking rules and more about challenging who controls the conversation. His final message made his stance clear: he wasn’t chasing clout. He was trying to connect “4 THE FANS,” even if the platform itself wasn’t prepared to accommodate that approach.

Drake revealed a surprising piece of hip-hop lore during a recent Kick livestream, turning a moment of celebrity breakup fallout into an unexpected story of loyalty involving Saweetie and Quavo. Drake talks about how he bought the Bentley Quavo originally gifted to Saweetie after seeing she was selling it post-breakup, and then gifted it back to Quavo pic.twitter.com/wWuwGWSPBY — keeno ✧ (@ayekeeno) December 23, 2025 Streaming from Utah’s red rock desert, the Toronto rapper casually explained how he ended up purchasing the custom Bentley Continental GT convertible Quavo famously gifted Saweetie for Christmas in 2020—a car that once symbolized rap’s most visible holiday flexes. The car was originally given to Saweetie during the Migos’ Culture III album release. The 300,000-dollar vehicle had a personalized “ICY GRRL” license plate, a nod to Saweetie’s breakout hit and brand identity. The gift became a viral moment, cementing Quavo and Saweetie as one of hip-hop’s most glamorous couples. But by March 2021, the relationship unraveled amid public cheating rumors, and the Bentley quietly re-entered the market, eventually landing at a dealership listed for $280,000. Drake Brought Saweetie’s Bentley, Quavo Brought Her & Gave It Back According to Drake, that’s when timing, money, and principle aligned. During the Kick stream, he recalled spotting the car for sale and immediately thinking about Quavo rather than the headlines surrounding the breakup. Speaking to streamer BenDaDonnn, Drake framed the decision as instinctive and rooted in friendship. “I saw it for sale and I’m like ‘Yo, Imma buy that back for my dog,’” Drake said, explaining his motivation for scooping up the vehicle. Rather than keeping the Bentley as a collector’s item or status symbol, Drake said he parked it out front to surprise Quavo, transforming what could have been a lingering reminder of a messy split into a gesture of solidarity. The move reframed the narrative around the car, shifting it away from gossip and toward camaraderie between two of rap’s biggest stars. The story also highlighted the intricate connection between personal relationships and public symbolism in hip-hop. What began as a romantic grand gesture between Quavo and Saweetie became, years later, an example of “bro-code” loyalty, with Drake positioned as the unlikely middleman who closed the loop. Drake’s purchase turned a high-profile breakup history into a feel-good rap story—one where money, memory, and friendship collide. Instead of letting the Bentley stand as a relic of what didn’t last, Drake recast it as proof that, sometimes, hip-hop relationships endure long after the romance fades.

WWE superstar Bronson Reed tapped directly into hip-hop history on December 22 with a social media post that instantly resonated across timelines. The image showed the Australian powerhouse wearing a multi-colored sweater and dark sunglasses while counting spread-out $100 bills. The caption was spare but intentional: “They call me BIG.” For fans of rap culture, the reference was unmistakable. View this post on Instagram Reed’s post recreated one of the most enduring images of The Notorious B.I.G., photographed by Dana Lixenberg in the mid-1990s. In the original photo, Biggie Smalls sits in a Coogi sweater and Versace sunglasses, calmly counting a stack of $50 bills behind the scenes of a shoot that later became intertwined with Vibe magazine’s landmark September 1996 cover, East vs. West — Biggie and Puffy Break Their Silence. That moment captured Biggie at the height of his influence, projecting wealth, confidence, and dominance during the most volatile era of hip-hop’s coastal rivalry. The rivalry would result in the deaths of both Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur in 1996 and 1997. By invoking that image, Reed aligned himself with more than a look. “They call me BIG” directly echoes Biggie’s iconic moniker while reinforcing Reed’s own WWE persona as a physically imposing force. In wrestling, size is storytelling, and Reed has long been framed as a destructive presence whose power speaks before he does. The caption reframes “BIG” as a state of mind, one defined by confidence and command rather than excess. Bronson Reed Recreates Coogi Notorious B.I.G. Fans immediately recognized the layers. Former WWE star AJ Francis pointed out the irony in the wardrobe choice, writing, “Bronson is the first Australian I’ve ever seen wearing a Coogi, which is hilarious because Coogi is literally made in Australia.” The comment highlighted the cultural loop between a brand born in Australia and its lasting association with ’90s New York hip-hop. Others focused on Reed’s growing charisma. “This guy has really grown on me. He’s funny as shit,” wrote @teddy2x_. @Youngreg718 added, “He doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He plays his roll so well and then adds to it with random stuff like this. We see you Tribal Thief.” The humor, fans suggested, strengthened Reed’s character rather than undermining it. Biggie references flooded the replies. @UPTMike223 shared a GIF from the “Juicy” video with the caption, “If you don’t know, now you know,” while @Gr8_DiamondKing crowned Reed “The Notorious BRON.” Reed’s post wasn’t about claiming Biggie’s legacy. It was about honoring it. By respectfully recreating a sacred hip-hop image, Reed showed an understanding of how icons communicate power through presence, style, and confidence—qualities that made Biggie immortal and continue to define what it means to be “BIG.”

ATLANTA (December 23, 2025) – MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA), today announced the launch of HOT 97 News, a daily live national TV show created at the intersection of journalism, hip hop, conversation, and culture. HOT 97 is entering the news space for the first time with a bold new format in January 2026. HOT 97, the legendary hip-hop brand born in New York City and synonymous with culture-shifting conversations, is expanding its voice beyond radio to redefine how news is delivered across America. The TV show will bring a raw, unedited blend of breaking, hip hop and music news, entertainment, and unfiltered discussion, engaging the audience with stories through the cultural lens that has defined the HOT 97 brand for decades. HOT 97 News is created for a modern audience who wants context, conversation, and authenticity, not just headlines. Leading the new news format will be Lana Harris, Ronndell Smith, and Million Connally-Cooper, breaking down every topic, elevating community voices, and giving people the context they need to move smarter every day. HOT 97 News will broadcast and stream nationally across all HOT 97 TV and digital streaming platforms beginning January 2026. In addition, HOT 97 TV is also expanding its local footprint with HOT 97 News – Atlanta, a daily one-hour live news show focused exclusively on the Atlanta metro area. The local edition will spotlight Atlanta-area news,music, entertainment, and community conversations, reflecting the pace, perspective, and voice of the city. HOT 97 News – Atlanta will air on WHOT-TV 66 in Atlanta and stream across major platforms, giving local audiences access both on television and digitally. Meet the Voices of HOT 97 News and HOT 97 News – Atlanta! Leading the conversation is Lana Harris, a metro Atlanta native with more than a decade of experience across broadcast, digital, and social media. A Lovejoy High School graduate and University of Georgia alum, Lana has worked as a reporter, correspondent, anchor, and digital creator at stations across the Southeast, including Atlanta News First, WCNC-TV in Charlotte, First Coast News in Jacksonville, and WLTX-TV in Columbia, SC. Most recently, she’s built a strong following through sharp news breakdowns, commentary, and lifestyle content across social media.Follow Lana on all platforms @lanajharris. Joining Lana is Ronndell Smith, an Atlanta-based comedian, host, and creative entrepreneur whose voice is deeply rooted in the city’s culture. Raised on Atlanta’s Southside, Ronndell brings 15 years of stand-up experience, a background in television and film, and a unique perspective shaped by his work with popular social media news brand GAFollowers, and appearances on Chrisley Knows Best. His storytelling is real, unfiltered, and unmistakably Atlanta. Follow Ronndell on all platforms @ronndell_smith. Million Connally-Cooper joins the team as the Producer, but this isn’t a typical behind-the-scenes role. He’s part of the conversation every day. An Atlanta-based media personality and interviewer on a lifelong mission to complete one million interviews, Million brings street-level dialogue, debate-driven segments, and cultural curiosity straight to your screen. His mantra says it all: “Keep it Amilli.” Follow Million on all platforms @mynamesmillion. Visit HOT97Atlanta.com for the latests from Team ATL

Meek Mill is raising his voice against systemic injustice and the ongoing racial profiling he believes he’s facing during his visits to New York City. In a series of tweets on December 22, the rapper expressed his frustration with the NYPD, accusing them of unfairly targeting him and making him feel unsafe. Meek has had a lot to say recently, according to X, formerly Twitter, activity. Meek shared a troubling encounter with law enforcement, where a detective allegedly questioned his cousin, branding him as a “bad guy” and insinuating that he’s surrounded by dangerous people. This incident, according to Meek, triggered painful memories of a prior arrest, when the NYPD wrongfully removed him from his car and falsely accused him of carrying a weapon. Despite the public humiliation, he states that no apology has been offered by the authorities. View this post on Instagram In his tweets, Meek shares his belief that law enforcement is closely monitoring him not because of any criminal activity, but due to how he carries himself in the public eye. “I’m not in the life of crime,” he said. This adds that he won’t allow his past reputation or public persona to send him back to prison for something he didn’t do. This sense of being unfairly targeted is something Meek feels especially as a Black man in America. Meek Mill Claims The NYPD Is Targeting Him The rapper also made a bold statement on New York’s rising violence, criticizing the city’s recent shootings in high-profile locations. However, he pointed out that at his own events, no one has been harmed, emphasizing his long track record of keeping things peaceful while still generating millions for New York’s nightlife scene. Meek Mill also clarified that he’s been working for over a year on securing a legal gun license in the city, saying that the negative perceptions of him are largely based on internet rumors and hearsay. “We just not scared to be Black,” he said, suggesting that he’s being targeted due to preconceived biases. Meek wrapped up his tweets with a powerful reminder of the industry’s dangers, invoking the deaths of artists like Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, and PnB Rock. With his latest remarks, Meek Mill is calling for change, wanting to be recognized for who he is, not as the criminal he’s been painted to be.

Ray J has been charged with six misdemeanor offenses stemming from a Thanksgiving morning incident that authorities say involved a firearm and domestic dispute. The charges were filed by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office following an early-morning arrest on Nov. 27. Ray J, whose legal name is William Ray Norwood Jr., was taken into custody by Los Angeles Police Department officers after a heated exchange with his estranged wife, Princess Love, was broadcast live on social media. A judge later issued a no-contact restraining order, barring Norwood from contacting Love or seeing their children during the ongoing legal proceedings. Thanksgiving Morning Disturbance According to arrest records and public reports, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at Norwood’s Porter Ranch home around 4 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Body camera footage and online videos show Norwood arguing with Love and other family members. At one point, Love, holding one of their children, can be heard saying, “Ray, you just pointed a gun.” Norwood responded on the livestream, “I didn’t point nothing at y’all,” denying the allegation, according to multiple accounts. The argument escalated further after Love told Norwood she had called the police. Court records and eyewitness accounts say Norwood then allegedly responded, “I’ll shoot the f***ing police.” Officers arrived and arrested Norwood on suspicion of making criminal threats. He was booked into a Los Angeles jail and held for several hours before posting $50,000 bail later that morning. Response From Princess Love In the days after the arrest, Love released a video message detailing her perspective on the incident. She urged Norwood to take responsibility and seek help, saying, “I would never do anything to put them in danger. Including leaving them with a man who’s waving a gun around.” Love also criticized Norwood’s behavior toward family members and stressed that her primary concern was the safety of their children. As part of the restraining order, Norwood is barred from approaching Love or their children, and a judge has kept those conditions in place pending further hearings. The six misdemeanor charges include allegations tied to brandishing a firearm, use of force, and child endangerment, according to the city attorney’s office. Norwood has not yet entered a plea in the case. Court officials confirmed that future hearings are scheduled, but details have not yet been released.

Tory Lanez has officially added his 2021 project “P. Family” to major music streaming platforms. The release marks the first time the project has been widely available for digital streaming. Fans previously accessed the project through limited releases and unofficial uploads. Lanez announced the update through a brief statement shared with fans earlier this week. “This project was always about loyalty, pain and independence,” Lanez said. “I wanted it released the right way, on my own terms,” he added. The move arrives during a period of continued legal and public scrutiny for the Toronto-born artist. Despite that backdrop, Lanez has continued releasing music at a steady pace. His recent strategy has focused on expanding access to older work. A Project With Personal Meaning “P. Family” was first introduced as a tightly curated project reflecting Lanez’s inner circle. The title references a chosen family rather than blood relations. Several tracks explore isolation, ambition and trust. “This was never meant to be a mainstream rollout,” Lanez said in a past interview. “It was for the people who stuck with me when things got quiet,” he said. The project features stripped-down production and emotional delivery.Critics noted its introspective tone when it initially surfaced. Songs like “Hurt From Mercury” and “In For It” gained quiet attention online. Fans responded quickly after the project appeared on streaming services.Social media posts praised the sound and long-awaited availability. Industry observers see the release as part of a broader catalog strategy. Artists increasingly revisit past projects to maintain engagement. Streaming platforms reward consistency and deep catalogs. Lanez acknowledged that shift in his statement. “Music lives longer when it’s easy to find,” he said. “I want every chapter available.” The release does not include new tracks or remixes. However, fans speculate more catalog updates could follow. Lanez has not confirmed future plans. “P. Family” is now available across all major streaming platforms.