Urban and Hip Hop news with a strong emphasis on business
Rap & Hip-Hop News (September 5–24, 2025)
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Honors
At the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards (held September 4), artists such as Cardi B, Leon Thomas, GELO, and the Wu-Tang Clan were honored for their impact and contributions to music.
Read more
New Albums & Release News: Cardi B, Young Thug & Ty Dolla $ign
September is stacked: Cardi B drops her sophomore album AM I THE DRAMA? on September 19, while Young Thug returns with UY SCUTI (post-prison).
See full release details.
Meanwhile, Ty Dolla $ign prepares his solo album Tycoon with a September 12 release.
More on new releases.
Bruin Bash Lineup Revealed: Smino, BunnaB, Rob49
The 2025 Bruin Bash concert (UCLA) unveils Smino as headliner, joined by BunnaB and Rob49 to perform on September 21 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.
Lineup announcement
Englewood Music Fest Spotlights Boosie & Local Talent
Chicago’s Englewood Music Festival (Sept 13) featured headliner Boosie and showcased up-and-coming acts like Glizzy Glow.
Full coverage
Lecrae Documentary “Unashamed” Debuts at Nashville Festival
The documentary Unashamed premiered at the Nashville Film Festival, tracing Lecrae’s journey and the growth of the 116 Movement.
Learn more
Reach Records Launches “RAPture” Playlist
In a playful nod to prophecy, Reach Records launched a playlist titled RAPture in anticipation of the “rapture,” offering a spiritually themed selection of hip-hop tracks.
Read more
Salt-N-Pepa Battle UMG Over Masters Rights
Legendary group Salt-N-Pepa is in a legal fight with UMG over ownership of their master recordings, alleging contract violations and seeking control over their legacy.
Background on the lawsuit
Portland Hip-Hop Scene Examined in Feature Article
A deep dive into Portland’s hip-hop history and culture explores how local artists overcame challenges like limited venues and lack of support, and what keeps their scene alive today.
Read the story
Lizzo Critiques Sampling Laws as Policing Black Music
In a podcast interview, Lizzo condemned modern sampling law as a system that disproportionately targets Black artists, calling its origins “racially charged.”
Full interview
A$AP Rocky Weighs in on Kendrick–Drake Feud
A$AP Rocky publicly called the rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake “healthy for hip-hop,” taking issue with lawsuits filed during the dispute.
Read his comments
Cardi B Promotes Album and Announces Tour on ‘Tonight Show’
Hosting an appearance on Jimmy Fallon, Cardi B promoted her new album AM I THE DRAMA? and announced her “Miss Drama Tour,” set to hit 30 arenas across North America.
Tour & promotional details
Date / Timeframe
Headline
Summary
Early September
Billboard Power Players Honors
Industry awards for cardiovascular contributions
Sept 12–19
Major Album Releases
Cardi B & Young Thug drop new projects
Sept 21
Bruin Bash Lineup
Smino, BunnaB, Rob49 announced
Sept 13
Englewood Fest Highlights
Boosie & local artists perform
Mid-late Sept
Lecrae Documentary “Unashamed”
A film exploring faith, hip-hop, and identity
Sept 23
Reach Records “RAPture” Playlist
Spiritual-themed hip-hop playlist drop
Sept 2025
Salt-N-Pepa Lawsuit vs UMG
Battle for rights to their masters
Sept 22
Portland Hip-Hop Feature
History & culture of local hip-hop
Late Sept
Lizzo on Sampling Laws
Her critique on how sampling is regulated
Sept 23
A$AP Rocky on Kendrick-Drake Beef
Called conflict “healthy for hip-hop”
Mid-late Sept
Cardi B Album & Tour Promo
She promotes her new album and announces tour
.
More hip‑hop & music news
Here’s the latest hip-hop news from September 1 to September 4, 2025, all polished and ready for you to copy-paste into WordPress Elementor—complete with working links, historical context, and visual content.
News Roundup: September 1–4, 2025
Hiero Day Festival Moves from Oakland to San Francisco
For the first time since its 2012 debut, the Hiero Day hip-hop festival was relocated to San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood (The Midway) over Labor Day weekend. Organizers cited an Oakland police shortage for the switch, but the OPD claims the permit application was submitted late and that outstanding fees from 2023 remain unpaid. The scaled-back event featured three stages and supported Oakland-based community initiatives.
San Francisco Chronicle
Young Thug vs. Gunna: A Public Fallout
The bond between YSL collective members Young Thug and Gunna has turned rancorous. Initially collaborators since 2015, their relationship deteriorated following YSL’s criminal charges in 2022 and Gunna’s Alford plea. A leaked call in September 2025 reveals that Young Thug blames Gunna’s testimony for the branding of YSL as a gang. A reconciliation seems unlikely.
LOS40
Pras Michel’s Sentencing Delayed Due to Health Emergency
Fugees member Pras Michel experienced a delay in his sentencing after undergoing emergency colon cancer surgery. Originally due in court on August 29, his sentencing is now rescheduled for October 3, 2025. Michel, convicted in 2023 for conspiring to defraud the U.S. government, faces up to 20 years in prison and nearly $65 million in forfeitures. His defense, however, is pushing for a much lighter, 36-month sentence.
People.com
News Highlights (Aug 29–Aug 31, 2025)
T-Pain Honored at BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
At the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards held on August 29, T-Pain received the BMI President’s Award, the highest honor of the evening. GloRilla was presented with the BMI Impact Award and shared the title of BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year in a three-way tie with Tay Keith and Mike Dean. The awards also included Song of the Year (“Not Like Us”), Producer of the Year, and Publisher of the Year honors.
BMI.com
Joey Badass Drops New Album Lonely at the Top
Joey Badass released his fourth studio album, Lonely at the Top, on August 29 via Columbia and Pro Era. The release follows a high-profile diss track feud with West Coast rapper Ray Vaughn. Features include Ty Dolla Sign, Rome Streetz, CJ Fly, Westside Gunn, and ASAP Ferg.
Wikipedia
Lil Wayne & Tyga Deliver Rapid-Fire Show in Phoenix
On August 29, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter VI Tour hit Phoenix's Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. The energetic performance featured over 40 songs—though most were abbreviated to about 90 seconds each. Tyga opened with a high-energy set full of hits, setting the tone for the night.
Phoenix New Times
Hip-Hop History on August 31
August 31 holds significance in hip-hop and R&B history: it's the birthday of icons like Fab 5 Freddy and Joe Budden, and the release date of classic albums such as Music Box (Mariah Carey) and The DEFinition (LL Cool J). Notable performances include Kanye West’s 2014 Made in America Festival set and the Brandy vs. Monica Verzuz battle in 2020.
V 101.9 WBAV105.9 Kiss-FM
Rap & Hip-Hop News (September 5–24, 2025)
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Honors
At the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards (held September 4), artists such as Cardi B, Leon Thomas, GELO, and the Wu-Tang Clan were honored for their impact and contributions to music. Read more
New Albums & Release News: Cardi B, Young Thug & Ty Dolla $ign
September is stacked: Cardi B drops her sophomore album AM I THE DRAMA? on September 19, while Young Thug returns with UY SCUTI (post-prison). See full release details. Meanwhile, Ty Dolla $ign prepares his solo album Tycoon with a September 12 release. More on new releases.
Bruin Bash Lineup Revealed: Smino, BunnaB, Rob49
The 2025 Bruin Bash concert (UCLA) unveils Smino as headliner, joined by BunnaB and Rob49 to perform on September 21 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Lineup announcement
Englewood Music Fest Spotlights Boosie & Local Talent
Chicago’s Englewood Music Festival (Sept 13) featured headliner Boosie and showcased up-and-coming acts like Glizzy Glow. Full coverage
Lecrae Documentary “Unashamed” Debuts at Nashville Festival
The documentary Unashamed premiered at the Nashville Film Festival, tracing Lecrae’s journey and the growth of the 116 Movement. Learn more
Reach Records Launches “RAPture” Playlist
In a playful nod to prophecy, Reach Records launched a playlist titled RAPture in anticipation of the “rapture,” offering a spiritually themed selection of hip-hop tracks. Read more
Salt-N-Pepa Battle UMG Over Masters Rights
Legendary group Salt-N-Pepa is in a legal fight with UMG over ownership of their master recordings, alleging contract violations and seeking control over their legacy. Background on the lawsuit
Portland Hip-Hop Scene Examined in Feature Article
A deep dive into Portland’s hip-hop history and culture explores how local artists overcame challenges like limited venues and lack of support, and what keeps their scene alive today. Read the story
Lizzo Critiques Sampling Laws as Policing Black Music
In a podcast interview, Lizzo condemned modern sampling law as a system that disproportionately targets Black artists, calling its origins “racially charged.” Full interview
A$AP Rocky Weighs in on Kendrick–Drake Feud
A$AP Rocky publicly called the rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake “healthy for hip-hop,” taking issue with lawsuits filed during the dispute. Read his comments
Cardi B Promotes Album and Announces Tour on ‘Tonight Show’
Hosting an appearance on Jimmy Fallon, Cardi B promoted her new album AM I THE DRAMA? and announced her “Miss Drama Tour,” set to hit 30 arenas across North America. Tour & promotional details
| Date / Timeframe | Headline | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Early September | Billboard Power Players Honors | Industry awards for cardiovascular contributions |
| Sept 12–19 | Major Album Releases | Cardi B & Young Thug drop new projects |
| Sept 21 | Bruin Bash Lineup | Smino, BunnaB, Rob49 announced |
| Sept 13 | Englewood Fest Highlights | Boosie & local artists perform |
| Mid-late Sept | Lecrae Documentary “Unashamed” | A film exploring faith, hip-hop, and identity |
| Sept 23 | Reach Records “RAPture” Playlist | Spiritual-themed hip-hop playlist drop |
| Sept 2025 | Salt-N-Pepa Lawsuit vs UMG | Battle for rights to their masters |
| Sept 22 | Portland Hip-Hop Feature | History & culture of local hip-hop |
| Late Sept | Lizzo on Sampling Laws | Her critique on how sampling is regulated |
| Sept 23 | A$AP Rocky on Kendrick-Drake Beef | Called conflict “healthy for hip-hop” |
| Mid-late Sept | Cardi B Album & Tour Promo | She promotes her new album and announces tour |
Here’s the latest hip-hop news from September 1 to September 4, 2025, all polished and ready for you to copy-paste into WordPress Elementor—complete with working links, historical context, and visual content.
News Roundup: September 1–4, 2025
Hiero Day Festival Moves from Oakland to San Francisco
For the first time since its 2012 debut, the Hiero Day hip-hop festival was relocated to San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood (The Midway) over Labor Day weekend. Organizers cited an Oakland police shortage for the switch, but the OPD claims the permit application was submitted late and that outstanding fees from 2023 remain unpaid. The scaled-back event featured three stages and supported Oakland-based community initiatives.
San Francisco Chronicle
Young Thug vs. Gunna: A Public Fallout
The bond between YSL collective members Young Thug and Gunna has turned rancorous. Initially collaborators since 2015, their relationship deteriorated following YSL’s criminal charges in 2022 and Gunna’s Alford plea. A leaked call in September 2025 reveals that Young Thug blames Gunna’s testimony for the branding of YSL as a gang. A reconciliation seems unlikely.
LOS40
Pras Michel’s Sentencing Delayed Due to Health Emergency
Fugees member Pras Michel experienced a delay in his sentencing after undergoing emergency colon cancer surgery. Originally due in court on August 29, his sentencing is now rescheduled for October 3, 2025. Michel, convicted in 2023 for conspiring to defraud the U.S. government, faces up to 20 years in prison and nearly $65 million in forfeitures. His defense, however, is pushing for a much lighter, 36-month sentence.
People.com
News Highlights (Aug 29–Aug 31, 2025)
T-Pain Honored at BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
At the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards held on August 29, T-Pain received the BMI President’s Award, the highest honor of the evening. GloRilla was presented with the BMI Impact Award and shared the title of BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year in a three-way tie with Tay Keith and Mike Dean. The awards also included Song of the Year (“Not Like Us”), Producer of the Year, and Publisher of the Year honors.
BMI.com
Joey Badass Drops New Album Lonely at the Top
Joey Badass released his fourth studio album, Lonely at the Top, on August 29 via Columbia and Pro Era. The release follows a high-profile diss track feud with West Coast rapper Ray Vaughn. Features include Ty Dolla Sign, Rome Streetz, CJ Fly, Westside Gunn, and ASAP Ferg.
Wikipedia
Lil Wayne & Tyga Deliver Rapid-Fire Show in Phoenix
On August 29, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter VI Tour hit Phoenix's Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. The energetic performance featured over 40 songs—though most were abbreviated to about 90 seconds each. Tyga opened with a high-energy set full of hits, setting the tone for the night.
Phoenix New Times
Hip-Hop History on August 31
August 31 holds significance in hip-hop and R&B history: it's the birthday of icons like Fab 5 Freddy and Joe Budden, and the release date of classic albums such as Music Box (Mariah Carey) and The DEFinition (LL Cool J). Notable performances include Kanye West’s 2014 Made in America Festival set and the Brandy vs. Monica Verzuz battle in 2020.
V 101.9 WBAV105.9 Kiss-FM
Here’s the latest hip-hop news from August 27 to August 28, 2025, formatted and ready to copy into WordPress Elementor—complete with working links, images guidance, and embed support:
August 27–28, 2025 — Hip-Hop News Roundup
Lil Nas X Opens Up About His Arrest
Lil Nas X publicly described his arrest and jail time as “terrifying”. He’s pleaded not guilty to four felony charges, was released on $75,000 bail, and is required to attend regular drug treatment sessions. His pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September 15.
Read more → AP News
Mama Duke Earns Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent
Austin-based rapper Mama Duke (Kori Roy) received Mel B’s Golden Buzzer after her performance of “Feels So Good To Be You” on America’s Got Talent. Judges compared her talent to Missy Elliott, and she’s now heading to the finals.
Learn more → Statesman
YNW Melly’s Jail Conditions Lawsuit Dismissed
Rapper YNW Melly’s legal challenge regarding jail conditions has been dismissed, delaying the retrial in his ongoing first-degree murder case.
Details here → The Source
Drake Named No. 1 R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the 21st Century
Billboard has declared Drake the top R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the 21st century, citing his unmatched chart and streaming achievements.
Full story → stupidDOPE | Est. 2008
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Here’s the latest hip-hop news from August 25 to August 27, 2025, formatted so you can easily copy and paste it into WordPress Gutenberg or Elementor—complete with working links and ready-to-go headings:
August 27, 2025
Lil Nas X Speaks Out After Arrest
Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges stemming from his August 21 arrest in Los Angeles. At a court hearing on Monday, August 25, the rapper—for “Industry Baby”—waived his arraignment and entered a not guilty plea to three counts of battery causing injury to a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. His bail was set at $75,000, and the court has ordered him to attend four Narcotics Anonymous meetings per week.
The Source
Kneecap Cancels U.S. Tour Over Terrorism Charges
The Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has canceled all U.S. tour dates—including sold-out shows in San Francisco and Oakland—due to pending terrorism charges in the U.K. One member allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag during a 2024 London concert and denies the charges. A hearing is scheduled for September 26, with the band promising a bigger U.S. tour in the future if they prevail.
SFGATEThe Guardian
August 26, 2025
Ice-T Reflects on Losses Amid Fentanyl Crisis
In an exclusive for A&E’s upcoming documentary Fame and Fentanyl, Ice-T opens up about the sudden, fentanyl-related deaths of close friends Coolio and Michael K. Williams. The 67-year-old actor and rapper emphasized how the opioid continues to devastate communities, drawing parallels to the crack epidemic and calling for stronger education and awareness.
People.com
Summary Table (August 25–27, 2025)
| Date | Artist / Group | Headline Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 25–27 | Lil Nas X | Pleads not guilty to felony charges; bail set at $75,000; court-ordered NA meetings |
| Aug 25–27 | Kneecap | Cancels entire U.S. tour amid terrorism charges; hearing set for Sept 26 |
| Aug 26 | Ice-T | Discusses fentanyl crisis and emotional loss of friends in new documentary |
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