Three decades after his debut, Jay-Z is revisiting key chapters of his catalog with a measured sense of occasion. On March 2, he reissued “N***a What, N***a Who (Originator 99)” on streaming platforms and as a vinyl single, part of a broader acknowledgment of his 30 years in music. The track, produced by Timbaland, first appeared on 1999’s Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life and featured Amil and Jaz-O, the Brooklyn rapper who played a formative role in Jay-Z’s early career. Its subtitle nods to “The Originators,” a 1990 collaboration between the two that predated Jay-Z’s commercial breakthrough. The new vinyl pressing includes “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” as a B-side, linking different eras of his output. The release also invites a renewed look at his complicated history with Jaz-O, a relationship that has moved from mentorship to estrangement and, eventually, reconciliation. In his memoir Decoded, Jay-Z reflected on their early days in the Marcy Houses: “I connected with an older kid who had a reputation as the best rapper in Marcy,” he wrote. “Jaz was his name—and we started practicing our rhymes into a heavy-ass tape recorder with a makeshift mic attached.” JAŸ-Z “Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99)” Featuring Big Jaz and Amil Available now on vinyl and streaming.https://t.co/Bph4izW2Tc #HOV pic.twitter.com/REYtt9mTzY — Roc Nation (@RocNation) March 1, 2026 From Fallout to Full Circle Their partnership frayed in the early 2000s amid business disagreements, including Jaz-O’s decision not to sign with Roc-a-Fella Records. The tension surfaced in music, most notably when Jay-Z rapped on “What We Talkin’ About,” “Tryna rewrite history, let’s talk about facts,” adding, “Dame made millions, even Jaz made some scraps/He could’ve made more but he ain’t sign his contract.” The two later appeared together publicly during the 4:44 Tour in 2017, signaling a thaw. In 2019, Jaz-O entered a distribution partnership with Roc Nation through his company, Kingz Kounty Media Group. The reissue of “N***a What, N***a Who (Originator 99)” coincides with the anniversary of Reasonable Doubt, released in 1996. Jay-Z has also made “Dead Presidents” available again across digital and physical formats. Together, the releases suggest not nostalgia so much as curation, a careful revisiting of the music that shaped one of hip-hop’s most enduring careers.

A civil lawsuit connected to the 2022 shooting outside The Nice Guy in West Hollywood has been withdrawn, bringing a close to claims against the rapper Kodak Black. The incident occurred during Super Bowl Weekend, when he was leaving a private event hosted by Justin Bieber. Two men, Mark Schaefer and Adam Rahman, had alleged that Black’s actions contributed to a confrontation that escalated into gunfire. Court filings indicate the plaintiffs have now dropped the case involving Kodak. Bradford Cohen, an attorney for Kodak Black, criticized the lawsuit in pointed terms. “This lawsuit filed by Gloria Allred, might have been the dumbest, most ridiculous lawsuit I have ever read,” he said, adding that his client chose not to seek attorney’s fees. Cohen said that decision allowed the plaintiffs to leave “with their tail between their legs.” Furthermore, he cautioned lawyers against pursuing what he characterized as unfounded claims about Kodak. View this post on Instagram From $62M to Zero Justin Bieber was initially named in the suit but was dismissed months later. The plaintiffs first sought $62 million in damages, a request that was rejected by a judge. They then made an unsuccessful attempt to recover $10.6 million, just as the civil suit against Kodak ended with no reward. The shooting took place outside the venue as guests, including several prominent artists, were arriving or departing. Kodak Black was struck in the leg. Schaefer was wounded near his ankle, and Rahman in the shoulder. In earlier court documents, Rahman alleged that “Kodak Black initiated the altercation with patrons outside of the subject location, which was the catalyst for the series of events that led to gun violence.” This made Kodak a central figure in the investigation.

Claressa Shields has rarely shied away from speaking her mind, whether in the ring or online. In a post shared on March 1, just days before Papoose’s 48th birthday, the 30-year-old champion boxer uploaded a photo of the two standing side by side in long fur coats. “My man deserve everything,” she wrote. “I wish for his bday I could surprise him with a baby.” Moreover, Claressa Shields has continued to make news headlines with her outspoken personality. The relationship, which has spanned nearly two years, became public amid Papoose’s separation from rapper Remy Ma. He shares children from previous relationships, including a young daughter with Remy. Their marriage, which began in 2016, has yet to be formally dissolved, a detail that continues to surface in conversations about Shields and Papoose’s future. Notably, Shields is often mentioned by fans in discussions about their relationship. My man deserve everything. I wish for his bday I could surprise him with a baby pic.twitter.com/v3HZ2rmWN8 — Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) March 2, 2026 Unfiltered, Unbothered—and Focused on What’s Next Shields has responded directly to online critics who question her plans. “It’s called divorce goofy ass,” she wrote to one commenter. In another exchange, she said she and Papoose hope to start a family by the end of 2026. During the holidays, she also rejected claims that he had spent Christmas with Remy, calling those reports “misinformed.” However, Shields is known for setting the record straight in response to such rumors. For Shields, the discussion of motherhood unfolds alongside a still-active boxing career. Last summer, she shared her excitement in characteristically blunt terms: “I can’t wait to get pregnant, you heaux gonna be so mad. Going to be crying in the car, punching the steering wheel crying.” The remark, equal parts celebratory and combative, reflects the candor that has defined much of her public life.

50 Cent has long treated social media as an extension of the stage. This week, he reposted a photograph of Benzino lying on a stretcher with a neck brace, an image that followed reports the former magazine executive had suffered serious injuries. 50 captioned the photo “LMAO,” adding laughing emojis, and later commented, “GOD TOLD ME TO SHARE THIS [flushed face emoji].” The reaction was swift and divided. Some followers viewed the post as consistent with 50’s combative humor. Others saw it differently. “It’s official 50 cent is hurting and miserable,” one commenter wrote, while another cautioned, “You keep laughing and trolling all your colleagues going through life… remember one day it’s going to be your turn. Life happens to everybody. The cruise was funny at first but too much of everything is bad. How are you always happy?” View this post on Instagram Benzino Urges Booth Over Memes as T.I.–50 Feud Flares Up Benzino responded in a video circulated online, wearing a shirt bearing the image of 50 Cent’s late mother. He praised T.I. and his son King Harris for addressing the rapper through music rather than memes. “Destroyed his as,” he said, adding, “Go tell that big, block-head n* to stop clowning and get in the booth and battle this n, man… Nobody tryna give a fck about these memes and all the sucker sht he doing… Get in the booth and battle the n.” The episode unfolds amid renewed friction between 50 Cent and T.I., a rivalry that reignited after T.I. accused him of stepping away from a proposed Verzuz battle. Since then, the disagreement has played out in diss tracks, Instagram posts, and pointed interviews. In an industry where competition has long been part of the culture, the line between performance and personal grievance can be difficult to discern.

Footage of Cardi B during a concert in San Francisco for her Little Miss Drama tour recently caught fans’ attention. It appeared that the rapper had taken shots at her ex-boyfriend, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. “You can’t be out here playing with a b*tch like me,” she said to the crowd. “There’s n*ggas out here praying for a b*tch like me, you hear me?” However, according to Cardi B, everything is not what it seems. “Dear blogs, when I perform a song, I always introduce the song with a lil razzle dazzle,” she wrote in a post on X March 2. “Not everything is a shot or personal. I’m actually repeating lyrics from the songs…Relax.” Last month, rumors circulated that there was trouble in paradise between Cardi and Stefon after it was reported that the pair unfollowed each other on Instagram. The rapper would later confirm the news during a tour stop in Los Angeles. Dear blogs, when I perform a song I always introduce the song with a lil razzle dazzle.. not everything is a shot or personal. I’m actually repeating lyrics from the songs…Relax — Cardi B (@iamcardib) March 2, 2026 Cardi B Allegedly Crashed Out Over ‘SNL’ Joke About Nicki Minaj In other news, TMZ recently reported that Cardi B “lost it” at Saturday Night Live. Sources told the outlet that amid rehearsals for the iconic sketch comedy show’s 1,000th episode, the “Pretty & Petty” rapper made it a night to remember after she began destroying equipment after overhearing a joke mentioning Nicki Minaj. Apparently, the anchors for the popular skit, “Weekend Update,” were testing out a few jokes regarding Minaj’s affiliation with the MAGA crowd. Sources noted that the joke had nothing to do with Cardi B; however, just the mere mention of Minaj made her go “berserk.” Things escalated very quickly after Cardi, who was set as the musical guest for the night, threatened to leave the show. It was alleged that she not only threw her phone at a TV monitor backstage, but also stormed into the show producer’s office and punched a TV screen until it broke. Sources told the outlet that not long after Cardi’s fit, the joke was scrapped

It’s been nearly five years since Nipsey Hussle’s untimely death. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his fans and loved ones; now, his hometown, Los Angeles, is paying homage to his memory. On Saturday (Feb. 27), the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue was renamed in the rapper’s honor. Nip’s longtime partner, Lauren London, who was present at the emotional ceremony, says the rapper predicted it all. “When me and Nip first started dating, we would drive by over here and he would be like, ‘You know, Boogie, one day, they’re gonna name this whole section after me.’ And here we are today,” she said. LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Councilwoman Heather Hutt, and California State Assemblyman Isaac Bryan were also in attendance, CBS News Los Angeles reports. LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 17: Rapper Nipsey Hussle attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on January 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) “I think that everybody who knew Hussle knows that Hussle loved the area,” says Nipsey Hussle’s older brother Blacc Sam Later in the ceremony, the “Dedication” rapper’s older brother, Blacc Sam, gave an impassioned speech. “I think that everybody who knew Hussle knows that Hussle loved the area. Crenshaw and Slauson meant everything to bro,” he said. “This corner has a lot of memories.” Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed in March 2019 in front of his Marathon Clothing store. Back in August 2024, Blacc Sam opened up about that fateful day. During an interview with Big Boy TV, he noted that while he agrees Eric Holder — who’s currently doing a sentence of 60 years to Life — is the shooter, someone else was holding the strings. As Sam explains, whenever Nip was present at the store, security protocols were tight. “Somebody [would] come to the shop, they know we in the doorway,” he began. “When Hussle pull up, we in the doorway. You’re gonna see me with a hoodie on and I got a pistol on me. You’re gonna see one of my team members in the hoodie in the doorway with a pistol.”

Donned in traditional African garb, Samuel L. Jackson took the stage at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards to honor the late Rev. Jesse Jackson’s memory. Throughout his impassioned speech, he gave an overview of the civil rights icon’s life and legacy. “We all know the story of Jesse Jackson,” Jackson began. “Born to an 18-year-old unwed mother in Greenville, South Carolina. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, getting out on a path that led him to the top of the mountain.” “For over half a century — which is a long damn time to be on the front lines — he advocated for the poor, the disenfranchised, for those who needed work,” Jackson continued. “And he found jobs for our community in every endeavor, including entertainment.” Jackson also acknowledged how the activist inspired him in his youth. “He inspired a young man who has the same last name as his — one Samuel L. Jackson.” Samuel L. Jackson honors the late great Rev. Jesse Jackson at the 2026 #NAACPImageAwards pic.twitter.com/iuHJxTt97L — clubheartbreak (@clubheartbreak) March 1, 2026 “We will carry the torch he lit and keep hope alive,” Jackson Says Jackson also made a call-to-action to all the attendees in the room to stand up for injustice, no matter how small. “All of us, in some degree or another, have spoken out, marched, protested… inspired by a man who now, I’m sure, resides with the good Lord in heaven,” Jackson said. “…Whenever we see that a wrong must be made right, all of us can ask ourselves: W.J.D. — what would Jesse do?” “We will continue his mission,” Jackson declared toward the end of his speech. “We will carry the torch he lit and keep hope alive. And we will not be erased from this country’s history because we are somebody…” Earlier this month, Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away after battling a rare neurological disorder. He had been surrounded by family at home in Chicago, Illinois. “Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family,” the family wrote in a statement.

Nicki Minaj was just dumped by another lawyer over a “communication breakdown,” according to legal documents obtained by TMZ. The outlet reports the rapper’s attorney, Matthew Abbott, recently filed a motion to withdraw his representation. The news couldn’t have come at a worse time, especially as the rapper faces a $10,000,000 lawsuit brought on by a former fan, Tameer Peak. Abbott —who is part of the legal team for a new management company Minaj hired—claims he hasn’t heard from the rapper in months. The documents reveal he and the management company have tried to reach out to the “Starships” rapper and her accountants “several times” via text and email, but to no avail. Last year, Abbott filed a motion for the court to grant Nicki an extension to find her a permanent attorney after her former lawyer, Judd Burstein, abruptly quit. The outlet noted that the judge has not yet ruled on the motion; however, a deadline for Nicki to respond to the request has been set. View this post on Instagram Nicki Minaj’s Social Media Following Reportedly Flooded With Bots Nicki Minaj’s fan base—commonly referred to as the Barbz—has become infamous for leading attacks on the rapper’s detractors. Now, it’s being revealed that her social media following has been plagued by thousands of fake accounts, according to a new study. Cyabra, the firm behind the study, is an Israeli disinformation security company that detects fake social media accounts, per its website. The study, titled “Coordinated Inauthentic Amplification of Political Discourse on Nicki Minaj’s X Account,” gave an overview of the rapper’s X account and who has been amplifying her posts. Over the past few months, Minaj has become an unofficial mascot for Trump’s MAGA movement, using her platform to amplify right-wing talking points such as Voter ID regulations, hesitancy around the COVID-19 vaccine, and more. These particular posts have seen significant amplification over the past few months. However, according to the study, a “materially elevated level of inauthentic activity” is happening in the comment section of these posts.

Flavor Flav is stepping up to help the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team celebrate their recent gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics the right way. The Public Enemy rapper will host a “She Got Game” weekend event in Las Vegas from July 16-19; however, he’ll need some assistance from the public. Earlier this week, he launched a GoFundMe for the event and shared it on his social media. “Many of y’all asked how you can support and donate to our female athletes and the celebrations, so I created a GoFundMe,” he wrote in an X post on Feb. 26. “I’m hopeful this can have an impact beyond the weekend and help those that represent the best of the U.S.” It was reported that the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team had been invited to the White House to celebrate their gold medal win, but ultimately turned it down, along with four other gold medalists. Many of y’all asked how you can support and donate to our female athletes and the celebrations,,, so I created a Go Fund Me. I’m hopeful this can have an impact beyond the weekend and help those that represent the best of the UShttps://t.co/V2KnQs48eF — FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) February 26, 2026 Flavor Flav Launches Fundraiser To Assist Black Families Displaced By L.A. Wildfires This isn’t the first time Flava Flav has stepped up to help others. Amid the L.A. wildfires last year, the legendary hype man launched a fundraiser in collaboration with GoFundMe and the Black Music Action Coalition to assist Black families that were displaced throughout L.A. County. “So many of y’all have helped in the aftermath of the L.A. fires…so many of y’all have received help,” Flav wrote in an Instagram post around the time. “But there’s SO MANY more that REALLY need your help. It’s been inspiring to see so many people come together as one to lift each other up, and I just want to highlight one aspect of the larger LA community in dire need.” Recipients of the funds were selected from a consolidated list in the Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory. The list was created by Community Aid Dena, AFROPUNK, and WalkGood LA. “The Black community in Altadena shares a rich, historic, and resilient legacy, one spanning multiple generations,” the fundraiser explained. “They paved a way for themselves through the Great Migration, segregation, redlining, and more to establish a community where their families could build, grow, and celebrate life together. Now, generations later they face an unimaginable tragedy brought on by the LA county wildfires.”

Will Smith is hitting back at claims of sexual harassment brought on by a violinist who performed on his Based on a True Story tour. According to court documents obtained by Billboard, Smith’s lawyers are seeking to have the “farce of a lawsuit” dismissed. The violinist, Brian King Joseph, who was a season 13 finalist on America’s Got Talent, accused Smith of wrongfully terminating him. Joseph claims he was fired after someone broke into his hotel and left “sexually aggressive materials” in his room. He believes that the incident was connected to Smith and was a form of “grooming.” “Brian King Joseph is using the California court system to maliciously ensnare [Will Smith] in a frivolous lawsuit,” the court documents read. “The false and salacious allegations in plaintiff’s complaint undoubtedly make for tabloid fodder but, like most tabloid stories, they are untrue, inflammatory, legally baseless, and are nothing but an attempted money grab.” HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Actor Will Smith attends the Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Focus” premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 24, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) Smith Lawyer’s Claim Violinist was ‘Erratic’ and made other performers ‘uncomfortable’ Smith claims Joseph was dismissed for repeatedly arriving late to rehearsals and for behaving “erratically.” He also alleged that Joseph was making other performers feel “uncomfortable.” Per the suit, Joseph had never been promised a long-term position with the band. “Plaintiff was never promised a regular position in the band,” the documents continued. “Ultimately, it was determined that plaintiff was not a good fit for the band, and he was not invited to perform at further shows.” Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, is facing her own legal drama. As we previously reported, Jada Pinkett-Smith is being sued by Will Smith’s former assistant. Pinkett-Smith has been accused of threatening Bilaal Salaam. She allegedly said he would “end up missing” or “catch a bullet” if he continued “telling her business.” Salaam, who says he’s been a “best friend” of Will Smith for almost 40 years, claims he’s  “worked closely” with the actor. He noted that he was included photos in the actor’s memoir Will.