A man convicted for his involvement in the 2020 killing of Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke has publicly apologized to the musician’s mother. Blockstar, who was 17 during the fatal Hollywood Hills home invasion, addressed his involvement in an XVTV interview published Tuesday, Oct. 13. “I’ll say an apology I never got to give was to Pop Smoke’s mom,” Blockstar said. “I’ll say I never really got to apologize to her,” he continued. “And you know, an apology not gonna change nothing.” Blockstar acknowledged that the rapper’s mother might reject his apology, maintaining that the deadly encounter was never intended to become personal. “I always say the situation was never supposed to go like that. He’s not my enemy,” he said. “I don’t really know that man from a can of paint,” Blockstar added. Blockstar, Pop Smoke’s Convicted Murder, Wishes To Apologize To Late Rapper’s Mother “What happened, what occurred was not personal,” he continued. “It was just on some young ni**as getting money.” Blockstar attributed the killing to a robbery that escalated into violence. “Things happen, things go bad. It’s not an excuse but things go bad,” he said. Pop Smoke, whose legal name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, died Feb. 19, 2020, during a robbery at his rented Los Angeles residence. He was 20. Blockstar pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion burglary. He received a four-year, two-month juvenile detention sentence. Authorities released him in 2023 after crediting time served. Corey Walker, 19 during the killing, received a 29-year prison sentence in 2025. Keandre Rodgers, then 18, initially faced murder charges. NME subsequently reported that his case was undergoing reassessment. Deijae Jester, 15 during the shooting, admitted firing three shots into Pop Smoke’s back, according to investigators. Jester later received a four-year county jail sentence for smuggling fentanyl into a juvenile detention facility. Blockstar’s remarks mark a rare public acknowledgment of the killing from someone convicted in the case.

Coi Leray says she’s single, but Justin LaBoy appears to have a different understanding of their relationship status. The 29-year-old rapper sparked breakup speculation after sharing a message on X suggesting she was stepping away from dating. “Single and not looking for anything. This world is just too cold,” Leray wrote. Single and not looking for anything. This world is just too cold — PINKSWEATSUITS (@coi_leray) October 14, 2026 Although she didn’t mention LaBoy, the post raised questions about her romance with the media personality and podcast host. LaBoy quickly responded on Instagram, seemingly disputing Leray’s declaration while issuing a provocative warning to potential suitors. “She’s definitely gonna get one of y’all shot. She is not single,” he wrote. Coi Leray reveals that she and her boyfriend Justin LaBoy have broken up after dating for over a year. pic.twitter.com/8kBWts0lLD — FearBuck (@FearedBuck) October 14, 2026 Neither Leray nor LaBoy has publicly clarified the conflicting statements. The couple first sparked dating rumors in September 2025 when LaBoy shared a photograph of Leray on Instagram. “My Coi,” he captioned the image. That same month, Leray appeared on his podcast, “#Respectfully: The Justin LaBoy Show,” where she hinted at their relationship. Rapper Coi Leray Says “She’s Single,” But Justin Laboy Immediately Debunks Her Claim In January, LaBoy addressed earlier breakup rumors by posting a photograph of the pair kissing. “She is my life,” he declared. Their romance remained public in February when they filmed a Valentine’s Day podcast episode. During their conversation, they debated whether liking another woman’s social media posts constitutes cheating. Leray previously discussed finding love again following her turbulent relationship with rapper Trippie Redd. During an April appearance on Keke Palmer’s “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast, she admitted another romance wasn’t initially part of her plans. Leray and Trippie Redd welcomed their daughter, Miyoko, on June 14, 2025. The former couple rekindled their romance in August 2024 after previously dating in 2019. Their reconciliation ended amid public allegations of infidelity. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her relationship with LaBoy, Leray continues releasing music. Her latest single, “Nothing Into Something,” arrived September 18. For now, Leray’s relationship status remains unclear.

LeBron James is laughing off Anthony Edward’s poking fun at him. In the latest episode of his Mind the Game podcast, James responded to the Adidas commercial featuring Anthony Edwards. Set up in a fictional talk show, Edwards, playing host, mocked rival NBA players for changing teams during the offseason. In one of the ad’s jokes, Edwards teased that Minnesota was simply too cold for James to ever join the Timberwolves.  “Speaking of old school, you see where Big Dog ended up? He was going to join me in Minnesota, but I guess his knees couldn’t handle the cold weather. It’s cool, though,” Edwards said in the spot. “We know why he really made that decision. Philly got some of the best barbers in the world.”  View this post on Instagram James made light of the commercial while talking with his co-host Steve Nash. “First of all, I didn’t watch the spot, because I don’t watch anything from the stripes. Nothing. Love Ant to death, but I don’t watch s–t from the stripes, I just don’t. So I don’t even know what he actually said.” James told co-host Steve Nash. “… I think it said, ‘He’s old, too old, didn’t want his knees to be cold.’ But then I was like, ‘But I went to Philly, Ant, so how are my knees gonna be warm in Philly?’ … He just read off the teleprompter.”  When Nash said that Edwards had the personality to take shots at him, James welcomed the attention.: “Bring them at me. Bring them at me. I’m used to it,” James said. Heading into the 2026–27 NBA season, Edwards enters as the undisputed face of the re-tooled Minnesota Timberwolves. After leading Minnesota to the Western Conference Semifinals last postseason, Edwards expresses immense optimism for the year ahead, driven by a younger, faster roster and the blockbuster offseason acquisition of dynamic point guard LaMelo Ball. 

New York City lawmakers are moving to ban horse-drawn carriages from Central Park, signaling the end of a 150-year tradition that has long been a staple of Manhattan tourism. The City Council is expected to vote next week on legislation that would phase out the industry entirely by 2028. The legislative push gained critical momentum following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, a tourist from India who died last spring. Mahajan was killed after jumping from a runaway carriage to assist his mother, who had been thrown from the vehicle when the horse bolted. The incident is believed to be the first fatality involving a horse carriage in the history of Central Park. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that his office reached an agreement on the bill with Council Speaker Julie Menin. “The horse carriage industry is coming to an end in New York City,” Mamdani said in a social media post, ending years of political stalemate over the issue. Previous attempts to ban the carriages by three consecutive mayors were stalled by labor concerns and legislative opposition. NYC Moves to Ban Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriages: However, the Mahajan family’s persistent advocacy, including emotional testimony via video link from India, shifted the political tide. Deepak Mahajan, the victim’s father, told council members that his family remains shattered by the loss. Animal welfare advocates have campaigned for decades against the industry, arguing that forcing horses to navigate dense traffic and crowded park roads is inhumane. Speaker Menin echoed these concerns, stating that while the carriages are part of the city’s history, they have become a “growing public safety liability” in the modern era. The industry has strong defenders who point to the carriage rides as a cinematic icon of New York heritage. The carriages have been featured in classic films such as “The Band Wagon,” “Barefoot in the Park” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” Drivers like Conor McHugh argue that tourists travel from all over the world specifically for the experience. Labor leaders have voiced sharp opposition to the ban. Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen called the legislation “disgraceful political opportunism” and argued it provides no meaningful economic protection for workers. The bill does, however, require the mayor’s office to develop a workforce transition plan and prohibits owners from selling retired horses to slaughterhouses. As the city prepares for the final vote, the transition plan will focus on providing financial compensation for affected drivers and ensuring that the horses are placed in humane environments. The 2028 deadline is intended to give the industry time to wind down operations while addressing the displacement of immigrant families whose livelihoods depend on the trade.

Hip-hop mogul 50 Cent is revisiting his longstanding feud with Rick Ross, insisting their nearly two-decade rivalry is strictly entertainment. During an October 13 appearance on The Crew Has It podcast, the G-Unit founder discussed his biggest rap beefs. When Rick Ross entered the conversation, 50 Cent referenced the Miami rapper’s previous employment as a correctional officer. “I tell you the most difficult beef to have… It’s when the person you’re beefing with is law enforcement,” 50 Cent said. “You can’t do much. They are sworn in under oath.” The Power executive producer suggested Ross would involve authorities if their rivalry escalated beyond verbal exchanges. “When it [gets] hot, they’re just going to tell, bro. Trust me on that one, man,” he continued. However, 50 Cent acknowledged that his public attacks against Ross primarily serve comedic purposes. “No, he’s funny [laughter] because it’s like, that’s all entertainment to me,” he explained. “That part, because it’s a cop to me. Once the person is sworn in, when you serious get into it, then it’s not going to turn into, you know.” Hip-Hop Mogul 50 Cent Clowns His Beef With Rick Ross Because Rozay Is Law Enforcement Ross’ correctional officer background has remained a recurring target throughout their feud. Florida Department of Corrections records confirmed Ross began working as an officer in December 1995. He served at the South Florida Reception Center before leaving the department in June 1997. Photographs documenting his correctional officer training also surfaced publicly, sparking criticism surrounding his street-oriented rap persona. The rivalry intensified in 2009 when 50 Cent publicly introduced Tia Kemp, the mother of Ross’ son. Kemp was reportedly preparing a memoir detailing her relationship with the Maybach Music Group founder. Ross retaliated by calling 50 Cent “Curly,” a nickname he claimed originated in the South. Their feud subsequently expanded through diss tracks, interviews and social media exchanges. Despite years of personal insults, 50 Cent maintains that mocking Ross remains entertainment rather than a serious confrontation.

Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking 1993 Super Bowl halftime performance will receive a documentary examining how the King of Pop transformed football’s biggest musical spectacle. Titled Spectacle: Michael Jackson at the Super Bowl, the film is scheduled to premiere on ESPN and Hulu in February 2027. The documentary revisits Jackson’s January 31, 1993, performance at Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena, California, nearly 35 years after the historic event. Jackson performed at the Rose Bowl during the Dallas Cowboys’ championship victory over the Buffalo Bills. Before his appearance, Super Bowl halftime shows primarily featured marching bands, elaborate themes and large musical ensembles. Jackson’s performance introduced a new era of superstar-driven entertainment, establishing a blueprint for future halftime productions. His setlist included some of his biggest hits, including “Billie Jean,” “Black or White” and “Heal the World.” The elaborate production featured synchronized choreography, dramatic staging and Jackson’s unmistakable showmanship. Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Documentary Finds Home At Hulu Filmmaker Bao Nguyen will direct and produce the documentary, which explores the preparation and creative decisions behind the performance. Nguyen previously directed Netflix’s The Greatest Night in Pop, chronicling the recording of the 1985 charity anthem “We Are the World.” That documentary explored Jackson’s collaboration with Lionel Richie and other prominent musicians who assembled for the historic recording session. The upcoming Hulu documentary will feature previously unreleased interviews with production crew members and organizers involved in Jackson’s halftime appearance. Never-before-seen footage will also provide insight into the rehearsals, planning and challenges behind the production. Jackson’s performance helped establish the Super Bowl halftime show as a major cultural attraction beyond professional football. Its influence remains evident in subsequent performances by Prince, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher and Kendrick Lamar. The documentary arrives amid renewed interest in Jackson’s career, including plans for another biographical film, Michael 2, in 2027. ESPN and Hulu have not announced an exact premiere date or released an official trailer. Spectacle will examine how Jackson’s 1993 appearance reshaped the halftime show into a global entertainment event.

Bronny James’ play has been called out by Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Redick. Speaking to reporters, Redick spoke plainly about James’ progress so far in the pre-season. “I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us,” Redick told reporters in his postgame press conference. “I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices. Some of it’s just rhythm. Some of it’s who he’s playing with. He’s played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games, with our two-way guys.”  James made appearances in all four of the Lakers’ initial preseason matchups, posting averages of 2.8 points on 26.7% shooting, 3.3 assists, and 0.5 steals across 17.5 minutes per game. While preseason action serves primarily as a warm-up conditioning period—and four games is a tiny sample size—seeing James hit under 30% of his shots is hardly a reassuring start. LIFE AFTER LEBRON JAMES Heading into the 2026–27 season, the new-look Los Angeles Lakers enter a new era defined by a complete franchise pivot centered around superstar Luka Dončić. Following a complete franchise pivot centered around superstar Luka Dončić and the departure of LeBron James, front-office chief Rob Pelinka reshaped the roster to prioritize youth, length, and complementary. The moves were made to accentuate Dončić’s playmaking style. Key additions include anchor Walker Kessler, defensive guard Matisse Thybulle, swingman Quentin Grimes, forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, and veteran big man Kevon Looney. These new players give head coach Redick a much more versatile and balanced rotation.  Alongside returning guard Austin Reaves and spark-plug scorer Collin Sexton, the Lakers aim to surround Dončić with dependable rim protection, reliable perimeter defense, and floor spacing.  Though external consensus frames the summer overhaul as a long-term rebuild, local expectations remain high. The priority is establishing a competitive West playoff identity with Dončić immediately while preserving future financial and roster flexibility.

Authorities have identified an Atlanta educator as the man who died Monday afternoon following a horrific fall from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The Cobb County Police Department confirmed Tuesday that 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was the victim of the fatal incident, which also left at least three other park guests injured. The tragedy occurred shortly before 4 p.m. at the theme park located west of Atlanta. According to investigators, Kariem fell from the ride while it was in motion, striking the coaster structure several times and colliding with other passengers before landing on the roof of a nearby haunted house attraction. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene, with some stating that the fall occurred near the ride’s high-speed camera and was inadvertently captured in souvenir photos. Family members of Kariem described the 42-year-old as a dedicated educator who was deeply committed to his community. In a statement provided to local media, his family highlighted his passion for Atlanta and his professional efforts to reunite families. The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is currently leading the investigation alongside the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. “Officers assigned to the park, along with uniformed patrol officers, responded to the scene,” the Cobb County Police Department said in a statement. Detectives are now working to determine whether the fall was caused by mechanical failure, operator error, or guest behavior. Other riders aboard the Goliath were evacuated after the coaster was brought to a halt near the top of its 200-foot elevation. A spokesperson for Six Flags expressed condolences, stating that the park is fully cooperating with local authorities. “We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” the spokesperson said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.” The Goliath roller coaster, which opened in 2006, is one of the park’s signature attractions, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. In response to the fatality, Six Flags officials confirmed they have temporarily closed similar attractions across their nationwide network of parks as a safety precaution while the investigation continues. The conditions of the other injured guests have not been publicly released. Authorities indicated that additional information will be withheld at this time out of respect for the privacy of the Kariem family as they grieve the loss of the veteran educator.

Duane “Keefe D” Davis has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the 1996 murder of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, marking a major development in a case that remained unresolved for nearly three decades. Davis appeared Tuesday before Las Vegas Judge Carli Kierny, who imposed the sentence after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon on Aug. 31. “You don’t get to take a man from his family,” Kierny told Davis, acknowledging the lasting impact of Shakur’s death. “You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future, from him … especially when that man is Tupac Shakur,” the judge added. Davis, a former gang leader, pleaded not guilty following his 2023 arrest. He previously discussed his alleged involvement in the killing in a memoir and televised interviews. Hip-Hop Legend Tupac Shakur’s Murder Duane “Keefe D” Davis Senteced 40 To Life The case stems from a Sept. 7, 1996, shooting in Las Vegas. Shakur was riding in a BMW with Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight after attending a Mike Tyson boxing match when a white Cadillac pulled alongside their vehicle and gunfire erupted. Shakur sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died six days later at age 25. Knight survived the attack. The killing became one of hip-hop’s most notorious unsolved cases. Shakur’s death, followed by the 1997 murder of Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, fueled decades of speculation, investigations and documentaries examining violence surrounding the music industry. During Tuesday’s sentencing, Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, addressed the court about the personal and cultural loss caused by her brother’s death. She urged Kierny to impose the maximum punishment. His stepbrother, Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, also called for a substantial sentence. Davis reportedly reacted during Sekyiwa’s remarks but remained silent when Kierny announced the punishment. Shakur’s influence continues through his music and documentaries, including Tupac: Resurrection and Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur. The sentence represents a significant milestone in the prosecution of a killing that has shaped hip-hop history for nearly 30 years.

AZ Chike is seeing his hard work pay off on the road. The Inglewood, California rapper is celebrating strong ticket sales for his ongoing No Rest For The Wicked Tour. On Monday, October 12, the West Coast rapper thanked fans in an Instagram Story, revealing that four upcoming shows had sold out. He also shared a promising update about ticket sales in Chicago. “Next 4 sold out & they telling me Chicago at 80%. Words can’t explain what it feel like to get out here & connect with y’all & rap this album together. It’s just me, a mic, and & my DJ on that stage. I’ma remember all this shit forever. See y’all tomorrow North Carolina.” AZChike is feeling the love! — The West Coast rapper reveals his next FOUR shows are SOLD OUT, with Chicago already at 80% capacity! “Words can’t explain what it feel like to get out here & connect with yall & rap this album together.” Just him, a mic, and his DJ. No… pic.twitter.com/MnMrhJPKAY — CHILLING WITH MONIE (@CWMonieHQ) October 13, 2026 The 20-city tour kicked off October 5 in Houston, Texas. Chike’s message captures the excitement of connecting with fans across the country while performing his music live. His growing audience also reflects the momentum surrounding his appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album. Rapper AZ Chike Shows Love To His Fans After Revealing No Rest For The Wicked Tour’s Sold-Out Shows During his October 7 tour stop in Dallas, Texas, Chike acknowledged Lamar’s role in introducing his music to a wider audience. “I know a lot of people first found about me through GNX’s ‘Peekabo.’ Make some noise for my brother Kendrick Fuckin’ Lamar. It was a lot of speculation just as far what the artists was gonna do after the album, right. And, unfortunately, for a lot of people it was game over, but for Chizzle, it was game time.” The rapper’s comments addressed speculation about Los Angeles artists following the success of GNX. Chike made it clear that the moment created an opportunity for him to keep building. Now, his tour provides a chance to turn that exposure into a lasting connection with listeners. With four more shows reportedly sold out and Chicago approaching capacity, Chike has plenty to celebrate. His Instagram Story also showed appreciation for fans who have embraced his music beyond the viral spotlight. For AZ Chike, the mission continues: one microphone, one DJ, and crowds ready to rap along.