BMI announced today that GRAMMY-award winning rap icon Nas will receive the BMI Icon Award at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards on Wednesday, August 26 in Los Angeles, CA. Nas will be honored in recognition of his prolific songwriting and immeasurable influence on hip-hop and beyond. The private event will be hosted by BMI CEO Mike O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

photo: Danny Hastings

Throughout the evening, BMI will also salute the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs from BMI’s repertoire of more than 25 million musical works. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter, Song, Producer, and Publisher of the Year and Top Producers will also be named during the ceremony.

“Nas has both defined and elevated hip-hop through his groundbreaking storytelling, lyrical excellence and a lasting commitment to artistic innovation,” said Brewton. “From his earliest works to the music mogul that he is today, Nas is a true icon whose legacy continues to inspire artists, influence culture and shape the sound of hip-hop for generations.” She added, “We are also looking forward to honoring all this year’s award-winning songwriters, producers, and publishers. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, Nas (born Nasir Jones) has built a three-decade long career defined by ingenuity, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to the art of songwriting. His critically acclaimed 1994 debut album, Illmatic, is often considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever recorded, redefining East Coast rap through its vivid storytelling and intricate lyricism. Since then, Nas has released 17 studio albums, earned multiple platinum certifications and sold more than 35 million records worldwide. Revered as the “King of New York,” his influence on hip-hop is immeasurable. By raising the bar for lyrical complexity and setting the gold standard for storytelling in rap, Nas has inspired generations of artists, with many of the genre’s biggest names citing him as a foundational influence.

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Experience Prince’s legacy live on stage at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre in PURPLE RAIN, the electrifying new musical based on the GRAMMY®-winning album and Oscar®-winning film, featuring over 20 of his iconic hits, including “When Doves Cry,” “I Would Die 4 U,” “Take Me with U,” and “The Beautiful Ones.”

Minneapolis, 1984. A new era of music television is creating overnight stars. A magnetic young performer known as “The Kid” seems like the perfect frontman to lead his bandmates to stardom. But when his past threatens everything he’s built, he’ll have to sing his way out of the darkness and into the spotlight where he belongs.​

A visionary creative team reimagines Prince’s extraordinary world for the stage, with direction by Tony®-nominated director Saheem Ali (Buena Vista Social Club), acclaimed librettist and screenwriter Peter Duchan (Dogfight), Emmy®-winning choreographer Ebony Williams (Sneakerella, additional choreography for the Renaissance World Tour), a music team led by Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (MJ the Musical), and longtime Prince collaborators and bandmates Bobby Z and Morris Hayes as Prince music advisors.

Casting will be announced at a later date, with tickets going on sale through Telecharge in September.

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Sony Music Publishing today announced the promotion of Ari Gelaw to Senior Vice President, Creative A&R. Gelaw will continue to be based out of the company’s Los Angeles office, reporting to SMP’s President, Head of US A&R Katie Welle.

In her new role, Gelaw will be responsible for leading the company’s US R&B/Hip-Hop team, spanning SMP’s New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles offices. She will also continue to drive songwriter development and discovery initiatives, while also advancing global collaboration across the company’s rosters and teams.

Since joining Sony Music Publishing in 2022 as Vice President, Creative A&R, Gelaw has been instrumental to the company’s creative advancement and roster growth, signing iconic talent such as BigXthaPlug, Monaleo, Victoria Monet, FLO, Samara Cyn, BBYKOBE and J White, while also continuing to work closely with top hitmakers including Mustard, INK, Yeat, Leon Thomas, Camper and more.

Katie Welle, President, Head of US A&R, Sony Music Publishing said, “Ari is an exceptional A&R and incredibly skilled at supporting talent. Her sharp creative instinct and dedication to songwriters have been key to our growth, and this promotion reflects her continued impact both creatively and as a leader. I couldn’t be more thrilled to work alongside Ari as we continue to elevate the success of our roster and our team.”

Ari Gelaw said, “I’m grateful to Katie and Jon for their continued belief in me, and I am excited for this next step. There’s incredible momentum across the R&B and hip-hop space, and I look forward to working with our amazing team to build on this energy and help our songwriters reach even greater heights.”

Prior to her time at Sony Music Publishing, Gelaw served as Director of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group, where she signed and worked extensively with prominent talent including Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby and Coi Leray. She also spent two years at Atlantic Records working in its Urban A&R department.

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Starz‘s flagship Power franchise will soon be available on Netflix in most of the world. In a big licensing deal with Lionsgate Television, the global streamer has acquired international rights to Power, Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan and Power Book IV: Force, along with domestic rights to the mothership series.

Starz remains the primary U.S. home to the Power universe. All seasons of Power, Ghost, Raising Kanan and Force will continue to be available on the Starz app and all Starz streaming and on-demand platforms, which also will carry the upcoming offshoots Power: Origins and Power: Legacy, neither of them part of the Netflix licensing deal.

The first four series in the Power franchise will start arriving on Netflix at the beginning of November with timing varying market to market based on Lionsgate’s existing local agreements. The pact — which spans all six seasons of Power, four seasons of Ghost, three seasons of Force and five seasons of Raising Kanan — does not include Canada where the Power franchise streams on Starz via its partnership with Bell Media. It is not exclusive, with Lionsgate able to license the shows to other platforms in the territories where Netflix has them.

Also in November, all seasons of the mothership Power series, which had been licensed by Lionsgate TV to Hulu in the U.S. since 2017, will move to Netflix.

The fifth and final season of Raising Kanan is currently been released, with new episodes airing exclusively on the Starz linear network on Fridays at 8 p.m. and streaming weekly on Fridays on the Starz app and other Starz platforms, heading to an August 7 series finale.

Lionsgate Television took over production of the first Power series following Lionsgate’s June 2016 acquisition of Starz when the mothership was about to launch its third season. Lionsgate TV produced all Power series during the time the two companies were merged until their May 2025 split, along with the upcoming Origins, the origin story of fan-favorite characters Ghost and Tommy, now in production on its 18-episode first season.

With now-independent Starz focusing on increasing ownership of its scripted content, the latest offshoot — the recently greenlighted Power: Legacy starring Michael Rainey, Jr. as Tariq St. Patrick and Joseph Sikora as Tommy Egan — is a co-production between Starz and Lionsgate Television.

Netflix is picking up the four Power series following the recent breakout success of Nemesis, its original drama from Power creator Courtney Kemp, which shares some DNA with her work on the Power franchise. Released in May, Nemesis logged 32.6 million views in its first month and a half, earning a Season 2 renewal.

Kemp continues to executive produce the Power universe with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Mark Canton. S: Deadline

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Lyrics:

Feel the rush when we touch papes
Cop drugs open up duct tape
Aims to fill up safe
My nigga just came home from up state
Next stop is top of the world like Brandy n Mase
Ferraris to race the mule and 40 acre place
Still hear the trap phone ringing they use to call for base
Cuttys in the hall saw it all knew it was more to chase
Tell me how u view this shit a marathon or a race
No comparison at my pace but I’m still lappin niggas
Dumb thinking we neck and neck they only seeing half the picture
The other half of they Kodak black
Tunnel vision what they lack that’s why we will never interact
Old school shit put a lil ammonia in the crack
Different kinda batch when I rap it’s like Cinemax
Songs from a sinner few regrets I gotta live wit that
Pour the gas n lit the match now it’s all flames
I’m ghost rider speeding in the lane swinging chains
You niggas is small change the biker jacket is Balmain
This the 8ball in the corner pocket I call game
Pulled out ya cord you fall on ya sword it’s all been ordained
I’m the lord you a fuckin stain
Get knocked off like dark skinnned Jermaine
No need to explain
Brrt
(Super FLYGOD)

Ayo
Prada stains on the Willy Chava’ (Ah), phones is liver (Ah)
Meet me at the Ritz in a half an hour
If the money ain’t all there, then shoot his ass (Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom)
I came through, .40 cal in a lucha mask (Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom)
Same shit from Rey Mysterio versus the Big Show
Jaden Smith melt the Louboutins on my big toe
Lick up by the liquor store and wait for my signal
If he gotta go, we gotta— (Mm)
You outta pocket, get your shit lopsided (Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom)
Eastside Buffalo niggas all violent (Brrt, doot-doot-doot-doot)
Pray for your Co-Ds, niggas stay silent (Ah)
Gas stoves tickin’, lit the pilot for the malice (Woo)
I was up in USP in designer (Ah)
055, in my cell eatin’ lasagna (Mm)
I know you know your whole clique vagina (Ah)
I know you know (I know you know)
You know what I’m sayin’?
I just feel like, you know, nobody can fuck with me
So, but like Rome, incredible artist
Incredible, this is just the beginnin’ with him

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FYI Executive Producer: will.i.am
FYI Director of Media & Content: Sean Kantrowitz
FYI Campus Site Rep: Richard Guillen

Original Music: Tash featuring Sway, King T, Defari, Tha Alkaholiks, Xzibit, will.i.am, and Q-Tip
Music produced by: SeeForYourself & will.i.am
Additional percussion: Daru Jones
Mix Engineer: Dylan Dresdow

Production Company: Clash of The Artistic Minds

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Two Cultures.One Movement. United by Music. “DOMI NYC” brings together Boy Wonder CF, Fabolous, Dave East, Arlene MC, and the unforgettable voice of the legendary Fatman Scoop in a collaboration that celebrates the historic connection between the Dominican Republic and New York City.

Driven by the energy of Dominican dembow and the spirit of New York hip-hop, the record represents the meeting of two musical movements that have grown, evolved, and inspired the world for decades from the very same neighborhoods and communities.
Watch the official video and experience a collaboration that brings together generations, cultures, and sounds.

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ELUCID and billy woods have pounded the pavement for over two decades, which can feel like several lifetimes in underground rap years. Together as Armand Hammer, and separately on their own, the catalog runs deep. But even as more co-signs, features and bigger-name producers take note, a deep undercurrent remains: They reflect and refract the horrors and joys of the world, creating a kind of kaleidoscopic healing. As my colleague Rodney Carmichael puts it: The more complicated the times get, the easier it is to understand them.

But this ain’t just for the heads; it takes a heart to feel what they’re putting down. Frequently backed by warped and warbled production, these New York emcees trade reference-heavy and emotionally taut verses like oral histories passed down from front stoops. How does that translate to the Tiny Desk? That’s where LA comes in, with producer Kenny Segal, jazz trio Human Error Club and guitarist Ryan Crosby.

Segal’s arrangements channel the core Armand Hammer tension into a band that leaves smoke trails for the emcees to clear. Guitar fuzz squeals on “Laraaji.” Whimsical chiptune melodies soundtrack an escapist nostalgia loop on “Super Nintendo.” We get solo tracks from both ELUCID (“Spelling”) and woods (“Spongebob” and “Discolated”), whose face is strategically placed behind a pop filter — anonymity is part of his art. Closing us out, “Stonefruit,” which has become a calling card for the duo, embodies a tag-team whose hunger for life is both contemplative and carnal.

SET LIST
“Laraaji”
“Super Nintendo”
“Spongebob”
“Spelling”
“Dislocated”
“Stonefruit”

MUSICIANS
billy woods: vocals
ELUCID: vocals
Kenny Segal: keys, sampler, Omnichord, music director
Ryan Crosby: guitar, bass
Diego Gaeta: keys
Jesse Justice: keys
Mekala Session: drums

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French Montana (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

For 32 years, HOT 97 Summer Jam has remained one of hip-hop’s most celebrated stages, bringing together the biggest names in music while spotlighting the artists shaping the genre’s future. Hosted by Nessa, the Mornings with Mero team, and DJ Drewski, with legendary HOT 97 DJ Funk Flex keeping the energy high on the turntables throughout the night, the annual celebration at Prudential Center in Newark delivered hometown pride, surprise appearances, viral moments, and nonstop energy from start to finish.

38 Spesh (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

The night opened by showcasing rising talent from across the tri-state area, with performances from Stove God Cooks, 38 Spesh, Albee Al, NEMS, Kocky Ka, Djany Dior, Ryan Witherspoon, Breannie, JDymonds, Chase Belly, BTB Dezz, Fergie Baby, NTG, King Beemo, La Biggie, and McVertt, setting the tone for the celebration. During his set, NEMS welcomed fellow New York rapper Ron Browz, who had the crowd rapping along to classics including “Pop Champagne” and “Jumping (Out the Window).”

Conway The Machine (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

As the evening continued, Conway the Machine kicked off the main stage performances before Honey Bxby and Omah Lay shifted the atmosphere with smooth R&B and Afrobeats performances. Natalie Nunn energized the crowd with a surprise Zeus takeover, bringing members of the network’s Baddies cast onstage while performing her viral anthem “Doin’ What I Want.”

Brooklyn collective 41—featuring Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata, and Dee Billz—kept the momentum going with their viral hits before Sleepy Hallow brought Brooklyn drill to the Summer Jam stage.

G Herbo (Photo Credit: James Marquis)

Chicago’s G Herbo delivered one of the night’s most memorable sets, sending the audience into a frenzy during “Went Legit,” with fans rapping every lyric. He also introduced rising South Carolina artist Trim, who performed “Boat” and the viral favorite “Coconut Water.”

Yung Miami (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

Yung Miami & Lola Brooke (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

Yung Miami & Fat Joe (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

Keeping the energy at its peak, Yung Miami took over the stage with her summer anthem “Spend Dat,” showering the audience with money while surprise appearances from Lola Brooke and Fat Joe amplified one of the night’s biggest moments.

Da Baby (Photo Credit: James Marquis)

DaBaby brought his signature stage presence directly to the fans, moving throughout the crowd and turning the arena into a party with “Pop Dat Thang.” Zeddy Will followed with a string of TikTok favorites, including “Party at the Beach” and “Yup And I Do,” keeping the audience dancing throughout his set.

Fetty Wap (Photo Credit: James Marquis)

A true hometown celebration arrived when New Jersey native Fetty Wap returned to the Summer Jam stage, performing fan favorites including “Trap Queen,” “Again,” and “My Way” alongside longtime collaborator Monty. He also brought out New Jersey underground rappers Albee Al and Tsu Surf, turning his homecoming performance into a celebration of the state’s hip-hop scene.

Mariah The Scientist (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

Slowing things down for the lover girls and lover boys, Mariah the Scientist serenaded the crowd with fan favorites “Burning Blue,” “Spread Thin,” and “Is It a Crime,” as fans sang every lyric back to her.

French Montana (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

Max B (Photo Credit: Ricky Shoebio)

Closing out the celebration, French Montana reunited with Max B for performances of “Ever Since U Left Me (I Want Deaf)” and “Minks in Miami” before launching into a run of chart-topping records and standout collaborations, including “Unforgettable,” “Stay Schemin’,” “Mo Chicken,” “Pop That,” and “All the Way Up.” Surprise appearances from Jamaican dancehall star Masicka and Remy Ma added even more excitement to an already star-studded hometown finale.

More than three decades after its debut, HOT 97 Summer Jam continues to serve as one of hip-hop’s premier live events, bringing together established stars, hometown legends, emerging artists, and devoted fans for a celebration that reflects the culture’s continued evolution while honoring the legacy that built it.

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Following his historic, sold-out three-night run at Yankee Stadium, JAŸ-Z and Roc Nation have announced second stadium shows in London and Los Angeles. The Yankee Stadium run shattered the venue’s all-time concert attendance records across all three nights and made JAŸ-Z the first artist ever to sell out three consecutive shows at the venue.

The newly added London date will take place on Saturday, September 5 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, following the previously announced show on Friday, September 4. A second Los Angeles show has also been added for Saturday, October 24 at SoFi Stadium, following the previously announced October 23 performance. The dates join the previously announced Paris show at Stade de France on September 10.

These performances celebrate JAŸ-Z’s remarkable 30-year career and iconic catalog that has shaped music and culture around the world.

Tickets for the new dates will be available starting Wednesday, July 29 at 10am local time via presales. The general on-sale for the new dates will begin Thursday, July 30 at 10am local time.

SHOW DATES

LONDON
Friday, September 4, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Saturday, September 5 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – NEW DATE

PARIS
Thursday, September 10, 2026 – Stade de France

LOS ANGELES
Friday, October 23, 2026 – SoFi Stadium

Saturday, October 24, 2026 – SoFi Stadium – NEW DATE

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The legendary hip-hop icon and Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Russell Tyrone Jones, universally known as Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB), has been permanently woven into the map of Brooklyn. On July 25, 2026, local officials and the late rapper’s estate officially co-named a Bedford-Stuyvesant intersection “ODB Jones Way” to celebrate his groundbreaking cultural and musical legacy.

The official honorary street sign is anchored at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Putnam Avenue. The commemorative naming extends down Claver Place, stretching between Jefferson Avenue and Putnam Avenue.

Photo: Nicholas Knight

It is located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), Brooklyn—the borough where Jones was born and raised.

The new street sign stands just steps away from the famous, long-standing ODB mural located at 448 Franklin Avenue, making the area a central hub for fans.

New York City Council Member Chi Ossé, alongside the Jones estate, championed the street co-naming initiative to protect and honor Black musical history in the neighborhood.

As a foundational pillar of the Wu-Tang Clan, ODB’s raw energy and distinctive vocal style helped reshape the sound of 1990s hip-hop, a contribution now officially recognized by his hometown.

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Chris Brown pleaded guilty Friday to brawling at a London nightclub in 2023, a fight in which he hit a music producer over the head with a bottle.

Brown, 37, made the change of plea during a hearing at London’s Southwark Crown Court. He had previously denied more serious charges over what prosecutors called a “vicious attack.”

In return for the guilty plea, prosecutors dropped charges of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon, a bottle.

Brown’s friend and vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu also pleaded guilty to affray. The two men had been due to stand trial in October.

Brown had denied attacking Abraham Diaw with a bottle at the Tape nightclub in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in February 2023. But prosecutors said the fight was caught on surveillance camera in front of a club full of people.

The affray charge accepted by the defendants states that “Chris Brown and Omololu Akinlolu on February 19 2023 used or threatened unlawful violence towards another and their conduct taken together was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety.”

“This was a vicious and unprovoked attack by Brown and Akinlolu in a crowded nightclub where Brown used a glass bottle as a weapon to strike the victim’s head twice,” Claire Campbell, a senior prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, said after the guilty plea.

“This kind of violence is entirely unacceptable, and the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly – with the police and partners across the criminal justice system – to pursue cases like this, and prove that no one is above the law.”

Brown left the United Kingdom after the brawl but was arrested in May 2025 at a Manchester hotel after flying to the city to prepare for a tour.

Brown had been free on bail of 5 million pounds ($6.7 million), which allowed him to tour Europe and North America last summer. He was freed on bail again Friday and will be sentenced Oct. 26 on the affray charge, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

Brown, wearing a tan suit, gold-rimmed sunglasses and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap, signed autographs for fans as he left the courthouse. S: ABC 7

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