Jim Jones is once again talking about Nas. Appearing on the latest episode of Nightcap, co-hosted by NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, the former Dipset members had some more words to share about Nas. “Were you smoking when you said you were better than Nas?” Sharpe asked, During the heated exchange, Jones acknowledged that the Queensbridge legend’s skills but downplayed the reach of his influence. “Nas was nice when I was in high school. Nas was dope. We appreciate him. He had a little bit of a run,” Jones explained. “But Nas always came up second to [Jay-Z] and DMX and all these other people. He never had that type of influence on us, except for his first album.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nightcap (@nightcapshow_) “I used to want to dress like Nas… He had one of the illest albums of all time. I’m a real fan of Nas. But he kind of lost me after the movie Belly and s**t like that,” Jones continued. Sharpe strongly disagreed with Jones’ assessment of Nas’ accomplishments. “You can’t eff with Nas lyrically,” Sharpe told Jones. “I know you on that good stuff, but you not seeing Nas. Let’s be real.” Jones then went on to challenge Nas to meet him in the booth. “Let Nas stick up for himself and meet me in the booth or something if he wants to do something historical,” Jones challenged “I would run circles around Nas rapping right now, bro. Right now, 2025, I’m in the game still rapping at a high capacity,” Jones responded. “If Nas wants the smoke, come in the booth.” “I’m not mad, it’s about the sportsmanship of the game,” he continued.  I’m a very aggressive person. I seem to get misconstrued when I’m talking my sh*t. I’m just talking my sh*t, you heard?” Jones added: “Let me talk my sh*t, ’cause I am on the field. If anybody got a problem with that, they can meet me on the field. That is the booth. Anybody from that era.” This isn’t the first time that Jones has taken shots at Nas. As HOT97 previously reported, appearing on Fat Joe and Jadakiss’ podcast, Joe and Jada, Joey Crack spoke about a viral clip where a 22-year-old compared Capo and Nas, suggesting Jones has more influence than the Queensbridge legend. “I was a superior Nas fan, but when you get into the game, you realize your idols become rivals,” Jones said. “Not to take anything away from that. I developed my own style and my own lane that these kids started to gravitate towards, the same way I gravitated towards Nas when I was younger.”

As proceedings wind down in the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the defense team prepares to mount its case following weeks of testimony and evidence presented by prosecutors. The high-profile trial, centered on allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion, has pulled back the curtain on the lifestyle of one of hip-hop’s most recognizable figures. On June 23, Diddy appeared in Manhattan federal court as Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello resumed his testimony. He detailed a broad collection of financial records, including hotel invoices, flight logs, and payments allegedly tied to male escorts and a woman referred to in court as Jane, a former girlfriend of Diddy. Jurors also reviewed text messages suggesting preparations for so-called “freak offs,” referencing purchases of baby oil, erectile dysfunction medication, and large sums of cash. In court, jurors were shown explicit video footage featuring Jane and an escort. Diddy, according to prosecutors, was visibly present in portions of the clips, which were screened privately for the jury, legal teams, and court staff. Brendan Paul, Diddy’s former assistant, testified the previous week and pushed back on claims that he acted as a “drug mule” for the artist. Though he admitted to purchasing items and working grueling hours, he denied ever witnessing illegal behavior at events described in court as “king nights.” Arrested in 2024 on drug charges that were later dropped, Paul now testifies under immunity. Defense introduces texts and party details as trial nears closing arguments in Diddy case Diddy, who was arrested in September, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Toward the end of Monday’s session, defense attorney Teny Geragos told Judge Arun Subramanian that her team expected to use approximately 75 more minutes for cross-examinations. A hearing on jury instructions is set for June 25, with closing arguments slated to begin June 26 and continue into the following day. Both sides anticipate using roughly four hours each for final remarks. Geragos also introduced text messages between Jane and Diddy, where she described enjoying aspects of their intimate relationship—part of the defense’s effort to illustrate consent and mutual participation. As prosecutors concluded direct examination of Agent Cerciello, jurors heard audio messages in which Diddy requested items for his parties. “There’s no more baby oil,” he joked in one clip. Other messages mentioned lubricant and cash, offering a glimpse into the preparation and excess behind the scenes. Evidence presented also linked Diddy’s staff to the planning and execution of these gatherings. Text messages suggested Jane communicated with aides about logistics and occasionally expressed concern for Diddy’s well-being, including after alleged drug use. As the prosecution signaled its intent to rest, the focus now shifts to the defense. While explicit footage and financial documents have played a central role in shaping the case so far, the courtroom has yet to hear the full counter-narrative from Diddy’s legal team. With closing arguments on the horizon, the jury will soon be tasked with weighing weeks of testimony, digital records, and emotional accounts.

Damson Idris has become a more cautious driver after filming his new movie F1. Speaking with PEOPLE, Idris explained what made him slow down on the road. During filming, he drove up to 180 mph. I’m not going to lie, it actually made me drive a lot safer,” Idris said. “I have so much respect for F1 drivers and the speeds that they reach and the amount of pressure that they’re under while they reach those speeds.” “So yeah, now when I’m in the car, I’m definitely just cruising and minding my business,” Idris continued. Previously, Idris told PEOPLE that he “watched every single race” he could to prepare for the film. He also shared that Pitt became close, although their characters are at odds in the film. “It was a seamless dynamic between us. As soon as they’d yell ‘Cut!’, we both sat in our seats and giggled,” Idris said. “He’d be telling me stories of when he first met Prince and Sidney Poitier. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this is just too iconic; you’re a walking monument.’ “ “I always say [Brad is] the most humble person and such a brilliant actor, and he wants you to win,” Idris added. “And he did that for me the entire movie — made a point of having the two characters be equals — so I’m incredibly indebted to him, and I can’t wait people to see it.” In the film, Idris plays Joshua Pierce, the rookie teammate of Brad Pitt’s character Sonny Hayes, a returning Formula 1 driver who took several years away from the track. F1 premieres in theaters on Friday, June 27.

Oprah Winfrey is setting the record straight following viral rumors and AI-generated images falsely claiming she attended Sean “Diddy” Combs’ infamous parties. Speaking candidly during the Good Soil Forum in Dallas, the media mogul categorically denied any involvement and expressed concern over the spread of misinformation. “I have never been near a Puff party,” Winfrey said emphatically. “Anybody who knows me knows if there is a party, I’m the first one out.” She went on to describe her preference for quiet evenings at home, nestled by the fireplace with her dogs, reinforcing, “That is not who I am.” Winfrey also revealed she has been working with YouTube to remove explicit, AI-manipulated images that falsely depict her at Diddy’s gatherings. She called the situation “troubling and invasive,” spotlighting the growing dangers posed by artificial intelligence in the age of digital disinformation. Joining her onstage was Bishop T.D. Jakes, who also addressed rumors about his alleged presence at Diddy’s so-called “Freak Offs.” Jakes admitted he once stopped by Diddy’s house for a brief birthday visit during the day — a 30-minute appearance he says was misconstrued. “I am almost 70 years old. What do I look like? I am a grandfather,” he said, brushing off salacious speculation. Both Winfrey and Jakes criticized the culture of scandal and gossip dominating digital platforms, warning that such distractions are pulling focus from more meaningful conversations and societal progress. Their remarks come amid a federal investigation into Diddy, involving allegations of sex trafficking and other serious accusations. As the legal scrutiny intensifies, public figures have found themselves inadvertently swept into the controversy — often fueled by AI-generated content and online rumor mills. Oprah and T.D. Jake publicly denies going to Diddy’s parties. “I have never been near a Puff party.” pic.twitter.com/L2u5mBAiTQ — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 21, 2025

On Monday (Jun,e 22), Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to take place in over 24 hours. “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR’,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. According to the Associated Press, Iran’s foreign minister said Iran will cease attacks if Israel stops its airstrikes by 4 a.m. Although Israel did not publicly acknowledge the alleged ceasefire, no airstrikes have been reported after 4 a.m. “As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on social media. “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.” Earlier on Monday (June 22), Iran launched what was described as a “powerful and destructive missile strike on the U.S.′ Al-Udeid military base in Qatar,”  CNBC reported that explosions were heard in Doha, the capital of Qatar, at the Al-Udeid Air Base. With around 10,000 service members, it is the largest American military installation in the Middle East. Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that there were no deaths or injuries  In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Qatar’s Foreign Ministry gave the latest update about the attacks.  “We express the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law and the United Nations Charter.” pic.twitter.com/qSS96ITYAT — وزارة الدفاع – دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) June 23, 2025 “We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression and in accordance with international law,” the spokesman said.

Cam’ron has recently shared why he and Drake have never recorded any music with The Diplomats. On the latest episode of his show Talk With Flee, Cam’ron revealed that he never asked the“6 God” for a feature. “I have no idea,” said Cam when asked why the collabo never happened. “I never really asked Drake to do a song, to be honest with you. That’s a great question. You have to ask everyone in Dipset.” Although he and Drake are cool, an organic opportunity didn’t present itself where Cam could ask Drake for a verse or a hook on a track and vice versa. “The opportunity never really presented itself for me, personally,” said Cam. “It’s not like I asked him to do a song and he didn’t do a song. I just never asked him to do a song.”  Throughout the years, Cam said Drake has always shown love to Dipset and even sampled Dipset’s music, which he cleared with no problems. At a performance, Drake even donned Cam’s famous pink mink onstage. Speaking with GQ in 2024, Cam showed his admiration for Drake’s contributions to the rap game. “It’s no different from anybody else just trying to show love,” Cam explained. “A rapper that’s younger than me who grew up watching what we did. I fucking grew up wanting to get a chain because EPMD had the gold link going on, or Big Daddy Kane‘s rope chain. When it’s somebody of Drake’s magnitude, you ought to show love. “A lot of people want to criticize and say he’s [too] commercial. He’s the modern day Michael Jackson that can also rap. You got to realize the type of run he’s on.”

Jim Jones disagrees with the assertion that he should be compared to Nas. Appearing on Fat Joe and Jadakiss‘ podcast, Joe and Jada, which you can watch below, Joey Crack spoke about a viral clip where a 22-year-old compared Capo and  Nas, suggesting Jones has more influence than the Queensbridge legend “I was a superior Nas fan, but when you get into the game, you realize your idols become rivals,” Jones said. “Not to take anything away from that. I developed my own style and my own lane that these kids started to gravitate towards, the same way I gravitated towards Nas when I was younger.” Jadakiss chimes in, saying that Jones’ son knows who Nas is. In his response, Jones said that his son is not familiar with much of Nas’ music, Jim Jones goes off after a kid on Instagram compared him to Nas, and says: pull up Nas’ Billboard entries, then pull up mine. (Joe and Jada/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/13EsrZZ1US — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 19, 2025 “My son can’t tell me one Nas record,” Jones replied. “There must be some type of misconception when it comes to Jim Jones and what Jim Jones has done in this game. A lot of these rappers have done a tremendous job. And I take nothing away from them. But they forget, I got a hell of a catalog. Gold records, platinum records. … Check my track record. Then check everybody else’s track record.” While he says he’s not trying to discredit any other rapper’s accomplishments, Jones believes that people are “trying to act funny” when they draw these comparisons. He also shared that he has more Billboard entries than Nas. “I’ve been putting on,” Jones said. “If you want to go to the Billboard entries, pull up Nas’ Billboard entries and pull up my Billboard entries.”

Everyone knows that Nick Cannon has a lot of kids, and he has issues remembering all their names. Appearing as a guest on Bobbi Althoff’s The Really Good Podcast,  Cannon was asked why he has 12 kids. According to Cannon, he has a “king complex” while comparing himself to the biblical character King Solomon, who had 700 wives and 300 concubines.  “I don’t want no wives, I just want kids,” Cannon explained. Although Cannon has not decided if he said, “I don’t know what God and the universe have in store for me.” Cannon went on to describe the personalities of his children. He noted that Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon, his two-year-old daughter, “cries in surround sound.” This caused Althoff to ask if Cannon could name all his children’s names. “You want all 12?” Cannon asked. “This is where I usually get in trouble… I know all of ’em, but can you rattle off just 12 of anything?” Cannon asked Althoff to name 12 things,  such as states, but “the host said they weren’t personal,” so she couldn’t do it. Eventually, Cannon accepted the challenge and tried to name his entire brood. “There’s Roc, Roe, Golden, Powerful, Rise, Onyx, Legendary, Zion, Zillian, Zen, and…” he began. “And see this is where I, uh…” Cannon admitted that he was “missing two” children, adding Beautiful and his youngest daughter, Halo Marie Cannon.  “There’s a song, and I was like, I don’t want to do that,” Cannon said about his tactics of remembering his children’s names. “I wrote a verse that had all their names in it, and I just, sometimes I recite that,” he said. When asked to rap the verse, Cannon refused, although he admitted that the video would “probably go viral.” After the segment, Cannon said that clip would go viral. In total, shares twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey; sons Golden Sagon and Rise Messiah Cannon and daughter Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell; twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; son Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; and daughter Onyx Ice Cole with LaNisha Cole. Cannon is also father to two children with Alyssa Scott — son Zen, who died at five months old in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer. His daughter Halo Marie Cannon was born on Dec. 14, 2022.

Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins celebrates his Songwriters Hall of Fame induction with Darkchild Sessions, a live three-track EP recorded in Nashville. Released exclusively through Apple Music and his faith-based label Alienz Alive, the project reimagines some of Jerkins’ most iconic productions through the lens of a new generation of artists. Jerkins, a towering figure in R&B and pop for over two decades, enlists Jon Keith, Hulvey, and nobigdyl. to reinterpret classics like Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine,” and Ray J’s “One Wish.” Each performance fuses nostalgia with lyrical reinvention, balancing reverence for the original tracks with bold, spiritually grounded storytelling. Darkchild Sessions honors Jerkins’ legacy while casting forward a vision of faith-infused hip-hop and R&B. The live setting brings a raw emotional power, echoing the genre’s roots while embracing modern voices committed to substance and sincerity. For Jerkins, this is more than a tribute—it’s a creative revival. “These songs shaped an era,” he says. “Now this new generation carries the torch with purpose. To celebrate this Hall of Fame moment through these voices, in partnership with Apple Music Nashville, is a full-circle blessing.” The EP also reflects the mission behind Alienz Alive, the label Jerkins launched in June 2024. Built on faith, truth, and spiritual growth, Alienz Alive supports artists committed to transformation through their music. The label fosters community while pushing sonic and cultural boundaries. With a roster that includes Jon Keith, GAWVI, IMRSQD, Alex Jean, and TJ Carroll, it positions itself as more than a label—it’s a movement of purpose-driven artistry. Darkchild Sessions doesn’t just revisit past glories. It reframes them with heart, urgency, and a deep sense of calling. At a career milestone, Jerkins proves his influence remains not only relevant—but renewed.

It looks like Megan Thee Stallion really is a “bombshell, gettin’ turnt in the villa,” thanks to her recent cameo on Peacock’s Love Island USA. On June 19, the popular dating series premiered its latest episode, where Megan Thee Stallion stops by to give the cast a few challenges. From twerking to doing the limbo, the Houston native kept the contestants on their toes while hilarity ensued. The “Everything Bigger In Texas” rapper also made it clear who the “Real Hot Girl” was as she flaunted her voluptuous frame, donning a slinky, gold, two-piece from her new swimwear brand, Hot Girl Swim. After the episode’s premiere, in an Instagram Story post, Megan unveiled a new, limited edition one-piece inspired by the series. HOTTIES A REAL BOMBSHELL IS ENTERING THEE VILLA A new episode of #LoveIslandUSA is streaming tonight on @peacock #HotGirlSummer pic.twitter.com/s5cck3LeMD — TINA SNOW (@theestallion) June 19, 2025 instagram.com/megantheestallion In other news, amid facing a cyberstalking lawsuit from Megan Thee Stallion, social media personality Milagro Gramz has finally agreed to stop speaking publicly about the case. The decision follows warnings from Megan’s legal team that online commentary could fuel real-world violence, especially after Tory Lanez was stabbed in a California prison. During a virtual hearing in Miami, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid instructed Megan’s attorney, Robert Schwartz, to draft a formal order barring both sides from making public remarks. Milagro Cooper, the defendant, appeared without legal counsel. Judge Reid emphasized the need to limit damaging speech from both parties while the case remains active. “There’s an accusation that you defamed her,” Reid told Cooper. “My role is to contain what’s circulating online from both sides.” Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Pete, filed the lawsuit in Florida’s Southern District in 2024. She accuses Cooper of spreading falsehoods online, including an AI-generated pornographic video falsely depicting her. The complaint also alleges that Tory Lanez, convicted of shooting Megan in 2020, paid Cooper to smear her character during and after the trial.