A federal fraud case tied to rapper G Herbo has added another guilty plea. This extends a legal saga that has unfolded across multiple years and defendants. On Monday, Steven Hayes Jr., a former manager identified by prosecutors as a key organizer in the scheme, admitted his role. This comes after a February jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. Authorities initially charged Hayes with fraud and identity theft. They also added an aggravated identity theft count that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of two and a half years. That charge was removed under a plea agreement in exchange for his admission of guilt. At the time of the alleged conduct, Hayes was already on probation in Cook County, Illinois, following a prior gun conviction. Herbo’s legal situation complicated the case further. According to court filings, the scheme relied on stolen credit card data to finance a steady stream of luxury spending. This included private flights, limousine services, high-end travel, and purchases that prosecutors say extended even to designer puppies priced at $9,000. Federal investigators estimated losses linked to Hayes at roughly $40,000. However, the amount connected with Herbo will be challenged when sentencing occurs. From Restitution to Prison: Sentences Vary in Federal Fraud Case As part of the agreement, Hayes agreed to repay $2,700 to affected airlines and a transportation company. This amount is a fraction of the broader financial figures outlined by prosecutors. Furthermore, Herbo and his co-defendants were impacted by these restitution requirements. G Herbo, born Herbert Wright III, resolved his portion of the case earlier. In January 2024, he was sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty. Herbo also had to pay nearly $140,000 in restitution and forfeiture payments and a $5,500 fine. Another defendant, Anthony Strong, received a far steeper sentence of 34 months in federal prison for his involvement. Prosecutors said the group was arrested while attempting to board a private jet. That jet was later identified as part of a federal sting operation involving Herbo among others. This detail moved the case into federal court in Massachusetts.

Rick Ross stepped back into the public conversation around his ongoing dispute with Drake this week, revisiting the subject during an appearance on the Joe and Jada podcast. The discussion came in the wake of Drake’s ICEMAN release, which included pointed references that many listeners linked to Ross and several other industry figures. Hosted by Fat Joe and Jadakiss, the episode moved between music, memory, and long-running rivalries. When pressed on how the tension with Drake began, Ross offered a brief and somewhat cryptic account. “Rozay was mentioned,” he said, without offering further detail about the moment or context he was referring to. He expanded on his general approach to conflict shortly after, suggesting the situation had evolved without his direct involvement. “That’s how it happened,” he continued. “It ain’t even defending… Rozay do what he do best. I go bad… I’ve always enjoyed giving a n***a a spanking if you don’t understand what’s happening… When you get little man right here, you ask him, ‘What made you mention Rozay, homie?’ […] We rocked with homie… It was a positive thing we had going… When it went left, that’s for them to figure out. I ain’t figuring that out. It’s really small talk to me… N***a know you had the tummy tucked, the nose reduction, all that s**t.” Ross Revisits Long-Running 50 Cent Feud The conversation later turned to Ross’s long-standing feud with 50 Cent, a rivalry shaped by industry criticism, personal remarks, and public interviews stretching back more than a decade. Fat Joe attempted to shift the tone of the discussion at several points, but Ross continued reflecting on the dispute. “The wack rappers that might get out of line… Just imagine if I had the chance to slap 50 Cent with this [diamond jewelry piece] right here,” Ross said. “The million-dollar backhand, you feel me? You was talking about 50 Cent, I caught that alley-oop. I’ma [Wembanyama] a n***a… The wack rappers, the n***a 50 Cent… Come get it, 50… They flopped. G-Unit. It was G-Unit… Uncle Murda… He need that rewind skin cream…”

Nicki Minaj’s recent embrace of conservative politics has continued to spark debate among fans, particularly those who remember the rapper’s earlier public support for immigrant communities and other social causes. While some supporters have welcomed her alignment with President Donald Trump, others have questioned what prompted such a visible political shift. The latest round of discussion intensified after songwriter Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes speculated publicly about Minaj’s motivations. Perry suggested the rapper may have made a “bad judgement” while trying to help someone close to her, fueling online theories that Minaj could be seeking favor from figures tied to the Trump administration. That speculation drew a sharp response from political adviser Alex Bruesewitz, who defended Minaj on X. “This is a disgusting and disgraceful smear that every Democrat and Trump critic is spreading about @NICKIMINAJ,” he wrote. “Nicki has never once asked the President for anything. She has only offered assistance and support. The insinuation that she’s looking for anything in return is total garbage.” This is a disgusting and disgraceful smear that every Democrat and Trump critic is spreading about @NICKIMINAJ. Nicki has never once asked the President for anything. She has only offered assistance and support. The insinuation that she’s looking for anything in return is total… https://t.co/0gqjwP9oJO — Alex Bruesewitz (@alexbruesewitz) May 18, 2026 Nicki Minaj’s Political Shift Continues to Draw Attention and Debate Minaj’s support for Donald Trump became more visible after she publicly backed his comments regarding alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria. She later spoke at the United Nations on the issue and eventually met with Trump. Since then, her social media presence has regularly included references to MAGA messaging and praise for several Trump policies. She also appeared at a Turning Point USA event alongside Erika Kirk, widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The appearances have added to public discussion surrounding her evolving political identity. Some fans view Minaj’s support as a reflection of genuine ideological alignment, while others continue to speculate about possible personal motivations. Neither Minaj nor her representatives have publicly addressed many of those theories directly. For now, the artist appears committed to publicly expressing her political views despite the criticism and scrutiny that continue to follow.

The sneaker world is turning its attention back to an early-2000s staple after Tony Yayo confirmed that the G-Unit x Reebok collaboration tied to 50 Cent is set to return this summer. The revival brings the G6 silhouette back into circulation. This model was first released in 2003 during a period when hip-hop’s influence on footwear was becoming impossible for brands to ignore. At the time, 50 Cent’s partnership with Reebok was more than a cultural moment; it was a commercial one. According to Footwear News, the artist moved more than $3.8 million in sneakers during that era. This figure stood out in a still-developing space where rap collaborations with major sportswear brands were relatively new. That same year, Jay-Z introduced his S. Carter line with Reebok, which went on to become the brand’s fastest-selling sneaker. Still, the G-Unit G6 developed its own audience and carved out a parallel lane. That lane was defined less by direct competition and more by how different artists shaped sneaker culture in distinct ways. Together, those releases helped set a template for future music-driven footwear deals. G-Unit Returns as Y2K Nostalgia Reshapes Fashion Now, the timing of the G-Unit return aligns closely with where fashion is headed. Early-2000s references have re-entered the mainstream, from oversized denim to retro athletic wear. This has created space for older designs to feel current again rather than archival. That shift has even reached beyond hip-hop circles. Actor Timothée Chalamet wore G-Unit x Reebok boots during a promotional tour for Marty Supreme in December. This detail drew attention from both fashion observers and entertainment coverage. His appearance reflected how far the aesthetic has traveled since its original release. With nostalgia cycles continuing to shape retail and design decisions, the G-Unit comeback arrives less as a surprise and more as part of a broader pattern. Familiar silhouettes are returning at a moment when audiences are already primed to see them in a new context.

OVO’s orbit continues to function as both a creative hub and a public-facing chorus around Drake’s recent run of releases. Label president Mr. Morgan occasionally surfaces online to hint at what may come next. Alongside him, longtime associate Baka Not Nice has remained a visible presence within that circle. He is a figure tied closely to Drake for years and, at times, drawn into wider cultural disputes that extend beyond music. Baka’s name briefly re-entered the conversation this week as attention around Drake’s ICEMAN project spilled into another familiar conflict: Rick Ross. On the album, Drake takes a pointed line at Ross, rapping that he “aided Ross with streams before Adin Ross had ever streamed.” The lyric quickly circulated across social platforms. There, it prompted a response from Ross, who dismissed the project and criticized Drake’s recent output. Shortly after, Baka Not Nice addressed Ross directly through a series of Instagram Story posts. These were later highlighted by the account Kurrco on X. In one post he wrote: “Ross a B***h And he know IT [target hit emoji] [pig nose emoji].” In another, he added, “Officer Rick, not Ricky,” referencing Ross’s former work as a correctional officer before entering the music industry. OVO’s Baka calls Rick Ross a “b*tch” via IG “Ross a B*tch And he know IT ” pic.twitter.com/wkzdGZm4KN — Kurrco (@Kurrco) May 17, 2026 Ross and Drake Rift Remains Unresolved The exchange adds another chapter to a relationship that has shifted repeatedly over time. Ross’s and Drake’s tension has been traced to disagreements during the broader Kendrick Lamar-related feud. There have also been public comments involving collaborations and industry loyalty. At different points, Ross has accused Drake of intervening in guest appearances. In return, Drake has questioned Ross’s credibility and consistency as an artist. There have also been moments where Ross appeared open to easing tensions, though those overtures have not held. In recent weeks, responses from within Drake’s wider circle have tended to escalate rather than soften the discussion. This suggests little movement toward resolution. Even so, the situation remains fluid. Past collaborations and overlapping professional ties have occasionally cooled similar disputes, including moments involving artists connected through shared projects on ICEMAN. Whether that pattern repeats here remains uncertain. For now, however, the distance between Ross’s and Drake’s camps appears unchanged. Meanwhile, social media continues to serve as the main venue for the exchange.

Mýa stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about her upcoming album “Retrospect,” out May 15, and how the project was inspired by joy, nostalgia, live instrumentation, and the music she grew up around. She opened up about staying independent throughout her career, why she connected with artists like Too Short, Snoop Dogg, Joyner Lucas, and 21 Savage for the album, and how some of those collaborations unexpectedly started in the DMs. Mýa also reflected on the pressure of perfection early in her career, how social media changed the way artists connect with fans, and why she feels more confident and expressive now than ever before. Mýa also shared viral moments from her career, including getting a last-minute call to perform on Brandy and Monica’s tour with almost no prep, the advice Prince gave her after personally calling her over to meet him, and what it was like working alongside legends like Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston. She also revealed the music video she would redo today, the song she wishes got more love from fans, the hardest songs for her to perform live, and the wellness changes that completely transformed her lifestyle and mindset. Plus, she breaks down her “clatchet” personality, talks about giving up sugar and alcohol, and explains why peace and balance mean more to her now than charts and awards. Stream her new single “Just A Little Bit” featuring Too Short out now and get her new album “Retrospect” on May 15.

Jeannie Mai revealed to fans this week that she is considering plastic surgery, opening up about the internal conflict of aging while remaining a proponent of self-love. The former co-host of “The Real,” who turned 47 in January, shared her journey in a recent vlog, documenting her search for cosmetic enhancements after noticing physical changes that do not align with her youthful spirit. Mai explained that she recently traveled to Korea to attend two surgical consultations, marking a significant shift in her personal philosophy regarding cosmetic procedures. “I can’t believe I’m actually at this place where I’m considering plastic surgery,” Mai said in the video. She noted that while she does not yet feel “old” on the inside, she began noticing her face changing in ways that prompted her to investigate her options. The television star and mother to 4-year-old Monaco Jenkins, whom she shares with ex-husband and rapper Jeezy, was candid about the pressures of being in the public eye. She admitted that people often compare her current appearance to younger versions of herself seen on long-running television programs, which can be difficult to internalize. Mai was quick to clarify that her interest in surgery is not rooted in a desire to “chase perfection” or simply look younger for the sake of vanity. Instead, she described the potential procedures as a way to bridge the gap between her physical appearance and her internal energy. “It’s more of wanting to look as alive on the outside as I still feel on the inside,” Mai said during the vlog. She challenged the notion that wanting to alter one’s appearance is a sign of low self-esteem, asking her followers, “Can you love yourself deeply and still want to tweak something? I think the answer is yes.” The revelation comes as Mai continues to navigate life as a single mother following her highly publicized divorce from Jeezy two years ago. She has remained active on social media and in the lifestyle space, recently making headlines for her dating life after being linked to musician Anderson .Paak. Mai has frequently used her platform to discuss the complexities of womanhood, dating in her 40s, and the emotional recovery process following the end of a long-term relationship.

Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, is calling for an end to the brewing feud between NBA superstar LeBron James and rap icon Drake. Paul expressed his desire for the two stars to find common ground during a Friday appearance on the Game Over podcast with host Max Kellerman, marking the first major response from James’ inner circle regarding the rift. The tension between the long-time friends reached a boiling point with the release of Drake’s new album, “ICEMAN,” which features pointed verses aimed at the Los Angeles Lakers forward. Drake seemingly viewed the basketball star’s lack of public defense as a personal betrayal. “At the end of the day, I think it’s important for adults to really reconcile down the road and stay out of that,” Paul said during the podcast. “For me, it’s just about allowing time to pass and hopefully, people can reconcile their differences. I do think, in any situation, it’s important to remove the middle man.” The lyrical shots on “ICEMAN” were unusually direct for the two stars, who have shared a public friendship for over a decade. “Make them remember” In the track “Make Them Remember,” Drake references James’ jersey number and history of free-agency moves, rapping, “I shouldn’t even be shocked to see you in that arena / Because you always made your career off of switching teams up.” He further distanced himself by rapping that James is not a “real” person and claiming that integrity is in his own DNA. Paul, who has represented James since the beginning of his professional career, emphasized that external commentary often makes celebrity disputes worse. He noted that “agendas” and “opinions” from outside parties can stir up further conflict, making a private resolution more difficult. Despite the current animosity, Paul offered high praise for Drake’s career longevity and impact on the industry. He described the Toronto native as “the best music artist for the last 15 years,” suggesting that his respect for the rapper’s talent remains intact despite the personal friction involving his star client. James has not issued a formal statement regarding the lyrics on “ICEMAN,” which was released alongside two other surprise LPs, “MAID OF HONOUR” and “HABIBTI.”

Comedian Nick Cannon is ready to put fatherhood front and center with a new docuseries centering his twelve children with six mothers. Netflix has greenlit the untitled docuseries set to premiere in winter 2026. The streamer announced the news at its “upfronts,” where streamers and networks announced their upcoming slate of programming. “It’s about to get real,” Cannon posted on his Instagram. “Stay tuned…we cookin.” View this post on Instagram The official logline sets the stakes plainly: “Superstar Nick Cannon is ready to pull back the curtain on the complete chaos, headline-making drama, and heartfelt moments that come with raising twelve kids with six different moms, all while managing his booming career and complicated personal life,” according to Variety. The streaming service also strives to show both “million-dollar meetings” and “midnight diaper runs.” Producers of the series previously worked on Netflix dating series’ Age of Attraction and Love Island USA. Cannon’s children include twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey; Golden Sagon, Rise Messiah, and Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell; and twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa. Cannon admitted in an interview that having 12 children was a “trauma response.” He told The Breakfast Club‘s Loren LoRosa last year that things might have been different had he “done the work.” “I could have done things very differently,” he said. “It wasn’t I’m gonna go have 12 kids, it was more about I’m going to live life and have fun and whatever happens, happens. I can handle it. When it probably – I’m 45 now and can sit back and – if I would have thought [about] the process a little bit more and took time, to actually do the inner work, things might have been different in certain scenarios.” Throughout the years, Cannon’s ability to actively father 12 children has been a topic of conversation in entertainment news. A viral 2025 social post showed Cannon struggling to remember all of his children’s names.

Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie is set to be memorialized with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles this September. The two-time WNBA champion, three-time MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist will be honored with a ceremony on Sept. 20 in the Star Plaza outside of the home of the Sparks and Lakers. She joins Lakers legends Kobe Bryant, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, coach Pat Riley, and broadcaster Chick Hearn, NHL stars Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, Dustin Brown, and broadcaster Bob Miller, and boxer Oscar De La Hoya. Congrats Lisa Leslie!She joins Sue Bird as the only WNBA players with a statue outside of a pro arena and the 8th basketball player outside of Crypto Between 1997-20082x Champion2x Finals MVP2x MVP (top 3 voting 7x)2x DPOY8x All-WNBA 1st Team1st WNBA dunk https://t.co/QoNgOxJn0V pic.twitter.com/WErf554nAE — Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 14, 2026 She is just the second WNBA player in league history to receive a statue from her respective organization. “To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn’t be more proud to be a role model forever!” Leslie said in a statement released Thursday. “God has blessed me and I have truly given my all to this sport and our community. “I am thankful to my coaches, teammates, incredible fans, and, most importantly, my family and friends. As the saying goes, ‘The wolf is only as strong as the pack,’ and I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing pack supporting me every step of the way.” Per ESPN, the multi-faceted star, “played all her 12 seasons with the Sparks and was a 12-time All-WNBA selection, eight-time All-Star, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Star MVP. She ranks No. 13 in league history in career points (6,263), No. 6 in rebounds (3,307) and No. 3 in blocks (822) and is the Sparks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, field goals, free throws, minutes and games.” Leslie retired in 2009 and had her #9 jersey retired the next year. She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. “More than an athlete, she is a pioneer, a cultural icon and a force who elevated women’s basketball to new heights,” Magic Johnson commented. “This statue celebrates her excellence, her leadership and the future she helped create, and it ensures her impact will forever be part of the fabric of this city.”