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“They call me the golden child of Harlem because I’m bringing every generation together, and now it’s my turn to carry the torch.” Basically since Hip-Hop’s inception, Harlem has served as one of the Culture’s most influential proving grounds. Long before today’s streaming era, the neighborhood helped shape generations of stars, from Doug E. Fresh and Big L to Ma$e, Cam’ron, Jim Jones, A$AP Rocky and countless others. Uptown has always produced artists with distinct personalities, larger-than-life confidence, swag and an unmistakable sense of style. More importantly, each generation has eventually been challenged to carry the borough’s legacy while creating…

Tory Lanez is not slowing down, even from his situation behind bars. The versatile Toronto emcee, singer and songwriter is continuing to push new music and visuals, releasing the video for “Many Men Pt. 2” featuring VV$ Ken on July 31. Gotta love the proliferation of AI when it brings to life content that otherwise would not happen. Let’s dive into Tory’s visual. The dark visual centers on a masked figure wearing devil horns and gold chains, giving the clip an ominous edge while Lanez remains absent from the screen. His team independently assembled the polished production, another example of…

Joe Budden and Charlamagne Tha God are among the top 20 highest paid podcasters in the business for 2026. On Thursday (July 30), Forbes released its annual list of the highest-paid podcasters, and while Joe Rogan once again sits comfortably at the top with an estimated $82 million, Budden and Charlamagne have cemented themselves as two of the biggest business success stories in hip-hop media.Charlamagne landed at No. 10 on the list with $27 million thanks to an ever-growing media empire that stretches far beyond The Breakfast Club. Along with co-hosting the long-running radio show and The Brilliant Idiots podcast…

Victor Wembanyama’s rise from basketball phenomenon to global brand is entering its next phase. The San Antonio Spurs superstar has signed a long-term extension with Nike that includes his first signature sneaker line, giving one of the NBA’s most distinctive players a collection built entirely around his image. Nike introduced the partnership Thursday with a glowing alien-inspired logo tied to Wembanyama’s extraterrestrial nickname, unusual frame, and almost unreal style of play. The upcoming Nike Wemby 1 adds another major win to an already packed stretch for the French star. Through three NBA seasons, Wembanyama has helped lead San Antonio to…

CBS Sports is making a significant change to its NFL coverage just weeks before kickoff, placing lead analyst Tony Romo on indefinite leave “until further notice” after his recent arrest in Wisconsin. The decision, announced July 31, comes after a July 23 traffic stop in Milwaukee, where Romo was visiting to compete in an amateur golf tournament. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback for unsafe passing before administering multiple field sobriety tests. NEW: Bodycam footage of Tony Romo’s arrest released, tells police officer that he was on his way to see Grandma…

Say What’s RealSwae Lee gets candid about some of music’s hottest topics, from AI’s impact on creativity to Drake’s recent three-album drop.Words: Peter A. BerryEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Summer 2026 issue of XXL Magazine, on newsstands now and available for sale on the XXL website.If hip-hop had a Hookman of the Year award, Swae Lee would have at least a few trophies. Since emerging with Rae Sremmurd 12 years ago, the 33-year-old Tupelo, Miss. native has often been at the center of the rap zeitgeist’s most indelible hits.Beginning with Rae Sremmurd’s “No Flex Zone” in 2014, he’s used his wispy…

Five-time GRAMMY®-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Kenyon Dixon has officially released his latest solo album, Ego Ruins Everything. The ambitious 21-track concept album, available now across all major streaming platforms, arrives as a featureless project designed to distill the artist down to his purest creative form. Ego Ruins Everything serves as an intimate conversation about the ways an overactive ego can drive self-destruction and sabotage love. The album explores the often-unspoken emotions surrounding the chase for external validation, the intoxicating highs of being desired, and the complicated journey of self-preservation and redemption. Accompanied by a series of visually compelling releases…

Ye kept Madrid moving long after the final song ended. Following his July 30 concert at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, the artist headed to FITZ Madrid for an official after-party that stretched from midnight until 6:00 a.m. Hosted by media personality Justin LaBoy, the celebration capped a major night that reportedly drew roughly 70,000 fans and marked Ye’s first performance on a Spanish stage in 20 years. The private gathering took place at the nightclub on Calle de la Princesa, where Ye arrived with his wife Bianca Censori, singer Tony Williams, LaBoy, and a close group of friends. Footage from…

50 Cent completely understands why Eminem never followed up the 2002 box office darling 8 Mile with another starring role.Fif recently sat down for an interview with GQ that was published on Thursday (July 30), where the entertainment mogul reflected on making his 2005 semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and compared the filmmaking process to making music. According to 50, the biggest difference comes down to control, which inevitably is something Eminem wasn’t willing to give up.”I said, ‘I wanna do a movie,'” 50 explained. “Then, when we got into it, it was really no control. So, this…

Rising R&B singer and songwriter Sy’rai has officially released her latest single, “Bullseye.” Available today across all major digital streaming platforms, the deeply personal track delves into the emotional complexities of heartbreak, betrayal, and the ongoing process of healing. “Bullseye” narrates the emotional fallout of a relationship ending in unexpected pain. Through a blend of soulful vocal delivery and transparent lyricism, Sy’rai explores the jarring experience of feeling targeted by a once-trusted partner. The song serves as a poignant reflection on how the deepest emotional wounds are often inflicted by those we hold closest. Discussing the vulnerability that inspired the…