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In this edition, we take a look back at two classic ’90s albums by Janet Jackson and Color Me Badd. We also give birthday shout-outs to New Edition’s Ricky Bell, West Coast rap legend Xzibit and gospel ambassador Bobby Jones. Check it out below.1989: Janet Jackson releases her game-changing R&B masterpiece Rhythm Nation 1814Following her hugely successful Control album, Janet Jackson returned with another landmark project, Rhythm Nation 1814, on this day in 1989. The collection boasts six No. 1 hits, including the title track, “Miss You Much,” “Escapade,” “Alright,” “Black Cat” and “Love Will Never Do (Without You).” Produced…

The catalogs of French Montana and Rick Ross took center stage on Thursday, May 7, 2026, during a highly anticipated Complex Verzuz event. Streamed live on Apple Music, the two rap heavyweights delivered a night of era-defining anthems, ranging from Ross’ “Hustlin’” and “B.M.F.” to French’s “Unforgettable” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’.” The event was marked by a headline-making moment when Rick Ross pointedly requested to mute Drake’s vocals during “Aston Martin Music.” Addressing the crowd, Ross stated, “I wanna do ‘Aston Martin Music,’ minus Drake’s vocals. No Drake vocals.” He followed up by telling the audience, “If you wanna…

Rick Ross reignited his Drake feud during a Verzuz battle with French Montana then took it all back in an interview with Apple Music. This feels like an episode of Seinfeld. Rick Ross seemed to take shots at Drake like the battle never ended. And judging by the crowd reaction during Verzuz, Rozay figured out exactly where he stands on his former Canadian comrade. The MMG boss stepped onstage Thursday night in Los Angeles for a Verzuz clash against French Montana and things quickly got spicy once “Aston Martin Music” came on. Instead of letting Drake’s vocals ride naturally on the 2010 anthem, Ross…

Image Image Credit Julia Beverly / Contributor via Getty Images Image Alt NBA YoungBoy performs onstage during the MASA TOUR at State Farm Arena on October 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Image Size landscape-medium Key Takeaways: YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s new production company, 38 Films, signals a shift toward creative control. The film is directed by Nico Ballesteros, known for Kanye West’s In Whose Name? The documentary will explore NBA YoungBoy’s tour life, cultural impact and personal challenges. YoungBoy Never Broke Again is officially bringing his stage show to the big and small screen. On Wednesday (Jan. 14), the Baton…

The 2026 Met Gala is here. On the first Monday in May, celebrities from the fashion, music and entertainment worlds, including rappers wearing their flyest fits, hit the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to show off their eye-catching looks.This year’s theme is “Costume Art,” and the dress code is “Fashion is Art,” which gives celebrities a wide-range of opportunities for creative expression and daring fashion choices at the star-studded fundraiser and clothing exhibition.Even more exciting, Beyoncé is among the co-chairs for the sartorial event, taking place today (May 4). This will also mark Beyoncé’s return…

When you dedicate over 16 years to curating, analyzing, and documenting the evolving landscape of R&B, you quickly learn to separate the fleeting trends from the foundational pillars. Eric Roberson undeniably stands as a towering pillar of the genre. Often respectfully dubbed the “King of Independent Soul,” Roberson has never just been a passive participant in the modern R&B ecosystem; he has been one of its chief architects. His latest album, Beautifully All Over The Place, alongside his recent ventures into authorship, represents not just another chapter in a storied career, but an absolute masterclass in creative longevity. This project…

Image Image Credit Gregory Shamus / Staff via Getty Images Image Alt Lil Wayne performs during the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wisconsin Image Size landscape-medium Key Takeaways: Lil Wayne walked back his painted nails diss after the Bears beat the Packers. Caleb Williams responded with humor and grace, using Wayne’s own music in a post-game flex. The moment sparked viral reactions and highlighted shifting norms around image and masculinity in sports. Lil Wayne is eating crow. The Young Money head honcho…

Billboard Hip Hop Exclusive InterviewBillboard Hip Hop is proud to spotlight an artist whose life story reads like a script from a movie—raw, real, and relentlessly inspiring. Meet Raytoine Gray Sr., a 48-year-old Roanoke, Virginia native whose incredible resilience has made him one of the top underdog artists to watch. He’s lived through circumstances that would have crushed most, yet he continues to rise—both literally and musically.Raytoine’s story is marked by extreme hardship: he’s been shot, stabbed, hit by a car, bitten by a police dog, and has undergone over 56 medical procedures resulting in three amputations. But even as…

‘At this point just clock in.’ A woman is eating at a Cleveland Longhorn Steakhouse when she notices the phone keeps ringing, and no one is answering. So, she takes matters into her own hands. TikTok creator Brianna (@briannaajhanae) posted the video with her moonlighting situation on April 21. “Longhorns wouldn’t answer the phone so I answered for them,” she writes in the on-screen text. Cleveland Woman Answers Phone for Longhorn Steakhouse The video starts with Brianna sitting at what appears to be the host stand or another employee station. The phone is ringing. “OK, this keep ringing. Let me…

On this day in hip-hop history, Cam’ron, Lupe Fiasco and Nature all released their respective projects. We also give birthday shout-outs to music icon Nile Rodgers and former Roc-A-Fella Records artist Amil. Check it out below.2000: Cam’ron brings S.D.E. (Sports, Drugs & Entertainment) to the rap gameOn this day, Cam’ron dropped his second album, S.D.E. The title refers to the Harlem legend’s fast pace life in the rap game, as well as the dreams young people often have living in poverty in New York City.”A lot of people coming out of the neighborhood I’m from, they don’t look at being…