State Champ Radio Author: djfrosty
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Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
$599 for a pair of gaming headphones is an astronomical ask, especially in Donald Trump’s economy. But if you got the coins, are serious about your video games, and how you immerse yourself in the world during your gaming sessions, then you definitely need the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset.
I’m not a serious audiophile, but I do appreciate a good gaming headset, and no one right now is making better headsets than SteelSeries. I’ve been a fan of the brand since I got my hands on the Arctis Nova Pro; it’s been my go-to head ever since, but that all changed once I got my hands on the Arctis Nova Elite.
With the arrival of the $599 Nova Elite headset, SteelSeries introduces a new category of luxury gaming headsets that could change the game. SteelSeries is hoping that the allure of the headset’s premium design, introduction of hi-res wireless audio, carbon fiber speaker drivers, a metal frame, and the ability to stream audio simultaneously from your PC, Xbox, PS5, and smartphone will convince you to swipe your card for the gaming headset that costs as much as a gaming console.
Based on my time with the headset, I believe they have accomplished that goal.
Premium Comfort & Design
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
While the Arctis Nova Pro ($290.99) and Arctis Nova Elite headsets share some similarities, the latter definitely sets itself apart from its predecessor in a number of ways.
The Nova Elite ditches the plastic, now featuring a metal frame and control wheel, and a fantastic sage-and-gold finish that helps the headset pull off a $599 look.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
The memory foam cups on the Nova Pro were already comfy. Still, somehow SteelSeries made them even more comfortable on the Nova Elite, allowing me to remain cool and comfortable during extended gaming sessions.
I have pretty large ears, and wearing headsets can become cumbersome after a while, so that’s why I’m a buds person. But the Arctis Nova Pro fit perfectly over my ears, and I never felt the need to take them off to give my head and ears a break.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
The fit on the Nova Elite is also improved thanks to SteelSeries’s use of aluminum and stainless steel, which give the headset a sturdier feel.
First Gaming Headset To Offer Hi-Res Wireless Audio
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
What really puts the Arctis Nova Elite headset in a class all by itself is that it’s the first gaming headset to offer hi-res wireless audio, allowing the wearer to stream 96kHz/24-bit audio over 2.4GHz via the GameHub DAC or the headset’s impressive Bluetooth with LC3+.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
Ahead of my review, SteelSeries told me that Hi-Res audio is something I can only experience on the latest Google smartphone, the Pixel 10, or on PC, with consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X capped at 48k/16bit.
Still, the sound quality while playing games with rich audio, like Alien: Rogue Incursion, Silent Hill, or Call of Duty, was vastly improved while wearing the Nova Elite headset.
Through the Arctis smartphone companion app or Sonar on the PC, you can quickly change the sound profiles with any of the preloaded EQ Presets. For example, there is a preset designed explicitly for Armored Core IV: Fires of Rubicon, and one already loaded for Battlefield 6.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
I did most of my tweaking through the Arctis app because dealing with Windows and Sonar wasn’t seamless for me, but I’ll stop short of saying it was a headache.
Omniplay Is Something I Didn’t Know I Needed
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
Another game-changing feature that the Nova Elite boasts that I didn’t know I needed until I experienced it is Ominplay.
What is Omniplay, you ask? Well, it allows the wearer to connect to four audio sources simultaneously. So I can be connected to my smartphone via Bluetooth, while still being connected to my PS5 and Xbox Series X via USB-C at the same time.
Unlike the previous GameHub DAC model, the one that comes with the Nova Elite features three line-in inputs instead of just two.
Omniplay lets you mix audio from four sources, so you can be in a Discord chat on your phone or PC and mix in audio from whatever console you’re playing on.
Final Verdict
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
I’m not going to hop on here and tell you to run out and buy a pair of $599 headphones, but I will say these bad boys are worth every single penny if you do intend to swipe the card on them.
SteelSeries has cemented its position in the luxury gaming headset space, and we won’t be surprised if other companies follow suit.
The Arctis Nova Elite checks all the boxes and then some, offering a sturdy headset built from premium materials that provide comfort, superior ANC (active noise cancellation), fully customizable and superb sound, hi-res wireless audio, and the ability to sync with up to 4 devices at once.
They can also serve as your everyday headset because they make the transition from your gaming station to the streets easy, thanks to they unique design.
SteelSeries has delivered, dare I say, the best gaming headset on the market right now. Whether you can afford a pair is another question.
If you can’t you can always scoop up a pair of Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 which are only $199 or the very much still relevant Arctis Nova Pro which are currently on sale.
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Julia Beverly / Getty
Today marks the 26th birthday of YoungBoy Never Broke Again (born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden), which makes it a fitting moment to reflect on his evolving legacy. Rising from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, YoungBoy quickly made his mark with a raw vulnerability, unmatched output, and distinct melodic-trap voice that echoes both pain and ambition. He’s built an extremely loyal fanbase in an era when streaming and YouTube views matter as much, or more, than traditional radio play. His hustle and consistency (dropping mixtapes, albums, videos and staying connected with fans) have made him one of the most durable voices in rap today.
In terms of impact, YoungBoy’s influence goes beyond just numbers. His very personal delivery, which is at times anguished and other times aggressive, helped elevate a style of rap that blends melody and Southern street stories. His songs often read like journal entries, and fans can connect with that type of authenticity. He’s also shown business savvy, running his own label (NeverBrokeAgain), and carving out independent paths in an industry that often demands artists to conform.
Some of his biggest tracks and accomplishments include the breakout single “Outside Today,” which helped him break into more mainstream consciousness. He’s also racked up multiple number one albums on the Billboard 200, which is extremely rare for an artist his age and without always relying on the major radio-push model. His impact on streaming (YouTube views, digital sales) is enormous and his ability to keep heavy output while maintaining relevance is truly special. For many up-and-coming artists, he stands as a blueprint.
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YoungBoy is currently touring in support of his latest album. His MakeAmericaSlimeAgain Tour kicked off in September 2025 and spans dozens of arenas across the U.S. The tour is notable for being his first major headlining trek in several years, showing that he’s elevating his status from a streaming juggernaut to a full-blown arena headliner. His set-lists pull from across his catalog, highlighting how many albums and moods he’s built. For fans who’ve followed him from the early days, the tour is a milestone and a testament to his growth as an artist.
On this birthday, it’s clear that YoungBoy is at a crossroads of sorts. He’s broken through the proverbial superstar ceiling and is now consolidating his place as a heavyweight in hip-hop. With history behind him and plenty ahead, it’s the perfect time to revisit his studio albums and do our best to rank them. Let us know if you agree with our list and if not, drop your own rankings in the comment section. HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY TO YOUNGBOY!
1. Sincerely, Kentrell
Released while YoungBoy was behind bars, Sincerely, Kentrell stands as one of his most emotional and reflective projects. Despite his legal troubles, the album still debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, proving his connection with fans runs deep.
2. Top (2020)
This album marked YoungBoy’s leap into the mainstream. With hard-hitting street anthems and melodic cuts, Top showed off both his versatility and consistency, solidifying him as one of rap’s most dominant young stars.
3. The Last Slimeto (2022)
A long, ambitious project that highlights YoungBoy’s range and relentless work ethic. While it’s a bit uneven at times, it captures him experimenting with new sounds and styles while staying true to his raw storytelling roots.
4. Until Death Call My Name (2018)
His official debut album introduced the world to YoungBoy’s pain, hunger, and intensity. It’s the project that laid the foundation for his career and gave fans a glimpse of the artist he was destined to become.
5. I Rest My Case (2023)
His first release under Motown, I Rest My Case finds YoungBoy trying new directions and sounds. It’s a bold, creative step forward that may not please everyone, but it shows his willingness to evolve.
6. Don’t Try This At Home (2023)
This album delivered some standout moments and solid performances, but it didn’t quite reach the emotional depth of his strongest projects. Still, it showcased how effortlessly YoungBoy can flood the game with quality music.
7. I Just Got A Lot On My Shoulders (2024)
True to its title, this album carries a heavier tone, revealing a more mature and introspective side of YoungBoy. It’s thoughtful and personal, even if it lacks some of the spark from his earlier releases.
8. MASA (2025)
His latest and most ambitious project to date, MASA features over 30 tracks that touch on fame, fatherhood, and faith. It’s big, bold, and full of energy! Although its size makes it a bit uneven at times, it’s a clear statement of where YoungBoy is currently in his young life.
RELATED: Atlanta Mayor’s Office Calls Cap On Giving NBA YoungBoy Key To The City
Source: Jackson State University / Getty
Lil Durk has been behind bars for about a year now, but it doesn’t sound like he’s letting it ruin his spirit.
His birthday (October 9th) just passed, and in an audio message, he has been speaking life and positivity amongst his close friends, “My father briefed me on what’s going on. I wanted to let y’all know that I’m proud of y’all for the sake of Allah. I love y’all. I’m doing better man.”
Smurk also expresses grace and plans to bring unity when he is released, “We all got second chances and, you know, I just want to let y’all know that we with y’all one hundred percent. When I get out of here, InsAllah, I’ma leave back out. I want to go over there and see y’all and be with y’all. Get y’all brother all together. I love y’all.”
The “Voice” has been silent during his time in jail. He dropped his album, “Deep Thoughts” in March, with the lead single, “Can’t Hide It” featuring Jhené Aiko. Recently the Chicago rapper has teased a new snippet on social media. Where he went acapella, puring out his feelings. Captioning the post, “I don’t have all the words, but I’m thankful to still have a voice. Thankful for everyone who stood on love when things got heavy. I’m working on myself, working on peace, and hoping the city feels that too.”
Kanye West is seemingly hanging up his spurs. He has sold his Wyoming ranch back to the original owners in what seems to be a full-circle moment.
As per Complex, Kanye West has let go of his Bighorn Mountain Ranch. The embattled rapper has made several changes to his personal and professional life since he went full bigot back in 2022. This month, he made another significant change to his asset portfolio by selling the 6,700-acre property. According to Cowboy State Daily, the ranch was sold back to the original owners, the Flitner Family. Greg and Pam Flitner purchased it for around $14 million.
The couple expressed interest in buying the property back as the ranch had been listed for sale on several occasions, but in September, they got their chance.
“It was not listed publicly at first. It was just honestly a fluke that we found out it was listed, and then it was taken down again” Pam Flitner revealed. “But we went ahead and got ahold of the realtor, and it was kind of a rush thing, because it sounded like the people who they were flying in to look at it, a lot of them were speculators. So, we were really worried that someone would get it and then turn it into a giant subdivision.”
Kanye West originally bought the property back in 2019, along with another ranch in Wyoming, for a combined $28.495 million. He intended to create the Yeezy Campus throughout both areas to serve as the headquarters for his YEEZY brand. In an interview with GQ, he detailed some of the architectural hopes, which included domed-shaped buildings that were intended to “get people out of boxes” and promote “freer thought.” His vision also included manufacturing facilities for his apparel, recording facilities, and sustainable farming systems.
While the ranch did suffer some decay, the Flitner family was happy to find that Kanye West had left the property with no major structural changes from when their family owned the land.
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Photo: Getty
As of press time Bad Bunny is still scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February. While MAGA country continues to call for a replacement of the Puerto Rican superstar, it seems like they’re getting some support from the host of KIRO Newsradio, Gee Scott.
Gee Scott, who also was no fan of Kendrick Lamar’s superb Super Bowl Halftime Show earlier this year, went on The Gee and Ursula Show and actually said he’d like to see someone else take on halftime duties as he won’t “understand” what Bad Bunny is saying on stage the same way he didn’t understand what Kendrick Lamar did with his show.
Now that Bad Bunny is set to take on the big stage this coming February, Scott doesn’t like that choice much either and made no bones about it on his program.
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During a recent radio segment, Scott revealed that he agreed with conservatives and MAGA country over their disdain for Bad Bunny.
“My daughter loves Bad Bunny, a lot of people do, but I am actually on the side of the Conservatives and whoever out there,” Gee said. “In 2020, it was Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, 2021 was The Weeknd, and in 2022 it was Dr. Dre, Snoop, and Eminem. People are thinking, ‘Can we get something for us next time?’ Then you gave them Kendrick Lamar last year, and they pushed the limits.
“I’m not saying George Strait, but Jay Z, who makes the decision, can you give us something? Give some love,” Gee continued. “You’re going to hit me with Kendrick Lamar last year, and I didn’t understand that. Then you hit me with Bad Bunny, I’m not going to understand that either.”
Well, given the current state of America, there’s always a chance that he and MAGA country may get their wish as we have a vindictive orange overlord sitting in the White House who just may issue an executive order banning Bad Bunny from doing the Super Bowl. It really is that crazy in this timeline y’all voted us into.
Then again, Gee Scott and others can always enjoy the Turning Point USA counter-halftime show to the Super Bowl that’ll allegedly headlined by “superstars” like Kid Rock and Lara Trump.
Decisions decisions.
What do y’all think about Gee Scott not feeling Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl after saying he didn’t like Kendrick Lamar either? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Photo: Getty
Tyler, The Creator is without a doubt a top draw as a musical act currently but before his current superstardom, the founding member of the Odd Future collective hedged his bets on being offensive as possible. With some of T’s older posts resurfacing across social media, fans are placing the rapper, singer, and producer on the cancel train.
Tyler, The Creator has long moved beyond his zanier days with Odd Future, toning down some of the harsh language and imagery that launched the crew to online infamy and spawned a new generation of acts who were inspired by the prodigqous lyrics of Earl Sweatshirt, Domo Genesis, and others in the crew.
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Many of the social media posts appeared on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, and they were anti-Black, misogynistic in tone, and sometimes violent. It appears that fans are noticing the artist born Tyler Okonma is combing through social media to delete some of his past offenses, but eagle-eyed fans have caught some of those messages before the California star got to them.
In fairness, Tyler, The Creator seemed to have moved on from the inherently online persona he wielded in his earlier days although some of that acerbic wit and bite still exits in his posts and music.
On X and BlueSky, reactions to Tyler’s old posts are all over the map. We’ve got them listed below.
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Photo: Getty
NurPhoto / Amazon Web Service
The world found out just how reliant the internet is on Amazon Web Services, and it’s honestly quite worrisome.
While you were in your second dream, the internet suddenly crashed after AWS (Amazon Web Services), a cloud service many companies use, went down early this morning.
According to Tom’s Guide, the AWS outage began around 12:11am PDT (3:11am ET, 8:11am BST), and it showed immediately how much of a bad idea it is for one company to be the “backbone” of the internet, as hundreds of websites suddenly went down.
Popular apps like Snapchat, Venmo, Ring, and Amazon, as well as services like Alexa, reported outages. Even the gaming world was affected by Fortnite, and Pokémon GO also saw massive outages.
Apple, which is also a prominent user of AWS, and according to AppleInsider, spends a whopping $30 million a month, saw all of its services, like Apple Pay, Apple Music, and AppleTV+, also suffer outages.
Tom’s Guide reports that despite AWS rolling out fixes, it has to play “whack-a-mole” as more websites continue to suffer outages as Amazon struggles to resolve the issue.
Social media began sounding off on just how problematic having AWS run everything is.
“The AWS outage should be evidence that running half the internet on a single company’s servers is a terrible idea but i fear nothing will change,” one person wrote on Bluesky.
Another Bluesky user wrote, “The AWS outage today is a good reminder that there is no “cloud”, there’s just somebody else’s computer.”
No lies detected here.
You can see more reactions below.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
Looks like the king of the “Vamps”, Playboi Carti might be facing some legal trouble.
His former limo driver, Carl Reynolds is claming that he assualted him. On October 2nd, Carti and his team were getting driven from Waldorf Astoria to rehersals. While en route, the Whole Lotta Red rapper got in a heated argument with his girlfriend, Giovanna Ramos. The driver tried to defuse the situation, but Carti was having it and threated to put hands on Gio and the driver if he continues to get invovled.
Even after the threat, Playboi Carti still allgedly ended up punching his girlfriend in the chest are. Which made the driver pull over to pull him away from Gio but then ended up getting assaulted in the process. The ATL rappers head of security allegedly broke up the fight.
According to TMZ, Carl Reynolds, he did not see Carti throwing a punch at his girlfriend but saw her “hunched over holding near her chest”.
Wasatch County police were informed and arrived on the scene to take photos of any alleged injuries. The charges against the Opium rapper are for his assault on his driver, Carl, and not related to his girlfriend, Giovanna. Neither Carti or Gio have made any statements around this situation.
More news to come as the story develops.
When DMX was laid to rest in June of 2021 it was said that Def Jam covered the cost of the $35,000 funeral. But recently X’s former manager and uncle, Ray Copeland said that it was he and others who came up with the bread to give DMX a proper sendoff as record labels and other industry heads refused to help with the costs.
Now longtime record exec, Steve Rifkind is pushing back against Copeland’s claim saying Swizz Beatz and Def Jam actually covered the costs of DMX’s funeral.
According to Allhiphop, Rifkind took to social media days after DMX’s uncle claimed that it fell upon himself and others to pony up the money for X’s funeral and rebutted the claim. Taking to Instagram to give his side of the story, Rifkind (who was X’s manager at the time) explained that he was there “every step of the way” of the process and stated that “Swizz Beatz paid for 80% of the funeral. Def Jam paid for the funeral.” Rifkind also revealed that a third person helped with the expenses but that he wanted to remain anonymous because “he didn’t want any press on what he did.”
Obama, maybe? Just sayin’.
Rifkind also revealed that to this day, Swizz Beatz helps DMX’s family “on certain things.”
As to why X’s uncle would make such a claim when these things can be proved in some way, shape or form is anyone’s guess but the man is claiming that Def Jam only gave them $35,000 for the funeral while he, business associate Germaine Miller, and attorney Ron Sweeney personally covered the $150,000 cost of DMX’s funeral.
Copeland also gave credit to pre-Nazi Kanye West whom he said “took care of everything at the Barclays Center.”
What do y’all think about this situation? Who do y’all believe? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Photo: Julia Beverly / Getty
The disappearance of Kada Scott came to a tragic end after authorities in Pennsylavania confirmed that remains found in a Philadelphia suburb were that of the nursing home employee. A man has been arrested in connection to the case, with officials adding that he was charged in a kidnapping case from earlier this year.
The Associated Press reports that Keon King, 21, was arrested on kidnapping, stalking and other related charges regarding the disappearance of Kada Scott, 23. Scott was last seen exiting her nursing home job on October 4, with officials confirming over the weekend that remains fround in East Germantown was Scott.
King is currently being held on $2.5 million bail after it was learned that he was the last person to speak with Scott on the day she went missing.
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In a report from the Philadelphia Inquirer, a tipster alerted authorities last Friday (October 17) that Scott’s body could be found in woods behind the Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School in East Germantown.
The pair reportedly shared texts, with Scott going to meet with King shortly after 10 p.m. on the day she went missing. An Apple Watch location ping placed Scott or at least the device at a parking lot of a local recreation center.
“GO BACK YOU MISSED HER,” the anonymous tipster wrote, according to sourcs who spoke with the Inquirer. Police combed the area previously but did not locate the remains in the sweep according to the outlet.
Using cell phone ping locations, the police scoured the area and found Scott’s debut card and phone case days earlier. On Saturday (October 18), the officals were able to locate the remains. It has not been reported how Kada Scott died.
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Photo: Getty
