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Source: Mike Marsland/Variety / Mike Marsland/Variety
Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Metro Boomin have been hit with a lawsuit over their chart-topping track “Like That,” stemming from alleged unpaid royalties related to a sample.
Veteran rapper Rodney O claims that the song uses elements from his classic track “Everlasting Bass” without proper compensation or credit. The legal action also targets the estate of Barry White, whose music appears on the Kanye West remix of the song. Rodney O argues that he never received full payment or acknowledgment for the use of his work, especially when the song was submitted for Grammy consideration without his name in the songwriting credits.
He also says he was not given the version of the track that features Kendrick Lamar’s headline-making verse dissing Drake, which has become one of the most talked-about moments in recent rap history. A spokesperson for Metro Boomin countered the claims, stating that they did secure rights to the sample and paid Rodney O $50,000. They also pointed to the Barry White estate as a possible reason for delayed royalty distribution, citing its ties to Epic Records as a potential complication.
The Barry White estate has yet to issue a statement regarding the lawsuit. As “Like That” continues to dominate the conversation in hip-hop, the legal dispute adds another layer of controversy—highlighting ongoing issues around sample clearances, fair compensation, and proper credit in the music industry.
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Source: Mike Marsland/Variety / Mike Marsland/Variety
Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Metro Boomin have been hit with a lawsuit over their chart-topping track “Like That,” stemming from alleged unpaid royalties related to a sample.
Veteran rapper Rodney O claims that the song uses elements from his classic track “Everlasting Bass” without proper compensation or credit. The legal action also targets the estate of Barry White, whose music appears on the Kanye West remix of the song. Rodney O argues that he never received full payment or acknowledgment for the use of his work, especially when the song was submitted for Grammy consideration without his name in the songwriting credits.
He also says he was not given the version of the track that features Kendrick Lamar’s headline-making verse dissing Drake, which has become one of the most talked-about moments in recent rap history. A spokesperson for Metro Boomin countered the claims, stating that they did secure rights to the sample and paid Rodney O $50,000. They also pointed to the Barry White estate as a possible reason for delayed royalty distribution, citing its ties to Epic Records as a potential complication.
The Barry White estate has yet to issue a statement regarding the lawsuit. As “Like That” continues to dominate the conversation in hip-hop, the legal dispute adds another layer of controversy—highlighting ongoing issues around sample clearances, fair compensation, and proper credit in the music industry.
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Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty / Future
The king of toxicity, Future, popped up in NYC for the Met Gala looking quite different, and the internet wasted no time clowning the hitmaker.
Future hasn’t been on the radar for much of 2025, but he is used this year’s Met Gala to make a bold statement with his hair.
Fans were shocked to see the “March Madness” rapper without the locs we have come to know him for. He wore a shorter hairdo that showed off his natural hairstyle while keeping his signature bleach blonde coloring.
Trying his best to stick with this year’s theme, Met Gala is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, Future came correct with a Louis Vuitton tweed-like ensemble, paired with a white collared shirt, black tie, and shoes with an LV bag.
Unfortunately, it was hair that took all the attention, and not his drip.
Immediately, users on X, formerly Twitter, hilariously began comparing the rapper’s hair to that of comedian/actor Wanada Sykes, also known for a similar hairstyle.
Another user on X had something to say about Future’s ends, writing in a post, “Future’s ends are damaged just like mine. That’s why I don’t idolize celebrities.”
Tears.
“future needs some faux locs IMMEDIATELY. STAT,” another post on X read.
Someone compared his hair to Scottie Pippen’s fro-twist look in another post.
Damn.
Well, we are sure Future couldn’t care less what folks had to say about his hair, and can probably drop a bag to fix it up. But he’s still gonna get these jokes.
You can see more reactions to Future’s new hairdo in the gallery below.
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Though Kai Cenat didn’t attend the 2025 Met Gala itself, he still managed to become one of the night’s most talked-about figures thanks to an exclusive invitation to the afterparty from Pharrell, one of the evening’s co-chairs.
The streaming superstar brought his massive audience along for the ride, streaming live from the event and giving fans a glimpse into an A-list gathering filled with music, fashion, and surprise encounters. Throughout the stream, Cenat seemed genuinely overwhelmed by the star power surrounding him. At one point, he asked his viewers, “How the f**k did I get in here?” capturing his disbelief in real time
Future, with a little help from Jaden Smith. Clearly thrilled, Cenat proudly declared, “Future knows me” turning the unexpected encounter into a viral highlight. Future’s team even expressed interest in collaborating on a stream centered around Pluto, potentially taking place in Miami. While many wondered why Cenat skipped the Met Gala itself, he had previously explained to fans that he was offered a chance to attend through a brand partnership.
However, he declined the opportunity, saying, “The brand that wanted to host me, I didn’t wanna do that brand.”
Check out the full stream below:
Kai also took the time to rate some of the best drip from the Met Gala 2025.
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Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Young Scooter’s funeral went down this past Monday, April 7th, at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta.
It was a heavy moment as his casket was carried out by loved ones who could barely hold it together. You could see the pain on his loved ones’ faces, the heartbreak as they said goodbye to a true Atlanta legend. The whole city felt the loss, and the church was packed with family, friends, and fans who came to pay their respects.
Scooter, born Cedric Hill, tragically passed away on April 1st, 2025, at just 33 years old. The streets were deeply affected by the news, as reports revealed that he tragically lost his life in a devastating police chase that ultimately led to his fatal accident. Scooter was just hitting his stride, dropping classic projects like “Street Lottery” and “The Freebandz Series” that had the streets bumpin’ and the trap scene locked down. His music wasn’t just for the turn-up; it told stories of struggle, hustle, and survival that resonated with so many.
His passing leaves a major hole in the game. Scooter was real, authentic, and always kept it street. He worked with the biggest names in the industry, but no matter how far he went, he always stayed true to his roots. As they laid him to rest, the city of Atlanta knew one thing for sure—Young Scooter’s legacy would live on in the music, the streets, and the culture.
Long Live Street
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Atlanta rapper Young Scooter was allegedly killed on his birthday, leaving fans and the rap world in shock.
Scooter’s career took off in 2012 when he signed with Future’s Freebandz label. He was one of the first artists Future brought on board, and that move helped him make his mark in the game. His Street Lottery mixtape was a game-changer, dropping bangers that got him noticed and helped him build a dedicated fanbase. He wasn’t just another rapper from Atlanta—he had that gritty, real-talk style that resonated with people from the streets.
Over the years, Scooter dropped projects like The Game’s Omen and Juggathon, staying consistent with hard-hitting tracks and dope features. He worked with artists like Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, and of course, Future, building his rep as one of the realest to do it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the ATL legend;s family and friends.
More news to come as the story develops.
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Source: iOne / iOne
Atlanta rapper, producer, and songwriter Landstrip Chip recently stopped by Hip-Hop Wired for an exclusive interview, sharing insights into his journey, music, and recent success.
Chip, known for his melodic flows and sharp songwriting, revealed the origins of his stage name. “Landstrip” comes from his early days of hustling and navigating different opportunities, while “Chip” is a personal nickname that stuck with him. Growing up in Atlanta, he was deeply influenced by the city’s rich hip-hop culture, citing legends like T.I., Future, and OutKast as major inspirations.
His latest single, “No More Rainy Weather,” has been gaining traction, partly due to its visually striking music video. Shot during an unexpected snowfall in Atlanta, the clip quickly went viral after being posted by ATL Scoop. The buzz only grew when rap heavyweights like Rob49, G Herbo, Meek Mill, and Babyface Ray reposted it, exposing the track to an even wider audience.
Chip also touched on his near Grammy win for his contributions to **Metro Boomin and Future’s album “We Don’t Trust You”. Though he didn’t take home the trophy, being part of such a high-profile project was a major career milestone. With his songwriting, production, and artistry all leveling up, Landstrip Chip is proving he’s a force to watch in the industry.
Check out the full interview below:
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Future made sure his daughter Londyn’s Sweet 16 was a night to remember, pulling out all the stops to give her the ultimate birthday experience.
The trap superstar didn’t just throw a party, he turned it into a full-blown concert, bringing some of his famous friends along for the ride. Travis Scott had the crowd going wild with his high-energy performance of “Goosebumps,” turning the venue into a mini-festival as fans moshed and raged. Sexyy Red kept the energy alive, with the ladies screaming “Get It Sexyy” at the top of their lungs, turning the party into a viral moment.
Then, Mariah The Scientist switched up the vibe, bringing everyone into their feelings with her emotional rendition of “Spread Thin.” Of course, Future himself had to bless the stage for his baby girl. He performed some of his biggest hits, including “Type Sh*t,” proving once again why he’s one of the greatest in the game. With a lineup like that, Londyn just might be the coolest kid in school by a landslide.
Let’s be real, who do you know that can say they had all their favorite artists perform at their Sweet 16? Probably no one. But when your dad is Pluto? Anything is possible. This was more than just a lit party, it was a moment that his daughter and all of her friends will forever remember.
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The Weeknd’s latest album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ offers a rollercoaster of styles, moments of brilliance, and a few missteps. From the jump, the intro gives a clear nod to Michael Jackson with a “Thriller”-esque switch-up, setting the tone for what’s to come: an eclectic blend of R&B, drill, and even a little bit of trolling.
The second track, “Cry For Me”, introduces a unique R&B drill sound. The Weeknd croons over the hard-hitting drill beat, expressing his hopes that she’ll cry for him the way he once cried for her. It’s emotionally raw, but the heavy rhythm creates a bit of distance from the sentiment, adding an interesting juxtaposition. “I Can’t F**g Sing” is an unapologetic 10-second interlude that serves as The Weeknd’s playful response to critics who’ve questioned his vocal abilities. It’s a brief but sharp moment of self-aware trolling, letting fans know he’s confident in his talent.
Moving to “São Paulo”, this track feels overloaded with too many ideas. There’s an ambitious mix of sounds, but it ends up feeling disjointed and hard to follow. “Baptized in Fear” suffers the same fate—it’s forgettable and doesn’t make much of an impact. On “Open Hearts”, The Weeknd tries to recapture the magic of “A Lonely Night”, but the result feels like a knockoff. It’s good, but not quite up to par. Meanwhile, “Reflections Laughing” stands out with its raw honesty about mental struggles, featuring a surprise verse from Travis Scott.
The track “Enjoy the Night” would’ve been lackluster if not for Future’s guest verse, which brings a vintage Pluto energy to the song, elevating it significantly. Similarly, “Given Up On Me” is enhanced by Future’s backing vocals, as The Weeknd reflects on his self-doubt and the woman who refuses to leave him.“Timeless” is easily one of the album’s highlights, featuring Playboi Carti. It’s a nearly flawless track, rich in sound and melody, perfectly crafted to be a single. “Niagra Falls” will please longtime fans with its throwback feel, tapping into the “old Weeknd” vibe that made him a star.
The production on “Big Sleep” is undeniably amazing, making it one of the album’s standout tracks. However, “Hurry Up Tomorrow”, the outro, feels like the weakest point of the entire project—forgettable and lacking the emotional punch that usually defines his closers. Overall, Hurry Up Tomorrow is a mixed bag with flashes of brilliance but also a few bumps along the way.
Check out the overall score for The Weeknd’s latest album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ below.
1. Wake Me Up – 7/10
2. Cry For Me – 8.5/10
3. I Can’t F****g Sing – Ten second Interlude
4. São Paulo – 4/10
5. Until We’re Skin & Bones – Another ten second interlude
6. Baptized In Fear – 4.5/10
7. Open Hearts – 4.5/10
8. Opening Night – 5.5/10
9. Reflections Laughing ft. Travis Scott – 6/10
10. Enjoy The Show ft Future – 6.5/10
11. Given Up On Me ft Future (again) – 7/10
12. I Can’t Wait to Get There – 6/10
13. Timeless – 9/10
14. Niagra Falls – 7/10
15. Take Me Back to LA – 6.5/10
16. Big Sleep – 7.5/10
17. Give Me Mercy – 6.5/10
18. Drive – 5/10
19. The Abyss – 6.5/10
20. Red Terror – 5/10
21. Without a Warning – 5/10
22. (Outro) Hurry Up Tomorrow – 4.5/10
23. The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Overall Rating: 6
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We are sad to report rapper, Future’s Grandmother, Emma Jean Boyd has passed away. The ATL rapper went to social media to break the news.
Pluto’s bond with his grandmother, Emma Jean Boyd, was deep, and her passing hit him hard. She was always there for him, guiding the rapper as well as showing him love. The Freebandz artist always showed his grandmother love back in big ways. In 2019, Future and his mom, Stephanie Jester, surprised his grandmother at the FreeWishes Foundation’s Golden Wishes Gala. At the event, they gave her a community service award to honor all the hard work she’d done giving back to the community. It was a big moment for Future, showing how much he respected her.
He’s also mentioned her a lot in his music. In his song “Love You Better”, Future raps, “It’s my love from my grandmother make me gentle when I care for you,” which shows how much she influenced him. Her love made him more caring and thoughtful, and you can feel that in his music. There isn’t any reports on the cause of her passing currently.
Losing her will be tough on Future, but the lessons she taught him about love and giving back will always be a part of him. Her legacy lives on not just in his life, but in the way she has touched her community. Our love, thoughts, & prayers go out to Future and his family.