Beyoncé to Lead Star-Studded 2026 Met Gala as Co-Chair

Beyoncé is set to take center stage at the 2026 Met Gala, joining Anna Wintour, Venus Williams, and Nicole Kidman as one of this year’s high-profile co-chairs. The announcement marks a major return for the global superstar, who last held an honorary chair position in 2013 and has long been one of the fashion world’s most anticipated (and closely watched) Met Gala attendees. The annual benefit, which raised a record $31 million last year for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, will once again place Queen Bey at the heart of the most influential night in fashion.



The museum also revealed a powerhouse host committee led by designer Anthony Vaccarello and filmmaker Zoë Kravitz. The lineup features a mix of artists, athletes, and entertainers, including Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, LISA, Sam Smith, Misty Copeland, Teyana Taylor, Elizabeth Debicki, A’ja Wilson, and more. But as is often the case, much of the spotlight remains on Beyoncé, whose legendary late arrivals and headline-making looks (from her iconic sheer Givenchy gown in 2015 to her latex masterpiece in 2016) have solidified her status as the Met Gala’s reigning showstopper. With the dress code still under wraps, anticipation is already building around what she’ll wear next.


Next year’s gala will celebrate “Costume Art,” the theme of the Costume Institute’s upcoming spring exhibition. The show will explore “the dressed body” across centuries of art, pairing garments with paintings, sculptures, and other works throughout the museum. Curated by Andrew Bolton, the exhibit will debut in a newly built 12,000-square-foot gallery adjacent to the Great Hall, offering an expansive new home for fashion within the Met. As Beyoncé steps into her co-chair role, the gala is poised to deliver another unforgettable fusion of celebrity, style, and cultural influence, with the superstar once again at the center of fashion’s biggest night.

Olivia C. Dacal - "Lady Love (Omnichord version)"

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 23, 2025
Olivia C. Dacal unveils “Lady Love (Omnichord version),” a stripped-back reimagining that spotlights her intimate songwriting and soulful delivery. Blending indie pop and neo-soul with subtle jazz and Latin influences, the Australian artist drifts endlessly as grand chords and airy, slow-burn instrumentation create a hypnotic, late-night feel. The Omnichord-led arrangement allows Olivia’s heartfelt lyrics on love and self-discovery to take center stage, drawing listeners deeper into her genre-defying world.

Nija feat. Blxst - "I Just Called"

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 23, 2025
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Nija returns with “I Just Called,” a sumptuous new single featuring West Coast standout Blxst. Produced by Jack Rochon, the slow-burning situationship jam captures the pull of unresolved love, as Nija’s smoky alto wrestles with longing and hesitation. Blxst answers as the conflicted partner determined to make things right, their chemistry sealing the track. The release arrives ahead of Nija’s upcoming project, What I Didn’t Say, due January 23, 2026.

Georgia Black - Rope

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 23, 2025
Georgia Black steps fully into her power on Rope, a nine-track album that blends jazz, soul, and cinematic flair with striking intention. Released in October via Conjunct Recordings, the North London, UK artist delivers her most personal work yet, weaving jazzy and bluesy tones with dark, alternative R&B textures. Standout tracks like the melodic “Wishing Well,” alongside the gripping “Jaws” and cathartic “Surrender,” anchor a record shaped by love, loss, and rebirth, reframing vulnerability as strength and transformation.

Fridayy feat. Mariah The Scientist - ep. 5 Death Do Us Part (The After Party) [Music Video]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 23, 2025
Fridayy delivers an emotional highlight with “Death Do Us Part (The After Party),” episode five from his new EP Everybody Got Somebody. Joined by Mariah The Scientist, the video captures the tension between devotion and temptation, as both artists wrestle with a love that refuses to let go. Mariah’s vulnerable confessions meet Fridayy’s reflective resolve, amplifying the song’s push-and-pull themes. The visual extends the EP’s moody, late-night R&B atmosphere, underscoring Fridayy’s growing emotional depth.

FLO - Recently Deleted [Music Video]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 23, 2025
British girl group FLO keeps their 2025 momentum going with the official video for “Recently Deleted,” an energetic throwback R&B ballad. Framed as a special fan-track, the song finds Stella, Jorja, and Renée channeling a more grown narrative, confronting the lingering digital traces of an unforgettable ex. Buoyed by their recent Grammy nomination, the Marlon Cang and Sienna Navaa-directed visual amplifies the song’s emotional punch as FLO signal even more new music ahead.

Hot 97 Unveils New Hosts After “Ebro in the Morning” Cancellation, Sparking Listener Backlash

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 22, 2025
Hot 97 has introduced a new group of on-air personalities just days after canceling its long-running morning show, “Ebro in the Morning,” and the move has not been warmly received by listeners. On Thursday, shortly after announcing the show’s cancellation, the New York hip-hop station shared a promotional image on social media featuring Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million, labeling them as the “New Hot 97 Hosts” with a “Coming Soon” banner. The station did not clarify whether the trio will take over the morning slot or when their show is expected to debut. The timing of the announcement immediately drew criticism online, particularly from fans of “Ebro in the Morning,” which for years was hosted by Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Peter Rosenberg. Commenters on Instagram expressed frustration and disappointment, with one user writing, “Congratulations, you played yourself. I’ll keep listening to podcasts.” The reaction underscores growing dissatisfaction among longtime listeners who feel blindsided by the abrupt change and lack of explanation from the station. The shakeup comes amid ongoing uncertainty at Hot 97, as the station has yet to publicly explain why it canceled one of its most recognizable shows. Ebro Darden has suggested that his outspoken political views and critiques of major institutions may have played a role. Adding to the confusion, Funkmaster Flex (who briefly filled in during the morning slot) confirmed on social media that his long-term deal for mornings will not begin until 2029. Until then, he will remain in his longtime 5 p.m. slot, leaving the future of Hot 97’s mornings an open question.

Al B. Sure! Breaks Silence on Longstanding Tensions With Sean “Diddy” Combs

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 22, 2025
R&B legend Al B. Sure! has publicly addressed long-rumored tensions with Sean “Diddy” Combs in a candid Nigerian radio interview that has since circulated widely on social media. The singer stressed that his decision to speak out was not driven by gossip, but by a need to defend himself against what he described as years of coordinated PR attacks portraying him as unstable. “I had no interest in speaking about another man’s life,” Al said, explaining that protecting his reputation and inner circle ultimately pushed him to go public. The interview follows Al B. Sure!’s appearance in Sean Combs: The Reckoning, the Netflix docuseries executive-produced by 50 Cent that examines decades of abuse allegations against Diddy. Al said he participated in the project to counter what he called “a campaign to make me look like an absolute lunatic,” pointing to longstanding behind-the-scenes conflicts, alleged threats, and image smears tied to Combs’ camp. While he stopped short of making direct accusations, his comments suggested deep frustration and unresolved personal conflict. Central to the tension is Al’s shared history with the late Kim Porter, with whom he shares a son, Quincy Brown, who was later adopted by Diddy. Though Al avoided speculating on envy or confirming fan theories about rivalry dating back to their Uptown Records era, he acknowledged years of negative energy and defamation that made silence impossible. As fans react positively to his measured tone, Diddy and his representatives have remained silent, leaving the interview to further intensify scrutiny surrounding the embattled music mogul.

Samara Cyn - "what will they say"

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 18, 2025
LA-based emcee Samara Cyn closes out 2025 with “what will they say,” a potent, soul-infused single that further cements her spot among hip-hop’s most compelling voices. Produced by close collaborator Billy Ray Schlag, the track is a moment of self-examination wrapped in warm, melodic flows reminiscent of Noname or Saba. With poetic clarity and purpose, Samara invites listeners to confront truth, do the work, and raise their voices alongside her.

Darrel Walls feat. Kierra Sheard - "Amazing" (remix)

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 18, 2025
Detroit-based Gospel singer Kierra Sheard joins Gospel vet Darrel Walls on “Amazing (Remix),” a powerful worship anthem produced by PJ Morton that magnifies God’s unmatched power and love. With lyrics declaring “You’re amazing, so breathtaking, unbelievable, supernatural” and affirming “there’s no one greater than You,” the song praises His creation and mountain-moving ability. Sheard’s commanding vocals and Morton’s soulful production elevate the remix into a stirring, faith-filled moment that blends gospel tradition with modern polish.

Conway the Machine - BMG [Music Video]

By Status Ain't Hood Staff • December 18, 2025
Conway The Machine argues he’s only now entering his prime with the new video for “BMG,” a standout from You Can’t Kill God With Bullets. Produced by Sndtrak and Chri$$ianity, the track blends blaxploitation flair with bold horns, strings, and Rhodes as Conway delivers a confident, reflective verse. The cinematic video features a Dr. Evil–inspired concept with a mini-me. The album, released last Friday, is one of his most expansive, boasting collaborators from The Alchemist to Timbaland.
More Posts