Mystikal, born Michael Lawrence Tyler, has pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in connection to a 2022 arrest, according to court records. The plea was entered during a March 17 hearing in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. Tyler, 55, had originally faced 10 charges, including first-degree rape, which carries a potential life sentence in the state. Under the plea agreement, he now faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June. The case stems from a July 30, 2022 incident in which a woman accused Tyler of rape and battery after seeking treatment at a hospital. Authorities alleged that the woman went to his home to discuss financial matters when the situation escalated. Investigators said Tyler held her against her will and assaulted her. During the March hearing, prosecutors dropped the nine additional charges, including battery and false imprisonment, by filing notices of nolle prosequi. Tyler has remained in custody without bond since his arrest. Once a prominent figure in late 1990s and early 2000s hip-hop with hits like “Shake Ya Ass” and “Danger (Been So Long),” his career has been overshadowed by legal troubles over the years. He previously served six years in prison following a 2003 conviction for sexual battery and has faced multiple allegations since, including a 2016 case that was later dismissed.

KiKi Shepard, best known for co-hosting the iconic TV variety series Showtime at the Apollo for 15 years, has died at the age of 74. According to a statement released Tuesday by her family and charity organization, Shepard passed away Monday following a heart attack. “KiKi’s light, compassion, and purpose will continue to shine through all those whose lives she touched,” the family shared. A Texas native and graduate of Howard University, Shepard began her career as a dancer with the D.C. Repertory Dance Company before transitioning to Broadway in the 1970s. She appeared in productions such as “Comin’ Uptown” and “Reggae,” later sharing the stage with renowned performers like Gregory Hines and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Shepard rose to national fame in the 1980s through her work on “Showtime at the Apollo,” where she helped spotlight emerging talent at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater. She also made guest appearances on shows including Everybody Hates Chris, A Different World, NYPD Blue, and a 2024 episode of Grey's Anatomy. Beyond her entertainment career, Shepard was a dedicated advocate for sickle cell disease awareness. She founded The KIS Foundation after being inspired by a close friend’s family experience with the illness. Her family described service as her greatest passion, highlighting two decades of advocacy work aimed at education, support, and community outreach. Shepard is survived by her sister, two nieces, and a nephew, who remembered her as a “guiding light” and pledged to continue her mission of compassion and impact.

Netherlands-based singer-songwriter Joya Mooiand Nigerian artistLady Donliunite on “Only Water,” a fluid, afrobeats-tinged R&B track blending warm bass, soft keys, and layered harmonies. Inspired by Olympic diverGreg Louganis, the song reflects resilience, healing, and finding sanctuary amid adversity. Released via Unity Records, the collaboration feels intimate yet expansive, as both artists deliver a quietly powerful moment that resonates far beyond its smooth, richly immersive soundscape.

UK DJ/producer Shy One delivers a richly textured homage to London’s club culture with her debut album Mali. Blending house, jazz, and UK breakbeat, the project reflects her creative rebirth while honoring Black British electronic music. Highlights like “I Can Tell” with George Riley and “Driving On Sand” featuring Steve Spacek showcase her dynamic range, while collaborations with James Massiah add depth to this immersive, late-night sonic journey.

France’s coolest young pop star Theodora ushers in her “sexy music for life” era with the vibrant new single "Miss Kitoko". Delivered in her native French, the track blends drum and bass with Creole folk influences and Caribbean sounds like bouyon, creating a fast, infectious groove built for the dancefloor. Confident and stylish, Theodora (also known as Boss Lady) leans into bold energy, crafting a track that feels both global and club-ready.

“I Won't” marks another bold visual for Chloe Couture, the daughter of Harlem rapper Max B, as she steps confidently into her own spotlight. The Brooklyn-born, Panamanian talent delivers a dance-driven anthem centered on independence, trust, and self-identity, pairing raw authenticity with fearless energy. Set in a studio, the video highlights her sharp choreography and presence, while nodding to her father’s “wavy” legacy, signaling a fresh new wave in music.

“Talk To Me Nuh” reunites Shenseea and Vybz Kartel over vibrant production from Rvssian, delivering a high-energy dancehall anthem primed for parties. Shenseea glides effortlessly across the hook and first verse with melodic finesse, while Kartel commands the second verse with his signature charisma and edge. Directed by Shane Creative, the video showcases dynamic choreography and the trio’s chemistry. The release also marks a full-circle reunion since their hit 2016 single “Loodi,” arriving as both stars earn 2026 MOBO Awards nominations for Best Caribbean Music Act. 

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jacquees teams with R&B star Tink for the sultry duet “Physical,” released via Cash Money Records. The track features smooth, mood-setting production as the pair trade flirtatious verses about growing chemistry, their voices blending into a seductive back-and-forth. The single arrives as Jacquees builds momentum for his upcoming album Mood

UK singer/songwriter James Blake delivers another emotionally rich moment with the official video for “Doesn’t Just Happen,” featuring a powerful verse fromBritish rapper Dave. Blake’s soulful vocals and airy production frame Dave’s deeply introspective bars, where he reflects on guilt, relationships, and the weight of past choices. The gripping performance becomes the song’s emotional centerpiece, transforming Blake’s chorus into a meditation on redemption and consequence, while the visual underscores the track’s haunting, reflective tone.