YoungBoy Never Broke Again says he is making an effort to live a sober lifestyle. The Louisiana rapper recently revealed on Instagram Stories that he flushed the remaining drugs he had down the toilet after experiencing an urge to get high. YoungBoy said he wants to challenge himself to remain sober for six consecutive months. He also teased his upcoming album, All Dogs Go to Heaven, giving fans another reason to anticipate new music. The rapper has previously spoken about his struggles with substance use, including revealing during a 2023 interview with Bootleg Kev that he briefly entered a rehabilitation facility. YoungBoy has also recently discussed his health, revealing during an appearance on Funny Marco’s “Open Thoughts” podcast that a doctor diagnosed him with a swollen left side of his heart during a previous tour. He said he kept the diagnosis private and continued performing until the tour was completed. Now living in South Korea, YoungBoy has also suggested that his music career may be approaching its final chapter. During his conversation with Funny Marco, the 26-year-old artist said he expects to release only one or two more albums and plans to embark on one final tour. He has also said he does not intend to return to the United States, indicating that South Korea has become his home as he focuses on his future, health and family.

Mary J. Blige is reflecting on her decision not to have children and admitting that she sometimes wonders what motherhood might have been like. During an August appearance on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s IMO podcast, the 55-year-old singer explained that her views were shaped by watching family members struggle with parenting responsibilities and limited freedom. As a younger woman, those experiences led her to firmly decide that she did not want children. Blige said her perspective changed somewhat as she grew older and observed the relationships between mothers and their adult children. While she occasionally questions her decision and experiences loneliness, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul said she has accepted her life as it is. She described spending time alone watching movies and trying on clothes, emphasizing that she is comfortable with her lifestyle despite occasionally reconsidering her choice. The Grammy-winning singer also credited her close circle of female friends with helping her maintain a fulfilling life. Blige described the women as family and said they provide different forms of support whenever she needs them. She was previously married to her manager, Martin “Kendu” Isaacs, from 2003 to 2018 and served as a stepmother to his three children during their marriage.

GRAMMY-winning R&B singer and actress Coco Jones returns with “Love Me Through,” a romantic single released via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings. Featuring a catchy melody and ethereal vocals, the track explores unconditional love and the realities of relationships, embracing the good, bad, and ugly. Following recent releases “Body So Tea” and “Luvagirl,” “Love Me Through” continues Jones’ run of intimate, emotionally resonant music.

Detroit native and Billboard chart-topping R&B singer-songwriter J. Brown returns with his new single “LATE". The soulful track blends contemporary R&B with Motown-inspired influences, delivering a message about knowing your worth and refusing to be someone’s second choice. Following three consecutive Billboard #1 singles and eight straight Top 10 R&B hits, J. Brown continues to establish himself as one of the genre’s most consistent voices.

Grammy Award-winning rapper Rapsody delivers her fifth studio album, God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops, a 16-track project largely written and recorded in Africa. Inspired by ancestry, spirituality, cultural pride, and her evolving identity, the album was shaped during sessions in Johannesburg with longtime collaborator and executive producer Mr. Porter. Featuring appearances from Malice, George Clinton, and others, the project blends personal storytelling with reflections on Black identity and spirituality. From the vulnerability of “Black Love” to the introspection of “Abandoned Me,” Rapsody creates an expansive and deeply affirming musical statement.

“Don’t Count Yourself Out” by Tank and the Bangas featuring Dawn Richard delivers a vibrant message of empowerment and self-belief. Directed by Joshua J. Williams, the colorful music video captures the artists dancing with charisma and plenty of energy. Taken from the New Orleans band’s third album, The Last Balloon, the track blends funky, soulful, and dance-friendly grooves. Dawn Richard’s smooth guest appearance perfectly compliments TATB's lead singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball, creating an infectious and uplifting sonic experience.

Loe Shimmy, the rising Florida rapper, teams with Brent Faiyaz on “Run The World,” a moody collaboration that blends drill-influenced production with sultry R&B. While Loe raps stirring lyrics in his laid-back but charismatic and eclectic style, guest star Brent brings his signature contemplative romanticism to the track, floating effortlessly over drums from Smash David, Pooh Beatz, and Caleb Bryant. The music video matches the song’s dark, atmospheric energy, following Shimmy and Brent as they move through a seductive nightlife setting surrounded by women, drinks, and an effortlessly cool vibe.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we revisit Jamiroquai’s iconic 1996 hit “Virtual Insanity,” released August 19, 1996, as the second single from the British funk and acid jazz group’s third studio album, Travelling Without Moving. Written by frontman Jay Kay and Toby Smith and produced by Al Stone, the track paired a smooth, piano-driven groove with lyrics exploring the dangers of technology, overpopulation, genetic enhancement and environmental collapse. While the song became a major international hit, reaching No. 1 in Iceland and No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, its groundbreaking music video helped turn “Virtual Insanity” into a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Jonathan Glazer, the visual features Jay Kay dancing inside a seemingly shifting room as furniture appears to move around him. The illusion was created practically by moving the walls and furniture rather than using computer-generated effects. The video earned 10 nominations and won four awards at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year. More than two decades later, its inventive visual effects and Jay Kay’s distinctive performance remain instantly recognizable, while the song’s concerns about technology and modern life continue to resonate. “Virtual Insanity” also earned Jamiroquai a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, cementing its place as one of the band’s defining recordings.

Timbaland is facing a lawsuit from DJ E Feezy, who claims he was fired from the planned Timbaland and Missy Elliott tour less than 30 days before it was scheduled to begin. According to the complaint, obtained by TMZ, Feezy was hired in 2024 to perform during the tour, which was scheduled for July and August. He claims his agreement called for $4,000 per show, totaling approximately $120,000 for the tour. Feezy alleges he made significant preparations for the tour, including obtaining a Canadian work visa, paying related legal fees, declining other performance opportunities and practicing the planned set list. He claims he was terminated shortly before the tour began and believes Timbaland’s son was brought in to replace him. Feezy also alleges that a settlement was reached following his dismissal, but says Timbaland failed to honor the agreement. He is seeking approximately $130,000 in damages, including lost tour earnings and visa-related expenses. Timbaland has denied Feezy’s allegations and is asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that there was no enforceable agreement covering the terms described in the complaint. The producer has also filed a separate complaint against his former manager, whom he says handled the arrangements with Feezy. Timbaland maintains that if Feezy is entitled to damages, responsibility should fall on the former manager rather than him.