The intersection of celebrity, loyalty, and business has ignited a high-stakes legal showdown, as Grammy-winning artist Mary J. Blige finds herself at the center of a $5 million lawsuit filed by her longtime friend and stylist-turned-manager, Misa Hylton. The lawsuit, which accuses Blige of professional sabotage and breach of trust, threatens to unravel a personal and professional relationship that spans over three decades. Blige’s legal team, led by attorney Lisa Moore, has fired back aggressively, calling the allegations “patently frivolous” and motivated by spite. Court documents reveal plans to not only dismiss the case but also to pursue counterclaims and seek sanctions against Hylton. Blige’s defense points to text messages and other evidence that allegedly contradict the lawsuit’s central claims, suggesting the suit is more about public perception than legal substance. At the heart of the dispute is a tangled business triangle involving rapper Vado. Hylton, through her company M.I.S.A. Management, began managing Vado in July 2023, securing a 20 percent commission deal. However, when Vado also signed with Blige’s Beautiful Life Productions, tensions flared. Hylton's suit accuses Blige of intentionally disrupting Vado’s career—derailing album promotions and performance opportunities to pressure him out of their agreement. What began as a collaborative venture, including their joint single Still Believe in Love, has now turned into a bitter legal feud over money, loyalty, and control.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we revisit Wyclef Jean’s powerful 1997 single “Yelé” from his debut solo album The Carnival. Featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Refugee Allstars, the track blends soulful vocals with a heartfelt message, shining a light on Haiti’s struggles. More than just a song, “Yelé” laid the foundation for Wyclef’s charity, Yéle Haiti, raising awareness and support for his homeland.

Johannesburg rapper Shoka Sunflower unveils For Now Keep Dancing, a bold, introspective album that deepens his signature experimental sound. Shaped by early influences like Tyler, the Creator and South African Kwaito pioneers, Shoka reflects on emotional avoidance and self-discovery. The standout track “Two Step” captures this theme, dancing through pain instead of confronting it while offering a resonant anthem for uncertain times.

UK vocalist Yazmin Lacey is set to release her new album Teal Dreamson October 24th. In the lead-up, she’s unveiled the video for her latest single “Two Steps,” a captivating blend of intimate storytelling as well as a seamless fusion of alt-soul and jazz-infused expression.

Nigerian rapper/singer/songwriter ENNY returns with “CABIN FEVA,” her first solo release since 2023, a bold, introspective track that reasserts her place among the UK’s most authentic rap voices. The self-directed video seen here, crafted with Otis Dominique, arrives just ahead of her North American debut tour, marking a powerful new chapter from the “Peng Black Girls” standout.

In anticipation to her upcoming 8th album CiCi, which is set to drop next month, Ciara enlists rapper Latto for her new party-ready single "This Right Here". The Jazzy Pha-produced track reunites Ciara with the beatmaker who helmed early hits such as "1, 2 Step" and "Goodies".

UK R&B artist Summer Banton returns with her flirty, football-themed single “Keeper,” blending playful lyrics and 2000s nostalgia. Co-produced with Elevated and Nolais, the track follows her standout “Invisible Ink” and enduring “Be My Guest” from 2024. With smooth vocals and summery vibes, Banton continues to shine as a rising soulful force.

With Victory—his first album since 1999’s The Art of Storytelling—Slick Rick reaffirms that hip-hop storytelling is alive and well. The video for his latest single, “Documents,” blends old-school Mafioso-style visuals with sharp lyricism, featuring none other than Nas. Over a hard-hitting, self-produced beat laced with late-’90s Queens flavor, the two lyrical legends deliver a cinematic and compelling performance.

Ghanaian American singer Amaarae has released a new song, “Girlie-Pop!,” accompanied by a sensual music video directed by Omar Jones. In a press release, Amaarae shared the inspiration behind the track: “‘Girlie-Pop!’ started as a freestyle over an open guitar on a magical night in Brazil. I wanted to create a song that captures the feeling of a kiss from your favorite person in the world—the kind of moment that sends you into the stars with just a smile and a peck on the lips.”