Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk was acquitted Friday of all charges in a federal murder-for-hire case accusing him of orchestrating a revenge killing targeting rival rapper Quando Rondo. Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was accused of ordering and financing a 2022 shooting at a Los Angeles gas station near the Beverly Center. Prosecutors alleged that Banks put a bounty on Rondo, born Tyquian Bowman, in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Banks’ close friend and fellow rapper Dayvon “King Von” Bennett outside an Atlanta nightclub. The alleged hit, however, resulted in the death of Rondo’s 24-year-old cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, who prosecutors said was mistakenly targeted. Two co-defendants, Deandre Dontrell Wilson and David Brian Lindsey, were acquitted of murder-for-hire-related charges but convicted of conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking with a dangerous weapon and stalking resulting in death. Banks was found not guilty on those charges as well. Prosecutors had portrayed the 33-year-old rapper as the leader of a violent criminal organization connected to his music label, Only the Family, alleging that its associates were involved in robbery, murder and drug trafficking. Banks, who won the 2024 Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “All My Life,” was arrested at a Florida airport in October 2024 after five other suspects were charged. He has maintained his innocence, while his defense argued that a former personal assistant independently arranged the attack in an effort to impress him. Despite Friday’s acquittal, Banks will remain in federal custody and faces another trial scheduled for October 5 on separate murder-related racketeering and weapons charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. Wilson and Lindsey are also expected to face trial on those counts. The former assistant and two other associates who were initially indicted alongside Banks reached plea agreements and testified for the prosecution during the case. Following the verdict, supporters of the Chicago-born rapper gathered outside the downtown Los Angeles federal courthouse, celebrating his acquittal.

Chicago drill rapper Bloodhound Q50, a 22-year-old artist also known as Q50 on social media, was killed after being shot early Sunday morning in Chicago’s Fuller Park neighborhood, according to police. Authorities said Q50 was sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle in the 4200 block of South Wentworth Avenue when two vehicles pulled alongside him and occupants opened fire. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulder and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said more than 50 rounds were fired, with at least six individuals believed to have participated in the attack. Investigators said the suspected getaway vehicles were a black Acura sedan and a silver Honda Accord, both of which fled toward the Dan Ryan Expressway. Police have not publicly confirmed the victim’s identity, and a medical examiner’s report had not yet been released. Social media posts connected to the shooting identified the rapper as Mikquale Cooper, born August 6, 2004. No arrests have been announced, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting while asking anyone with information to come forward. Cooper had been building a profile within Chicago’s drill scene and released his album Get Back or Die Trying on his 22nd birthday last month. The project featured Bloodhound Lil Jeff, another Chicago drill artist who was killed last year. Q50 also performed at Rolling Loud in Orlando this year and was interviewed by DJ Vlad in 2025, who described him as one of the most media-trained young artists he had spoken with. A false report claiming Q50 had been killed in St. Louis circulated in August 2025, but the rapper later confirmed on social media that he was unharmed.

Nigerian artist Rema returns with “Oh No,” his latest single following “TEA,” his first solo release of the year. Produced by Jamaican powerhouse Rvssian, known for collaborations with Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul, Bad Bunny and Cardi B, the track blurs Afropop’s borders by fusing kompa, reggaeton, dancehall and Afropop. Fueled by playful, flirtatious lyrics and an irresistible hook, Rema delivers another nostalgic, dancefloor-ready banger.

Australian singer/songwriter Bianca Power introduces herself with “Touch,” a smooth new single blending R&B, Urban Pop, Contemporary R&B and Indie R&B. Its laid-back production and chill atmosphere create an accessible yet emotionally engaging listening experience. Rather than being confined to one genre, the track balances contemporary polish with an independent spirit. “Touch” should appeal to listeners exploring fresh R&B voices and fans of sleek, relaxed sounds.

Ezra Collective teams with Leona Lewis on “All I Need,” a groovy, soulful track from the UK jazz quintet’s fourth album, Here Because of Hope. Lewis delivers a swoon-worthy vocal performance as the band blends jazz, soul and genre-bending influences into a warm celebration of finding heaven amid life’s challenges. The official visualiser complements the song with a nostalgic, vibrant collage of urban faces smiling, dancing and living in the moment.

Papoose returns fire at his estranged wife Remy Ma with “Jezebel,” a scathing diss track accompanied by an official music video directed by Tana & Will C StreetHeat. Produced by Sean2 Miles, the track accuses Remy of being a “narcissist” and “cheater,” while addressing her alleged affair with Eazy the Block Captain. Papoose also claims he paid her bail, supported her during prison, and secretly wrote her raps. Released following Remy’s “W.Y.F.L.” diss, “Jezebel” arrives amid the rapper’s ongoing public feud with Remy and boxer Claressa Shields.

Nigerian Afro-pop superstar Yemi Alade celebrates her identity, heritage and artistic evolution on her highly anticipated self-titled album, IT’S YEMI ALADE. The 16-track project blends Afropop with Highlife, Afrobeats, R&B, Lingala, Dancehall and Afro House, while featuring appearances from Teni, Jeriq, Fave, Don Jazzy, Spyro and more. Themes of love, celebration, resilience, spirituality and African cultural experiences run throughout the album. Standouts such as “Owa” and “Minister of Enjoyment” bring infectious energy, while “Earth Song,” “Titanium” and “Paradise” offer deeper reflection. The single “Coco na Yam,” featuring Ferré Gola, adds a warm rumba influence to this nostalgic yet forward-thinking release.

Grammy-winning singer Victoria Monét is making things “Juicy” with her latest single, released September 10 as another preview of her forthcoming album Frequency of Love. Following July’s “Reach Out,” the new track arrives ahead of the album’s October 2 release via Lovett Music/RCA Records. Monét is enjoying a strong run, with “Let Me” recently reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, adding another chart-topping achievement to her acclaimed Jaguar projects.

John Legend is set to return with Muse, his Pharrell-produced new album arriving October 23 via Republic. The project is led by “Daylight,” available now and marking an intriguing collaboration between the two stars. Pharrell’s signature production blends piano, programmed drums and rumbling 808s into a warm, tropical groove that complements Legend’s soulful vocals. Lyrically, the romantic track celebrates the feeling of finding love, with Legend comparing his relationship to the warmth and promise of sunrise.