NEWS

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.

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.

There’s a wedding in the air for Young Thug and Mariah the Scientist. The rapper proposed to the singer during his Hometown Hero benefit concert in Atlanta on Dec. 16, turning the night into a hometown celebration of love. In videos shared on social media, Thug—born Jeffery Lamar Williams II—dropped to one knee as the words “Will You Marry Me?” lit up the screen behind him, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. An emotional Mariah accepted the proposal as Thug placed a massive diamond ring on her finger, prompting him to ask, “What you say?” She replied with a smile, “I guess I’m getting married.” In another clip, the “Burning Blue” singer proudly showed off the eye-catching ring, which features a large diamond set atop multiple bands surrounded by smaller stones. The engagement comes four years after the couple began dating in 2021.  The milestone follows a brief period of breakup speculation earlier this year, which Thug confirmed in October before later revealing they had reconciled. Just weeks before the proposal, Mariah spoke candidly about her hopes for the future during an interview with Angie Martinez on Power 105.1, sharing her desire to settle down, get married, and eventually start a family. “I want to be married first,” she said, emphasizing her wish for a commitment rooted in love rather than obligation—a vision that has now become reality.

New York City prosecutors have charged R&B singer Trey Songz in connection with two separate altercations at Manhattan nightlife spots this month, according to court documents. Songz, 41, whose real name is Tremaine Neverson, faces one count of felony criminal mischief stemming from an early Sunday morning incident at the Mira Mediterranean & Hookah Lounge on East 34th Street. Prosecutors allege more than $1,500 in damage was caused to restaurant property, including hookahs, DJ equipment, and sofas. Songz’s attorney, Mitchell Schuster, disputed the characterization of events, saying the singer was confronted by individuals who instigated the situation. According to Schuster, Songz’s security intervened to protect him, and an altercation occurred amid the confusion. “Public figures are often treated as targets for instigation in pursuit of headlines or financial gain,” Schuster said, adding that Songz is confident the facts will support his account. In a separate incident on Dec. 4 at a Broadway address housing multiple bars, prosecutors allege Songz struck another man in the face, causing swelling and significant pain. Authorities say he struck, shoved, and kicked the victim, leading to multiple misdemeanor charges, including assault and aggravated harassment. Songz was arraigned Sunday and released on his own recognizance. The charges mark the latest in a series of past run-ins with law enforcement involving the singer.