For the first time in thirty-five years, there are no rap songs listed among the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart, representing the most popular singles in America.
This occurred after the track “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA dropped out of the top 40 following a 13-week run at number one.
Currently, the highest-ranking songs in the rap genre are “Shot Callin” by YoungBoy Never Broke Again at number 44, “Safe” by Cardi B at 48, and “Hell at Night” by BigXthaPlug at 49.
The last time there were no rap songs in the Billboard Top 40 was in February 1990, according to <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/no-rap-songs-hot-100-top-40-first-time-since-1990-1236100625/">Billboard</a>.
Part of the reason for the change is new rules that say descending songs are “recurrent” and removed from the chart if they have appeared for certain durations on the chart while falling below prescribed thresholds. That’s what happened to “Luther,” which dropped to number 38 after being on the chart for 46 weeks. 
Currently, the top song is Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” which has been on the chart since its release three weeks ago. Out of the top 40, twelve of the songs are from the pop star’s “The Life of a Showgirl” album. 
Other top ten songs include “Golden,” featured in the hit Netflix series “KPop Demon Hunters,” and the single “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, along with “Daisies” by Justin Bieber and Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need.”
Billboard noted that many rap artists are in an “in-between” period, with fans eagerly awaiting Drake’s upcoming “Iceman” album and with his rival Kendrick Lamar being “somewhat dormant” after years in the spotlight. But <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/no-rap-songs-billboard-21129466.php">per</a> The San Francisco Chronicle, the market share for hip-hop music was almost 30% in 2020 but slipped to 24% this year. Five years ago, there were 16 rap songs in the top 40, while two years ago, that number decreased to 8 songs.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA

There Are No Rap Songs In The Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 For The First Time In 35 Years

Billboard

Culture

Music

Music Industry

Rap Music

This week, NFL fans launched a petition to have an alternate Super Bowl halftime show featuring country singer George Strait. 66,000 signatures so far. Roger Goodell, however, is not moved. It&#8217;s all in response to the NFL tapping Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny for America’s largest stage, giving a platform to a man who openly hates America. 
But not all Puerto Ricans share Bad Bunny&#8217;s sentiment. Samuel Rodriguez is a pastor of Puerto Rican descent who has advised three U.S. Presidents, been a prolific author and movie producer, and has a much different outlook on the United States. In fact, he says the rapper doesn&#8217;t come close to representing traditional Hispanic values. It&#8217;s certainly worth your time. —The Daily Wire
* * *
As an American of Puerto Rican descent, I live in tension. I admire Bad Bunny. He is a generational talent, creative, charismatic, and relentless. He rose from the barrios of Vega Baja to the summit of global culture. He did not inherit wealth or privilege. He succeeded through determination, resilience, and hard work. Even those who do not understand his lyrics recognize his artistry and marketing brilliance. He has become a global symbol of Latino influence.
My admiration, however, stops there. As the world prepares to watch his Super Bowl halftime show next February, my heart aches. For all his brilliance, Bad Bunny misunderstands both Puerto Rico and America. His refusal to stand for “God Bless America” during the Major League Baseball playoffs at Yankee Stadium was not an act of protest, it was a moment of detachment. Millions of us who cherish both the island and the mainland felt that sting. We love America; We appreciate its Christian foundation, promise, and opportunity. Simply stated, we believe God has blessed this nation.
Unfortunately, much of what Bad Bunny stands for and espouses in his music not only fails to resonate with many Hispanics in America, but it also fails to honor and understand the community’s deep love for this country.
<div id="attachment_990159" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-990159" class="size-large wp-image-990159" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/GettyImages-2198989165-864x576.jpg" alt="SNL50: THE HOMECOMING CONCERT -- Pictured: Bad Bunny performs on Friday, February 14, 2025 -- (Photo by: Kevin Mazur/Peacock via Getty Images)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/GettyImages-2198989165-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/GettyImages-2198989165-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/GettyImages-2198989165-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/GettyImages-2198989165.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Kevin Mazur/Peacock via Getty Images</div>
I will be the first to acknowledge that America is not perfect. But despite that, it remains blessed. This nation is not anti-immigrant. It supports legal immigration.
Hispanics know this better than anyone. Many of us lived that journey or watched our parents walk it. We support borders and order not out of cruelty but out of conviction. We believe in compassion expressed through law. <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1761311002633000&amp;usg=AOvVaw197pP1ngxt9G7_phoNF8Bb">Nearly half of Hispanic voters supported President Trump in 2024</a>. More than half of Hispanic men did the same. That was not betrayal. It reflected deeply held values.
These traditional Hispanic values — faith, family, and freedom — stand in contrast to much of what Bad Bunny promotes. His embrace of transgender ideology and sexually explicit performances does not represent the Latino family gathered around the table after Sunday church. We love God. We honor family. We understand freedom as responsibility, not rebellion. The Latino vote has not drifted to the Right, it has returned home to convictions that have always defined us.
Hispanics also see dissonance in Bad Bunny’s condemnation of capitalism, given that he lives from its blessings. He has praised socialist regimes such as Venezuela, yet his success story could not exist without the free market. He thrives in a system that rewards risk, creativity, and persistence. One cannot criticize capitalism while enjoying everything it provides.
The Hispanic future in America is not secular, cynical, or socialist. It is spiritual, hopeful, and devoted to freedom. We pray. We protect our families. We work hard. We still believe that God blesses nations that honor Him.
But before all of this, Bad Bunny must recognize one fundamental truth: He is an American. Every Puerto Rican is. We are born citizens of the United States. We do not need a passport to enter this nation, but we do need humility to understand what a privilege that is.
Bad Bunny may not need a passport, but he needs perspective. He needs humility. He needs clarity about what America truly represents for Puerto Ricans and for every dreamer who still believes this country offers the chance to rise.
America is not flawless. Yet it remains the most transformative and opportunity-rich nation in human history. My prayer is that when Bad Bunny steps onto that stage, gratitude will replace defiance — gratitude for a nation that gave a kid from Puerto Rico the chance to conquer the world.
 * * *
Samuel Rodriguez is the lead pastor of New Season and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC). Rodriguez has advised three U.S. Presidents and is the first Latino to participate in multiple presidential inauguration ceremonies. He is also a best-selling author of 12 books and serves as producer of 7 faith-based films including &#8220;Breakthrough,&#8221; &#8220;Flamin Hot,&#8221; and &#8220;Dream King.&#8221;
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
Join us now during our exclusive Deal of the Decade. Get everything for $7 a month. Not as fans. As fighters. Go to <a href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/">DailyWire.com/Subscribe</a> to join now.

Division Series – Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees – Game Three

Bad Bunny May Not Need A Passport, But He Does Need Perspective

Donald Trump

Hispanics

Immigration

Puerto Rico

Sports

Super Bowl

The rapper known as Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, has been accused of multiple crimes, including the sexual assault of minors by his former hype man, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon.
Dixon filed a $20 million lawsuit in federal court on Thursday. Cartagena’s former employee made allegations of “coercive labor exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation, and psychological coercion,” per <a href="https://variety.com/2025/music/news/fat-joe-sued-former-hypeman-t-a-dixon-1236436310/">Variety</a>. The lawsuit comes after Cartagena sued Dixon for slander in April after he claimed his former employee posted on social media about the rapper transporting a minor across state lines for sex.
The outlet noted that the claims made in the 157-page document were so extensive that the filing included a trigger warning.
Dixon worked for Cartagena for 16 years as a hype man, commonly used by rap and hip hop artists to get the crowd revved up and help set the tone for performances. Dixon also reportedly contributed to some of Cartagena’s songs by assisting with lyrics and backing vocals.
The lawsuit asserts that Dixon was forced “into humiliating situations, including sex acts performed under duress and surveillance, accompanied by threats of abandonment in foreign countries if [he] refused compliance.” The plaintiff added that he was “coerced into more than 4,000 sexual acts to maintain his standing within the Enterprise.”
Dixon also accused his former employee of engaging in sexual acts with minors on multiple occasions.
Per the lawsuit, Dixon said he “personally witnessed [Fat Joe] engage in sexual relations with children who were fifteen and sixteen years old.” The lawsuit listed three specific minors identified as Jane Does.
He said Jane Doe 1 was a 16-year-old New York resident who interacted with the rapper “in exchange for cash, clothing, and payment of her cell phone bill.&#8221; The lawsuit said she &#8220;would [perform] oral sex and other sexual acts” on Cartagena. 
“[Fat Joe] began having sexual relations with Minor Doe 2 when she was 15 years old after a concert overseas. Defendant flew Minor Doe 2 to New York City and Miami, Florida, on multiple occasions. Due to Minor Doe 2’s body being adolescent and not fully formed, Defendant paid for her to get a Brazilian Butt Lift. Minor Doe 2 eventually left Defendant and is now married to a professional athlete,” the complaint says. 
Minor Doe 3 is described as having met Cartagena when “she was 15 years old, turning 16.”
Per the complaint, “Defendant was in love with Minor Doe 3. He even contemplated leaving his wife. The Defendant paid all Minor Doe 3’s bills and even took her overseas to his tour stops. He brought her to Florida and would put her up in a condo he rented a few blocks from his house with his wife.” 
“In a recorded conversation, Minor Doe 3 and her 15-year-old cousin describe in detail to Plaintiff how ‘inappropriate’ it was for Defendant, who was in his late 30s at the time, to be fawning over children,” the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit describes, “a wide spectrum of sexual coercion, psychological control, forced exhibitionism, and surveillance-based humiliation, including being compelled to perform sex acts under observation, being filmed, or directed by [Fat Joe] in the presence of others — tactics designed to control Plaintiff’s body, erode his autonomy, and ensure silence.” 
Dixon claims the recording artist “orchestrated repeated orgies involving Plaintiff, female dancers and minors. Defendant used.” 
“These incidents occurred under conditions that included the presence of corporate security staff, surveillance cameras, and Defendant’s management entourage, yet no intervention occurred, supporting the inference that these acts were facilitated by — and covered up by — the broader enterprise and its affiliates,” the lawsuit says. 
“[Dixon] did not willingly consent to participate in these acts; instead, Plaintiff submitted solely out of fear of immediate retaliation, which Defendant repeatedly demonstrated would include financial punishment, professional sabotage, abandonment in foreign countries, or physical harm.”
Cartagena has hired celebrity criminal attorney Joe Tacopina, who once served on Donald Trump&#8217;s legal team, to defend him in this case. The attorney released a statement denying any wrongdoing by his client. 
“The lawsuit filed by Tyrone Blackburn and Terrance Dixon is a blatant act of retaliation — a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the civil suit we filed first, which exposed their coordinated scheme to extort Mr. Cartagena through lies, threats, and manufactured allegations.”
The statement continues, “Law enforcement is aware of the extortionate demand at the heart of this scheme. The allegations against Mr. Cartagena are complete fabrications — lies intended to damage his reputation and force a settlement through public pressure. Mr. Cartagena will not be intimidated. We have taken legal action to expose this fraudulent campaign and hold everyone involved accountable.”
Fat Joe is a Bronx-born rapper and music executive who rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Lean Back” and “What&#8217;s Luv?” He has been married to his wife, Lorena, since 1995. They have one daughter together, and Cartagena has two children from previous relationships.

Fat Joe

Fat Joe’s Ex-Hype Man Accuses Rapper Of Having Sex With Minors In $20M Lawsuit

Fat Joe's Ex-Hype Man Accuses Rapper Of Having Sex With Minors In $20M Lawsuit

Celebrities

Child Sex Abuse

Entertainment

Lawsuit

Rapper

Sexual Assault

U.S.

While most winners at the BET Awards Monday night avoided the topic of politics, rapper and singer Doechii, real name Jaylah Hickmon, criticized President Trump for making moves to restore order following violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Doechii Takes Center Stage As Winner Of Best Female Hip Hop Artist! | BET Awards &#039;25" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d-oNo1T23Rs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
“As much as I am honored by this award, I do want to address what’s happening right now outside of the building,” the 26-year-old Florida native said during her acceptance speech. “There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order. Trump is using military forces to stop a protest.”
“I want y’all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?” Hickmon continued.
“People are being swept up and torn from their families,” she said. “I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people, for black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza.”
“We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear,” Hickmon concluded as several audience members gave her a standing ovation. “And I hope we stand together, my brothers and my sisters, against hate, and we protest against it.”
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On Monday night, President Trump mobilized an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to join the 2,000 Guardsmen deployed by the Trump administration over the weekend, along with 700 Marines that were sent on Monday, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/i-am-not-playing-around-trump-hammers-home-his-determination-on-l-a-riots">reported</a>.
The protesters, including many waving Mexican flags, have also blocked traffic on roads and highways.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had directed his administration to take all necessary steps to end the “Migrant riots” and continue the deportations of illegal immigrants.
“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals. Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in coordination with all other relevant Departments and Agencies, to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion, and put an end to these Migrant riots,” Trump added. “Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Doechii

BET Award Winner Whines About Trump Shutting Down L.A. Riot With Military Force

California

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Los Angeles

Politics

Rioters

President Donald Trump issued a pardon for rapper NBA (“Never Broke Again”) YoungBoy, real name Kentrell Gaulden, on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old recording artist was previously sentenced to just under two years in prison on gun-related charges, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-youngboy-pardon-trump-weapons-charges-4e0129e9587c61a317acb4153b2e6f9c#">The Associated Press</a>.
“I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist,” Gaulden said.
The rapper pleaded guilty to his involvement in a Utah pharmacy drug ring, which included charges of felony identity fraud and felony forgery. Those charges were downgraded to misdemeanors, and Gaulden was forced to pay a $25,000 fine. The following month brought more legal woes for the “Shot Callin’” singer. 
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Gaulden acknowledged that he was in illegal possession of weapons despite being a convicted felon and was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison by a Utah judge. He reached a settlement, including an almost two-year sentence, five years of probation, and a $200,000 fine. The rapper was released from prison in March, but the pardon means he won’t have to serve the five years of probation.
The performer has been involved in numerous criminal cases, including two attempted murder charges in 2016 when he was 17 years old, per <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/05/29/nba-youngboy-trump-pardon/83917364007/">USA Today</a>. The charges were reduced to aggravated assault with a firearm and resulted in a suspended 10-year prison sentence and probation. Gaulden was also involved in a 2018 assault and kidnapping, a 2019 assault and battery lawsuit, and a 2019 shooting in Miami, the outlet noted.
Gaulden recently announced his first headlining national tour, which is scheduled to begin in September and visit 32 cities nationwide.
Trump issued several other presidential pardons this week, including “Chrisley Knows Best” reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are currently serving years-long sentences over numerous financial crimes. The president also pardoned former New York Congressman Michael Grimm and former Connecticut Republican Governor John Rowland.

NBA YoungBoy

Trump Issues Pardon For Rapper NBA YoungBoy

President Trump Issues Pardon For Rapper NBA YoungBoy

Pardon

Actor Will Smith just dropped his first studio album in 20 years, and he referenced the infamous moment at the 2022 Academy Awards when he slapped presenter Chris Rock across the face.
The rap artist included many collaborations on his new album, “Based On a True Story,” and the first song, “Int. Barbershop — Day,” begins with the line, “Will Smith is canceled,” as Variety <a href="https://variety.com/2025/music/news/will-smith-new-album-chris-rock-oscars-slap-1236350689/">noted</a>.
The song&#8217;s credits say it’s a collaboration between DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone. It includes several voices repeating rumors about Smith in a freestyle rap, such as “Who the f** Will Smith think he is?” and “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that sh** he did.” 
One of the song lyrics says, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that sh** because he’s black.”
The outlet notes that Smith did not have to return his Oscar, but he was banned from attending any Academy events for at least ten years.
The “Men in Black” star shocked the entertainment world by responding physically to Rock telling a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Will strode onto the stage and slapped Rock, then said, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.”
Later in the telecast, Smith was awarded the Oscar for Best Actor for his film “King Richard.”
Another line in the song mentions the incident again: “Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ bout?/ You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
The album’s second song, “You Lookin’ for Me?” also references the drama in his personal life. The lyrics say, “Took a lot, I’m back on top/ Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated/ Won’t stop, my sh** still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated.” 
Previously, Smith <a href="https://thesource.com/2025/03/28/will-smith-shares-advice-from-jay-z-kendrick-lamar-on-new-album/">mentioned</a> that he had received guidance from Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for the new album. He said Jay-Z told him to “be true to your story,” which helped inspire the title. Lamar told Smith to “say that sh** you always been scared to say.”

Will Smith

Will Smith References Infamous Oscars Slap On His First Album Drop In 20 Years

Chris Rock

Jada Pinkett Smith

A podcaster has publicly apologized to rap artist Megan Thee Stallion after facing backlash for what’s been described as a &#8220;racist&#8221; comment.
Hannah Berner and her “Giggly Squad” podcast co-host, Paige DeSorbo, conducted celebrity interviews on the red carpet for Vanity Fair on Sunday during the outlet’s Oscars after-party event. The pair got to speak with Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, and one portion of that interview has since gone viral.
During the interview, both podcasters were praising the “Hot Girl Summer” singer. DeSorbo told Pete that she always starts her day with the artist’s songs, prompting Berner to say, “Your music has literally like, made me &#8230; when I want to fight someone, I listen to your music.”
“You want to throw that fighting sh** out the window,” Pete replied. “You want to get cute and be a bad b*tch.”
“When people are talking sh**, I go, ‘Turn on Megan Thee Stallion!’” Berner added, getting so excited that she started jumping up and down.
“Body-ody-ody, I look beautiful, I look so great,” Pete responded, referencing the chorus of her hit song “Body.” 
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Vanity Fair Oscar Party Live" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wjgOwBtY4-o?start=3628&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
TikTok commenters came after the interviewers, saying the interaction had “racist” undertones.
“This felt so racist. And they didn’t let her finish most her sentences,” one TikTok user wrote.
“Very micro aggressive. Megs music isn’t about fighting and the fangirling is a spectacle. Please hire real interviewers that know how to talk to black women as PEOPLE and not characters,” another person agreed.
“The racism is LOUD!” a third echoed.
“Lowkey ‘angry Black woman’ references in 2025? Please,” TyLisa Johnson <a href="https://www.poynter.org/commentary/2025/vanity-fair-megan-thee-stallion-hannah-berner-oscars-2025/">wrote</a> in an opinion column for Poynter.
“I’ve been a fan of Megan Thee Stallion since around 2016, when she was a young college student freestyling in cars. She has never made me want to fight. She makes me want to dance, be more liberated, stand up for myself and own my womanhood.”
The backlash became so extreme that Berner issued an apology via Instagram Stories on Thursday. &#8220;Interviewing Megan Thee Stallion was a dream of mine. I love her music and it&#8217;s my go to whenever I need to boost my confidence before a show. Looking back at the interview, I wish I used any other word except &#8216;fight&#8217; to describe how her songs impact me,&#8221; Berner wrote.
&#8220;It was a careless choice of words and though there was no ill intent, I recognize and acknowledge that what I said has a deeper meaning and I am so sorry to Megan,” she continued. “I appreciate everyone who brought this to my attention.&#8221;

Megan Thee Stallion

Podcast Host Apologizes For ‘Racist’ Comment While Interviewing Megan Thee Stallion

Podcast Host Apologizes For 'Racist' Comment While Interviewing Megan Thee Stallion

Racism

Rapper A$AP Rocky on Tuesday was found not guilty in his felony assault trial, leading to much celebration by him and the mother of his two children, fellow recording artist Rihanna.
The 36-year-old celeb was acquitted after being accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at his former friend and A$AP Mob member, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), during a fight in November 2021. 
A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was facing two charges of felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm, which carried a maximum sentence of up to 24 years in prison if convicted of all charges. The rapper rejected a plea deal of 180 days in jail at the start of the trial last month. 
When the not guilty verdict was <a href="https://people.com/asap-rocky-found-not-guilty-felony-assault-trial-verdict-11681492">read</a>, the courtroom exploded with applause and shouting as Mayers embraced his attorney. 
&#8220;Thank y&#8217;all for saving my life,&#8221; the rapper told the jurors as they left the Los Angeles courtroom.
&#8220;I really want to thank the jury for making the right decision. I&#8217;m just so thankful, this is crazy right now,&#8221; Mayers added outside the courtroom.
&#8220;This whole experience has been crazy for the past four years but I&#8217;m thankful, nonetheless, I&#8217;m thankful and I&#8217;m blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y&#8217;all right now,&#8221; he said.
Rihanna, who had appeared in court occasionally during the three week trial with the couple’s children RZA, 2, and Riot, 1, wrote on her Instagram Stories: &#8220;The glory belongs to God and God alone!&#8221;
&#8220;Thankful, humbled by His mercy!&#8221; she wrote, adding a praying hands emoji at the end of the post.
During closing statements, L.A. County Deputy District Attorney John Lewin told the jury not to consider Rihanna or the couple’s children while deciding the verdict. 
&#8220;This is not something you&#8217;re allowed to consider,&#8221; Lewin told the jury on Friday. &#8220;We are all responsible for what we do.&#8221;
He said, &#8220;I want to make sure that no matter how famous his [partner] is, no matter how cute his kids are, no matter how much they giggle during closing arguments&#8230; he needs to be treated like any other person. Because in the end that&#8217;s what he&#8217;s entitled to.&#8221;
Prosecutors argued that Mayers shot twice in the direction of Ephron and left him with bullet-graze wounds above his knuckles. The former member of Mayers’ crew also testified that Rocky had allegedly threatened to kill him the same night, per <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/asap-rocky-trial-jury-deliberations/">CBS News</a>.
Meanwhile, Mayers’ attorneys argued that he only fired blanks that evening in 2021 from a prop gun he had acquired on a music video shoot. Neither side produced a gun as evidence.
The defense accused Ephron of fabricating evidence, committing perjury, and attempting to extort Mayers.

Rihanna and ASAP Rocky

Rihanna Reacts To A$AP Rocky Not Guilty Verdict: ‘The Glory Belongs To God’

Rihanna Reacts To A$AP Rocky Not Guilty Verdict: 'The Glory Belongs To God' 

Courts

Los Angeles County

Rihanna

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance at <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl LIX</a> is still getting mixed reviews, with many viewers calling it confusing and others deeming it brilliant. But in either case, it has gone down in history as the most-watched halftime show ever, with a total of 133.5 million viewers.
The previous record-holder since 1993 was pop superstar Michael Jackson, who received 133.4 million views when he performed at Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Lamar is the first solo <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/rap-music">rapper</a> to perform at the Super Bowl, per <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/kendrick-lamar-performance-super-bowl-lix-most-watched-halftime-show">Sports Illustrated</a>. The recording artist performed a total of 12 songs, including his popular “diss track” against the Canadian rapper Drake, called “Not Like Us.”
Many viewers were pleased to see outwardly patriotic themes during the performance including dancers wearing red, white, and blue and positioning themselves to depict an American Flag. Samuel L. Jackson appeared as Uncle Sam, and there were no scantily clad dancers or sexualized moves, which is normally a big complaint for Super Bowl shows.
However, many football fans complained that Lamar’s songs were mostly unknown to the general public and that it was hard to understand the lyrics. Others noted that the rapper, who often uses his music to advocate progressive social themes, was actually criticizing the nation with the performance.
Tennis pro Serena Williams also made a guest appearance, doing the same “crip walk” dance that she was criticized for performing at Wimbledon 13 years ago. Her inclusion was meant to further antagonize Drake, who is rumored to have dated Williams decades ago.
Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL announced that the viewership record was broken on Tuesday, writing on social media, “We’ve broken the record again! The most watched Apple Music Halftime show EVER, with 133.5 Million viewers.”
This number is surprising considering that Lamar’s performance had more viewers than the football game itself, which had an average viewership of 126 million, per <a href="https://x.com/FOXSportsPR/status/1889107300985512289">Fox Sports</a>.
Lamar, 37, is a Compton-born rapper was signed as an artist in 2005. He’s the recipient of multiple accolades, including 22 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Brit Award, and several others.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s Controversial Halftime Show Was Most-Watched In Super Bowl History

Kendrick Lamar's Controversial Halftime Show Was Most-Watched In Super Bowl History

New Orleans

Rap artist <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/snoop-dogg">Snoop Dogg</a> clapped back at critics who took issue with him performing at one of the celebratory events ahead of the inauguration of President <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> last week.
The 53-year-old <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/rap-music">entertainer</a>, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., addressed his haters via a video uploaded to Instagram on Sunday. Snoop had performed at an event called the Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C., on January 18, which is why so many followers were reacting badly. Soulja Boy and Rick Ross also performed at the event.
&#8220;For all the hate, I&#8217;m going to answer with love,&#8221; Snoop said in a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFTK5UUy4y7/#">video</a> recorded in his car. &#8220;Y&#8217;all can&#8217;t hate enough; I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I&#8217;m cool, I&#8217;m together. Still a black man. Still 100% black. All out &#8217;til you ball out, or &#8217;til you fall out.&#8221;
While the rapper had been critical of Trump during his first term as president, Snoop seems to have changed his mind in recent years. Critics couldn’t help but point out that the artist once pretended to shoot a clown dressed as Trump in 2017 in a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/snoop-dogg-has-nothing-but-love-and-respect-for-trump-as-feud-goes-up-in-smoke">music video</a> for the song “Lavender.”
He also voiced his disdain in the song &#8220;M.A.C.A (Make America Crip Again),&#8221; saying, &#8220;The president say he wants to Make America Great Again, f***- that s***.&#8221;
Snoop <a href="https://x.com/XXL/status/1270826921455243268">called</a> Trump a &#8220;f***ing weirdo&#8221; on X in 2020, saying, &#8220;if you voted for him, I have no problem with that, but if you&#8217;re still with him, f*** you.&#8221;
But then in recent years, the rapper seems to have changed his mind. In 2021, Trump commuted the 25-to-life sentence of Michael Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records, for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. &#8220;That’s great work for the president and his team on the way out. They did some great work while they was in there,&#8221; Snoop said at the time.
Then in 2024, Snoop showed his appreciation for Trump again. “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me,” Snoop Dogg said, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/snoop-dogg-has-nothing-but-love-and-respect-for-trump-as-feud-goes-up-in-smoke">reported</a>. “He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris. So I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.”
Other mainstream artists have also come under fire for performing at Trump’s inauguration events, including “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, Jewel, and Nelly.
&#8220;I&#8217;m not political. I&#8217;m not out here trying to tell anybody who they should vote for,&#8221; Nelly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/this-isnt-politics-rapper-nelly-defends-decision-to-perform-at-trumps-inaugural-ball">said</a> after performing at the inaugural ball. &#8220;But what I will say is that, I respect the office. This isn&#8217;t politics. The politics, for me, is over. He won! He&#8217;s the president.&#8221;

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg Hits Back At Hate He’s Gotten Over Trump Inauguration Appearance

Inauguration

Recording artist <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/chris-brown">Chris Brown</a> is suing <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/warner-bros">Warner Bros.</a> for $500 million, accusing them of unfairly painting him as an “abuser” with the airing of the docuseries “Chris Brown: A History of Violence.”
The project in question aired on Investigation Discovery in October. Brown, 35, filed the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/lawsuit">lawsuit</a> for the alleged offenses of defamation-libel and infliction of emotional distress through the content of the program, per <a href="https://people.com/chris-brown-sues-warner-bros-for-500-million-over-docuseries-says-he-was-falsely-labeled-as-an-abuser-8778289">People</a>.
“A History of Violence” included interviews with multiple women who claimed to have been abused by Brown. One woman identified as Jane Doe claims to have been raped by the recording artist in 2000.
&#8220;This case is about the media putting their own profits over the truth,&#8221; the lawsuit says. The document also asserts that Warner Bros. allowed the project to go forward, &#8220;knowing that it was full of lies and deception and violating journalistic principles.&#8221;
The filing mentions Doe specifically, saying her claims were already &#8220;discredited.” The document says she is &#8220;perpetrator of intimate partner violence and aggressor herself.&#8221; Brown claims Doe originally accused him of assaulting her on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ yacht in 2022, but those charges were dismissed after a Miami Beach Police officer discovered text messages sent by Doe &#8220;that exposed her dishonesty,&#8221; the filing states.
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The lawsuit mentions that despite Brown never being convicted of sex crimes, he’s painted as a &#8220;serial rapist&#8221; and &#8220;sexual abuser.&#8221; The docuseries also reported that Brown smashed a window at Good Morning America in 2011, allegedly threw a brick through his mother’s windscreen in 2013, and punched a female fan in 2016. He was also accused of verbal and physical abuse and making death threats by his ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, per <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/22/chris-brown-sues-warner-sexual-assault-allegations-documentary-history-of-violence">The Guardian</a>.
Brown was sued by his ex-manager for assault in 2016 and settled out of court. In July 2024, four concert attendees claimed Brown and his entourage “attacked and brutally beat” them after the show. That case is still pending.
The lawsuit also mentions the harm caused by the docuseries after Brown spent years trying to rehabilitate his image. In 2009, the rapper was charged with assault and making criminal threats by his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, following an altercation they had before the Grammy Awards. Brown pleaded guilty in June of that year and accepted a plea deal of community labor, five years probation, and domestic violence counseling, the outlet noted.
&#8220;Mr. Brown has grown from those experiences, and his evolution speaks for itself,&#8221; the lawsuit states. &#8220;This new production ignores that growth, choosing instead to repackage stale accusations while amplifying them with demonstrable falsehoods.&#8221;

Chris Brown

Chris Brown Sues Warner Bros. For $500M, Saying Doc Made Him Look Like Abuser

Warner Bros

Comedian <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/roseanne-barr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roseanne Barr</a> and Tom MacDonald’s rap video about President-elect Donald Trump’s victory “Daddy’s Home” has soared to the number one spot in music ahead of his second inauguration.
“We have officially hit #1 in ALL GENRES in the USA,” a joint post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE-ZcrqvXv-/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D">Instagram</a> from Barr and MacDonald read after it became the number one song in America.
“Hollywood cancelled Rosie years ago…turned their backs on her…outcasted her…and stole her show,” it added. “They NEVER gave her a second chance…so, we’re taking this into our own hands.”
“We don’t need Hollywood…we’ll get Roseanne her first #1 song INDEPENDENT! If you haven’t &#8211; head to iTunes and download “Daddy’s Home”!!! #tommacdonald #hangovergang,” the post continued.
In a post on <a href="https://x.com/IAMTOMMACDONALD/status/1880816606357467266">X</a>, MacDonald wrote that the rap was also the “#1 music video trending in America” on YouTube.
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“I probably get more hate than any rapper alive…and oddly enough, I think I have the most fun,” the rapper said. “The amount of criticism I receive would probably crush me if it wasn’t rivalled by the absolutely incredible amount of LOVE that I get from you guys.”
“Thank you so much. PS. CONGRATULATIONS ROSIE! We love you!!!” he added. 
He continued in a <a href="https://x.com/IAMTOMMACDONALD/status/1881086709192126751">later post</a>, “WELCOME TO 2025. Trump is your president &amp; Roseanne is the best rapper alive. Enjoy your stay.”
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The comedian also responded to the news and <a href="https://x.com/therealroseanne/status/1880773632085156333">wrote on X</a>, “Damn it feels good to be a gangster.”
On Friday, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/roseanne-barr">Barr</a> got everyone’s attention when she and MacDonald finally dropped their rap video, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/roseanne-barr-drops-daddys-home-rap-video-with-tom-macdonald">reported</a>.
In the fun video filled with Trump-flag-waving supporters, the two performers rap a catchy tune about Trump’s victory and repeat the chorus, “We won, you mad/It’s done, too bad/Boo-hoo, so sad/Now your daddy’s home. We won, you mad/You cry, we laugh/We wave, the flag/Now your Daddy’s home.” 
<a href="https://store.dailywire.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo-O6e3kIAbk33d8_pN9WQPMDhQnZJQqGPSWLwTl-kA6z3RiP1a"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-861629" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/INAUG_MERCHBANNER-2-1024x391.png" alt="" width="1024" height="391" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/INAUG_MERCHBANNER-2-1024x391.png 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/INAUG_MERCHBANNER-2-300x115.png 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/INAUG_MERCHBANNER-2-768x293.png 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/INAUG_MERCHBANNER-2-1536x587.png 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/INAUG_MERCHBANNER-2-2048x782.png 2048w" sizes=" (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a> 

The video comes on the heels of last year’s “Facts,” a collaboration between Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro and MacDonald, which dominated the charts, eventually hitting <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ben-shapiros-facts-tops-billboard-charts-as-best-selling-rap-single">number one</a> on the Billboard Rap chart.
In the song, the two reference the last four years under President Joe Biden and the transgender insanity pushed by his administration. One line read, “Thank God, that we’re back/Couldn’t take another four years, that’s a wrap/I can take a bath in your tears, that’s a fact/You got lipstick all on your beard, you’re a man…”
In another part, the pair rap, “If you mad about it, go and cry about it/Shave your head and wear a shirt that says your woke/If you can’t handle all the facts and make up lies about it (liar)/Say goodbye to Joe, your daddy’s coming home (coming home).”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/roseanne-barr-drops-daddys-home-rap-video-with-tom-macdonald" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roseanne Barr Drops ‘Daddy’s Home’ Rap Video With Tom MacDonald</a>

Roseanne Barr Visits “Gutfeld!”

Roseanne Barr And Tom MacDonald’s Trump Rap ‘Daddy’s Home’ Hits Number 1 Ahead Of Inauguration

Roseanne Barr And Tom MacDonald's Trump Rap 'Daddy's Home' Hits Number 1 Ahead Of Inauguration

Roseanne Barr

Tom MacDonald

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