Monica shares her thoughts about being in her “Auntie” era: “I look at that as an endearing term”

Gunner Stahl/Essence Monica launched her music career as a preteen, and at 42 years old, she remains booked and busy. The star, who graces the cover of Essence‘s July/August digital issue, credits…

Music notes: Cardi B, Pharrell, Jay-Z and more

Cardi B shared a fun fact about the single that catapulted her into mainstream fame. “I spend ten thousand dollars on the ‘Bodak yellow’ music video,” she tweeted Tuesday. Nia Long is releasing…

‘Variety’ cover star DJ Khaled shares some of the keys to his success

Brandon Hickman/E! DJ Khaled is sharing another set of keys, and this time, it’s the ones that led to his success. As Variety‘s latest cover star, he discussed some of those keys,…

‘XXL’ reveals 2023 Freshman Class

ABC/Randy Holmes Watch out, rappers! There’s some new freshmen in town. XXL has unveiled the members of their 2023 Freshman Class, a list of emcees the publication suggests the world should look out…

LL Cool J and Ice-T team up to hunt for ‘Hip-Hop Treasures’ on new A&E show

Stewart Cook/CBS LL Cool J and Ice-T are learning the stories behind some Hip-Hop Treasures. In their new A&E show, the veteran rappers hunt for some of the genre’s most iconic and sought-after memorabilia…

Boosie granted $500K bond following recent arrest

Paras Griffin/Getty Images Boosie was granted bond following his recent arrest, ABC10 reports. During a hearing Tuesday, June 20, U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard ruled the rapper, born Torrence Hatch Jr., could be released on $500,000…

Taxstone sentenced to 35 years in prison for fatal shooting of Troy Ave’s bodyguard at 2016 NYC concert

Johnny Nunez/WireImage Rapper and podcaster Taxstone was sentenced June 20 for the fatal shooting of rapper Troy Ave‘s bodyguard during a 2016 T.I. concert at Irving Plaza. Billboard reports he was sentenced to 35 years in prison on charges of manslaughter…

Pharrell makes Louis Vuitton debut at Paris Men’s Fashion Week

Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images Pharrell made his Louis Vuitton debut at a star-studded show that took place Tuesday, June 20, during Paris Men’s Fashion Week. As men’s creative director for the brand, the…

Missy Elliott talks “The Rain” video, new music and more as ‘Essence’ cover star

Derek Blanks The video for Missy Elliott‘s 1997 hit “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” has been praised as futuristic and innovative, but that was far from the rapper’s mind when she was…

Latto talks family, music and acting aspirations: “I don’t see myself doing music forever”

ABC/Craig Sjodin Latto is a family-oriented person who is particularly close with her mom and sister. Speaking to Cosmopolitan, she says doesn’t “know what I would do without” them. “That’s probably my…