Rapper Yung Miami has responded to the MTV VMA (Video Music Awards) overlooking “Spend Dat” in its Song of the Summer nominations. The Uptown Records recording artist addressed the omission after Red Media questioned why the track failed to make the category. Yung Miami kept her response brief. “Are we surprised???” she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Are we surprised???? https://t.co/PaaQKdJbMg — Yung Miami (@YungMiami305) September 18, 2026 Her reaction quickly reignited the conversation surrounding “Spend Dat” and its run throughout the summer. Fans offered competing arguments about whether the record deserved a place among the nominees. One supporter urged Yung Miami to disregard the award recognition and focus on her continued momentum. “No shade Caresha I’m f***** proud of you! F*** that award! U back on the map!” the user wrote. “N**** thought you was thru! And you showed they a**.” The debate intensified after The Shade Room shared Yung Miami’s response. Some fans argued that “Spend Dat” had become one of the summer’s defining records. Rapper Yung Miami Not Surprised By “Spend Dat” Being Snubbed At MTV VMAs Others questioned whether the song’s popularity extended beyond hip-hop audiences. “But was that the song of the summer for ppl outside of our culture? It is the MTV awards after all,” one commenter wrote. Another fan defended the track while admitting they were never a major supporter. “I never was a big fan of the record but it fasho was song of summer,” the commenter wrote. The song’s reach also became part of the discussion. One fan argued that “Spend Dat” deserved recognition because it “went GLOBAL!” However, another commenter questioned whether the track had the visual impact expected from the Video Music Awards. “Did the song have an actual video that was award worthy?! NOPE,” the user wrote. The conversation follows additional attention surrounding “Spend Dat” and its viral dance. Yung Miami previously defended her daughter, Summer, and nephew, Rylo, after videos showed them performing the choreography. “I use to do the cry baby and splits in dance contests when I was a lil girl oh yeah and the doodoo brown! Yall go cook,” she wrote. For now, “Spend Dat” remains at the center of the Song of the Summer conversation, while Yung Miami has made her position clear.

Chicago Bears fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief. ​While the offense may still need a temporary plan B, tests revealed quarterback Caleb Williams avoided a severe hamstring injury in Sunday’s matchup, ​Appearing on ESPN 1000 with Jeff Joniak, Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that Williams is expected to miss time. ​”He’s right now working through every avenue that he’s got available to get back on track here. We’ll see what that looks like,” Johnson said. “Here’s what I know. This guy’s a little bit different than the average human being. I said that last night; I’ll double down on that. “He gets back — he has in the past — a lot faster than what people can anticipate, and so I’m not putting a timeline on this,” Johnson continued. “We’re going to say week-to-week. He’s going to attack this with everything that he knows.” Bears QB Caleb Williams avoided any major injury to his hamstring Sunday, tests confirmed today — and the team isn’t even ruling him out for next Monday’s game against the Eagles, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. A massive sigh of relief in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/mfCT5x0JWR — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 21, 2026 ​Following an MRI on Monday morning to evaluate the severity of Williams’ hamstring injury, head coach Ben Johnson characterized the imaging results as “somewhat encouraging.” If Williams is unable to suit up next Monday, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will step in as the starter. “I would be a lot more concerned if I didn’t have a year and a half under our belts together now, and so I’ve seen them every single day in practice,” Johnson said of Bagent and Case Keenum. “We’ve had a lot of reps during the course of training camp and in the preseason. So if it goes that route, I feel strongly about what he’s capable of and what our team does, too. They know he’s a darn good football player. He’s won games in the past. Him and Case both have won games in this league. There’s a lot of confidence that both of those guys can get the job done if it comes to it.” The Bears are set to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 28.

Shaquille O’Neal has officially entered the ranks of federal law enforcement after being named an honorary special agent by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Hall of Fame center received the distinction during the graduation ceremony for the FBI National Academy’s Session 299 on Sept. 17. FBI Director Kash Patel presented the honor to O’Neal in front of 265 law enforcement professionals from across the nation. The graduation took place at the academy’s historic campus in Quantico, where senior law enforcement leaders undergo rigorous academic and physical training. Patel praised the four-time NBA champion for his longstanding commitment to the badge and the communities it protects. “This session is historic — FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country — @Shaq — who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent,” Patel said in a statement shared on social media. The honorary title is the latest chapter in O’Neal’s extensive history with police agencies. Since retiring from professional basketball, the former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat star has frequently traded his jersey for a uniform. In 2005, he was sworn in as a reserve officer for the Miami Beach Police Department and has held similar roles with the Los Angeles Port Police and the Doral Police Department in Florida. Beyond his reserve duties, O’Neal has taken on leadership roles within local departments. Late last year, he was appointed the community relations chief for the Henry County Police Department in Georgia. The 7-foot-1 icon has often used his celebrity status to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, participating in community outreach and youth programs. The FBI National Academy is a prestigious 10-week program primarily reserved for experienced law enforcement leaders. The curriculum focuses on intelligence theory, forensic science, management science and law. While O’Neal’s status is honorary, his participation in the Session 299 graduation highlights his continued advocacy for the profession. O’Neal joins a select group of civilians who have been recognized by federal agencies for their contributions to public safety.

Jhené Aiko has reached a pinnacle in her music career this week as her latest studio effort, “Westside Whimsy,” debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. The achievement marks the first No. 1 album for the Los Angeles native since she first entered the charts more than a decade ago. According to data provided by Luminate, “Westside Whimsy” earned 74,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during the tracking week ending Sept. 17. The project’s success was driven largely by digital streaming, accounting for 70,000 units, which translates to roughly 71.33 million on-demand official streams. The album also debuted at the top of the Top Streaming Albums chart. The victory is particularly significant for the R&B genre. Aiko is the first female R&B artist to lead the Billboard 200 in 2026. The last woman in the genre to hold the top spot was SZA, whose blockbuster album “SOS” last saw the No. 1 position in May 2025. Aside from Aiko, the only other R&B artist to reach the peak this year was Bruno Mars with his project “The Romantic” in March. Aiko utilized a surprise-release strategy for the new project, announcing “Westside Whimsy” on Sept. 8, just three days before its Sept. 11 release. The album features a robust lineup of West Coast talent and frequent collaborators, including Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Tyga, Larry June and Ohma. Despite only being available in digital formats — with physical copies not expected until January — the album managed to secure the 25th spot on the Top Album Sales chart. This milestone concludes a nearly 13-year climb for the singer-songwriter. Aiko first appeared on the Billboard 200 in November 2013 with her EP “Sail Out,” which peaked at No. 8. Since then, she has secured six top 10 projects. Her previous career best was the 2020 Grammy-nominated album “Chilombo,” which reached the No. 2 position. Industry analysts noted that Aiko is part of a rare group of artists who have waited more than a decade between their chart debut and their first No. 1. With a gap of 12 years and 10 months, she joins Megadeth as one of the few acts in 2026 to achieve this long-term career breakthrough. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddh3MiRzgmZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Porsha Williams is opening up about a health crisis that led to a life-saving emergency surgery earlier this year. The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star revealed Friday that she underwent an emergency partial hysterectomy in May after doctors discovered nearly two dozen uterine fibroids. Williams, 45, shared the details of her medical journey during an appearance on “CBS Mornings” and in a first-person essay for Glamour. The reality star disclosed that surgeons removed 21 fibroids during the procedure, one of which had grown to the size of a cantaloupe. The discovery occurred unexpectedly when Williams accompanied a friend to a fertility appointment. While there, Williams asked for an exam to check on her own health as she considered expanding her family. She recalled the moment the mood in the room shifted when the doctor performed the ultrasound. “She went silent and I looked at the screen and all I could see was like black,” Williams told host Gayle King. Having been diagnosed with fibroids in her late 20s—a condition that contributed to a miscarriage at four months—Williams said she immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous muscular growths that develop in or around the uterus. While common, they can cause severe symptoms. Williams admitted she had been suffering from extreme fatigue, migraines and a menstrual cycle that lasted six weeks, but she initially attributed the issues to perimenopause. The emergency surgery resulted in the removal of her uterus, effectively ending her ability to carry another child. However, the procedure preserved her ovaries. Williams, who is already a mother to 7-year-old daughter Pilar Jhena, said she had to grieve the loss of her fertility while acknowledging the necessity of the operation. “I didn’t have a choice about the hysterectomy, but it saved my life,” Williams wrote in her essay, noting that her quality of life has improved “100%” since the surgery. Following the reveal, Williams took to Instagram to thank her followers for their outpouring of support. She said she chose to go public with her story to inspire other women to take charge of their reproductive health and seek medical advice for unexplained symptoms. “Thank you for all of the love and support today. My heart is so full,” Williams wrote. “I just pray that by being brave enough to share my loss, my journey through surgery, and my new quality of life, my story will inspire women to take charge of their health and their bodies.” View this post on Instagram

Hip-Hop star Yung Miami’s solo era is gathering serious momentum due to the success of her Uptown Records’ debut “Spend Dat.” Her breakout single for the relaunched Uptown Records, has reached RIAA platinum eligibility. Released April 24, the J. White Did It-produced track became a defining record of Miami’s 2026 run. It climbed to No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped multiple radio charts. Yung Miami says she’s going to bet on herself everytime after ‘Spend Dat’ goes platinum pic.twitter.com/XqVZO0SrpE — 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) September 15, 2026 The milestone arrives months after Miami joined Uptown Records’ first wave of artists. The storied label relaunched under Republic Collective with Miami, G Herbo and Trap Dickey. “This is a legendary label being resurrected,” Miami said of Uptown. “Uptown already feels like home.” “Spend Dat” has since become the centerpiece of her solo campaign. The former City Girls member has spent the year carving out space beyond her work with JT. The song’s RIAA milestone measures more than traditional purchases. Platinum represents one million certified units under the organization’s current digital single standards. The RIAA counts eligible permanent downloads and on-demand audio and video streams. One hundred fifty qualifying streams equal one certified unit. Hip-Hop Star Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” Reaches RIAA Platinum Eligibility Miami has also expanded the song’s reach through two remixes. Lil Baby and Kodak Black joined the U.S. remix, while Davido, Shenseea and Vybz Kartel appeared on the international version. Those collaborations arrived as “Spend Dat” continued its chart run. The song has remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for multiple weeks, reinforcing its staying power. Miami’s achievement follows years of success with City Girls. Now, “Spend Dat” offers a different kind of statement. It belongs to her solo catalog, under a newly revived label with its own history. Uptown helped define hip-hop and R&B through artists including Mary J. Blige, Jodeci and Heavy D. For Miami, the connection carries symbolic weight. She is entering Uptown’s next chapter while building one of her own. The platinum-eligible “Spend Dat” has become the clearest marker yet of that transition. Its success gives Miami another significant milestone before her anticipated solo debut album. The record has already carried her from Miami nightlife to national radio and the Billboard Top 20. Now, the RIAA milestone adds another chapter to her solo ascent.

Cardi B denied internet rumors suggesting she is secretly maintaining a romantic relationship with her estranged husband, Offset. The “Bodak Yellow” artist took to social media this week to address speculation that the former couple, who share three children, are still “messing around” despite their ongoing divorce proceedings. The controversy erupted after social media users pointed to posts from an account linked to model Melanie Jayda, who was previously seen with Offset in Dubai. The posts alluded to women who continue to hook up with their former partners behind the backs of new significant others. Cardi B, 33, did not mince words in her response, asserting that she has completely closed the door on their romantic history. “Never in your life never in THIS life,” Cardi wrote in a post on X, which she later deleted. “Mf’ers could go through that man text, phone, whatever… NEVER would you catch me doing that. I don’t flirt, I don’t give no inch of possibility. Shit put a private investigator on me and I put that on my kids life in the name of Jesus!!!” The couple ended their six-year marriage in July 2024 when Cardi B filed for divorce. While the two have occasionally been seen together for co-parenting duties involving their children—Kulture, 8, Wave, 5, and Blossom, 2—Cardi has remained steadfast that their romantic connection is over. The rapper also shares a 10-month-old son with NFL star Stefon Diggs. There may be a new love in Cardi’s life as she recently spoke to Vogue Arabia about her budding connection with 27-year-old Nigerian footballer Maduka Okoye. She described Okoye as “very kind” and expressed hope that the public would see more of them together in the future.

Hip-hop producer Mally Mall, whose real name is Jamal Rashid, was sentenced to 17 months in federal prison Thursday after admitting multiple violations of supervised release stemming from a sex trafficking case. Rashid admitted violating several conditions, including tampering with a witness, lying about a cellphone and illegally recording a phone call. He also acknowledged maintaining a hidden room, failing a drug test and associating with a convicted felon. View this post on Instagram U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro questioned whether Rashid had changed. “I’m very disappointed in you, and I really hope you are a changed person,” Navarro said. “I’m not sure I believe it.” Rashid appeared in federal court in downtown Las Vegas wearing jail clothing labeled “detainee.” His attorneys included Steven Sadow, who has represented former President Donald Trump, and Las Vegas attorney Jack Buchanan. “At the end of the day, it’s still an amount of time he’s gonna serve,” Buchanan said. “When he’s done, he’ll be done.” Hip-Hop Star Mally Mall Returns To Federal Prison For Release Violations In Las Vegas Rashid’s supervised release began July 14, 2023. Court records show it was scheduled to expire Sept. 17, 2026. Navarro previously sentenced Rashid to 33 months in prison in May 2021. Rashid pleaded guilty to using an interstate facility to facilitate unlawful activity. He admitted that escort businesses he operated in Clark County between 2002 and 2014 served as fronts for prostitution. Federal prosecutors said the operation transported victims across the country. Prosecutors said Rashid used Backpage, Eros and other websites to advertise women for prostitution. They alleged hundreds of victims worked under arrangements that required them to surrender portions or nearly all their earnings. Rashid also admitted manipulating victims, imposing rules and making threats, prosecutors said. The government said he encouraged victims to get tattoos demonstrating their loyalty. Angela Williams, identified as a victim in the original case, was the witness Rashid admitted tampering with. “He’s always catching a break. He’s always getting these crazy, special deals,” Williams told 8 News Now Investigators. “You used the same tools that you used when you trafficked me to try to extort me,” she said. “You thought I was gonna be quiet.” Williams also described working 16-hour shifts and said, “I wasn’t allowed to say no” when clients requested Rashid’s escort services.

Tisha Campbell revealed this week that she has been diagnosed with AuDHD, a co-occurring condition of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The “Martin” star shared the news during a recent interview, explaining that the formal diagnosis came only after she completed her recent memoir. The diagnosis follows years of Campbell advocating for the autistic community while raising her son, Xen, who is also on the spectrum. Campbell said her therapist suggested she seek testing after observing specific patterns in her behavior and nervous system responses during sessions focused on processing trauma. To ensure accuracy, Campbell said she saw two separate specialists and underwent 12 different assessments with each provider. These evaluations included oral exams, written tests and extensive question-and-answer sessions. The results confirmed she is “level one” on the spectrum, a category that generally describes individuals who live independently but may require support with social communication and sensory processing. During the interview, Campbell admitted to “masking” her symptoms for decades to fit into social norms. She said growing up in Newark meant that she felt she could not afford to stand out or appear different, leading her to hide her natural behaviors from the public eye. “My whole entire life, I’ve masked in front of the public and I’ve masked with my loudness and my jokes,” Campbell said. “That was my way of hiding in plain sight.” One behavior she frequently concealed is stimming, which involves repetitive physical movements or sounds used for self-regulation. Campbell also noted that she now understands her lifelong dedication to acting and music as “special interests,” a term used to describe the deep fixations or obsessions often experienced by neurodivergent individuals. She said the diagnosis has also strengthened the bond with her son, who was reportedly thrilled to learn that his mother shared his neurodivergent identity. Ironically, the revelation occurred just as Campbell released her new book, “The A Word: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism and Love.” Because the clinical results arrived this year, the details of her own AuDHD diagnosis are not included in the published text.

Chicago hip-hop has lost one of its early radio champions this week in Mark “DJ Ice Box” Josephson, whose broadcasts helped introduce local rap to a wider audience, who died July 19 at 58. Josephson was a University of Chicago student in 1986 when he began spinning records at WHPK-FM 88.5. He studied Near Eastern languages and civilizations while hosting late-night rap as DJ Ice Box. With a tagline of “This is Ice Box keeping your hip-hop fresh,” he played rap music on a University of Chicago radio show at a time mainstream radio wouldn’t touch the genre. https://t.co/0grml5dm6n — Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) September 18, 2026 WHPK’s rap program launched in 1984. At the time, Chicago’s commercial stations rarely played hip-hop. The station operated at only 100 watts, but its signal reached much of the South Side. For young rappers, WHPK became a crucial connection to Chicago’s emerging hip-hop culture. “We stumbled across WHPK one day in the mid-’80s,” Darrell “Artistic” Roberts recalled. “They rapping.” Roberts belonged to the Curfew Crew, a group of teenage rappers from Chicago’s 101st Street and State Street area. The crew battled other neighborhood groups and taped WHPK broadcasts. Josephson and his fellow DJs played rap records sourced from New York. They also welcomed tapes from Chicago artists seeking their first radio exposure. Rappers sometimes called the station from a nearby payphone. DJs would collect their tapes and occasionally invite the artists inside. CHICAGO Hip-Hop DJ Mark “DJ Ice Box” Josephson Dead At 58 That connection helped Roberts get his first song played on Chicago radio. C. “Kingdom Rock” Sanders, a Curfew Crew contemporary, later co-founded the Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum. He remembered Josephson as an unconventional figure behind the turntables. “He was a slender, Caucasian, Jewish man with glasses and an Afro,” Sanders said. “You would not expect him to be playing the music he was playing.” John Schauer, another WHPK DJ known as J.P. Chill, said the pair never tried to mimic Black culture. “We were just like, ‘We are who we are,’” Schauer said. “We were different, and we were accepted.” Roberts said their connection transcended race. “Our spirits connected us to the culture,” he said. Josephson later became an attorney but never abandoned music. In 2024, he attended a Common concert wearing a WHPK shirt. “It was surreal to see a bunch of middle-aged Black guys get so excited to meet my dad,” his son, Ari Josephson, said. Josephson had frontotemporal dementia and ALS. He is survived by his wife, Lea, and children Ari and Shayna.