Popular Los Angeles DJ and correspondent Aaron “DJ Hed” Drake Jr. and radio host Gina Views will be bringing their Effective Immediately radio show to Revolt this month. According to a press release, the buzzing West Coast broadcast will fill an evening programming slot. Launched in 2024, the show has produced viral interviews with West Coast hip-hop’s biggest names, including Blueface, Ice Cube, and LaRussell. “The West Coast has something to say,” said Revolt in an Instagram post about Effective Immediately headed to the network. View this post on Instagram For Gina Views, partnering with Revolt will elevate the West Coast’s voice to new heights, something she has always emphasized. “Everything I’ve built has been about elevating West Coast voices and telling our stories authentically,” she said. “Partnering with REVOLT lets us bring our voice to a bigger audience without losing what made it real in the first place.” Over 100 episodes, Effective Immediately has developed its own identity, with a unique, unfiltered perspective and West Coast vibes. DJ Hed and Gina Views’ magnetic chemistry has attracted a steadily growing audience worldwide. Hip-Hop Radio Show Effective Immediately, Hosted By DJ Hed & Gina Views, Premieres On Revolt TV Sept. 23 For DJ Hed, Effective Immediately is a testament to his 20 years as a legitimate voice in West Coast Hip-Hop. “Effective Immediately is a product of 20 years of me trying to provide an authentic voice in our culture,” DJ Hed said. “It’s the platform that I have always strived to create.” Effective Immediately’s jump from national syndication to television is part of Offscript Worldwide, and Revolt is the company’s flagship brand. Deon Graham, the CCO of Offscript Worldwide and Revolt, said DJ Hed and Gina Views’ show is the right fit for Revolt television, as the brand focuses on developing regional voices for the network. “Gina Views and DJ Hed are two authentic West Coast voices who have built something people trust, Graham explained. “We don’t want to change that. Effective Immediately’ is exactly where it belongs.” Effective Immediately, hosted by DJ Hed and Gina Views, premieres on September 23 on Revolt at 9 p.m. ET

A federal jury acquitted hip-hop star Durk Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, on all five charges tied to a Los Angeles murder-for-hire case. The jury returned its verdict after three days of deliberations. Banks, however, has not been released from federal custody following the acquittal. Prosecutors accused Banks of orchestrating a 2022 shooting targeting rapper Quando Rondo. The attack instead killed Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, near the Beverly Center. The government alleged that shooters fired 18 rounds at Rondo’s black Escalade. Robinson was struck during the gunfire and later died. Prosecutors alleged that Banks ordered the attack as retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close associate, Dayvon “King Von” Bennett. Banks’ defense disputed that theory. His attorneys argued that former assistant Kavon Grant arranged the shooting independently. The defense contended that Grant sought to impress Banks. Attorneys maintained that Banks neither ordered nor financed the attack. Hip-Hop Star Lil Durk Acquitted On All Charges In Murder-For-Hire Trial Jurors found Banks not guilty of conspiracy. They also acquitted him of stalking involving a dangerous weapon and stalking resulting in death. The jury further returned not-guilty verdicts on two murder-for-hire counts. The acquittal means the government failed to prove the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not, however, mean Banks has immediately walked free. Banks remains in federal custody despite the verdict, according to the case information provided. The prosecution’s case centered on an alleged revenge motive connected to King Von’s killing. Prosecutors sought to establish that Banks directed an effort against Rondo. The defense instead placed Grant at the center of the alleged plot. That competing account became a critical issue before the jury. The case attracted significant attention because of Banks’ prominence in hip-hop and the allegations involving King Von and Rondo. View this post on Instagram Banks’ acquittal resolves the federal criminal charges arising from the Los Angeles shooting. His continued detention means the verdict has not yet translated into his release from custody. The precise basis for his continued detention was not provided in the supplied case information. For Banks, the verdict eliminates the immediate risk of conviction on the five federal charges. His legal status, however, remains subject to the court’s custody proceedings.

Kevin Durant wants a shot at his fifth gold medal at the 2026 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. In a recent interview, the basketball superstar shared how he’s looking forward to competing in the upcoming Olympiad.“It’s just fun, man,” Durant told The Athletic. “It’s an incredible time. You get to travel the world. I don’t know if we’re gonna get to travel the world with it being in the States, but the last few years, we would go to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, London, Canary Islands, Madrid … being in places that changed not just my perspective about the game, just about life in general. ​”I’ve been in places I’ve never even thought about being in if it wasn’t for the game,” he continued. That experience is one of the best, man. I encourage everybody to play for their country.” ​With four straight gold medals, Durant is considered by many to be the greatest male Olympian to ever play international basketball. “I’m humbled and honored to get that recognition,” Durant said. “So many great players have played. They probably didn’t play as long as me; that’s probably why I get that. I’ve been on four Olympic teams. We’ve won gold every time, so I’ve just been around. I show up. “I think that’s what my career has been based upon, just showing up and letting the chips fall where they may. … I experienced some great coaching with Team USA, and that’s really what brings me back.” DURANT’S SEASON LAST YEAR But he competes for the gold; his first task is to pursue a championship for the Houston Rockets. During his debut 2025–26 season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 78 regular-season games. Shooting efficiently at 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc, the veteran forward earned his 16th career All-Star selection

Quavo stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about his new album “QRÖME LIFE,” out October 2, and working with Pharrell to produce the entire project. He talks about how Pharrell challenged him creatively, their trip to Disneyland with Justin Timberlake, his new song “Backwards” with T.I., Jermaine Dupri’s involvement and who he would put on a “Welcome to Atlanta” remake in 2026. He also discusses Drake sampling old Migos ad-libs on “Shabang,” Drake giving Migos equal splits early in their career, and how “Versace” changed everything for the group. Quavo also opens up about reuniting with Offset in the studio, whether another Migos album and “Unc & Phew 2” are coming, and whether Migos has received enough credit for changing the sound of hip-hop. He talks about Young Thug wanting him to join YSL, his thoughts on artists using AI to make music, possibly stepping into a WWE ring, and ranks some of Migos’ most famous ad-libs. Plus, Quavo reveals why he sometimes ghosts people instead of telling them no and plays “Quavo or Pharrell?” with Nessa.

Pop star Bebe Rexha isn’t afraid to make the first move when it comes to romance—even with Drake. The singer-songwriter recently revealed that she slid into the hip-hop superstar’s Instagram DMs while discussing her dating preferences with Angie Martinez. Rexha made the admission during an appearance on Martinez’s In Real Life podcast, released Thursday, Sept. 10. When Martinez asked what type of men she likes, Rexha offered a wide-ranging answer. “All shapes, colores, sizes, everything,” she said. Bebe Rexha said she shot her shot at Drake after his 20v1 and Drake left her on read “I’m your dream girl, I’m Albanian, I got a fat ass, I got my own thing going on and I don’t even think he saw it or he saw it and just ignored it…I feel like anybody who’s dated Rihanna… pic.twitter.com/jKFXzxlhVd — ZADCOZZY (@zadcozzy) September 11, 2026 Martinez then jokingly asked whether Rexha was “just out here shooting your shot,” prompting the singer to share a recent example. “Honestly, I recently slid into Drake’s DMs,” Rexha said. “After his thing [20 v 1 challenge], and I was like, ‘I’m your dream girl.’” Bebe Rexha Reveals She Slid Into Hip-Hop Superstar Drake’s DMs After 20 v 1 Challenge Rexha said she highlighted several qualities she believes make her a strong match for the “JaniceSTFU” hitmaker. “I’m Albanian, I got a fat ass, I got my own thing going on,” she said. Still, Rexha admitted she has no idea whether Drake saw her message. “I don’t even think he saw it or he saw it and just ignored it,” she said. The “Meant to Be” singer also brought up Drake’s famous romantic history while explaining why dating him might come with a unique challenge. “I feel like anybody who’s dated Rihanna like you can never go up from there,” Rexha said. “She is the baddest.” Rexha also recalled meeting Drake at an awards show. She said he was surrounded by his crew during a tense period when “some drama” was happening. “I was like, ‘Hey Daddy?’” she recalled. According to Rexha, Drake responded with a “dirty” look before his security stepped in. “Do not call him that,” she said the security team told her. Rexha’s story offers a playful glimpse into her approach to dating. Whether Drake saw her DM remains unknown. But Rexha clearly has no problem shooting her shot.

Tyler Perry has officially addressed the notable absence of Janet Jackson in the latest installment of his beloved film franchise, “Why Did I Get Married Again?” The new movie, which premiered on Netflix on Sept. 9, reunites the core cast of the previous films but left fans questioning the whereabouts of Jackson’s character, Dr. Patricia Agnew. During a recent interview with Culture Creators, Perry clarified that there was no behind-the-scenes conflict leading to the casting change. Instead, the reason for Jackson’s absence was a simple matter of logistics. Perry noted that the Grammy-winning singer and actress was committed to her performance schedule in Nevada during the production window. “At the time, she was doing her residency in Vegas, so we couldn’t work out the time,” Perry said during the interview. He emphasized that the door remains open for the iconic star to rejoin the series in potential future chapters, adding, “Who knows what could happen in the future.” The third film in the series arrives nearly two decades after the original 2007 hit “Why Did I Get Married?” and its 2010 sequel, “Why Did I Get Married Too?” The franchise has long been a staple of Perry’s portfolio, known for its exploration of complex relationship dynamics and the bond between a close-knit group of college friends. While Jackson is missing from the current lineup, the third installment features the return of the original ensemble and introduces Academy Award-nominee Taraji P. Henson to the cast. The film has already generated significant buzz on social media, trending on Netflix shortly after its release as viewers catch up with the lives of the central characters. Perry, who has maintained a prolific output for the streaming giant, recently dominated the platform with the third season of “Beauty in Black.” The writer-director confirmed development of the third “Married” film last July following years of persistent fan requests for a follow-up to the 2010 sequel. For now, Jackson’s character is not part of the unfolding drama, but Perry’s comments suggest that Dr. Patricia Agnew could eventually reunite with her friends if scheduling permits for a fourth installment.

Basketball star LeBron James announced a new partnership with prediction market platform Polymarket, according to The Athletic. ​He now joins an expanding lineup of athlete endorsements in the space. ​The Philadelphia 76ers star joins Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bryson DeChambeau and Lionel Messi, who all have endorsed Kalshi,  Polymarket’s main competitor. ​In a 60-second video posted to X (formerly Twitter), James teased the partnership with a commercial showing him step off an elevator after pressing a button marked “sports.” Captioned “Step inside Polymarket HQ,” the spot features a star-studded ensemble including Eli Manning, Rajon Rondo, Spike Lee, Alexandra Daddario, Emily Ratajkowski, and Derek Jeter. Step inside Polymarket HQ. Somebody get the ice bath ready for @EliManning after that tackle. In partnership with Polymarket pic.twitter.com/xfv1nr6OOb — LeBron James (@KingJames) September 8, 2026 ​Responding to James’ post on X, Polymarket’s account wrote, “Thanks for stopping by our HQ,” followed by a goat emoji. ​“With football season around the corner, we look forward to tapping into James’ love for the sport and exploring other ways to bring Polymarket to wider audiences,” the message read. ​But that’s not all James has been up to. James shook up the NBA landscape in July 2026 by agreeing to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. He previously played eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. ​Taking a dramatic pay cut for his record-breaking 24th season, the 41-year-old icon—who framed the move as his “last decision” before retirement—chose Philadelphia to chase a fifth championship. Joining forces with dynamic co-stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and newly acquired Jaylen Brown, James brings his legendary playmaking and veteran leadership to a retooled Sixers squad eager to end the franchise’s title drought dating back to 1983. ​”This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. And I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. And I still want to work. I still want to grind and still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” he tweeted. I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”

Jalen Brunson is continuing his reign as the “King of New York.” According to ESPN, Brunson has been tapped to host the season premiere of Saturday Night Live alongside musical guest KATSEYE. Brunson will make his hosting debut Sept. 26. ​Fresh off leading the New York Knicks to a historic 2026 NBA Championship, Brunson keeps on winning. ​As the first active NBA player to host the sketch comedy series since LeBron James in 2007, Brunson cements his status as the undisputed “King of New York,” bringing his signature cool-under-pressure demeanor to late-night television. JALEN BRUNSON’S AMAZING CAREER ​Brunson capped off an indelible 2025–26 campaign by anchoring the New York Knicks to a 53–29 regular-season record. He led the franchise to its first NBA title since 1973, putting on a Brunson put on a masterclass in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds across the series—punctuated by a legendary 45-point performance in a 94–90 Game 5 clincher. Unanimously, he was awarded the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP; his relentless leadership and clutch execution firmly cemented his status as the cornerstone of New York basketball. ​Along with Brunson, subsequent episodes will see Dakota Johnson returning for her third hosting stint on October 3 with musical guest Turnstile. Comedian Shane Gillis is hosting on October 10 with Rosalía. Breakout star Inde Navarrette is making her hosting debut for the Halloween episode on October 31 alongside Gracie Abrams. Behind the scenes, there are plenty of changes taking place at the iconic show. Longtime cast member Chloe Fineman has departed after seven seasons. Behind the scenes, Please Don’t Destroy collaborator Martin Herlihy has also stepped down as a writer after five seasons. Despite the departures, Studio 8H maintains a strong core anchored by veterans Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, and Sarah Sherman, while continuing to integrate its newer class of featured players.

Music icon Beyoncé gifts the world with historic new music for her B-Day, but emerging artists like Iris Stryx, Boganz & Olakira, and Glizzy Glow are aligning the stars this week. The first Friday of September delivered a strong slate of hip-hop and R&B releases, led by Beyoncé and Erykah Badu. After long anticipation, Erykah Badu and The Alchemist joined forces for Before the World Blows. The 16-track album merges Badu’s neo-soul sensibilities with the producer’s signature hip-hop sound. Earl Sweatshirt, Westside Gunn, Thundercat, and Steve Lacy contribute to the project. Elsewhere, Mykki Blanco delivered CAFE PARADISO, a genre-blending release incorporating rap, rock, disco, and art-pop. Wisin expanded the broader urban-music landscape with La Universidad del Perreo. The 12-track reggaetón project draws from Puerto Rico’s underground scene. From Beyoncé historic collaborations to Iris Stryx’s arrival to Bognz & Olakira becoming superstars, here’s a complete list of new music you might have missed this week. Memphis Bleek, Iris Stryx, Boganz + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week Shenseea & DJ Frass Come With The “Tightness” The dancehall princess hits the summer with a red-hot collaboration that will have fans rushing to the dance floor immediately. The producer-led single returns the international superstar to the sound that made us fall in love with her in the first place. It’s vibrant, exciting, and ready to take over the world. 414JungleBaby Lives Life Like It’s a “Movie” For Everybody Watching EP, the cinematic single showcases the new star’s lavish lifestyle as they impress with magnetic rhymes over catchy production. With all eyes on them, the Milwaukee rap star proves that today’s brightest superstars aren’t coming from the City of Angels, the A, or the Big Apple anymore. The song and album are must-hear and must-see attractions for any newfound fan discovering their next favorite artist. Memphis Bleek Knows The “Difference” In Greatness After “No More,” the Brooklyn legend’s latest release explores loyalty, betrayal, trust, and the lessons that come with personal growth.  The track captures Blizzle’s signature streetwise lyricism as he celebrates the lifestyle, relationships, and hard-earned position that come with decades of experience in the game. The single takes it back to where it all began in apartment 3D. Cupid Can’t Stop Making Hits But Ask “Why You Hatin’ On Me” The “Cupid Shuffle” hitmaker addresses the haters in his new Gospel-meets-R&B hit. Blending soulful R&B melodies with an uplifting gospel message, the song delivers a powerful reminder that obstacles and opinions don’t define your purpose. The crown is placed comfortably on his head, and he has no plans to leave the throne as the Linedance King anytime soon. 414JungleBaby, Cupid, Boganz + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week Iris Stryx Has “No Regrets” The rising star’s latest single is about perseverance on her journey to greatness. With her sweet vocals, the Bahamian-born singer sings about the climb that took her far beyond the rejection she once experienced. The song helps others deal with personal struggles. Her forthcoming album represents the culmination of years of training, persistence, and personal growth. More importantly, her success shows that her greatest achievement isn’t measured by streaming numbers or chart positions, but by the transformation of a voice others once dismissed. Boganz & Olakira Shine Bright With “Abena” Continuing the global takeover of African sounds, Zambian Star teamed up with Nigerian Afrobeats hitmaker for the release of their new cross-border collaboration. The track is a high-energy Afro-fusion record that perfectly blends authentic Zambian percussion with a heavy West African bounce. Thematically, the new collaboration is an unapologetic tribute to African royalty, with two African Kings uniting their sounds to celebrate a “Ghanaian goddess of gold.” Driven by a highly infectious, club-ready pre-chorus—”Figure 8 oh / You carry back carry front oh.” To set the visual tone, Boganz and Olakira have released behind-the-scenes footage showcasing a dark, cinematic aesthetic dripping in cultural attire with the goddess dipped in gold. Beyoncé Taps Selena & More As Guests For New B-Day Queen Bey has been very generous lately. After dropping a new track featuring a Jay-Z remix, she’s celebrating her 20th anniversary of B-Day with some legendary additions. She remembers her Texas history with a new collaboration featuring late legendary Chicano singer Selena. They collaborate on a Spanish version of her hit “Irreplaceable.” The deluxe version proves that the album is timeless.

Raz-B, a member of the multi-platinum R&B group B2K, is mourning the sudden loss of his infant son, Astro Monte Thornton. The singer and his wife, Mona Li, confirmed the news this week, just three months after the child was born. Sources close to the family characterized the death as sudden and unexpected, though a specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. The couple, who also share a young daughter named Versai Carter Thornton, has asked for privacy as they navigate the tragedy. The arrival of Astro was a moment of public celebration for the family earlier this year. On May 18, Raz-B, born De’Mario Monte Thornton, shared his excitement with followers on social media while at the hospital. At the time, he wrote that the family was ready to welcome their newest addition and another boy to the Thornton legacy. Shortly after the birth, the couple posted a heartfelt message through their daughter’s Instagram account, expressing the joy of the new family dynamic. The post noted that it felt “amazing” for Versai to step into the role of a big sister. Raz-B remained active in the public eye throughout the summer, celebrating Father’s Day in June with a video montage that included footage of Astro’s birth. In the tribute, the family praised the singer for being their “safest place” and “forever hero.” The Shade Room was among the first to report that the couple is currently seeking seclusion to grieve their loss privately. As news of the infant’s death spread, fans and members of the music community began offering condolences to the singer.