For the past two weeks, WNBA players have dealt with several incidents of fans throwing sex toys on the basketball court. In Ice Cube’s opinion, the people responsible should be barred from attending games. “Somebody doing that, man, should really be kicked up out the building and not allowed back in,” the rapper-actor tells REAL 92.3 LA. “I don’t know what people think they could get out of that.” According to Cube, it’s beyond “foul” and “unnecessary” that the players have to experience this. Later, the Friday creator was asked about his reaction if this behavior were to take place at one of his BIG3 games. Cube made it clear that if one tries to pull a stunt like that, “somebody might have to put hands on them.” “Not only put ’em out, but touch him up a little bit on the way out. Let him remember, let anybody who do some stupid sh*t like this know that it going to be consequences and repercussions,” he added. AYO! @icecube tells us what’ll happen if a sex toy gets thrown on a @thebig3 court @TheCruzShow @jcruzshow @WORLDSTAR @HipHopDX @ComplexSports pic.twitter.com/9qtDcPd9uZ — REAL 92.3 LA (@Real923LA) August 7, 2025 Cube wasn’t the only one to speak out; Indiana Fever player, Sophie Cunningham, claimed incidents such as this make the WNBA look like a “joke.” “First of all, the bounce that thing had, if that smacked someone in the face, that’s going to be plastered everywhere,” Cunningham told the Show Me Something podcast. “I just know that if things go viral now. … If that thing even came from the rafters or bounced and slapped me in the face, that would be what I would be known for, for life.” One of the perpetrators, 18-year-old Kaden Lopez, was recently arrested for throwing a green dildo on the court during the recent Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun game. The WNBA recently issued a statement declaring that any fan caught throwing objects on the court would be “immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban.” This punishment could also mean facing possible criminal charges. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league,” the statement continues. “Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.”

The sudden passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner not only sent a shock through Black Hollywood, but also those closest to him. His mother, Pamela, recently paid tribute to former Cosby Show actor in a lengthy social media post. “Needless to say, our hearts are heavy with the loss of Malcom,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Friday (Aug 8). “He was a kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity.” She continued: “He wanted all to be aware of their inner strength and that they could succeed, accomplish, and transform. This was his latest mission and work, transformation, in order for you to be fully present in your life.” While Malcolm was most known for his acting and musical talents, Pamela notes he was an “exceptional father, husband, and son.” She added, “He was not only my son, but also my teacher, coach, confidant, business partner, and best friend. He was the son that his father was immensely proud of and loved fiercely and unconditionally.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malcolm-Jamal Warner Living Legacy (@mjwlivinglegacy) On July 20, news broke that Malcolm-Jamal Warner had tragically passed away during a trip to Costa Rica. According to sources, the actor’s official cause of death was asphyxia. While tragic for his mother, Pamela, his death was a full-circle moment. “Malcolm was birthed through water and he transitioned through water,” she says. “He departed as he arrived, through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.” Toward the end of the note, she explained what fans can expect moving forward regarding his legacy. “In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be sharing updates on the work being done in his memory. Thank you for being here and staying connected,” she wrote.

Teyana Taylor stopped by HOT 97 to talk with Nessa about her highly anticipated new album Escape Room, dropping August 22nd. She opened up about why she returned from her brief retirement and the meaning behind the album title. They talked about the new single “Bed of Roses” and the steamy visual with Aaron Pierre. Teyana gushed about how safe, loved, and understood Aaron makes her feel—and shared where their relationship stands today. She also explained why it was important for her to clear the air during her public breakup and make sure the narrative didn’t paint Iman as a villain. Teyana also shared how she chose Taraji P. Henson to narrate the powerful opening monologue in her song “Long Time,” which dives into heartbreak beyond just relationships—covering family, career, and friendship too. Teyana reflected on the hardest and most personal songs on the project, what moved her to tears while making the album, and how she uses narration to carry emotion throughout. She also spoke about her work as a creative director and her new film One Battle After Another with Leonardo DiCaprio, out September 26th, and how people describe her energy on set. From her music industry journey—including her return to Def Jam—to co-parenting, career pivots, and culinary school, Teyana shared insight into the many chapters of her life right now. Stream “Bed of Roses” now and get her album Escape Room on August 22nd!

Toni Braxton is celebrating one year of marriage. On August 8, 2025, the Grammy-winning singer took to Instagram to commemorate her first wedding anniversary with Birdman, revealing a dazzling ring that had fans buzzing. In the photo, Braxton is seen holding a bouquet of white calla lilies while flaunting a stunning emerald-cut diamond ring, along with a matching diamond wedding band, with the caption “Happy Anniversary.” The pair quietly tied the knot on August 8, 2024, but just two days later, Braxton filed for divorce, citing an “irretrievably broken” marriage. She listed their official date of separation as August 10, 2024. Despite the rocky start, the two ultimately decided to stay together. Braxton dismissed the divorce petition in January 2025 with Birdman’s consent, legally reaffirming their union. Toni’s sister, Tamar Braxton, shared her excitement for the couple as she commented, “Thank ya [fire emoji]” under a post shared by The Shade Room. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion’s relationship is still going strong, and their latest appearance together put them in the middle of a baseball field instead of a basketball court. The Dallas Mavericks guard took part in the first-ever Sandlot Classic on August 7th, trading hoops for a bat and glove. Surrounded by family and friends, Thompson spent the day playing ball while Megan supported him from the dugout. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Klay Thompson (@klaythompson) Photos from the event appeared on Thompson’s Instagram, showing him mid-game and later posing in uniform with his arm around Megan. The post also included a celebration of the win, with Thompson proudly noting the championship title and giving recognition to his cousin AJ for his performance during the game. Supporters of the pair quickly noticed Megan’s presence in the pictures and expressed excitement over seeing them together again. Observers also pointed out that Thompson was representing her business during the outing, as Chicas Divertidas Tequila, Megan’s own brand, served as one of the event’s sponsors. The partnership blended her entrepreneurial work with their public time as a couple. Their appearance at the Sandlot Classic comes only weeks after stepping onto the red carpet together for the first time. On July 16th, they attended the inaugural Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City, hosted by Megan. The event served as the first official confirmation of their relationship after months of speculation. During the gala, Megan spoke warmly about Thompson, praising his character and kindness. From charity events to sports games, the two continue to share moments that reflect both their personal bond and their willingness to support each other’s endeavors. Whether on a baseball diamond or a formal gala, Thompson and Megan appear to be building a relationship that thrives in every setting they step into together.

Fat Joe and Jadakiss are voicing their frustrations after BET confirmed major changes to two of its most recognizable events. During an episode of their Joe and Jada podcast, the longtime friends discussed the network’s choice to pause the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards, questioning what it means for Black culture in entertainment. Fat Joe described the situation bluntly. “This is a form of gentrification, what’s going on. I don’t know if you really want to ask me about this s**t,” he said. Reflecting on BET’s history, he noted that it began as a space dedicated to Black audiences before being sold by founder Bob Johnson to Viacom Paramount. According to him, the shift in ownership brought quiet but consistent staff cuts, especially targeting those who voiced concerns. The Bronx rapper recalled working on the BET Hip-Hop Awards for three years and watching the event’s resources dwindle. “S**t was like the budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting chopped and chopped and chopped.” He contrasted that with the production levels at the Video Music Awards. “Last year, I debuted my single with [DJ] Khaled at the VMAs, and Katy Perry still flying through the air… They still got all the tricks. They still got the budgets. They got the s**t… They kept underfunding them… They ain’t had no bread.” Jadakiss added, “They have bread for what they wanna have bread for,” suggesting the issue lies in priorities rather than capability. Earlier this week, BET CEO Scott Mills addressed the changes, stating the awards are not canceled but could shift to a new home as the media environment changes. He emphasized that other programs like the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards will continue, while a team explores the best future for the Hip-Hop and Soul Train brands.

Cassie has reappeared online with a small but telling update that many fans are taking as a sign she is easing back into the spotlight. The singer shared an Instagram Story on August 7th that mixed humor with a nod to her postpartum experience. The video she reposted from @momswithplans showed a man slowly getting into his groove on the dance floor, paired with the caption, “When your old self slowly starts coming out postpartum.” Cassie added her own short remark: “Factual. Little by little. lol.” Her quiet return follows an intense period in her personal life. Months earlier, on May 13th, she testified in federal court against Sean “Diddy” Combs, accusing him of years of manipulation and abuse. “Sean controlled a lot of my life,” she told the court, “whether it was career, the way I dressed, everything.” Cassie described being forced into drug-fueled sex parties and threatened with revenge porn. Nine days after taking the stand, she welcomed her third child with husband Alex Fine on May 27th. Even while adjusting to life with a newborn, reports say she wrote a letter to the judge presiding over Combs’ case, urging them to deny his early release. Her legal team publicly praised her willingness to continue advocating for survivors during such a personal time. Since giving birth, Cassie has largely stepped away from public view, focusing on her family and her own healing. Her latest post did not directly address the case or her past testimony, but it struck a chord with those who have followed her journey. The lighthearted tone hinted at a woman gradually reclaiming her energy and sense of self. For many, it was a quiet but powerful message that she is still moving forward, one step at a time.

Of the success that’s he’s achieved, Tyler, the Creator counts appearing on Clipse acclaimed reunion album Let God Sort em Out as one of his career highlights. During a recent interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Tyler detailed what it took for him to drop his memorable guest verse on “P.O.V.” “Just pressing play and hearing your voice on a Clipse album. I don’t think folks know the weight that sh*t really got. I got Grammys, I got whips, I done did it all. That might be top eight moments of my life,” Tyler said. “So thank you to Pusha, Malice, [Pharrell]. For real, love y’all down.” Tyler previously told Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning, Tyler admitted that it took him several attempts to get his verse just right. In frustration, he almost gave up and told Pusha T to erase his contribution. “It’s been a few times I’ve gotten nervous and trying to nail that verse with two of my Mount Rushmores, produced by Mount Rushmore, was like I can’t f*ck this up for me,” he said. “It took me so long to write that and just trying to perfect it … Was really in that b*tch sweating. That n***a Pusha sent me that before I went on tour, probably in April and I ain’t get him that sh*t until end of May, early June.” In July, Pusha T revealed to Ebro Darden how the collaboration went down. “Tyler was in out through the process of creating the album,” he explained. “He was always calling me, asking to hear certain records or [asking] ‘man did y’all finish this?’ or ‘let me hear it.’” “‘P.O.V.’ was a particular record that was new, and he hadn’t heard it,” Pusha T continued. “He said something about getting on the album. I said, ‘oh man, we got a good record for you to get on the album’ […] He was on the road, and he had a setup on the road, so I said, ‘alright, I’m gonna shoot it to you man, just shoot it back though.”

Our very own, DJ and hip-hop pioneer Funk Flex is set to receive one of the city’s highest honors—the Key to the City of New York. The iconic Bronx native, known for his explosive radio sets, exclusive freestyle sessions, and long-standing influence on the culture, will be recognized for his decades of contributions to music, broadcasting, and New York City’s identity. The ceremony is scheduled to take place today on August 7th, and will celebrate Funk Flex’s legacy as a trailblazer in hip-hop and a champion of NYC talent. As one of the most recognizable voices in radio, Flex has played a pivotal role in breaking new artists and preserving the authenticity of the genre. Funk Flex took to social media to share the news, expressing his gratitude and reflecting on his journey to becoming a national figure in radio. “YALL READY FOR THE CELEBRATION EVENT AT ORCHARD BEACH AUGUST 7TH? I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING!” Flex wrote. “THANK YOU ERIC ADAMS, DAN, JOE JAXSON, TOMAS, ALBERT, KUDJO!” Congratulations to Funk Flex on this well-deserved honor! View this post on Instagram A post shared by FunkFlex (@funkflex)

LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith have achieved a significant milestone as they celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. In an Instagram post, Simone shared a vintage photo, and she reflected on her more than three-decade journey with LL “30 years of marriage today. All glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ,” her caption read. “Marriage isn’t for the weak, it’s for the faithful. It takes work, love, listening, picking your battles, being a friend, a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, and a safe place,” Simone continued. She went on to explain that “every marriage has its own DNA” and that there is no “blueprint” for how to create a successful marriage. But “grace, commitment and two people willing to grow through every season together.” “We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, forgiven, and grown—together,” she said. “We did the work, and God did the rest. ” “30 years. Countless memories. One God who kept us. LORD I THANK YOU,” she added.  For meeting through a mutual friend n 1987 in New York City, the couple were an item for eight years before getting married. The union has produced four children: son Najee and daughters Italia, Samaria, and Nina. The Smiths are grandparents, as Italia has two children of her own. One of the Smiths’ biggest challenges was Simone’s health issues. In 2004, she was diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer that was discovered in her right leg. “I was training downstairs in my house and doing leg presses, and as I was doing the leg press, I had the weirdest feeling in my leg,” Simone told First For Women..” I stopped and said to my trainer, ‘Naomi, I feel like my leg wants to break right here.’ And she said, What? Okay, we’re done.” “That’s what sent me to the doctor and how I found out,” she continued. “Eventually, my leg would have broken if I ignored my body and kept training or running.”