Andy Bustard
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Articles by Andy Bustard
Drake Reveals ‘Iceman’ Release Date After Epic Ice Structure Stunt
The long wait for Drake‘s Iceman album will soon be over. The OVO Sound superstar has announced that his eagerly anticipated ninth LP — and first solo project since his high-profile rap battle with Kendrick Lamar — will be released on May 15. The release date was revealed on Tuesday (April 22) after fans successfully chipped away at the huge ice structure he had erected in Toronto earlier this week and retrieved a folder hidden inside.
Drake Hides ‘Iceman’ Release Date In Huge Toronto Ice Sculpture
Drake has ramped up his Iceman rollout in spectacular fashion by hiding the album’s release date in a huge ice sculpture in Toronto. On Monday (April 20), the Canadian hitmaker announced on Instagram that he had erected an enormous ice installation in the parking lot of the Bond Hotel in downtown Toronto housing the release date for his eagerly anticipated new album. “Release Date Inside.
New Music Friday: Ludacris, 6LACK & 2 Chainz, Sexyy Red, Yasiin Bey & More
There may be no major rap album this week, but there’s still plenty of great music worth checking out in this week’s New Music Friday. Ludacris, who hasn’t released an album in over a decade, returns with a playful new single called “Pull Over” which boasts some trunk-rattling production from fellow Southern rap legend DJ Toomp.
Isaiah Rashad Reveals ‘It’s Been Awful’ Tracklist Feat. SZA & More
Isaiah Rashad has revealed the tracklist and artwork for his new album It’s Been Awful ahead of its release next month. The project, which serves as the long-awaited follow-up to 2021’s The House is Burning, clocks in at 16 songs and includes the recently released single “Same Sh!t.” It also boasts a small but star-studded supporting cast comprised of frequent collaborator SZA and alt-pop star Dominic Fike, as well as up-and-comer Julian Sintonia.
Wu-Tang Clan To Be Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Wu-Tang Clan have officially been voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Class of 2026 inductees were unveiled on Monday (April 13), with Sade, Luther Vandross, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Phil Collins, Billy Idol and Joy Division/New Order also getting the nod. Fellow rap icons Queen Latifah and MC Lyte will also be joining them in the Hall of Fame as recipients of the “Early Influence” award, which recognizes their status as pioneers in music and culture. Wu-Tang and co.
Afrika Bambaataa Dies At 68
Afrika Bambaataa, the hip-hop pioneer with a checkered past of sexual abuse allegations, has died at the age of 68. The visionary rapper, DJ and producer (real name Lance Taylor) died on Thursday (April 9) in Pennsylvania, according to TMZ. Bambaataa’s lawyer confirmed to the Associated Press that his cause of death was prostate cancer.
New Music Friday: Isaiah Rashad, Gucci Mane, Doechii, Snoop Dogg, DJ Khaled & More
This week’s New Music Friday marks the beginning of a new chapter for multiple artists. After a five-year hiatus, Isaiah Rashad returns to kickstart the rollout for his new album with “Same Sh!t,” a southern-fried trunk-rattler that captures the feeling of being stuck in Groundhog Day. The TDE rapper’s third LP It’s Been Awful drops May 1.
Gucci Mane Disses Pooh Shiesty & Big30 On “Crash Dummy”: Listen
Gucci Mane has taken aim at Pooh Shiesty and Big30 on wax, just days after they were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and robbing him. The 1017 boss released a hard-hitting new song on Friday (April 10) called “Crash Dummy,” which finds him addressing the Memphis rappers ambushing him at gunpoint earlier this year. “Tell the truth, you went out like a real crash dummy / And after all that, boy, you still signed to me?
Kanye West Claims Nobody Can Beat Him In A Verzuz Battle
Kanye West has weighed in on the age-old debate over who (if anybody) could beat him in a Verzuz battle — and his answer is the most Kanye answer ever. The Chicago rap icon made a surprise appearance at Deon Cole’s comedy show at Hollywood Improv on Tuesday (April 7), where he hung out on stage and loosely interacted with Cole and fellow comedian Ocean Glapion throughout the night.
Lil Tjay Calls Offset A “Rat” After Being Arrested Over Casino Shooting
Lil Tjay has hit out at Offset after being arrested in connection with the former Migos rapper’s shooting. Offset was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries on Monday evening (April 6) after being shot outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Police said that Tjay, who has been feuding with the “Ric Flair Drip” rapper in recent years, was arrested and “charged in connection with the incident,” according to NBC News.
Isaiah Rashad Announces New Album ‘It’s Been Awful’
Isaiah Rashad is making his long-awaited return next month with his first album in five years. The Tennessee native has announced his new album It’s Been Awful, which will be released on May 1 via Top Dawg Entertainment and Warner Records. Along with a cinematic trailer for the project, which depicts Rashad limping across a field after a vicious attack, the TDE MC has launched pre-saves for the lead single “Same Sh!t,” set to drop soon.
Kanye West Banned From UK, Forcing Wireless Festival To Cancel
Wireless Festival has been canceled after its headliner, Kanye West, was denied entry into the UK. The London-based rap and R&B festival announced in a statement on Tuesday (April 7): “As a result of the Home Office banning YE from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel.
Offset Shot Outside Florida Casino
Offset has been hospitalized after being shot outside a casino in Hollywood, Florida. The attack occured on Monday evening (April 6) in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, according to the Seminole Police Department. The former Migos rapper suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in a stable condition. “We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care,” a spokesperson for Offset said in a statement to the press.
Jay Electronica Jumps Into Crowd & Confronts Fans For Booing Him At L.A. Show: “They P*ssy!”
Jay Electronica did not take kindly to being booed at his show in Los Angeles over the weekend as he jumped into the crowd to confront the hecklers. The Roc Nation rapper’s concert at The Compound on Saturday (April 4) went south when some attendees began booing him for performing “Exhibit C” acapella instead of over the Just Blaze beat.
Kanye West’s ‘Bully’ First-Week Sales Are In As Deluxe Edition Nears
Kanye West‘s Bully has made a decent splash on the Billboard 200 despite the whirlwind of controversy leading up to its release. The album has debuted at number two on the chart after earning 152,000 equivalent units in its first week, according to Billboard. Of that figure, 96,000 came from streaming (98.43 million on-demand official streams) while 56,000 comprised of traditional sales.
Pooh Shiesty Arrested For Allegedy Robbing & Kidnapping Gucci Mane At Gunpoint
Pooh Shiesty, along with his father Lontrell Williams Sr. and fellow rapper Big30, has been arrested for allegedy robbing and kidnapping at gunpoint Gucci Mane and two others earlier this year. Shiesty (real name Lontrell Williams. Jr.) is one of eight defendants who were taken into custody by federal authorities this week in connection with the incident. A ninth suspect remains at large.
New Music Friday: Earl Sweatshirt, 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y, Don Toliver & More
After Kanye West‘s long-awaited Bully took center stage last week, this week’s New Music Friday is all about the heavyweight collaborations. Building on their chemistry from past collabs, Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE make their case as hip-hop’s newest great lyrical tag-team with their joint album POMPEII // UTILITY, soundtracked entirely by the forward-thinking sounds of Surf Gang.
JAY-Z Was Dissing Cam’ron On “Otis” This Entire Time
If anything illustrates just how slick JAY-Z‘s bars are, it’s how he subliminally jabbed Cam’ron on “Otis” without barely anyone realizing it for 15 years. During the latest episode of his REVOLT series Talk With Flee, Killa Cam revealed that Hov quietly got at him on the Watch the Throne hit in response to him dissing Kanye West — a fact that had gone unnoticed by even the most diehard of Jigga fans.
Megan Thee Stallion Rushed To Hospital During ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Musical
Megan Thee Stallion has been hospitalized after falling ill during the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. According to Complex, the Houston rapper and budding actor was rushed to hospital in New York City on Tuesday night (March 31) after becoming “very ill” during the show. TMZ additionally reported that emergency services responded to a call from the Al Hirschfeld Theatre for a person who was having trouble breathing, although the exact nature of Megan’s health issue is unclear.
Kanye West Expands ‘Bully’ Tour With Wireless Festival Takeover
Kanye West is set to take over the UK this summer by headlining all three nights of London’s Wireless Festival. Ye, who is fresh off releasing his new album Bully, will perform at the Finsbury Park-based festival on July 10, 11 and 12 — incidentally, the same time that his Watch the Throne collaborator JAY-Z will return to the stage at NYC’s Yankee Stadium to celebrate the anniversaries of Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint.
J. Cole Reveals His Current Favorite Rapper: “This N*gga’s An Alien”
J. Cole has revealed the one rapper he’s currently bumping outside of himself — and his answer might surprise you. During an interview with the YouTube channel Lost In Vegas as part of his press run to promote The Fall-Off, the Dreamville rapper waxed poetic about longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Killah Priest.
Drake Originally Wanted Kendrick Lamar On “First Person Shooter,” J. Cole Reveals
J. Cole has set the record straight on the rumor that Drake originally wanted both him and Kendrick Lamar on “First Person Shooter.” The Dreamville rapper addressed the speculation on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM In Brooklyn podcast as part of his press run to promote The Fall-Off, revealing that Drizzy initially asked Dot, not him, to jump on the chart-topping track. “So, I’m not gonna say we were all supposed to be [on the song].
New Music Friday: Kanye West, Earl Sweatshirt, Snoop Dogg, The LOX & More
Kanye West‘s new album Bully is finally here — sort of. While the long-awaited project has yet to hit streaming services (surprise, surprise), Ye did premiere his 12th LP via a YouTube livestream (which can be watched below) about an hour after its scheduled midnight release.
J. Cole Confirms Drake & Kendrick Lamar Were Originally On ‘The Fall-Off’
J. Cole has confirmed rumors that Drake and Kendrick Lamar were supposed to appear on The Fall-Off. During a lengthy interview with Cam’ron (which puts to bed their bizarre legal battle), the Dreamville founder explained that both Dot and Drizzy were orginally featured on his latest album until their 2024 rap battle, as well as a leak of his project, forced him to take them off the tracklist.
Kanye West Reveals ‘Bully’ Tracklist, Clears Up AI Claim
Kanye West has revealed the tracklist for his new album Bully ahead of its long-awaited arrival later this week. In a rare post on X (former Twitter) on Wednesday (March 25), the rap icon shared a picture of a handwritten tracklist for his upcoming 12th studio effort which is set to drop this Friday (March 27) via Gamma.
JAY-Z Explains Why He Didn’t Like Drake & Kendrick Lamar’s Beef
JAY-Z has finally shared his thoughts on Drake and Kendrick Lamar‘s epic 2024 rap battle — and his stance might surprise you. Despite being involved in one of hip-hop’s fiercest feuds with Nas in the early 2000s, Hov believes that Dot and Drizzy’s beef went “too far” and is not a fan of all the negativity and division that continues to fuel their rivalry.
J. Cole Discusses Drake & Kendrick Lamar Beef, Admits Apology Backlash Affected Him
J. Cole has finally opened up about Drake and Kendrick Lamar‘s beef in his first series of interviews since he controversially bowed out of the high-profile rap battle. Sitting down with Apple Music’s Nadeska Alexis for one of many in-depth conversations about his latest album The Fall-Off, the Dreamville star explained why he apologized to Kendrick for his since-deleted diss track “7 Minute Drill.” “[The idea] hit me about an hour before [I went out on stage at Dreamville Fest],” he said.
Latto & 21 Savage Announce Pregnancy In New “Business & Personal” Video
Latto and 21 Savage have finally confirmed the long-running rumors that they’re a couple — and what’s more, they’re about to become a family. The Atlanta rappers announced their big news in the video for Latto’s new song “Business & Personal (Intro),” which serves as the lead single from her upcoming (and aptly-titled) album Big Mama, out May 29.
New Music Friday: Mike WiLL Made-It, Rick Ross, Latto, Kid Cudi & More
Mike WiLL Made-It continues to carry the torch for superproducers with his star-studded new album R3SET. Almost a decade after his last full-length effort, the multi-platinum hitmaker returns with the third installment in his Ransom series and has rounded up the Southern rap avengers — from J. Cole, 21 Savage and Young Thug to T.I., Ludacris and Killer Mike.
Black Thought & Mach-Hommy Have A Collab Album On The Way
Black Thought and Mach-Hommy, two of the game’s most dangerous MCs, are joining forces for a full-length album. Mach confirmed the news in his latest newsletter, telling fans: “I have a few projects in the chamber: one with August Fanon, one with Ras G … and last, but not least, Black-Hommy.” Further details, including a release date, remain under wraps for now. The pair first teased a project together in an interview with Pigeons & Planes back in 2024.
JAY-Z Announces Special Anniversary Shows At NYC’s Yankee Stadium
JAY-Z is returning to the stage this summer to celebrate two of his most iconic albums. The Roc Nation mogul has announced a two-night takeover of New York City’s Yankee Stadium in July to commemorate Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, which turn 30 and 25 years old, respectively, this year. Hov will celebrate the anniversary of his classic 1996 debut album at the historic venue on Friday, July 10, before returning the following night on Saturday, July 11, to pay tribute to his 2001 opus.
JAY-Z To Headline Roots Picnic 2026 As Comeback Rumors Heat Up
JAY-Z is set to headline this year’s Roots Picnic festival, fueling rumors that he’s gearing up to make a musical comeback. Organizers announced on Tuesday (March 17) that Hov will perform with The Roots on May 30 at Belmont Plateua in Philadelphia. The hip-hop legends famously shared the stage back in 2001 for Jigga’s MTV Unplugged live album. The full Roots Picnic 2026 lineup has yet to be revealed.
Diddy Pushes For ‘Immediate Release’ From Prison In New Appeal
Diddy has launched a new bid to be released from prison, claiming his four-year sentence is too harsh. The Bad Boy boss was sentenced to 50 months behind bars last year after being convicted of two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution — violations of the Mann Act — but acquitted of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
New Music Friday: Jack Harlow, YG, Earl Sweatshirt & More
Jack Harlow leads this week’s New Music Friday lineup with one of the boldest departure albums of recent memory. Steeped in neo-soul influence, Monica reintroduces the Louisville rapper as a lover boy crooner who wouldn’t sound out of place in the Soulquarians (who, by the way, might be making a comeback). The project was even recorded at Electric Lady Studios, the famed NYC studio where Questlove, D’Angelo, J Dilla and co. called home in the late ’90s and early 00s.
Eminem Mourns Death Of Legendary DJ Lord Sear: “Our Time Together Was Some Of My Favorite Interviews”
Lord Sear, legendary hip-hop DJ and radio personality, has passed away at the age of 53. The sad news was announced on Wednesday (March 11) in a statement posted on Sear’s Instagram page. A cause of death is currently unknown. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us,” the post read. “Lord Sear’s legacy in hip hop runs deep.
J. Cole Reveals His Favorite Songs On ‘The Fall-Off’
J. Cole has revealed his favorite songs on his latest album The Fall-Off — and his picks might surprise you. In the latest post on his personal blog The Algorithm, the Dreamville star gave fans an update on the whirlwind month since his eighth and final album was released, which has seen him travel from city to city in his old Honda Civic and greet fans on his Trunk Sale Tour. “This post is just me checking in and saying thank you for all the love on the album.
Maino Disses 50 Cent On Biggie-Inspired “Bleed Like Us”: Listen
As if feuding with T.I. wasn’t enough, 50 Cent has another enemy to contend with in Maino, who has just taken their beef to wax. On Wednesday (March 11), the Brooklyn rapper released a diss song aimed at Fif called “Bleed Like Us,” a response to the G-Unit general’s own recent track “No More Tricks, No More Tries” with Max B.
Kanye West Confirms ‘Bully’ Release Date, Announces Comeback U.S. Show
Kanye West has ramped up his redemption arc by revealing the release date for his new album Bully and plotting his first U.S. show in two years. The Chicago rap icon updated his website on Monday (March 9) to announce that his upcoming 12th LP will arrive on March 27 — a week later than expected.
Dr. Dre Is Finally A Billionaire (For Real This Time)
Dr. Dre has finally joined the billionaire boys club. The legendary hip-hop producer/mogul is one of almost 3,500 figures who are featured on Forbes‘ 2026 Billionaires List, ranking as the 3,332nd richest person on the planet — tied with Rihanna, Jared Kushner and DoorDash co-founder Stanley Tang, among others.
Questlove Teases A Soulquarians Comeback: "The Family's Going To Get Back Together"
One of hip-hop and R&B’s most iconic collectives might be making a comeback. Questlove has teased the long-awaited return of the Soulquarians, the soul-steeped movement that he spearheaded in the late 1990s and early 2000s alongside the likes of D’Angelo and J Dilla.
New Music Friday: 50 Cent, T.I., Denzel Curry, Meek Mill & More
This week’s New Music Friday has a little bit of everything, from diss tracks and TV theme songs to moshpit-ready rage rap and smooth ladies’ jams. 50 Cent has made a surprise return to the booth — not to lock horns with T.I., who has been peppering him with diss songs of late, but to soundtrack the upcoming Power prequel series.
50 Cent Taunts T.I. By Teasing 'Surviving T.I. & Tiny' Documentary
T.I. may soon be the next rival of 50 Cent‘s to have his alleged transgressions turned into a documentary. After executive producing a Netflix docuseries on Diddy’s history of abuse allegations, it appears the G-Unit mogul is now turning the spotlight on Tip’s own checkered past. In a since-deleted Instagram post on Thursday (March 5), Fif shared a screenshot of a news headline that read “50 Cent Reportedly Developing ‘Surviving T.I. & Tiny’ Documentary,” seemingly confirming the report.
Drake Initially Wasn’t Allowed On Lil Wayne’s Tour Bus, Says ‘The Carter’ Director: “He Was Such A Dork”
Drake may have helped turn Young Money into one of hip-hop’s biggest powerhouse labels, but there was a time when he wasn’t even allowed on Lil Wayne‘s tour bus. Adam Bhala Lough, the director behind Weezy’s iconic The Carter documentary, spoke with music journalist Andre Gee for his Substack newsletter about the making of the film, as well as the sequel which recently leaked online.
CyHi The Prynce Disses J. Cole On New Song "B.R.A. Lost Control": Listen
CyHi The Prynce has taken aim at J. Cole on his latest track “B.R.A Lost Control.” Produced by Brian AllDay and Mark Byrd, the bars-heavy song finds the longtime Kanye West affiliate attempting to strip Cole of his self-proclaimed Best Rapper Alive status — a crown he has frequently laid claim to himself.
T.I.'s Son Domani Takes 50 Cent To Task On OutKast-Sampling "Ms. Jackson": Listen
T.I.‘s son Domani has stepped into his father’s beef with 50 Cent — and he’s looking to set the G-Unit boss straight. Showing a level of maturity that goes way beyond his years, the 24-year-old rapper has released a new song called “Ms. Jackson” which flips the concept of OutKast‘s hit of the same name into a letter to 50’s late mother, Sabrina Jackson.
New Music Friday: Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs & DJ Paul, The Cool Kids & More
There may be no new major hip-hop album this week like previous weeks (see: J. Cole The Fall-Off, A$AP Rocky Don’t Be Dumb, Baby Keem Ca$ino), but there’s no shortage of new raps that deserve your attention. Big Sean blesses us with a short but sweet “Made In Detroit Freestyle” for Red Bull Music, which finds him spitting 60 seconds’ worth of braggadocious bars over a smooth Jake One beat.
T.I. Takes More Shots At 50 Cent On "What Bully," Gets Fiery Response
T.I. is not letting up in his lyrical assault on 50 Cent — although this time 50 has issued a more direct response to the Atlanta rap legend.
Wu-Tang Clan & Lauryn Hill Nominated For Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Wu-Tang Clan and Lauryn Hill have both been nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Hame. The Staten Island rap group and Fugees star are among the Class of 2026 nominees alongside Mariah Carey, Sade, New Edition, Luther Vandross and Phil Collins.
Wu-Tang Clan's Oliver "Power" Grant Dies At 52: RZA, Method Man & More Pay Tribute
Oliver “Power” Grant, the business mastermind behind the Wu-Tang Clan, has died at the age of 52. News of Grant’s passing was made public on Tuesday (February 24), although a cause of death is currently unknown. Tributes have poured in from various Wu-Tang members as well as the wider hip-hop community, with Method Man sharing a photo of him and Power on Instagram along with a heartfelt message.
Nipsey Hussle To Be Honored With Renaming Of Crenshaw & Slauson Intersection In L.A.
Nipsey Hussle is set to be honored this weekend with his own intersection in his beloved hometown of Los Angeles. According to ABC7, the intersection at Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue will be renamed “Nipsey Hussle Square” in memory of the late rapper’s influence, entrepreneurial spirit and deep connection to the community.
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