What happens in Sin City is supposed to stay there. Well, unless it is broadcasted to millions of viewers around the world. Professional boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford found himself in the middle of a viral joke due to an error by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Yesterday (September 14), the UFC mistakenly identified Terence Crawford as Kendrick Lamar during the broadcast of the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga fight. Those in attendance at T-Mobile Arena might not have caught the flub, but viewers at home sure did.
Immediately after supporters of the “Not Like Us” rapper took to X (formerly Twitter) with an endless amount of meme swapping out Kendrick for Crawford on album covers and more.
In a post shared to Crawford’s official Instagram page (viewable here), he laughed off the misidentification, writing: “Damn, Kendrick Lamar .”
Crawford went on to use Kendrick Lamar’s song “Euphoria” to soundtrack the image captured during the event. Crawford is no stranger to the world of sports (despite the botched identification) having secured several titles in the ring. Nor is Crawford a hip-hop novice. Back in July 2023, Crawford had Eminem perform “Lose Yourself” as his ring walk out track.
Fans now know of Crawford’s lighthearted sense of humor.
Yesterday (September 13), the WWE revealed that one of Megan Thee Stallion’s new tracks will serve as its official theme song. Over on X (formerly Twitter), the company announced that Megan Thee Stallion’s latest single “Neva Play” featuring RM (of BTS) will serve as WWE Smackdown’s new intro song.
“Friday Night #SmackDown’s new intro,” read the post. “Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Neva Play’ featuring RM of BTS.”
WWE SmackDown’s season premiere on the USA Network yesterday seems to be a taste of what crossover they have lined up. In the past, several musicians have made a cameo either in the WWE ring (hi, Bad Bunny and Snoop Dogg) or a promotional campaign latest being Meek Mill.
So, Megan Thee Stallion super fans, the Hotties, are on high alert to see what’s next. Megan’s athletic talents extend far beyond her impressive twerking skills as her multiple workout video shared online revealed. However, only time will tell if this leads to anything further. But given Megan Thee Stallion eye for lucrative marketing opportunities it probably already is in the works.
The biggest strength of Flau’jae Johnson’s game? Her vision, on the court and in the studio.
The 2023 NCAA Champion, LSU guard, and rising rap star saw how nurturing her two passions – music and hoops – could help her pave her own path to success from an early age. She was spitting lines as young as age seven, performing in clubs around Savannah, Georgia and entering massively popular TV competitions like America’s Got Talent while practicing in the paint, developing her skills to catch the attention of Coach Kim Mulkey at the beginning of her high school career. In everything she does, on the stage and in the arena, there’s a strategy, a playbook, a game plan to reach the next level.
Just ask Lil Wayne.
In a new episode of UPROXX’s Beyond The Game, host Jeremy Hecht sat down with Johnson to chat about her meteoric rise in the worlds of music and sports and the smart strategic moves she has made along the way.
After giving WNBA legend Sue Bird a shout-out for introducing the Young Money mogul to her music during an interview on her ESPN talk show, Johnson mapped out how she seized her moment, initially connecting with Wayne on social before showing off her lyricism to one of his beats on a Sway In The Morning freestyle. The viral posts, the song selection, her choice of fit (a Tha Carter IV tee) – it was a play Mulkey herself might’ve drawn up, and it scored her a collab with the hip-hop icon.
“I had it all planned out,” Johnson tells Hecht in the video above. “This is going to go viral, he’s going to see it, and that’s what happened. It was all strategy. I gotta inspire him to want to do it.”
That hustle mentality is something Johnson was born with. The daughter of the late Camouflage, a promising young rapper from Savannah who died before his daughter was born, Johnson has always been determined to make her mark. She gained a following at an early age thanks to her reality competition appearances, working with Jermaine Dupree on a talent series that got her industry attention, but when music seemed to stall and basketball courted her, Johnson’s circle never let her give up on her initial dream. She credits her family – her mom, grandmother, and siblings – for believing in her multihyphenate abilities, and herself for making the choice to be more. More than just a rapper. More than just a basketball player. But instead, a cross-cultural icon-in-the-making.
“The price of regret is worse than the pain of getting it done right now,” Johnson told Hecht of the mentality she’s adopted to juggle the demanding schedules of collegiate ball and on-the-rise artist, adding she’s often guided by a simple question, “Are you going to be great today or are you going to be mediocre?”
That word doesn’t seem to fit all the young star has accomplished so far, from SEC titles and NCAA trophies to collaborations with Wayne and Wyclef Jean who’s dubbed their partnership in the booth as, “like Shaq and Kobe.” It certainly doesn’t describe Johnson’s no-holds-barred chat with Hecht where she recounts her unlikely beginnings as a rapper and ball player, her reality TV run, her fearlessness and setbacks, the artists she admires, and the songs that get her hype.
Nothing is off the table, in the episode and in terms of Johnson’s potential.
Apple Music Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show is already facing backlash. Today (September 8), Kendrick Lamar was announced as the show’s featured performer. Given the chart-topping year Kendrick has had and his victory in the Drake beef, you’d think the public would rally behind the choice. However, this not the case for one understandable reason—its location.
Next year, the big game is heading to New Orleans. Based on the alone hip-hop heads assumed Lil Wayne was a sure in, which included his longtime engineer Fabian Marasciullo. Well, not Jay-Z. Thanks to his role as the NFL’s music strategist and the Roc Nation partnership with the league, he’s opinion far outweighs the public. In a statement, Jay-Z stood by Kendrick Lamar’s selection.
“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” he said. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Jay-Z isn’t alone. Former Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner, Rihanna, subtly showed her support by liking Kendrick’s reveal post on Instagram.
Contrarily, Master P agreed with users online’s sentiments urging that Lil Wayne be considered for the slot.
“As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans I have to agree with the fans that Lil Wayne should be a part of this celebration as well,” he wrote. “He’s one of the greatest hip-hop artists alive, still relevant and he’s a New Orleans native. Let’s not miss this cultural moment in the South. Life is too short! We have to give our legends their flowers while they are here.”
The show isn’t set until February 2025, so this saga is far from over.
Usually this early into the NFL season, diehard football fanatics debate which team will go all the way. Well, this year things are a bit different. Instead of sports fans nearly coming to blows over their favorite franchise, it is the music fans popping off.
Today (September 8), Kendrick Lamar announced that he would perform at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. While users online, including Lil Wayne’s longtime engineer Fabian Marasciullo, weren’t a fan of his selection, he did receive one notable co-sign. Over on Instagram, Rihanna showed her support of Kendrick Lamar by liking his reveal post (viewable here).
As the record-breaking headliner for Super Bowl 2023, Rihanna knows a thing or two about the football’s biggest stage. Still, users online are not buckling from their stance.
Many pointed about that the coveted show tapped Usher for Super Bowl 2024’s Halftime Show following his groundbreaking dominance in Las Vegas. Since, Super Bowl 2025 in New Orleans, Lil Wayne should’ve been selected for the slot. Back February, during an appearance on YG and Stevie’s 4HUNNID podcast, Lil Wayne made it crystal clear that he would be down if asked. He also expressed how sentimental the moment would be giving that NOLA is his hometown and where his career started by way of the Hot Boys.
The NFL is officially back. It is next to impossible to predict which franchise will play in the championship game. However, music fans already know what to look forward to for Super Bowl 2025’s Halftime Show in New Orleans.
Today (September 8), Kendrick Lamar announced that he would perform during the highly watched television performance. Initially, users online were excited to read the news. However, other quickly chimed in to express their frustration over hometown hero Lil Wayne being overlooked despite publically entering his bid.
Lil Wayne’s longtime engineer and friend, Fabian Marasciullo took to his Instagram Stories to voiced his displeasure. “Confused,” he wrote. “Disappointed. Angry. But most of all, inspired.”
He went on to seemingly shade Kendrick Lamar, writing: “Will never again be in a position or have the GOAT [Lil Wayne] in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision. We will make the decisions.”
Instagram
Rumors about Super Bowl 2025’s Halftime Show performers have been floating around online for months. At one point, pop stars Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift were supposedly in talks with the NFL to secure the spot. The public now knows that to be seemingly false.
Although Kendrick Lamar is set to take the stage, maybe he will bring Lil Wayne out. They do have a collaborative track (“Mona Lisa”) together, but given Lil Wayne’s close affiliation with Drake users doubt that would happen due to their heated beef on wax this summer alone.
In recent times, Megan Thee Stallion has appeared to be single. Well, at the moment, that appears to no longer be the case, as she just seemingly hard-launched a relationship with veteran NBA player Torrey Craig.
As HotNewHipHop notes, yesterday (August 27), Meg posted a couple’s challenge video on TikTok (find it here), in which she and Craig answer questions about their relationship. (For the record, Craig said “I love you” first, per Meg.)
The 33-year-old athlete spent the 2023-24 NBA season as a role player for the Chicago Bulls. He played his first three seasons in the league (starting with 2017-18) with the Denver Nuggets before stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and the Suns again, then landing with his current team, the Bulls.
In more platonic news, Megan and GloRilla recently spoke about their friendship, with Glo saying, “I first met you at your Hottieween party last year, and I ain’t gonna lie, I was kinda shy. You were just acting like you weren’t drinking that night. I was like… in my head, I’m like, ‘This b*tch ain’t acting like she ain’t drinking,’ like, ‘What’s up with this b*tch?’”
Sean Strickland is in for the fight of his life, and it doesn’t involve a UFC octagon. Today (August 27), Machine Gun Kelly delivered a few blows to the former champion’s public image.
During the “Lonely Road” rapper’s appearance on the Impaulsive podcast, MGK let loose on Strickland.
“I don’t know this guy from a crumb of bread,” he said. “I didn’t know who he was when I met him. I got hip afterward that he’s insanely racist and homophobic and just not my type of guy, so I would have never wanted to shake his hand in the first place. If you’re comfortable as yourself, you don’t care who anybody else is and how they are.”
But that was just the start of his unloading, as he straight demanded that Strickland: “Shut the f*ck up.”
However, MGK made it clear that always he wants Strickland to lay off, he’s not done with the matter just yet. “Don’t speak on me anymore and live your life,” he said. “But you won’t, and I’m going to continue laughing at you because you’re a f*cking idiot.”
Yes, MGK is known for being a wild boy. But, in this case, it appears he’s just finishing what Strickland started. If you know anything about is back-and-forth with Eminem, MGK has proven to have amazing stamina when it comes to beefs.
Watch the full episode of the Impaulsive podcast featuring special guest Machine Gun Kelly above.
Seeing the words “Just Do It” in such close proximity to the name Jaylen Brown might make you think Nike is somehow getting involved with the Celtics guard — aside from allegedly keeping him off Team USA, that is. But no, it’s actually the title of Brown’s first-ever rap single, which features former ASAP Mob member FERG, a smooth, laid-back beat, and some astute wordplay from the Adidas athlete.
The video for the new song opens with Brown sitting alone in a hotel, watching the 24-hour news cycle speculate about his supposed feud with the almighty Swoosh. The song starts, but is quickly interrupted by the arrival of FERG, who offers some criticism and something in a briefcase that’s “guaranteed to shift your energy.” It turns out to be some sort of tech wearable which Brown dons after some initial protests (“why is it glowing?”), changing the video from black-and-white to vivid color. The two entertainers then hit the town, getting Jaylen to shake off his funk.
As far as NBA rappers go, Brown turns out to be solid, although far less electrifying than he is on-court — or even in, say, a championship parade (what’s up with hooper-rappers all using that same ultra monotone flow… let’s hear some emotion, fellas! Look at how Flau’jae does it!).
You can check out Jaylen’s on the mic talent for yourself above.
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, which is inarguable. Also inarguable: Shaq has used the platform he built up as a basketball player to show off one of the most unique personalities we have ever seen. There are stories of charity, of empathy, of all these things that make Shaq sound like someone who is larger than life.
He’s also great at popping up in things, as he’s remarkably comfortable being Shaq all the time. This manifests in a number of different ways, whether that’s his seemingly endless array of brand deals or that time he made fun of himself at the beginning of Scary Movie 4. His love of music is well-documented, too, and today, we wanted to take a look of one specific way Shaq has used his fame to cross over into the music world: His frequent cameos in music videos, which really are all over the place.
The gravity that Shaq brings to just about anything applies to music videos, and the funny thing here is that he popped up in some truly wild ones over the years — of course, his music career meant that he has appeared in plenty of them, but we have a number of examples of him making a cameo as one of the most famous people on earth. Here, we are going to dive into all of them, and try to determine how necessary it was for Shaq to provide his presence.
(Note: We used Shaq’s IMDb page as the primary source for this one, so while his Wikipedia page and this site both say that he appeared in the music video for “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, we left that off because you never see him in it — the IMDb page for the song doesn’t include Shaq, either. However, “Still D.R.E.” is a legendary music video, so if you would like to watch it despite the fact that Shaq does not appear in it, you can do that here.)
“Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” by Master P featuring Fiend, Silkk the Shocker, Mia X & Mystikal
The video for “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” is iconic, and leans heavily into Master P’s well-documented basketball career by taking place on a court. While a number of performers are playing basketball and celebrating on the floor, Shaq repeatedly pops up sitting courtside and loses his mind over what’s happening in front of him. Having an NBA player in the video, which came out in 1998, made a ton of sense, but no one would have had as much fun in this as Shaq did.
“That’s How I Beat Shaq” by Aaron Carter
Well, seeing as how this song is all about playing a game of 1-on-1 against Shaquille O’Neal, he kinda had to appear in it, ya know? Anyway, Shaq seems like he had the time of his life playing basketball against a 13-year-old Aaron Carter, and years later, the two linked up again to play 1-on-1 for the show Upload with Shaquille O’Neal, where he says nothing in his career hurt more than losing to Carter a decade-plus earlier.
“You Wouldn’t Believe” by 311
Shaq’s cameo here is fun, because it seems like a pretty generic music video where a band is performing a song in a big room, and there is no indication that Shaq is going to show up for literally any reason. And then, 311 start playing basketball, and Shaq pulls up and just plays with them for a bit. The music video ends with him picking up 311’s Nick Hexum so he can dunk. Years later, Hexum explained how they got Shaq in the video here.
“Bad Boy for Life” by P. Diddy, Black Rob, and Mark Curry
There are a ton of celebrities in this one, with names like Ben Stiller and Mike Tyson popping up in it. Shaq enters a little later in the video, as he plays basketball with Diddy while Diddy is wearing his jersey. Funny enough, Shaq is the second basketball player to make a cameo in here, behind Baron Davis.
“Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross
Once again, the video for the famous tear-jerker by Luther Vandross features a collection of celebrities. While Shaq did not physically appear in this one, he’s one of several people who are pictured with a loved one — in his case, it’s Shaq holding one of his children. And again, he’s not the only NBA player in this, as we also get photos of Jason Kidd and his son.
“Vanilla Twilight” by Owl City
This is a guilty pleasure song for me, but until Thursday, I had never watched the music video. As you can guess, when I saw Shaq was in it, I nearly fell off of my couch. Anyway, the video features Shaq staring into the sky a few times, and him breaking the fourth wall and smiling is one of the last things you see. If anyone involved in this would like to hop on a call and tell me how this came about, please reach out.
“Don’t Wanna Know” by Maroon 5
There are a ton of costumes in this video, and Shaq’s involves him dressing in a purple and yellow get up while jumping around in a bedroom during a house party. Adam Levine, who is also wearing a costume, joins him. My hunch is that this is the first time Shaq ever wore this costume, and I hope it was not the last.
“Todo de Ti” by Rauw Alejandro
Most of the music video takes place at a roller rink, so as you can guess, when Shaq appears about two-thirds of the way through things, he is, indeed, on roller skates. He doesn’t look super comfortable moving around on them, but eventually gets going and hits the deck at one point. Whether he did that as part of a bit or he legitimately couldn’t stay upright because he is one of the largest people on the planet, well, who’s to say?
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intro,” read the post. “Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Neva Play’ featuring RM of BTS.”
