Rihanna is nothing if not patient. The pop superstar has been teasing fans with new music for nearly a decade. Somehow, there’s still no concrete details. That being said, a new report by the UK outlet The Sun claims to have the inside scoop of Ri’s upcoming moves. If they are to be believed, fans will get the comeback they’ve been waiting for. The outlet posited that Rihanna is “on the cusp” of dropping her new album, and will promptly support it with a world tour in 2025.
The claims were made by Sun journalist Jason Hardwick. He promised fans that he had inside info from Rihanna’s camp, and the pop star is planning a full-on return to the spotlight. “Rihanna’s ninth album is finally on the cusp of being released,” he asserted. If Hardwick’s claims are true, then it makes the other news even more thrilling. “[Rihanna is] also in talks for a huge world tour throughout 2025, which has the potential to be one of the biggest comebacks of all time.” Furthermore, the outlet posits that Rihanna will keep the momentum from her tour going. She’s allegedly considering a headline set at Glastonbury.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Rihanna performs onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Rihanna allegedly booked a headline set at the legendary festival in 2023. Her second pregnancy kept her from performing, however. “I understand she is once again at the top of Glastonbury’s list to headline next summer’s event,” Hardwick added. The only way to validate these claims, of course, is to find out if they come true. Rihanna has been intensely private when it comes to the rollout for her new album. She told Entertainment Tonight that it took a little bit of time to shake the cobwebs off in the studio. “Music, for me, is a new discovery,” she claimed. “I’ve been working on the album for so long that I put all that aside. Now I’m ready to get back in the studio.”
As thrilling as it was to know Rihanna was in the studio, fans were dealt a blow in June. The pop star told the outlet that she was starting the album from scratch. Evidently, she wanted to improve on what she’d already recorded. “I’m starting over, but I don’t want to neglect the songs I already have,” she noted. “I want to listen to everything with new ears. From my new perspective, and see what.. resonate with me.” Rihanna’s partner, ASAP Rocky, is slated to make his comeback in August, so hopefully she follows suit.
You probably rolled your eyes at this headline. At this point, who wouldn’t? It’s difficult to take any rumor seriously about Rihanna’s ninth album, which would be her first LP since 2016 if it ever arrives, but it’s also worth relaying because any glimmer of hope is better than the deafening possibility that Rihanna might never release another album.
This week, Jack Hardwick of The US Sun reported, “Rihanna’s ninth album is finally on the cusp of being released.”
“I can reveal the ‘Diamonds’ singer is also in talks for a huge world tour throughout 2025, which has the potential to be one of the biggest comebacks of all time,” the tabloid additionally relayed. “But the good news for Rihanna’s fans does not stop there, as I understand she is once again at the top of Glastonbury’s list to headline next summer’s event. She had secretly been booked to perform at Worthy Farm in 2023, but dropped out after becoming pregnant with her second child Riot, with rapper ASAP Rocky.”
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky didn’t just celebrate their son Riot’s birthday in Barbados, as it seems like they stuck around for even more fun. Moreover, RiRi recently stole the show at her home country’s Crop Over Festival this year on Monday (August 5), donning a jewel-heavy carnival costume with feathered wings and a luxurious crown. As she and her friends (including Ayra Starr) partied on a float for the festivities, they said hi to fans and overall seemed to have a fantastic time. For those unaware, Crop Over is a centuries-old gathering celebrating the end of the harvest in Barbados and is similar to Carnival celebrations in Brazil and Trinidad, for example.
During a May interview, Ayra Starr spoke on meeting the “Diamonds” singer for the first time earlier in 2024. “I was like, ‘Wow! Rihanna!’” she shared. “We got to hang out after the event. Just spending time with my idol, the person that inspired me to do all of this, was the most amazing thing. She gave me so many pointers and advice.” They linked up over some Fenty collaborations, which has been going strong this year.
Elsewhere, though, Rihanna also had to deal with some drama concerning allegations referenced in a new Trap Lore Ross video on Jay-Z, with her former publicist Jonathan Hay shedding some light on these claims. “So I was like, ‘F**k Jay-Z,’ since he won’t give us any attention and he’s being disrespectful to Amil, who was a single mother,” he recalled. “I’m going to get his attention and be disrespectful back to Jay-Z, as Rihanna was the best thing on Def Jam by far.
“I thought Jay-Z was a dirtbag, so I put out the story that Jay-Z was in a love triangle with Rihanna and Beyoncé,” Hay told AllHipHop. “That caught fire, sparked conversation, increased radio airplay, press coverage and other forms of attention. I was in an unapologetic ‘by any means necessary’ state of mind.” Hay underwent police interrogation as a result of these claims, and Hov and his team forced him to relay a public apology for his efforts.
ASAP Rocky has unfinished business with Drake. Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and the rest of the rappers who went at the 6 God appear to be done. Rocky wants another round, though. At least, that’s what DJ Kast One claimed. The DJ went on Hot 97 and insisted that ASAP Rocky was dissing Drizzy all over his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb. We all assumed we’d have to wait until August 30 to hear these bars, but ASAP Rocky may have given us a taste with his new single, “HIGHJACK.” At least, that’s what some listeners think.
There’s a self-fulfilling aspect to analyzing bars. If one goes into a song looking for a diss, then one will likely find it. That being said, ASAP Rocky does say a lot of things that apply to Drake. “HIGHJACK” sees him trash talk somebody who has a lot in common with the 6 God. “These n**gas want my wife bad, the people want my next track,” Rocky raps. “The coppers want my black a*s, f*cked up, but it’s like that.” Rihanna’s relationships with both Rocky and Drake has been talking points point throughout the battle. Drake even referenced Ri by her nickname, “Fring,” when he dissed Rocky on “Family Matters.”
The most convincing piece of evidence that ASAP Rocky is dissing Drake, though, is the interpolation. “HIGHJACK” has a smooth, cloud rap instrumental, but Rocky repeatedly ends his bars with “like that.” This, of course, evokes Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” which was the Drake diss that started the whole battle. “Pull up to the trenches, all my jewelry, yeah, I’m like that,” he raps. “I just put my finger in the **** ’cause she like that. Don’t compare that p**sy boy to me (I don’t like that).” The “boy” that the rapper is insulting could conceivably be Drake aka “The Boy.”
ASAP Rocky isn’t the only rapper who seemingly wants a piece of Drake. The day before he dropped his single, JPEGMAFIA dropped his album I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU. The album contained not one but two Drake disses, and they were absolutely brutal. One alluded to the Toronto rapper fooling around with underage girls. The other saw Peggy coin the phrase “No Drizzy” in reference to the troubling allegations leveled at the 6 God. ASAP Rocky’s diss, if it even is one, is much tamer by comparison. Maybe the real fireworks will be on the album.
While attending a friendly soccer match between AC Milan and Manchester City at Yankee Stadium in New York, Rihanna got to find out how it feels to be the least famous person in the room when a young fan walked up to her to ask her for a photo. While this might be a fairly common occurrence for the star, it turned out that he just wanted her to TAKE the photo of him with soccer stars Christian Pulisic, Jack Grealish, and Yunus Musah, who were also in the suite watching the game.
Rihanna is objectively one of the most famous people on the planet, but even she isn’t immune to being humbled by the honesty of a small child. Of course, she was cool as a cucumber about the whole situation, taking multiple photos from different angles and even doing a little directing for the young fan and his brother. If there was ever any indicator that monoculture is well and truly dead, this would be it.
This kid casually asking Rihanna to take his picture with Jack Grealish, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. pic.twitter.com/aTSLRhyWLO
For what it’s worth, Rihanna herself was probably just relieved that the kid didn’t ask her about her long-awaited 9th album, which fans have pestered her over for the past seven years.
ASAP Rocky is in album mode. It’s been a while. Rocky’s last album, Testing, dropped in 2018, and since then, the landscape of hip-hop has changed. Hell, the landscape of hip-hop has changed in the last six months alone. Drake went to war with nearly every big star in the genre, including ASAP Rocky. The 6ix God threw shots at Rocky on the songs “Push Ups” and “Family Matters,” and even made reference to Rocky’s relationship with Rihanna. It’s been radio silence since those songs dropped, but it won’t be for much longer.
DJ Kast One went on Hot 97 to hype ASAP Rocky’s upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb. He assured fans that it will be worth the wait. He also claimed that Rocky is going to fire back at Drake with a few disses of his own. I heard ASAP Rocky definitely addressing a lot of the main topics that are happening out here right now,” Kast One asserted. Let’s just say, the list keeps going on strong.” He initially played coy about the beef between ASAP Rocky and Drake, which led Ebro to get clarification. “So you saying Rocky is still on Drake’s list is what you saying?,” the host asked.
DJ Kast One did not hesitate to confirm. “He’s gonna be cemented on the list after this,” he claimed. It’s worth noting that ASAP Rocky has already dissed Drake on record. After the release of “Push Ups,” the Harlem superstar hopped on the Future and Metro Boomin song “Show of Hands.” Rocky referenced the mother of Drake’s child, Sophie Brussaux. He also alluded to sleeping with her before she got with the 6 God. “N**gas in they feelings over women, what, you hurt or somethin’. I smash before you birthed son, Flacko hit it first, son,” Rocky raps. “Still don’ trust you, it’s always us, never them. Heard you dropped your latest sh*t. Funny how it just came and went.”
Unfortunately, for ASAP Rocky, the diss did not go over well. Fans generally agreed that his criticisms were weak, especially given Drake’s romantic history with Rihanna. Drake even pointed this out on the “Family Matters” verse addressing Rocky. He even called out the rapper by his real name, “Rakim talkin’ sh*t again,” Drake spits. “Gassed ’cause you hit my BM first, n**ga, do the math, who I was hittin’ then?” The consensus was that Drake won the battle against ASAP Rocky, which means the pressure is on for the next response to be good. Don’t Be Dumb drops August 30.
Rihanna’s former publicist spoke out about a new documentary about Jay-Z and new drama that sparked because of it. YouTuber Trap Lore Ross published The Disturbing Death of Jay-Z’s ‘Mistress’ earlier this month. It centers on the mysterious death of 28-year-old model Cathy “Kori” White, who died in 2011 after suffering a reported brain aneurysm. White allegedly told Jay-Z that she was pregnant with his child prior to her death. Jay-Z was married to Beyoncé, and they were expecting their first child, Blue Ivy. Rumors ran rampant, and many concluded White’s death was more sinister than anyone let on.
The documentary mentioned a publicist named Jonathan Hay. Hay represented Rihanna at the start of her career when she was promoting her debut single, “Pon de Replay.” In the past, Hay admitted to making up a story about Rihanna and Jay having an affair. Hay’s goal was increased publicity for his artist, and it was a successful ploy. Following his mention in the new documentary, he took to Instagram to note there was much more to the story. After that, he went to AllHipHopand discussed it further.
Rihanna’s Former Publicist Speaks Out About New Jay-Z Documentary
“So I was like ‘f*ck Jay-Z,’ since he won’t give us any attention and he’s being disrespectful to Amil, who was a single mother,” said Hay. “I’m going to get his attention and be disrespectful back to Jay-Z, as Rihanna was the best thing on Def Jam by far. I thought Jay-Z was a dirtbag, so I put out the story that Jay-Z was in a love triangle with Rihanna and Beyoncé, and that caught fire, sparked conversation, increased radio airplay, press coverage and other forms of attention. I was in an unapologetic ‘by any means necessary’ state of mind.”
The rumor, while untrue, caused police to interrogate Hay. The police had their attention on Jay-Z for several years, ever since an incident between Jay-Z and former music executive Un Rivera. That incident ended with Jay-Z allegedly stabbing Rivera. Hay attempted to explain that the rumors of an affair between Jay-Z and Rihanna (then a 17-year-old) were a publicity stunt, but the police didn’t believe him. Eventually, they did, and Jay-Z’s team made Hay issue a public apology for his actions. Hay alleges that he was supposed to get his other clients promoted on TIDAL for his cooperation, but never did.
Rihanna was seen baring it all in an off-the-cuff style advertisement for her Savage X Fenty underwear and bra lines. In the short clip, Rihanna is seen walking around in public with her friends wearing a plaid skirt and light blue top. Shortly after strutting her stuff, she decides to give her friends a quick peek at the cheeks. The entrepreneurial icon is going quite viral right now because of it, and its why her brand is so widespread. Since sharing the 22 second clip to X (formerly Twitter) in the early evening yesterday, it has been watched over 46.6 million times, has 334,000 likes, 26,000 reshares, and over 5,000 comments. Also helping this post become so likeable is Rihanna’s relatable caption, “since I clearly won’t be achieving my six pack til next summer, I switched my summer goal to matching my shoes to my panties! ”.
This prompted a lot of fans to chime in on how they feel the same way about their fitness. “Same sista. I fumbled the abs”, one user writes”. Of course, the failed six-pack is not deterring anyone from pointing out how good Rihanna’s backside looks. “That booootyyy thoooo”, another adds. Others seem to be trapped too hard with one person penning, “I watched this way too many times already”.
Rihanna’s Fans Are More Than Fine With Her Flashing Them
since I clearly won’t be achieving my six pack til next summer, I switched my summer goal to matching my shoes to my panties! pic.twitter.com/KOTKFQlIUB
While Rihanna was receiving tons of love and praise for this cheeky ad, you knew some were going to ask about new music. “Switch your summer goal to releasing an album“, one bluntly states. Everyone knows it’s seemed like a millennium since Rihanna gave us her last LP ANTI. Sure, she has popped up for a few features and singles here and there. But no one will be satisfied until a full-length release hits the market.
Fans Also Want That New Album
Can you switch your summer goal into making ma album instead…
What are your thoughts on Rihanna flashing the cameras in her spontaneous ad for her Fenty X Savage underwear? Do you think this is a good way for her to market her brand? Will she ever drop a new album this year, or ever again? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Rihanna. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the worlds of music and pop culture.
Four score and well over seven years ago, Rihanna dropped her critically revered album, Anti. Since then, the “Lift Me Up” singer has slowly but surely ventured into other creative plains. But mainly, her entrepreneurial pursuits via the Fenty empire.
Despite promising on multiple occasions she would drop new music, the Navy (her super fans) are still waiting. But what supporters don’t have to question is Rihanna finding a way to cross promote one of her many companies. Today (July 23), while enjoying a nice summer walk, Rihanna decided to playful moon her friends, which quickly turned into a spontaneous Savage X Fenty photo shoot.
“Since I clearly won’t be achieving my six-pack til next summer, I switched my summer goal to matching my shoes to my panties! ,” she wrote.
As she revealed her delicates Rihanna made it clear that Savage X Fenty was on her lower half.
since I clearly won’t be achieving my six pack til next summer, I switched my summer goal to matching my shoes to my panties! pic.twitter.com/KOTKFQlIUB
We closed out last week with Part 1 of pop culture moments that would be excellent episodes of The Boondocks, and we’re back with Part II. If you haven’t already checked out 1-25, we recommend you look that over. The Boondocks ran for four seasons beforecalling it quits in 2014, and fans have impatiently waited for an update on a revival. However, plans of a reboot seem to be thwarted for the time being, and we’re left with imaginging which moments in pop culture, internet, and Hip Hop history the Boondocks writers would take on. Here are a few ideas for the second half of this Boondocks series; as stated in Part 1, we know this list doesn’t include all that has happened in the last 10 years. These are just a handful of moments we believe The Boondocks would highlight effortlessly.
Read through 26-50 below and let us know what other events The Boondocks needs to spotlight if (*crosses fingers* when?) it returns.
26. Rihanna & A$AP Rocky’s Growing Family
After confirming their romance in 2021, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky apparently got to work. The longtime friends surprised their fans with news of their union, which was praised among their peers. In January 2022, they announced that they were pregnant with their first child, RZA. Then, during her epic Super Bowl Halftime performance, Rihanna revealed a baby bump, showing that the megastar singer and her equally famous beau were expecting again. The couple’s son, Riot, arrived in August 2023. Rihanna has endured quite a bit pertaining to her relationships in the industry, so this Hip Hop family should definitely be highlighted on The Boondocks.
27. The Unraveling Of Kanye West
Whew…Kanye West has had quite a ride during his time in the industry. From his breakout hit being about his near-death car crash, to his infamous line about George Bush, to his romances with the likes of Kim Kardashian and Amber Rose, Ye has been at the epicenter of controversy. However, it may be his more recent antics that would find a hot spot on The Boondocks. The accusations of anti-Semitism continue to haunt him, as do his social media rants and unraveling moments. Whether it’s his secretive Wyoming ranch or his bid for President of the United States, Kanye West’s longstanding career is ripe with Boondocks material. They should break it down into several episodes, the way they tackled Debra Lee and BET.
Which would you choose? This question appeared on social media, garnering thousands of responses across platforms. Some believed they could eventually be more profitable if they sat with the Roc Nation mogul and picked his brain over a meal. Yet, others wanted the immediate cash, thinking that would be more helpful to their circumstances than a conversation. Hov weighed in on the viral question, telling the public to take the money. It could be interesting to see this episode with Riley and if he would choose the stacks or the wisdom.
29. Tyler Perry’s Bid For BET
The relationship between The Boondocks and Tyler Perry is tense. The beloved series has already featured an episode centered around Perry and his stage plays, where Granddad gets cast to be Madea’s love interest. The Boondocks crew didn’t hold back in going in on Perry, and it has become one of the most remembered episodes in the series. Considering how The Boondocks presented BET as being poisonous to Black culture and the rumors that Perry wanted to purchase the network, this is prime material.
30. Katt Williams’s Club Shay Shay Interview
Some have said the wild ride 2024 has become is all thanks to Katt Williams kicking off the year with a bang. The comedian sat down with Shannon Sharpe for one of the most discussed and memed interviews of the year. Williams never bites his tongue—that could be in his standup routines or a serious conversation. During his interview, he called out his peers and revealed insights about Hollywood’s dark side, and some believe he predicted the unfolding of several of our industry icons. Meanwhile, Katt isn’t a stranger to The Boondocks. He voiced the character of A Pimp Named Slick Back, who appeared in several hilarious episodes.
31. Becoming TikTok Famous
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic sent the entire world into a frenzy. Businesses didn’t just close; some owners had to permanently shut their doors because they couldn’t recover from the losses. Yet, others found new income by hopping on TikTok. It wasn’t just about keeping businesses open; tens of millions of people flooded the platform with silly videos, deep conversations, and personal revelations to connect with the outside world. TikTok has launched the careers of some of today’s biggest pop culture stars, and its popularity is only increasing. The Boondocks could have fun with this one, with Huey and Riley potentially taking to the platform to push their views.
It came as a surprise when DaBaby and DaniLeigh started popping up together in social media posts. He featured her in his music video, they traveled together to celebrate their birthdays, and there were Instagram Stories of them showing affection and enjoying one another’s company. Soon, the pair revealed they were expecting a child. Still, things took a dramatic turn when their romance unraveled on Instagram Live. DaBaby told the world DaniLeigh a side piece and berated her in real-time. The former couple-non-couple argued, and soon, the police were called. Both artists haven’t recovered from the scandal—as a matter of fact, they’ve continued to be embroiled in fights, court cases, and reported tense co-parenting.
33. A.I. Rappers
Although A.I. is a helpful tool in corporate America and beyond, a dark cloud is hovering over its impact on the entertainment industry. In music, specifically, some have already begun testing Artificial Intelligence rappers, using famous artists’ voices. During Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s beef, the OVO leader used an A.I. Snoop Dogg and A.I. Tupac in one of his diss tracks. This move polarized Hip Hop, with many arguing that it was disrespectful to both artists. We can only imagine how The Boondocks would incorporate the rise of A.I. and creating a famous rapper that doesn’t even exist.
34. Dave Chappelle Trans Controversy & Stage Attack
Chappelle’s Show was a firestorm in the early 2000s, running for three seasons and creating some of the best quotes from any comedy series. He gave us unforgettable characters and ongoing standup specials that have been etched in history. Chappelle has been amid controversy throughout his career, but when he made remarks about the trans community, he faced backlash. Then, while performing at the Hollywood Bowl, a man with a weapon rushed the stage in a full-on attack. Thankfully, Chappelle walked away uninjured, but all of the dissension surrounding the comedy giant—and his unmoved reaction to the debates—would make for big laughs on The Boondocks.
35. Charleston White & His Antics
One of the wildest figures in social media culture is Charleston White. He has risen through the online ranks with his hot takes and wild statements. He even beefed with Soulja Boy, pepper spraying the rapper at a restaurant. Further, White has taken aim at almost every top-selling rapper today, as well as given his thoughts on all things political. A Boondocks feature with White could offer spicy interactions with Uncle Ruckus, who is just as unfiltered as the social media star.
36. Jussie Smollett Hoax Drama
There was a time when it seemed pop culture would never be released from the clutches of this scandal. New reports and rumors were daily, and debates unfolded regarding whether or not this was a hoax. Empire star Jussie Smollett found himself the target of one of the biggest scandals of 2019. It was then that he told police he was attacked by two racist white men who put a noose around his neck. Investigators weren’t convinced of his story, and it was revealed that brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo reportedly helped Smollett fake the scene. The actor continues to deny the allegations and even faced charges for lying to the police. The Boondocks loves a good trial episode, so this would be incredible to watch.
37. Nick Cannon’s Calvary Of Kids & Baby Mamas
No one is quite sure how many children Nick Cannon will have, but at the moment, the number stands at 12 in 13 years. Six women, including Mariah Carey, are on the list of mothers, and Cannon seemingly keeps a household with several of the ladies. Cannon has boasted about the joys of fatherhood, yet the public has been sharp in its criticism. Regardless, Cannon is keeping his options open concerning welcoming more children. Imagine what The Boondocks could do with this one.
38. MAGA Mania
Heavily regarded as a cult to some and a way of life for others, MAGA is here to stay. The “Make America Great Again” slogan took flight during Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign, and it’s only gained popularity among those who see the businessman as the Second Coming. Interviews with dedicated MAGA fans have stormed the internet with questionable commentary about the 45th president. The Boondocks would have to tap into this phenomenon.
39. Sha’Carri Richardson Suspended From Olympics
When Sha’Carri Richardson qualified for the delayed Tokyo Olympics, there was overwhelming support for the young star. However, she was suspended after officials revealed she tested positive for THC. Richardson said she used marijuana following the recent death of her mother, but that didn’t stop the public vitriol from all sides. She has since recovered from the backlash and will compete in the Paris Olympics. This could be a Boondocks hot take on the standards Black women are held to as opposed to their counterparts.
40. Jonathan Owens Not Knowing Who Simone Biles Was Before Dating
Simone Biles is considered the greatest gymnast in American history. Her name and face have been used to endorse dozens of brands, and she has been interviewed globally by every major news network there is. She’s a gold medal Olympian, and she continues to inspire people of all backgrounds to become champions. In 2023, Biles married Chicago Bears star Jonathan Owens, who said in an interview that he was completely unfamiliar with his wife when they met on a dating app. Moreover, when questioned about being in a relationship with someone of Biles’s caliber, he called himself the “catch.” The public immediately circulated clips of the chat, sparking an online discourse about the sports stars’ marriage. Biles has since come forward to defend her husband and union.
41. When Empire Ruled Television
For five years, fans were addicted to Empire. The Lee Daniels creation was a megahit, with record label mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) and his ex-wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) leading a family of talented sons who were stars. The real controversy, however, comes from rumors that real-life events inspired the show. When Lucious (*spoiler*) killed his good friend Bunkie, viewers drew parallels to Diddy and the late-great Notorious B.I.G. There is plenty to work with here for The Boondocks writers.
42. Jada Pinkett Smith & Her August Alsina “Entanglement”
As a collective, we know more about Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s family and relationship dynamics than arguably any other Hollywood couple today. Jada launched Red Table Talk alongside her daughter, Willow Smith, and mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris. They talked extensively about their pasts and presents, but when Will made an appearance, it changed the game. It was revealed that the pair went through a separation, and during that time, Jada had an “entanglement” with R&B singer August Alsina. The social media response was unavoidable, taking over headlines from one end of the earth to the other.
43. Rachel Dolezal Pretending To Be Black
The term “transracial” took flight in the mid-2010s after Rachel Dolezal, then-president of the Spokane, Washington, NAACP chapter, surfaced in pop culture. The curly-haired, fair-skinned woman claimed she was Black, but upon investigation, it was learned she was a white woman born and raised in Montana. Further, Dolezal made wild claims about her upbringing and youth, all of which her parents have come forward to deny. Since then, Dolezal has stood firm in living as a Black woman. She has also changed her name to Nkechi Amare Diallo, leaving her infamy perfect for The Boondocks.
44. The Death Of Prince
One of the greatest musicians of our time passed away in 2016, shocking the world. He had been sick with the flu and underwent a medical emergency just days before his death. Sadly, Prince was found unresponsive at his Paisley Park home on April 21. His cause of death was determined to be an accidental overdose of fentanyl. Prince’s artistry has been widely celebrated, and while the effects of his loss still haunt fans, The Boondocks could pay comical tribute.
Of course, some moments don’t warrant jokes. Yet, that hasn’t stopped The Boondocks from tackling those issues. Basketball fans were shocked when it was announced in January 2020 that Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in California. Then, it was shared that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant, lost her life alongside her father. Six family friends also died in the crash, leaving devastation reverberating through several families. The Boondocks paying homage to such a monumental figure and drawing from the worldwide response to the tragedy would be an inspirational feature.
46. Jordan Peele Becomes A Master Of Black Horror
Who knew that the guy from MadTV would become one of the greatest filmmakers in Black horror? Jordan Peele has been active in the comedy space for some time. Key & Peele, a hit sketch series with Keegan Michael-Key, followed in the footsteps of Chappelle’s Show with a twist. However, Peele’s career would take a different direction when he released his directorial debut, Get Out. The movie was just the beginning of a series of Black horror films rejuvenating the genre. BlacKkKlansman, Us, Candyman, and Nope soon followed—all taking over the box office. If The Boondocks dedicated a Halloween episode inspired by Peele’s work, it could be unforgettable.
47. Omarion Being Unbothered By Fizz & Apryl Jones
Love & Hip Hop Hollywood may be on a hiatus for now, but there was a time when it was one of VH1’s top unscripted shows. It once featured former B2K frontman Omarion and his then-fiancée Apryl Jones. The couple’s relationship issues were on full blast, with them welcoming the arrival of their firstborn at the time. In later seasons, Apryl returned with a new beau: Fizz, Omarion’s B2K groupmate. The controversy sparked Omarion’s “unbothered” persona, as he publicly took it all with a grain of salt. Jones would argue that things were different behind the scenes.
48. Hip Hop Podcasts
Hip Hop is ripe with commentary from critics, fans, and artists. There has been a dramatic increase in Hip Hop-centered podcasts, from Joe Budden’s top-earner to Noreaga and DJ EFN’s Drink Champs. Even Akademiks launched his own sit-down series, and DJ Vlad has been thriving in the scene since premiering VladTV in 2008. Speaking of Vlad, he has appeared on The Boondocks in the Sergeant Gutta (a character based on Soulja Boy) episode when he’s beefing with Thugnificient. With so much Hip Hop commentary up for the parodying, The Boondocks wouldn’t be without material.
49. Global Response To The Murder Of Nipsey Hussle
In March 2019, Nipsey Hussle was gunned down in front of his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles. The beloved Crenshaw rapper’s life was taken by an associate, Eric Holder, who was rumored to have been triggered by snitching allegations. The global response to Hussle’s passing was incredible, with people descending on his store’s location with candles, flowers, notes, and tributes. It was one of Hip Hop’s most significant losses in recent years, but the reaction to the tragedy is what really shook the industry. Many were accused of jumping on bandwagons and only praising Neighborhood Nip for clout. On The Boondocks, we already saw Riley’s reaction when Gangstalicious was shot and hospitalized. One can only imagine how he would react if one of his favorite rappers were killed.
50. Going Toe-To-Toe On Verzuz
The 2020 pandemic had the industry scrambling for inventive ways to continue sharing artists, new music, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland gathered their team and came up with Verzuz, beginning on Instagram Live. Thousands tuned in to watch two artists in a similar lane play their favorite or top hits back to back. A little trash-talking was inevitable, but all in good fun. Verzuz helped carry Hip Hop through the pandemic and even found success following the lockdown. Yet, corporate tape has switched up the series, with bigger productions, leaving some fans wanting production to return to Verzuz roots. Now that Verzuz has reportedly inked a deal with Elon Musk, Swizz and Tim face new criticisms. A Boondocks episode about this could be centered on the concerts themselves or Verzuz’s new venture with Xitter’s leader.
”.
(@thankunext06) 
(@W0rldWideJess)