It’s been a wild week in hip-hop, and we’ve got the biggest stories right here. From unforgettable live performances to unexpected label moves and controversial moments, the culture is buzzing. Kendrick Lamar and SZA are lighting up MetLife Stadium with their epic Grand National Tour, while Travis Scott made a power move by signing Wallie the Sensei to Cactus Jack. Meanwhile, Kanye West’s latest controversial gift to Top5 has the internet talking, and Young Thug is gearing up for a cosmic comeback with his newly announced album “Uy Scuti.”
Keep reading to catch up on everything that’s going down in the hip-hop world!
Kendrick Lamar & SZA Light Up MetLife Stadium
Kendrick Lamar and SZA are turning MetLife Stadium into a hip-hop paradise this week, bringing their “Grand National Tour” to New Jersey on May 8 and 9, 2025. Fans are hyped, and rightfully so, because this dynamic duo has been delivering performances that span nearly three hours and include over 50 songs.
The show is structured into multiple acts, showcasing the best of both artists, from Kendrick’s hard-hitting bars to SZA’s soulful vibes. Kendrick had the crowd in a frenzy with his hits like “HUMBLE.” and “Not Like Us,” while SZA’s anthems “Kill Bill” and “Good Days” had fans singing every word.
This tour comes on the heels of Kendrick’s critically acclaimed 2024 album “GNX” and SZA’s Grammy-winning project “SOS” from 2022. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, making this show a must-see for anyone who loves hip-hop.
Travis Scott Signs Wallie the Sensei to Cactus Jack
Travis Scott leveled up his Cactus Jack label by signing Wallie the Sensei, a rising star known for his raw lyrics and catchy delivery. Wallie, who’s collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, is the newest addition to Travis’s roster.
Cactus Jack is home to some incredible acts, and with Wallie on board, the label’s influence is only growing. Travis shared the news on social media, posting a pic of him and Wallie with the caption, “We up!” Wallie, repping his Compton roots, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “It’s time to go harder than ever.”
Fans can expect some fresh collaborations and that signature Cactus Jack sound.
Kanye West’s Controversial Gift to Top5
Kanye West (Ye) is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. This time, it’s his choice of jewelry that has people talking. During a recent livestream, Ye gifted Top5, a known Drake affiliate, a chain featuring a swastika symbol.
Kanye’s controversial embrace of Nazi imagery continue to spark outrage across the internet, with many questioning his intentions and mental state. Despite the backlash, Kanye doubled down, claiming the chain symbolizes “rebellion against societal norms.” Top5 seemed unbothered by the uproar, thanking Ye during the stream.
This move is just the latest in a series of controversial acts from Kanye, who has been defending his use of swastika-themed apparel for months.
Young Thug Announces New Album ‘Uy Scuti’
Young Thug is back to business. The Atlanta rap icon announced his latest project, “Uy Scuti,” set to drop later this year. After teasing fans for months with cryptic social media posts, Thugger finally gave a concrete update on his Instagram, posting the album cover with the caption, “Ready for the world.”
“Uy Scuti” is named after one of the largest known stars in the universe, hinting that the project will be on a cosmic scale. Known for pushing boundaries, Thug is expected to deliver a mix of melodic rap, hard-hitting bars, and his signature unpredictable flow. Fans are speculating about potential features, with some hoping for collabs with Gunna and Lil Baby.
With Young Thug’s last album “Punk” still making waves, the pressure is on for “Uy Scuti” to live up to the hype. If anyone can do it, though, it’s Thug. Expect nothing but heat from one of Atlanta’s finest.
