Ahead of the release of her new album Agítese Antes de Usar (Shake Before Use) later this month, Colombian artist and songwriter (she's written for the likes of Shakira and Anitta) La Guru has unveiled her new single “KTB.” Blending Latin rhythms with urban, pop, and salsa influences, the track highlights La Guru’s emotive vocal style and eclectic sound while reinforcing her signature themes of heartfelt lyricism and empowerment.

Industry vet Jawan Harris launches a new chapter in his career with “Always On My Mind,” a heartfelt R&B ballad inspired by SWV’s 1994 classic “You’re Always On My Mind.” Released through his new partnership with Epic Records, the single showcases Jawan’s admiration for ’90s R&B and his powerful vocals. Rising Texas group SIS joins the track, helping breathe fresh energy into the timeless song.

Fresco Trey returns with his deeply personal seven-track EP NUMB (Never Understood Mostly Broken), an introspective project centered on pain, healing, and self-discovery. Following the success of recent single “Hope,” Trey uses the independent release to reflect on fame, family struggles, loss, and emotional growth. Tracks like “Save Me” and “Not Certain” showcase his vulnerability and evolving mindset, while the EP as a whole plays like a journal documenting his journey through hardship, transformation, and self-awareness. 

DC rapper ANKHLEJOHN and Hip-Hop producer V Don have released the official video for “TRAUMA OR TRAGEDY,” a standout track from their collaborative album Everything Beautiful Died Early, a 12-track project features appearances from CRIMEAPPLE, Sha Hef, and BabyMaine. Backed by V Don’s haunting, restrained production, the song highlights ANKHLEJOHN’s sharp storytelling as the album explores themes of struggle, survival, and harsh realities through a gritty underground hip-hop lens.

Sudan-born, Minneapolis-raised artist Dua Saleh delivers a captivating visual for “Firestorm,” a standout track from the album I Should Call Them. Directed and shot by John Liwag and Matt Tyszka, the video complements the song’s buttery smooth early 2000s R&B influence and emotionally charged themes of self-discovery and refusing to settle in relationships. “Firestorm” further highlights Dua Saleh’s gift for blending intimate vulnerability with striking artistic expression.

Doja Cat says she is considering stepping away from music for several years once she completes her current commitments. In a recent interview with Elle on May 14, the 30-year-old artist revealed she is thinking about taking a break after finishing deluxe tracks and wrapping up her ongoing Tour Ma Vie World Tour. “I think I want to take three years off. I want to just do whatever,” she said, hinting at a desire to slow down after a busy stretch of work. The rapper, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, shared that her time off could include personal creative projects such as painting murals and redecorating her home. Despite planning a hiatus, she has remained active on tour, recently appearing at the Met Gala and preparing for the European leg of her tour, which begins May 19 in Dublin. Doja also reflected on her love of performing, particularly in London, where she says audiences are highly engaged. While touring can be exhausting, she noted that fashion remains one of her favorite parts of the experience, describing how she carefully curates each look to match every location and performance.

American Idol viewers shared concern for former judge Randy Jackson after his appearance as a guest mentor during the May 4 episode featuring the Season 24 Top 5 contestants. Jackson returned to the show to help contestants prepare for their live performances, offering critiques and guidance during rehearsals ahead of a pivotal elimination night. However, many fans focused on his noticeably thinner appearance and frail demeanor during the broadcast. Social media quickly filled with reactions from worried viewers. “Is Randy Jackson ok? Looks and sounds so weak,” one user wrote on X, while another commented that Jackson “does not look well.” Other viewers questioned whether the former judge was dealing with health issues, with some pointing to his dramatic weight loss over the years. A Reddit discussion in the “American Idol” community also highlighted concern from fans, with commenters noting that Jackson has appeared increasingly frail during recent television appearances, including on the game show Name That Tune. Jackson has previously spoken publicly about his health struggles. He was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2002 and later underwent gastric bypass surgery, which helped him lose more than 100 pounds. He also underwent spinal surgery in 2019 following a back injury. Despite the concern from fans, Jackson appeared enthusiastic about returning to “American Idol,” where he reunited with fellow original judge Paula Abdul. Abdul joined current judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie for the episode as the competition narrowed from five contestants down to the final three heading into the season finale. 

Nicki Minaj recently explained why she has become more vocal in supporting Donald Trump and the Republican Party. In an interview with Time, Minaj said her frustrations with Democrats grew after repeated swatting incidents at her home allegedly went unanswered by Gavin Newsom despite her requests for help. She contrasted that experience with support she later received from Republican congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna. Minaj also claimed the music industry pressures artists to align with Democrats and admitted she feared backlash for publicly supporting Trump. Additionally, she cited Jay-Z’s political influence and criticism of a 2024 speech by Barack Obama as factors that further distanced her from the Democratic Party.

Canadian rapper Drake appears to have escalated his ongoing feud with American sports and music figures, this time allegedly targeting NBA star LeBron James in a leaked track from his upcoming album Iceman. The song, reportedly titled “1AM in Albany,” contains lyrics that criticize loyalty and reference switching teams, with fans interpreting them as a direct diss toward James. Drake also appears to question James’ authenticity, further fueling speculation about their fractured relationship. The two were once close friends, but tensions reportedly grew after James publicly supported and attended a concert tied to Drake’s rival Kendrick Lamar and engaged with Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” James’ NBA career, spanning the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, has also been central to online debates about loyalty, which the leaked lyrics seem to reference.