The Weekly Wrap-up: Hip Hop's Ever-Evolving Story
This week sees legends solidifying legacies, fresh names asserting their space, and dramas unfolding in the public eye. Here's everything you need to know:
Week of July 20–26, 2025
🎧 Album & Singles Roundup
Playboi Carti's "MUSIC" Crosses a Million Sales
Playboi Carti’s MUSIC becomes the first rap album of 2025 to hit one million sales, setting the bar high for the rest of the year. hotnewhiphop.comClipse Share Insights on ‘Let God Sort Em Out’
Clipse highlight their favorite bars from their latest album, intensifying a head-to-head chart battle with Travis Scott and securing a victory over Lil Wayne in the process. hiphophero.comTyler, The Creator Prepares Fans for "Don't Tap The Glass"
Tyler announces the drop time for his anticipated new release and urges fans to manage expectations. hotnewhiphop.comFreddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Preview JID Collab
Gibbs and The Alchemist tease an exciting JID verse from the highly anticipated Alfredo 2. hotnewhiphop.com
🎤 Culture & Controversy
Drake Sparks New Kendrick Lamar Feud
Drake doubles down on the rivalry by openly endorsing a "F**k Kendrick" chant during a live show, intensifying their already bitter video battle. hiphophero.comCa$h Out Sentenced to Life
Rapper Ca$h Out receives a life sentence for rape and sex trafficking, marking a severe fall from grace. hiphophero.comCardi B Faces Lawsuit Over Microphone Incident
Cardi finds herself back in court after last year's viral microphone-throwing altercation resurfaces as a lawsuit. hiphopdx.com
📈 Industry Moves & Business
Snoop Dogg Goes International
Snoop Dogg expands his empire with a stake in a Welsh soccer team, signaling further cross-cultural influence from the legend. hiphopdx.comJim Jones’ Big Miss
Jones reveals he once passed on signing Drake, J. Cole, and The Weeknd, ironically citing their lack of marketable images. allhiphop.com
📢 Notable Moments & Social Media Buzz
Kanye Texts Top5 After Stabbing Incident
Kanye West reaches out to Toronto rapper Top5 after his recovery from a stabbing in London. hotnewhiphop.comDJ Quik Takes Aim at Dr. Dre
DJ Quik throws subtle shade at fellow West Coast titan Dr. Dre, stirring up a new debate among rap purists. hiphopdx.com
That's it for this week. Keep your eyes and ears open—the story of hip hop is always writing itself.
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