With her long-awaited fourth studio LP on the way, Nicki Minaj stars on the cover of the New York Times‘ T Magazine “Greats” issue. The Young Money Queen is one of eight figures who are masters in their respective fields, that the publication has chosen to shine the light on. In a conversation with writer Roxane Gay, Minaj speaks on her new album, having to prove herself as a lyricist, being free and inspired going into her new album and more.

Styled by Marie-Amélie Sauvé, the always fashionable Nicki is seen wearing pieces by Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alaïa. Fans can get the issue when it hits newsstands on October 22, meanwhile read some excerpts from the full interview below.

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Rihanna’s 3rd annual Diamond Ball took place on Thursday night (Sept. 13) at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. In support of the Clara Lionel Foundation non-profit organization, the all-black affair was hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle. Rihanna, dressed in an all-black Ralph & Russo gown, lead the star-studded night if attendees that included Beyoncé and JAY-Z, Jamie Foxx, Trevor Noah, Lala Anthony, Future, Gayle King, Cardi B, Young Thug, Lil’ Kim, Fabolous, model Emily Ratajkowski, Fabolous and more.

RiRi was also joined by her parents Ronald Fenty and Monica Brathwaite, brothers Rorrey and Rajad, and her grandfather Lionel “Bravo” Braithwaite. Along with performances by Kendrick Lamar and Calvin Harris, former U.S. President Barack Obama made an appearance via video link, thanking the pop superstar “for the great work” her foundation has done. “You’ve become a powerful force,” said Obama. With the help of Chappelle playing auctioneer, the organization raised more than $840,000.

Founded in 2012, The Clara Lionel Foundation organization seeks to improve quality of life in areas of health, education, culture and arts for communities across the globe.

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The hottest stars is music have all made their way to the City of Angeles for the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. Taking place at The Forum in Inglewood on Sunday night (Aug. 27), this year’s VMAs are hosted by Katy Perry. Kendrick Lamar leads the annual show with 8 nominations this year, including “Video of the Year,” “Artist of the Year,” and “Best Hip-Hop.”

Along with Perry and Lamar, the big event will feature performances by Ed Sheeran, Fifth Harmony, Gucci Mane, Lorde, Post Malone, Khalid, Cardi B, Thirty Seconds to Mars and much more. Before the main show got underway, the big stars showed off their stylish looks on the red carpet.

Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Lil’ Uzi Vert, G-Eazy, Demi Lovato, Lil’ Yachty and more were all smiles while posing for the cameras and catching pre-show interviews. Check out photos from the VMAs red carpet below.

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From joining the Eric Garner protests in New York to giving local residents of Ferguson, Baton Rouge and Jonesboro a voice in his 4 Your Eyez Only documentary, J. Cole is a man of the people. As his 4 Your Eyez Only tour swung through California last month, the Dreamville rapper paid a visit to San Qunetin State Prison — the only prison in the state that houses death row inmates — to chop it up with some of the inmates.

“We got the opportunity to spend the day at San Quentin State Prison talking and meeting inmates who will never see the outside again,” Cole’s manager, Ibrahim Hamad, wrote on Instagram. “That experience was a life changing experience and wish I had the ability to put that in a caption but that wouldn’t be doing it justice.” Something tells me Cole wouldn’t have even publicized his trip had Ib not shared these pictures on social media.

“Now some restin’ in peace and some are sittin’ in San Quentin / Others such are myself are tryna carry on tradition”

Check out more photos below…

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With the third installment of his ‘Street Gospel’ series set to drop next week (July 31st), Young Money Yawn keeps fans subdued by revealing the cover art for the highly anticipated body of work. The Virginia rap veteran also delivers some signature bars over Jay-Z’s DJ Premier-produced classic “A Million.”

Watch the VIP$ TV-directed clip for the fresh freestyle below.

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Tributes have been pouring in since Prodigy’s tragic death a little over two weeks ago, and it was only a matter of time before New York’s graffiti writers got to work. On Thursday (July 6), Jeff Henriquez and Eli Lazare joined forces to create a mural of P on the side of a building opposite Queensbridge Houses (where else?). The mural is based one of the most iconic photos of Prodigy and features incredible detail, right down to his tattoos — not too dissimilar from the vivid pictures P painted in his rhymes.

“His deep and meaningful lyrics inspired and influenced many young rappers and followers,” Henriquez and Lazare told DNA Info of their tribute. The pair are also helping to plan a candlelight vigil for the site on Thursday, July 13.

Check out more photos of the mural below…

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Honestly, the news of Prodigy’s death is still messing with my soul. I’m sure everyone else who has held Mobb Deep close to their heart since they were kids can relate. He was only 42-years young, man. Our condolences go out to P’s loved ones.

I penned a personal essay about P for VIBE.com — which you can read below.

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New Balance has partnered with DTLR for a fresh 4th of July inspired 990. Titled “Stars and Stripes,” the patriotic pair of kicks were created to be a catalyst for unity; representing cultural diversity, indivisibility and national pride for all Americans.

Stylized in a rich black suede with grey mesh, the limited edition athletic shoes features a navy blue overlays and mesh tongue as well as a 3M reflective grey “N” trimmed in white. Finished with a translucent red heel clip, the outsole is opaque white and navy.

Cop your pair, which run just under $200, on June 23 at select DTLR locations throughout the DMV area or online at dtlr.com.

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Last night (June 15th), Fancy.com and Future (Freebandz) hosted a VIP opening for the LA ‘Nobody Safe Tour’ pop up, giving editors, tastemakers, and close friends the first look at a high-end boutique shopping experience. The “Nobody Safe Tour Pop-Up” showcased specially designed tour merchandise from the current show, along with other coveted items including limited-edition Nobody Safe “Caution” slides by Turist, two new McLaren 570GT Supercars and the latest next-generation Lyric gold speakers, produced as a one-off specifically for this activation.

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DJ Khaled is going all out for his forthcoming album, Grateful. Due June 23, the album already includes high-powered collaborations with Beyoncé and JAY Z, Justin Bieber and Lil’ Wayne, and now his latest single “To the Max” featuring Drake. It appears Khaled is already preparing to orchestrate another smash, as the mogul/music maestro recently connected with Rihanna to film a music video. Photos surfaced online on Tuesday (Jun. 6) of Khaled and the pop superstar in Miami’s Little Haiti. In one scene, RiRi is spotted amongst young girls from the community of Little Haiti, dancing in large hoop earrings and a vibrant pink outfit.

In the main shot, Rihanna is seen wearing a a two-piece yellow outfit by Balenciaga, standing beside DJ Khaled and singer Bryson Tiller who also makes a cameo. Late last month, DJ Khaled confirmed Rihanna will appear on his 10th studio album, that’s also set to feature appearances by Nicki Minaj, Nas, 2 Chainz, and Travi$ Scott.

UPDATE (6/6): On Tuesday, Khaled filmed a music video for song off the album with Nas and Travi$ Scott.

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