Cardi B had social media buzzing and make headlines last week after an Instagram post where she spoke out on the partial U.S. government shut down. Clearly frustrated, the Grammy-nominated star was in support of the 800,000 workers, who were ordered back to work without pay. Along with over 14 million views, Cardi’s video post caught the attention of all the major media outlets like CNN and MSNBC. The viral moment appears to have triggered right-wing commentator Tomi Lahren, who took to Twitter to react a few days later, which Cardi responded to on Sunday morning (Jan. 20).

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YG’s third studio album, Stay Dangerous, is set to arrive this Friday (Aug. 3). With a busy schedule promoting the project, the Compton rapper took some time off to give back to the community. YG donated $150,000 on Wednesday (Aug. 2) to startup company GirlCodeLA. The donation will help young female coders looking to get a start in the competitive field. “Gender bias plays a role in the amount of exposure students receive in regards to technology and coding,” said YG in a statement to Billboard.

“This leads to influence future decisions within their field, creating smaller opportunities for diversity. With my donation, I hope they’ll be able to expand their reach of future female coders and programmers. I want to make sure I’m doing my part, I got a daughter and I respect the G Code.” Along with the generous dontation, YG spent time speaking with young coders during a mentoring session, hadning out free Beats By Dre headphones. Those looking to support can make donations here.

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Janelle Monáe’s new album Dirty Computer arrives later this evening at the stroke of midnight. The artist, actress and activist has been busy over the last 48 hours, making stops at various radio stations on a promo run. The Kansas City-native recently sat down with Rolling Stone, where she opened up about her sexuality and the new album.

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Mary J. Blige celebrated her 47th birthday in a major way on Thursday (Jan. 11). The Grammy Award-winning singer was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Queen was joined by Diddy, Apple executive Jimmy Iovine, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Tyrese, Andre Harrell, BET chief executive Debra Lee, Angie Martinez, and close friends and family during the ceremony in Hollywood. “I’m so grateful for this star right now because I’ve earned it probably three times,” said MJB. “I say that with confidence and not arrogance. I say it because I know that now, and I know my worth, and what this means.”

“Whatever she is going through, she knows she has a responsibility to help others who are going through the same thing,” said Diddy, a long-time friend and collabortor in Mary’s long career. “Mary J. Blige has saved a lot of lives. Mary J. Blige has saved a lot of broken hearts.” The dedication comes after Mary J. Blige attended the Golden Globes last weekend, for her critically-acclaimed film Mudbound. The actress/singer was nominated for two Golden Globes including “Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture” and “Best Original Song.”

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The biggest stars in entertainment are coming together for a greater cause. Spearheaded by Bun B and Scooter Braun the one-hour Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief special is a telethon to help raise funds to support those impacted by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, Drake, Dave Matthews, Leonardo DiCaprio, Travis Scott, Kelly Rowland, Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Diddy and more will take part in the event broadcasted live from New York, Los Angeles and Nashville.

Simultaneously broadcasting over 12 networks including CBS, Fox, ABC, and NBC, viewers can donate online to Comic Relief USA’s Hand In Hand Hurricane Relief Fund here and here. Donations can also be done over the phone by calling 1 (800) 258-6000 to donate using a credit card, or by texting GIVE to 80077 to give $25.

Set to start at 8 p.m. EST, click below to stream Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief via YouTube.

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GQ cover star Chance the Rapper has a love for the children’s show Arthur. Recently, the Chicago-native connected with Ziggy Marley and John Baptiste to perform a new cover of the theme song, as a part of Stephen Colbert’s day-dreams segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Watch below.

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Leading up to Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day on Friday (Jan. 20), various entertainers have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the now 45th President of the United States and to praise former President Barack Obama for his eight-year tenure at the White House. Frank Ocean took to his Tumblr page hours after Trump’s ceremony where he was sworn in, touching on the poor showing at Trump’s White House ceremony earlier in the day.

“I’M REALLY EXCITED FOR THESE INAUGURATION CROWD NUMBERS TO COME IN,” said the Grammy Award-winning singer. “Don’t cook the books either Donald. We all know your event was dry. No matter how many times CNN anchors repeat majestic or peaceful transition of power. The world can see America divided and the chaos in the streets.” He later turned his focus to Obama, supporting the 44th POTUS for his class.

“Barack we love you but it would’ve been equally presidential if you would’ve just walked on out while Donald got through that struggle speech trashing your career,” Ocean noted. “In any event, a first family that I can relate to will be missed. Really though.”

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Taylor Bennett is stepping out to the world, showing bravery and courage. Taylor, brother of Chance the Rapper, took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 18) to reveal he is bisexual. Just one day ahead of his 21st birthday, the younger Bennett opened up about his sexuality on the social media platform. “My birthday is tomorrow & moving into next year I’d like to be more open about myself to help others that struggle with the same issues,” said Taylor.

“Growing up I’ve always felt indifferent about my sexuality & being attracted 2 one sex & today I would like to openly come out to my fans. I do recognize myself as a bisexual male & do & have always openly supported the gay community & will keep doing so in 2017. #ThankYou.”

“Love this man right here, through any and all,” said Chance the Rapper in message posted with a birthday celebration video on Twitter. “He has grown into a great man. He’s got God and me behind him, he cannot fail he cannot fall.” On the music side of things, Bennett is planning to release a new EP in February. Before that, he will drop Broad Shoulders, a film based on his 2015 album of the same name.

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Diddy is opening his cheque book and giving back. The Bad Boy mogul has announced he will pledge $1 million to Howard University’s School of Business, launching the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund. On Thursday night (Sept. 23), the CEO/rapper made the announcement on stage in Washington, D.C., presenting the cheque to Howard’s president Dr. Wayne Frederick during his “Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour” stop.

“I was blessed to receive a great education from Howard University! It helped to fuel my success in business and life,” said Diddy in a message posted on Instagram. “This scholarship will make it possible for the next generation of leaders to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness! When I delivered the commencement address at Howard, I asked the students “Do you know how powerful you are?” I know that Howard students are intelligent, talented, passionate, and their hard work will shape the future. This gift will make sure the whole world knows what they are capable of doing!!.”

Watch the moment below.

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Usher was the latest artist to appear on BBC Radio 1’s hallowed Live Lounge. The iconic entertainer sat down with host Clara Amfo in Los Angeles where they discussed performing with live bands, the sound of his upcoming Hard II Love album due Sept. 16, plus much more.

The Atlanta veteran displayed his legendary status as not only a performer but a vocalist, delivering acoustic versions of his smash hits “Climax,” “U Got It Bad,” a Reggae version of “Love in the Club,” and his recent single “Crash.”

The 37-year-old then chooses The Chainsmokers’ hit “Don’t Let Me Down” to cover. Watch the full 35-minute appearance below.

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