Category: News Feeds

Jalen Hurts and the city of Philadelphia turned local Walnut Street into a scene straight out of a highlight reel Friday as Nike’s first-ever Jordan brand store in the United States opened its doors. And AllHipHop was right there for the massive block party celebration of the affair

Hundreds of people lined the barricades as music from DJ Na$h and DJ Jazzy Jeff filled the air. Then Philly’s own Freeway delivered a high-energy performance with DJ Cory Townes behind him. For observant Hip-Hop heads they recognized that Townes is Jazzy Jeff’s son. Making it even more special was the appearance of Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl 59 MVP Jalen Hurts. He sent the crown into a frenzy the moment he arrived.

Some noticed as the champ walked into the Jordan Brand store and took pictures inside. Outside there were young fans that wore his signature “Love Hurts” hoodies. And then he took the stage.

Fans lifted phones high to capture every second of Hurts’ appearance, chanting his name as he made his way to the stage for a quick Q&A. When asked to name his favorite pair of Jordans, Hurts didn’t hesitate.
“Favorite Jordan has to be the eleven. Gotta be the Jordan 11s,” he said, grinning.

Hurts spoke about his admiration for Michael Jordan, calling him a model of excellence. “It’s a daily mindset that you have to have. You look at MJ and the precedent he set for competitive sports and the type of athlete he was,” Hurts said. “I see it as you gotta have a mental focus but you have to have a desire too.”

The event wasn’t just about sneakers or merch. This was a celebration of culture and community. Guests were treated to free food, drinks and giveaways. There was Terrance The Eazy Way, a multi-media artist, creating a collage in real time with Jordan apparel. And, of course, those that could get into the store saw Jordan merchandise and Hurts’ own “Love, Hurts” apparel line. The night represented more than just a store opening.

As the night wound down and Hurts left, Walnut Street continued to buzz with energy. Freeway, Jeff and Townes had performed, but the sense of community stayed well after the highlights.

The Jordan brand store now stands as more than a shopping destination. It’s a statement about where streetwear, sports, Hip-Hop and the city’s soul connect.

Below is a video of the talk back and notable moments.

• During the Q&A, Hurts shared insights:
  • His favorite Jordan shoe is the Jordan 11, and he teased new colorways and models from his signature “Tron” line (3:14–3:44).
  • He emphasized that his mentality, work ethic, and tenacity mirror Michael Jordan’s approach to competitive sports (3:51–4:35).
  • Hurts spoke about the value of mental focus, desire, and relentless effort, reminding fans that success is earned (4:51–5:04).
  • He discussed staying composed through wins and losses, learning from both victories and “agonies” to grow as an athlete (5:08–5:42).
  • He expressed his love for Philadelphia and its passionate, hardworking people, saying he was “chosen for this city” (6:19–6:59).
  • He attributed his drive for excellence to learning from failure and committing fully to his goals (7:00–7:30).

All photos and video from Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur

​AllHipHop

Megan Thee Stallion received The Trevor Project’s 2025 Mental Health Champion of the Year Award in Los Angeles on World Mental Health Day, spotlighting her advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth and her push to normalize conversations around emotional well-being.

The Grammy-winning rapper was recognized for her outspoken support of mental health awareness and her work with underserved communities through her Pete & Thomas Foundation.

The honor places her among past recipients like Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X, Janelle Monáe and Dylan Mulvaney.

“I’m honored to receive this year’s Mental Health Champion award from The Trevor Project,” Megan said. “My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations.”

The Houston native launched the website BadBitchesHaveBadDaysToo.com in 2022, offering free mental health tools including directories for therapists, crisis lines and support services. The site also features The Trevor Project’s helpline.

Megan’s mental health advocacy has taken center stage in recent years. In 2024, she teamed up with California’s Department of Public Health for the “Never A Bother” suicide prevention campaign.

The year before, she appeared in the Ad Council’s “Seize the Awkward” PSA, where she discussed the emotional toll of constant pressure.

“I’ve always been told I gotta be strong. Thick-skinned. Stiff upper lip. Tough as nails,” she said in the video. “But to be everything for everybody – it wears on you.”

The Trevor Project’s CEO Jaymes Black applauded Megan’s influence, especially for young people navigating identity and mental health.

“Her raw honesty, bold advocacy, and deep love for her community make her an extraordinary role model – particularly for Black LGBTQ+ youth, who face some of the highest rates of discrimination, mental health challenges, and suicide risk,” Black said.

The award arrives during a turbulent moment for LGBTQ+ mental health services. In July, the federal government shut down the LGBTQ+ support line within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which had served over 1.5 million young people since its 2022 launch.

The Trevor Project’s research paints a grim picture: 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, with the number rising to 46% among transgender and nonbinary youth.

One in five Black transgender and nonbinary youth reported attempting suicide during that time. More than half of LGBTQ+ youth who sought mental health care were unable to access it.

Megan has long stood with the LGBTQ+ community. She headlined Los Angeles Pride in 2023 and has publicly condemned homophobia in music. TIME named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2020, and Forbes made her the first Black woman to appear solo on its 30 Under 30 cover in 2022.

The Trevor Project continues to offer 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth. Help is available by calling 1-866-488-7386, texting START to 678678 or visiting TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help.

​AllHipHop

AZ stunned longtime Hip-Hop listeners on October 10 by announcing the upcoming release of Doe or Die III to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his 1995 debut.

The news dropped via social media, where the Brooklyn rapper thanked supporters and confirmed the third installment of the revered series will arrive later this year under his label, Quiet Money Records.

“30years!!! Doe or Die was released 1995!! Thank ya’ll all that supported and held me down! Now in 2025 I will be releasing Doe or Die lll 30th anniversary edition!! COMING SOON!!!” AZ posted on X.

The original Doe or Die, released in October 1995, became a staple of East Coast Hip-Hop. With production from Pete Rock, Buckwild and L.E.S., the album sold over 500,000 copies and earned gold certification.

DOE OE DIE III COMING SOON!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ygXCvhGJub

— AZ (@quietAZmoney) October 10, 2025

Its blend of street imagery and lyrical finesse helped define the mafioso rap subgenre and cemented AZ’s reputation as one of the most underrated lyricists of his era.

AZ’s breakout moment came a year earlier with his appearance on Nas’s Illmatic, on the track “Life’s a B####.” That guest verse built anticipation for Doe or Die, which delivered on expectations and has since become a cult classic.

The follow-up, Doe or Die II, landed in 2021, nearly 26 years after the original. Now, with Doe or Die III, AZ is looking to close the trilogy with a project that honors his legacy and reasserts his lyrical presence in the current landscape.

Reactions on X were filled with nostalgia and excitement. Many praised the announcement, calling Doe or Die a landmark in Hip-Hop history.

Doe or Die III is expected to be released before the end of 2025.

​AllHipHop

Vince Staples is bringing more chaos and charisma back to Netflix as his semi-autobiographical comedy series returns for a second season on November 6 with a darker tone and a fresh trailer to match.

The streaming platform confirmed the premiere date earlier this week, teasing a new chapter of The Vince Staples Show that explores grief, identity and the lingering weight of past mistakes.

The show, set in Long Beach, where Staples grew up, uses absurdist humor and sharp storytelling to reflect the rapper’s real-life experiences.

Season 2 picks up after a devastating loss sends Vince on a chaotic search for peace. But as he tries to move forward, the past keeps pulling him back into old patterns.

The series was created by Staples along with Ian Edelman and Maurice Williams.

Returning cast members include Vanessa Bell Calloway and Naté Jones, while comedian Zack Fox joins the lineup as a guest star this season.

Staples, who built his name in Hip-Hop with albums like Summertime ’06, Big Fish Theory and FM!, has long spoken about the violence and trauma he witnessed growing up in Long Beach.

He once described a summer in Ramona Park as “white-hot,” a time when he lost several friends to street violence before he was even old enough to drive.

That honesty has carried over into his acting. The Vince Staples Show, which debuted in February 2024, quickly drew attention for its mix of surreal comedy and social commentary.

Netflix dropped the trailer alongside the release date, offering a glimpse at the more intense tone.

While still laced with Staples’ dry wit, the upcoming season hints at heavier themes and personal reckoning.

Season 2 of The Vince Staples Show premieres November 6 on Netflix.

​AllHipHop