Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning came to a close on Friday (Dec. 12), and Drake issued a single emoji response to the morning show’s cancellation.

Drizzy hopped into an Instagram comment section with an axe emoji under a post featuring Ebro explaining why his morning show was taken off the air.

Cohost Peter Rosenberg, who was let go by Hot 97 after 19 years, didn’t appreciate what he thought was Drake celebrating his “demise,” and Rosenberg fired back at the 6 God on X over the weekend.

“It’s behavior like this that has made it impossible for people to defend the wack sh*t that he does,” he wrote Sunday (Dec. 14). “But happy Hanukkah my one time pal .. I truly wish you well even if you’re celebrating what you believe is our demise (spoiler alert — we’re about to be much bigger now that we won’t be held back by a company that is and has been completely lost ever since they bought the station!)”

Rosenberg and Drake’s relationship has soured in recent years. The former Hot 97 radio host continued to go after Drake’s fan base on X, claiming that it’s now made up of “virgins” and “Twitch commenters.”

“I used to think of Drake fans as attractive women who liked to party,” he continued about the OVO faithful. “Now it’s like weird twitch commenters who are absolutely virgins.”

Ebro also reacted to Drizzy’s reply by hopping on X to allege that “Drake is ‘right wing’ and so is [Akademiks].” The Canadian rapper has never spoken publicly about his political party alignment.

Ebro also posted a video theorizing the reasons behind his show’s cancellation, which he chalked up to partly being due to his “progressive” and “anti-Netanyahu” views.

“You look around at all the major media outlets … They all gotta fold up because they’re all trying to renew their deals and their licenses,” he claimed. “They need my s–t talking, anti-Netanyahu, anti-government, progressive s–t out of the way, bro. They need me out of the way.”

Cohosted by Ebro, Rosenberg and Laura Stylez, Ebro in the Morning launched in 2012 and had been on the Hot 97 airwaves for weekday mornings for well over a decade, before finishing on Friday.

R&B singer Trey Songz was arrested and arraigned Sunday in Manhattan on assault charges over two separate alleged violent incidents, including punching a man in the face at a Times Square nightclub.

The singer (Tremaine Neverson) was arrested early Sunday on felony criminal mischief charges over an incident at Mira, a Midtown hookah lounge, in which he allegedly destroyed property including hookahs, DJ equipment, and sofas worth more than $1,500, according to a police report and court documents obtained by Billboard.

Songz was then charged with five misdemeanor assault and harassment counts over a different violent incident weeks earlier, in which he allegedly punched a man in the face at DRAMMA, a two-story nightclub in Times Square.

The singer was arraigned Sunday and released on his own recognizance, with a court date set for February. If convicted on the felony count, Songz faces up to seven years in prison. His attorney did not immediately return a request for comment on Monday.

The new charges are hardly the first such legal problems for Songz, who has a long history of both criminal issues and civil lawsuits.

In 2017, he pleaded guilty to punching a police officer after a concert at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena and was eventually sentenced to 18 months of probation. He was arrested again in 2021 over an altercation with police officers at an NFL game in Kansas City; prosecutors ultimately declined to charge him. In July, he faced a police investigation into claims that he assaulted a cameraman and destroyed his equipment following a concert on Long Island; its unclear if he was ever charged.

Songz has also faced numerous civil allegations of sexual misconduct over the years. The singer previously settled claims that he assaulted a woman at a Los Angeles house party in 2016, and he’s set to go to trial next year over a separate Las Vegas incident from 2021. In September, he settled a case filed by Jauhara Jeffries, who alleged that Songz assaulted her while dancing at a Miami nightclub in 2018.

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Nothing beats the sound of a great record player, right? For music lovers, having a vinyl setup in your home is the ultimate way to enjoy your favorite albums, but with so many record players and turntables out there, it’s hard to find the perfect one.

Fear not, ShopBillboard has you covered. We searched high and low to find a selection of our favorite record players and turntables, including beginner options, something for seasoned record player aficionados, and even full-blown setups for those looking for a comprehensive setup. While you’re at it, why not check out our picks for sleek ways to store and display your record collection in your home or studio?

Now, you might be asking yourself, what is the difference between a record player and a turntable? In short, a turntable is standalone, while a record player comes with built-in speakers and tends to be more portable. Moreover, most record players and turntables are usually designed to stay in the home, although we do have some portable options listed below. Keep reading to shop our picks for the best record players and turntables.

MOST AFFORDABLE

Portable Vinyl Record Player with Speakers

$69.99

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A portable vinyl record player built into a suitcase.

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MOST AFFORDABLE

Amazon Basics Desktop Turntable Vinyl Record Player

$59.10

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A desktop-sized turntable.

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If you haven’t noticed on your search for the perfect record player or turntable, the equipment can run you a pretty penny. Two of our favorite affordable starter options are the Amazon Basics Desktop Turntable Vinyl Record Player, retailing for $59.10, and the Portable Vinyl Record Player with Speakers, available for just $69.99. The Amazon Basics option is a mini model that fits just right atop a desk, optimal for entertaining or jamming out solo. The simplistic model is equipped with turntable basics like a built-in speaker for crisp and clear sound projection, Bluetooth connectivity and three speeds. The turntable is also suitable for use with various sizes of vinyl records up to 12 inches.

The Portable Vinyl Record Player is a little more pricey, simply because it’s portable, something you’ll see occasionally from record players. The portability comes from its packaging, a suitcase-esque construction that folds in on itself and latches in place, keeping your record player safe and secure. This pick is the more stylish option, what with the ruby red accents and vintage-inspired construction. Beyond its looks, the record player comes with two external speakers, AUX input, RCA output and headphone jacks for a more intimate listening experience.

EDITOR’S PICK

Fluance RT85 Turntable with Ortofon Cartridge, Acrylic Platter, Speed Control, and Vibration Isolation – High Fidelity Vinyl Record Player

$549.99

Buy Now On Amazon

A classic turntable with an acrylic platter.

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With a solid wood plinth, sleek minimalist design, and a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge (a rarity at this price point), the Fluance RT85 isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a sonic upgrade in every sense. It runs quiet, sounds rich and detailed, and feels built to last, thanks to premium components like an acrylic platter and vibration-dampening isolation feet.

The setup is refreshingly simple, the design looks great in any space, and the sound? Clear, crisp, and warm enough to make your favorite records feel brand new again. If you’re ready to graduate from your entry-level setup or just want premium performance without going full audiophile, this is your sweet spot. 

BEST VINTAGE STYLE

Gramophone Record Player Vintage

$249.00

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A vintage-inspired record player.

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If you’re not a fan of the new-fangled look of record players, then this Artisam Gramophone Record Player is a good option for you. Available in white, green, wood and other colors, this three-speed record player has built-in professional stereo acoustic audio, which delivers an impressive amount of clear audio. The design is meant to replicate the look of a gramophone and gives any space it’s set in a touch of whimsy. The record player supports AUX/RCA, USB flash drive, FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

BEST BLUETOOTH

Turntables Belt-Drive Record Player with Wireless Output Connectivity

$104.68 $159.99 35% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A wireless turntable.

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While some people can live without it, Bluetooth connectivity to your turntable or record player is pretty important for some. It allows users to wirelessly send music from their vinyl to any compatible Bluetooth speaker, headphones or sound system with ease. The best Bluetooth compatible option we’ve stumbled across is this effortlessly chic Turntables Belt-Drive Record Player. No turntable receiver is needed to hook up. The turntable includes both phono and line outputs, or audio signal strengths, that you can use to connect your devices, thus improving audio quality. Not only is the connectivity the best around, the model is also currently 35% off, just $104.68 on Amazon.

BEST FULL SETUP

ANGELS HORN Vinyl Record Player Hi-Fi System Bluetooth Turntable Players with Stereo Bookshelf Speakers

$259.98

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A Bluetooth record player with bookshelf speakers.

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The ANGELS HORN Vinyl Record Player (available in wood and red) is known for its balanced and neutral sound. This sleek record player is equipped with an professional tonearm to ensure high quality fidelity, a stable metal platter for speed consistency with anti-skate preset and an adjustable counterweight. The external, two-speed belt drive (33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM) is designed to produce a quiet motor. You’ve also got two distortion-free bookshelf speakers that further amplifying your audio experience, which is always something we can get behind. The price is also extremely attractive, given you’ll be getting a record player and two quality speakers for the price of one.

BEST BEGINNER MODEL

XJ-HOME All in One Vinyl Record Player with 4 Treble/Bass Stereo Speakers

$159.99 $219.99 27% off

Buy Now On Amazon

An all-in-one vinyl record player.

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Out of all the record players we’ve stumbled across, this XJ-Home model is the best for beginners. The all-around model is currently 27% off, that’s just $159.99 compared to the OG price of $219.99, and comes with everything you need to spin your records like a seasoned pro. The player spins at both 33 or 45 RPM speeds and can play any size vinyl up to 12 inches. It also allows wireless streaming from any smart device, including your phone or tablet. You can also connect external speakers or headphones for an enhanced audio experience. If all that didn’t sell you, the brick-inspired design on the facade is pretty sweet too. 

BEST PLATTER

SeeYing Vinyl Record Player

$169.99 $229.99 26% off

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A decorative SeeYing vinyl record player.

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The SeeYing Vinyl Record Player is on sale for $169.99 (reg. $229.99) on Amazon, while it comes with a full record player with a stable die-cast aluminum platter with anti-vibration suspension. It comes with built-in four stereo speakers too. We love the vintage-inspired look of the wood trim, and the slim design which slides neatly into a bookshelf or sat on top of a table.

BEST SUITCASE

Crosley x Wicked: for Good Cruiser Plus Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth in/Out Suitcase Vinyl Record Player

$149.95 $159.95 6% off

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A Wicked-inspired record player.

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What could be better than a record player stashed in a portable suitcase? Maybe a “Wicked”-themed suitcase. This portable model comes in a Glinda pink suitcase or an alternative Elphaba green model embossed with a whimsical witchy print. Beyond its stellar packaging, this record player also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, isolated full-range stereo speakers that minimize vibration and interference and an RCA output that allows users to connect to their stereo systems or headphones for a more private listening experience.

BEST COLORFUL OPTION

Vinyl Record Player with 2 Stereo Speakers in Water Green

$49.99

Buy Now On Amazon

A colorful vinyl record player.

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This Cotsoco Record Player features three-speed belt-driven turntable for splendid vinyl audio with a wide range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, AUX-in, RCA out, and headphone jack. It comes with two built-in speakers and a variety of colors, although the Water Green hue has to be our favorite.

EVEN MORE COLORFUL OPTIONS

Watercolor Vinyl Record Player

$79.59

Buy Now On Amazon

A watercolor-inspired record player.

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If our last entry wasn’t colorful enough, this watercolor-inspired record player might do the trick. The model retails for $79.59 and is nestled in a portable suitcase dappled with pastel hues like a watercolor painting. As for sound control, the player features an adjustable tone function allowing you to change your preferences from a deep bass to crisp highs, along with a single knob that allows you to customize the tone as you please.

The record player also comes with an effortless built-in Bluetooth receiver to wirelessly transfer music to your smartphone. The color scheme is reminiscent of cotton candy or a sunset, something that would look practically perfect in a teenager’s room.

For more product recommendations, check out our tips on how to clean your vinyl records and the best speakers for music lovers.

Nicki Minaj definitely has a problem with California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose recent comments about transgender children incited a storm of diss posts on X about him from the rapper — but he seems to have clapped back by invoking the words of Megan Thee Stallion.

It all started with the politician’s Dec. 10 appearance on The Ezra Klein Show, where Newsom said that he wants “to see trans kids,” adding, “There’s no governor that signed more pro-trans legislation than I have, and no one’s been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ [community].”

Unimpressed by the prospective 2028 presidential candidate’s remarks, Minaj unleashed a storm of posts antagonizing him on Friday (Dec. 12). “Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids,” she wrote. “Haha. Not even a trans ADULT would run on that. Normal adults wake up & think they want to see HEALTHY, SAFE, HAPPY kids.”

“Gavin is the cute boy who got everything handed to him b/c of how cute & sexy & hot & smoking he was,” Minaj quipped in another post. “He thinks he’s Tom Cruise only difference is, his next mission IS impossible. He should get another leading role.”

In other posts over the next couple of days, the hip-hop star wrote that it’s the “end of the road” for Newsom and called him a “Career politician … nothing more than a Nicki Minaj ANTI.”

Newsom — who has a trans godson — hasn’t directly responded to the callouts, but he did post a video that many onlookers have interpreted as shade against Minaj. Captioned with only a mouth-zipped emoji, the montage compiles clips of Newsom and President Donald Trump — for whom Minaj has been showing more and more support online in recent weeks — set to Megan Thee Stallion’s Billboard Hot 100-topper “Hiss.”

The 2024 track is largely considered a diss track against Minaj, who certainly took offense to lyrics such as “These h–s don’t be mad at Megan/ These h–s mad at Megan’s Law” when Meg first dropped it. Minaj is married to and shares a son with Kenneth Petty, who was ordered to register as a sex offender after his conviction of attempted rape of a 16-year-old girl in 1995; Megan’s Law is a federal mandate that requires law enforcement to make information available about registered sex offenders.

That same lyric plays over a photo of Trump standing next to Jeffrey Epstein — who pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008, and was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 — in Newsom’s video, which also includes newly released pictures of the president from Epstein’s estate.

Minaj appeared to respond to Newsom’s video by posting shortly afterward, “Oh gavvy Pooh the ppl behind you clearly don’t care about you” and “Pooh this won’t get the results you guys are hoping for … I can go 8 stages deeper.”

“Let’s wait…I think Gavvy’s still transitioning,” she added before sharing a fake, edited photo of herself putting Newsom in a headlock with her legs in a wrestling ring.