It’s not all bad news for Boosie Badazz.

The Louisiana rapper reunited with a childhood friend while he visited Detroit to perform at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre for his national tour “Boosie Badazz & Friends: Blues on the River V,” as he finds himself in the middle of various legal battles that involve a lawsuit over an alleged assault by hookah at a nightclub and a legal action he recently filed after a failed presidential pardon effort.

Last month, Boosie posted a Reel on Instagram asking his followers to give him some feedback on a heartfelt email he was thinking of sending to his long lost childhood best friend, Derrick, who moved from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Michigan when they were kids. “Aye, I think I found my long lost friend,” he said to the camera. “I got an email on ’em, so I’m finna email him. Y’all tell me how this email sounds.” He then began reading the message where he talked about all the good times they had growing up while attending Wildwood Elementary and referred to his old friend as his “bestie” before leaving his number for him to reach out.

When he was done reading the email, someone in the background could be heard saying, “That was so sweet and sentimental.”

However, the comments on the post took a predictably different tone. Some joked around about how serious the email sounded with one of those people being Derrick himself who left a comment with laughing emojis telling his buddy to get in touch. “You wrote that s—t like I’m on my death bed,” he joked. “I’m crying laughing….who you emailing!?? I’m waiting on the contact. Wow this is crazy…Derrick Jackson Jr on Facebook.”

The two old friends did indeed get in touch and the Baton Rouge rapper posted separate vids of him pulling up on his childhood bestie’s house where the two gave each other a big hug and another of the two of them being kids again at Slick City Action Park where they raced down slides together with one of the captions reading, “Back like we ain’t never separated! We compete at everything.”

DetroitRapDaily then caught up with Derrick where he shared the reply he would’ve sent back had he gotten the email and admitted that people never believed him whenever he would tell them he knew Boosie when they were kids. “Bro, it’s been 30 years since I left Baton Rouge to move back to Michigan,” he began. “I always truly believed we would cross paths again in the same exact way. Your videos explaining your flashback to our childhood friendship brought many memories that I share with my friends and my family here in my hometown. Now many never truly believed I really knew the real Boosie Badazz, now I’m looking forward to renewing our friendship like it never stopped, bro. Sincerely, Derrick Jackson.”

Charli xcx‘s Music, Fashion, Film B-sides “I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” “Playboy Bunny” and “If You Take the Music Then What Has She Got?” have been uploaded to iTunes as part of a digital deluxe version of her new album called Music, Fashion, Film (B-Sides Edition).

The three songs were previously shared with fans on Charli’s @b.sides alt-account on Instagram — and were included as actual B-sides on limited-edition, physical 7″ single releases for “Rock Music,” “SS26” and “Camera,” and as part of a comprehensive Music, Fashion, Film physical box set — but not officially available to purchase as digital downloads until Sunday (July 26).

Charli actually had told fans these B-sides were “never gonna go on streaming … I don’t think.” She did say that could change, though.

“you can call me a hypocrite, i don’t mind,” Charli wrote with a winky face on Sunday’s announcement of her iTunes release of Music, Fashion, Film (B-Sides Edition).

Available for for $4.99 on iTunes, the digital album release includes Music, Fashion, Film‘s original 11 tracks, plus the three B-side tracks and their music videos.

Charli shared more context about the release on Instagram: “i made b sides for each of the songs released ahead of Music, Fashion, Film because it felt natural to pair each songs with a fitting counterpart – something that’s adjacent to the album but not entirely part of it. traditionally, b sides often become fan favorites… and i guess in the case of some of the b sides for this album, that has proven to be true. i felt adamant i wouldn’t put them on streaming because it sort of felt counter intuitive to the whole ethos of those songs, but i know you all really wanted them so i’ve begrudgingly put them on itunes lol.”

Music, Fashion, Film arrived on Friday, along with the online release of the theatrical short film Charli created alongside the record.

She’s set to launch a limited North American tour in support of Music, Fashion, Film on Sept. 11 in Philadelphia before bringing her live show to Brooklyn, Toronto, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, San Diego, Los Angeles, Glendale and Las Vegas.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Bruce Springsteen received a new award from the American Civil Liberties Union recognizing contributions to American thought and culture.

Kaepernick and Springsteen were honored Friday night (July 24) with the ACLU Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science and Sports. The honor comes a decade after Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem in protest against police violence and racial inequality.

“We know our civil liberties are under attack, we know humanity is under attack, education is under attack. They are trying to encroach on our rights, encroach on our dignity, encroach on the future that we want to build together,” Kaepernick said in his acceptance speech at the event in Washington, D.C. “When we look back at this moment, it will not be the speeches that change the direction of history. It’s going to be whether we decided: Are we going to build the schools or not? Are we going to defend the rights of others, or are we going to watch? Are we going to build community together, or are we going to stand in isolation?”

“The consequences of these decisions are going to be the reality that the future generations inherit.”

Kaepernick was joined in protest by teammate Eric Reid and others, but he also drew criticism from politicians, team owners and other players. Kaepernick and Reid filed collusion grievances against the NFL in 2017, saying they were blacklisted. They reached a settlement in 2019.

“He demonstrated in real time the price America too often exacts from those who challenge racial injustice,” said Deborah Archer, the ACLU’s president. “His peaceful protest was met with extraordinary personal sacrifice. He lost the career he spent his life building. He became the target of criticism, hostility and relentless public attack, and yet he never retreated.”

Springsteen — who closed the event with a solo rendition of “Streets of Minneapolis” — and Kaepernick were honored as part of an awards ceremony hosted by actress Laverne Cox.

“It’s important for us to recognize all of the people who are contributing to the fight to protect civil rights and civil liberties,” Archer said. “Those folks — actors, athletes — these folks have all shown up in incredibly powerful ways.”

Springsteen’s performance of “Streets of Minneapolis” was uploaded to his official YouTube channel. Watch it below.

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Since its release, KPop Demon Hunters has become more than just a film — it has grown into a global phenomenon with an increasingly growing lineup of merchandise. The film has expanded beyond the screen with Mattel dolls, Little People Collector Sets, Squishmallows and even a Vans sneaker collab. And now, you can get ramen noodles inspired by the HUNTR/X members.

Yes, KPop Demon Hunters is getting in the ramen game with a new collaboration with South Korean instant noodle company Nongshim. The Seoul-based company (originally known as the Lotte Food Industrial Company) has been using the Netflix animated film to promote its line of packaged goods for a while now in Korea (see the photo below of when I went for a visit to Myeongdong), and now, Americans can get their hands on the same products state-side.

The collection features unique ramen flavors inspired by Rumi, Zoey and Mira, with each character represented by a signature flavor and a uniquely colored cup that reflects their identity. The noodle theme also connects directly to the movie, in which HUNTR/X members are seen enjoying noodles together during moments between concerts and demon-hunting.

SPICY & SMOKY

Rumi Superstar Instant Ramen Noodle Cup

6-Pack

$18.49

Buy Now On Amazon

$9.42

Buy Now at walmart

Inspired by Rumi’s superstar qualities, this Shin Ramyun cup features a “superstar” flavor, with a spicy broth with savory ham and meaty notes.

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The firm, springy noodles are designed to hold the rich broth for a satisfying bite. A flake packet adds star-shaped fish cake, ham-style fish cake, dried kimchi and bok choy for extra texture and flavor. Each cup is microwave-ready for quick preparation.

HAMBURGER TASTE

Zoey Burger Hero Instant Ramen Noodle Cup

6-Pack

$18.49

Buy Now On Amazon

$9.42

Buy Now at walmart

Zoey’s “Burger Hero” flavor combines Shin Ramyun noodles with a savory hamburger-inspired broth featuring rich, smoky notes.

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The chewy noodles pair with the bold seasoning for a familiar yet spicy ramen experience. A vegetable flake packet includes bok choy, mushroom, carrot, green onion and red chili pepper to add texture and depth. Each cup in this six-pack is ready in minutes with boiling water or microwave preparation.

GOURMET SPICY

Mira Spicy Queen Instant Ramen Noodle Cup

6-Pack

$18.49

Buy Now on amazon

$9.42

Buy now at walmart

Mira’s “Spicy Queen” Shin Ramyun cup delivers the signature heat and savory depth that you’d expect from Shin Ramyun and the HUNTR/X lead dancer.

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The bold spicy broth is paired with firm, chewy noodles that absorb the rich flavors with every bite. A dried garnish packet adds vegetables, color and aroma to enhance the overall ramen experience.

BEEF-FLAVORED

Shin Ramyun Beef-Flavored Instant Ramen Noodle Cup

6-Pack

$12.57

Buy Now On Amazon

With HUNTR/X branding, this Shin Ramyun cup features a rich beef-flavored broth with the signature spicy taste that made the brand popular worldwide.

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The included soup base can be adjusted to customize the heat level, while the chewy noodles provide a satisfying texture. Add toppings such as kimchi, dumplings or cheese to personalize each serving. Ready with hot water or microwave preparation.

SAJA BOYS RAMEN

Shin Ramyun Toomba Creamy Korean Mac and Cheese

6-Pack

$10.15

Buy Now on amazon

A creamy Korean stir-fry-style instant noodle inspired by Korean mac and cheese, featuring a rich, velvety sauce with a mild spicy kick.

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Branded with KPop Demon Hunters‘ Saja Boys, each microwaveable square bowl is ready in minutes for a quick meal or snack. The creamy sauce also pairs well with toppings like shrimp, pork, vegetables or extra cheese.

Who knew Drake was such a big fan of padel?

Spanish professional padel player Juan Lebrón Chincoa, aka “El Lobo” (Spanish for “The Wolf”) — one of the best padel players in the world — was a guest at the Toronto rapper’s second annual Nike NOCTA retreat, where it looks he got a game in with the host himself. Chincoa showed love on Instagram with a carousel of pictures and videos from the retreat along with a lengthy caption expressing his gratitude.

“Unforgettable days,” he wrote. “Thank you @champagnepapi for being so genuine and making me feel at home. I truly appreciate the connection we built. Grateful for the memories, the laughs and all the amazing moments we shared together. Thanks @nocta for making these days so special.”

Innocent enough, right?

Well, toward the end of said carousel, there’s a picture of a shirt that has “The only LeBron I rate is Juan” airbrushed on it — which, of course, caught everyone’s attention. It’s both a play on Jay-Z‘s line from the Magna Carta Holy Grail track “Oceans,” on which he raps, “Only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace,” in reference to Christopher Columbus and his late friend The Notorious B.I.G., and a playful jab at his former buddy NBA player LeBron James. The two had a falling-out during Drake’s battle with Kendrick Lamar in 2024, after James attended the Compton rapper’s victory lap concert “The Pop Out,” which resulted in Drake dissing him on numerous occasions since.

Drake also posted his own carousel on Instagram with a couple of bars doubling as a caption that starts with the claim that he’s been proving himself right over the course of the last two years since his back-and-forth with Kendrick.

“I spent the last 24 months proving myself right,” he wrote. “Of course I’m about to have the summer of my life/ Spent amounts on you that make my accountant roll his eyes/ Just for you to show me how you really roll when it’s go time/ I clearly have a type/ And I clearly only learn the lesson when the teacher is fine.”

Their mutual friend, former NBA player Tristan Thompson, told Shannon Sharpe earlier this month that he’s been trying to get the two to reconcile their differences. “I would love to,” he said after Sharpe suggested that he should get LeBron and Drake to bury the hatchet. “Listen, yeah. Listen. I’m trying, man. I’m trying, I’m trying, I’m trying.”

James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday (July 24), so they’ll be seeing a lot more of each other this upcoming season since Drake’s Toronto Raptors also play in the NBA’s Atlantic Division. Teams in the same division face each other four times over the course of an 82-game season.