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Hip-Hop Junkie: Claressa Shields
Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Claressa Shields’ life and career is completely engulfed in the power of hip-hop.
Interview: Joey Echevarria

Hip-hop may have made the world-famous acronym, G.O.A.T. popular, but the term G.W.O.A.T. (Greatest Woman of All Time), is a moniker that belongs solely to two-time Olympic gold medalist and current Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Claressa Shields. With countless accolades that far surpass those among any boxer in the world, male or female, Claressa credits hip-hop and the artists who fuel the culture as a primary source of inspiration.

From the moment the Flint, Mich. native walked into a boxing gym for the first time to train at just 11 years old, the hard-hitting sounds of hip-hop greats have served as the soundtrack synonymous with her storied career between the ropes. Alongside her unprecedented ascent to the top of her sport, Claressa’s relationship with rap has evolved exponentially. She’s consistently accompanied to the ring by top-tier artists such as Rick Ross and Kash Doll, she has unwavering support from her lyrical life partner Papoose and she’s currently hard at work on a budding rap career of her own.

As she gears up for her blockbuster undisputed heavyweight championship fight against Franchón Crews-Dezurn on Feb. 22 in Detroit, Claressa Shields joins XXL via Zoom. Here, the boxing G.W.O.A.T. discusses her most memorable interactions with rappers, why she feels now is the time for women to shine in both hip-hop and combat sports, which artists get her hyped for fight night and much more.

XXL: How would you describe how you feel about rap music and hip-hop culture?

Claressa Shields: I feel like rap is an art. It’s a way to express yourself without being judged too hard about it. I think that you can be a person who’s very soft-spoken in real life, but then you get in the studio, and you can be a whole different person.

Some people are so scared to express what they really are and how they really are, and that’s why you get all these fakes and phonies because they pretend. I like to hear about things that you really went through in your life, that you overcame. [I like hearing] about how you’re getting money, how you went from the rags to the riches. I like rap like that.

Do you remember how you were first introduced to hip-hop?

When I started boxing at the age of 11, one of my coaches loved playing Tupac all the time. We listened to Biggie a lot. “Ten Crack Commandments” and “Warning” by Biggie, I know both of those songs by heart. Then, when I think about music, when I really got into it, Lil Wayne and Meek Mill were two rappers that I never missed an album drop. That was around 15, 16 years old.

In what ways does hip-hop inspire the world of professional boxing?

I think that rappers and boxers have the most in common. Not the fighting, but let’s take it back to Floyd [Mayweather]. Flashy, nice clothes, a lot of money, nice cars and having to earn everything you got. Only thing is, we have to get in there and [physically] fight for our stuff.

What rappers do you listen to when you’re training, and does that playlist change on fight night?

I love Cardi B’s album, Am I the Drama? I like some of JT’s stuff. Megan [Thee Stallion]. I definitely got Papoose. He got that song “Chill Button.” That’s one of my favorites.

Fight night is different. Like, right now, you talking to Claressa. Fight night is [my alter ego] Clarenzo. That’s different. Clarenzo listens to DMX, Tupac, Mystikal, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Papoose, Rick Ross, Jeezy. Jay-Z got this song that I love a lot, and it really does speak to my boxing career. He got that “Lost One.” Just that song “Lose one, let go to get one/
Lose some to win some/Story of a champion.” That’s my sh*t.

Do you see any similarities for what’s been taking shape for women in combat sports and the current state of hip-hop where women have been doing their thing more than ever in recent years?

Absolutely. Right now in boxing, my brand is bigger than a lot of the male fighters who are top dogs. I’m selling out arenas and the same thing with the women in rap. I think it’s the talent, I think it’s the consistency and it’s the hard work. It’s the way that we’re willing to put ourselves out there and actually go and get it. Nothing is given to us. It’s like you give women just a little bit and we just turn it into a lot.

People respect the real. That’s why they love Cardi B. They love Glorilla. They love Sexyy Red. A lot of these guys, if they would just be real and be who they are, I feel like they’d get more love. Overall, it’s just a time for women to shine right now.

Outside of your relationship with Papoose, what are some of your most memorable life experiences with rappers?

I mean, first of all, all of my ring entrances by rappers have been phenomenal, like from the first one I ever did with Lyric Da Queen to going [to the ring] with Kash Doll from Detroit. Me being able to have her walk me out, it was like I’m the best at what I do, she’s the best at what she do and it’s like we solidified each other. You f*ck with Kash Doll, you f*ck with Claressa, you f**k with Michigan’s best. It was a huge moment for me.

I walked out with Papoose in Flint, Mich. to fight for the undisputed championship against a very, very tough opponent in Danielle Perkins. Then, to get walked out by the boss Rick Ross? Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that could ever happen.

I met Meek Mill after I won my second Olympic gold medal. He hollered at me up at a club. He was like, “Yo, T-Rex, turn your gold medals around!” He said he was proud of me, and he let me know that him and Nicki Minaj had watched my documentary together. That was one of my favorite interactions with a rapper.

Watch Claressa Shields’ Interview With XXL

See All the Rappers Touring in 2026

Lil Jon held a burial ceremony for his son, Nathan Murray Smith, on Thursday, marking two weeks since the 27-year-old music producer died in a Georgia pond tragedy.

The crunk legend posted emotional photos from Nathan’s life on Instagram, announcing the funeral took place on Ramadan’s opening day. The rapper asked his followers for Islamic prayers, called du’a, for his family during this holy month.

“On the first day of Ramadan yesterday, We laid my only son to rest,” Jonathan Smith wrote on social media. “In this holy month, I’m asking for extra du’a for him and for our family. Please pray that Allah grants him Jannah and grants us sabr, mercy, and strength. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”

The Atlanta producer continued his tribute with a heartbreaking message about losing Nathan, who performed under the stage name DJ Young Slade. “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength.”

Nathan vanished from his Milton home on February 3 around 6 A.M., running barefoot into the morning without his phone. His family contacted police when he failed to return, with officers noting he appeared disoriented before disappearing.

Cherokee County Fire Department divers pulled Nathan’s body from a pond at Mayfield Park three days later, on February 6. Milton Police confirmed the recovery but said their investigation continues despite finding no evidence of foul play.

The 55-year-old rapper thanked everyone who sent condolences and prayers after Nathan’s death. He promised to keep his son’s memory alive through his musical talents and achievements.

“I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name,” Lil Jon wrote in his Instagram tribute post.

Nathan graduated from New York University and worked as a music producer and engineer, following his father’s path in Hip-Hop. He was the only child from Lil Jon’s marriage to Nicole Smith, which ended in 2022 after 18 years together.

The rapper also has a 1-year-old daughter, Nahara, with his current girlfriend, Jamila Sozahdah.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of Nathan’s death.

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Baby Keem informs his fans about the real-life trauma he went through between albums.

On Thursday night (Feb. 19), Keem hosted a listening for his new album Ca$ino in Los Angeles. During the event, he spoke candidly with fans about his five-year hiatus.

“The obvious point in the room is, it’s been a long time since I seen some of y’all,” Keem said. “And it wouldn’t be fair for me to continue like nothing happened.”

The Las Vegas rapper went on to explain how difficult the last five years have been since he dropped his last album, Melodic Blue. Keem said the album was originally named after his mother, who has been dealing with drug abuse issues. He even recalled being informed that his mother left rehab following his performance at Coachella 2025.

“It’s not that I’m trying to be elusive or anything, or I’m trying to, like, you know, be gimmicky,” he added. “It’s just real-life sh*t that I go through every day.”

He has also been dealing with the death of his beloved grandmother, who passed away last February. During all this, Keem said he found solace in casinos, which formed the album’s theme and title.

“So, I’m going through sh*t every day,” he continued. “I’m so blessed to have this medium and people who will listen to that.”

Keem’s new album, Ca$ino, dropped on Friday (Feb. 20). The sophomore LP, which finds Keem openly addressing his family issues, features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Too Short and others.

Watch Baby Keem Open Up About His Traumatic Last Few Years

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New details about Lil Poppa‘s death reveal the Jacksonville rapper’s final moments were even more heartbreaking than first reported.

Janarious Wheeler died Wednesday morning after shooting himself in front of his manager following a car crash on Interstate 85 south of Hapeville, Georgia.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the 25-year-old CMG artist died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Police reports show Wheeler called his manager in a panic after crashing his car in a single-vehicle accident. The two met at a nearby Hilton hotel parking lot where Wheeler remained seated in his still-drivable vehicle.

He spoke to his manager through a rolled-down window before pulling out a handgun and fatally shooting himself.

An off-duty officer working at the hotel immediately called 911. Wheeler was rushed to Grady Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead around 11:30 A.M. Wednesday.

Investigators found no suicide note at the scene and said it remains unclear what Wheeler discussed with his manager before the shooting.

The tragedy becomes even more devastating when considering Wheeler’s recent social media activity. Two weeks before his death, he posted what now reads as a chilling farewell message: “You’ll be proud of me OG. Woke up, read me a Bible verse, got some breakfast in my system, talked to God about it. I got one more album, EP, mixtape. Whatever it’s gonna be. I got one more. And it’s over. I’m going to find my peace.”

Wheeler had just released his latest single, “Out of Town Bae,” days before his death, continuing his prolific output that included breakthrough hits like “Purple Hearts,” “Love & War,” and “Mind Over Matter.”

The rapper signed to Yo Gotti‘s Collective Music Group in 2022 after building his reputation in Jacksonville’s Hip-Hop scene.

His 2018 track “Purple Hearts” detailed surviving a shooting in his hometown and established him as one of Florida’s most promising young voices.

Wheeler’s personal life included fatherhood with son Kofi J’nar, whom he shared with Toie Roberts, daughter of Rick Ross.

The relationship between Wheeler and Roberts had shown signs of strain in recent years, though both remained focused on co-parenting their young child.

His label, CMG, released a statement Thursday expressing their devastation: “We are stunned and devastated by the loss of our beloved family member, Janarious ‘Lil Poppa’ Wheeler. Poppa was more than just a talented artist – he was an ambitious young man with depth beyond his years and endless potential. Our love for him knew no bounds.”

Wheeler released his most recent album Almost Normal Again in August 2025, featuring 16 tracks that showcased his melodic trap style and introspective lyricism.

The project followed his 2021 debut studio album Blessed, I Guess, which examined the emotional weight of sudden fame and success.

His breakthrough came at just 18 years old with “Purple Hearts,” a raw account of surviving gun violence that resonated with fans across the South. The track later appeared on his Under Investigation mixtape and helped secure his deal with Interscope Records before joining CMG.

Wheeler began rapping at age 7 in Jacksonville, initially writing music for his church before transitioning to secular Hip-Hop. His authentic storytelling and melodic approach to trap music earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim throughout his brief but impactful career.

Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Wheeler’s final conversation with his manager at the hotel parking lot.

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Boosie Badazz finds himself caught in legal crosshairs after Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill launched an investigation into his promotional tactics for the 2025 BoosieBash festival.

The Baton Rouge rapper, whose real name is Torence Hatch Jr., stands accused of violating state consumer protection laws by using Caleb Wilson’s name and image without proper authorization from the deceased student’s family.

The controversy erupted when festival promotional materials surfaced featuring Wilson’s photograph alongside Southern University and Human Jukebox logos, promoting what appeared to be a “Caleb Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund.”

Wilson, a 20-year-old Southern University student and Human Jukebox marching band member, tragically died in February 2025 during an alleged Omega Psi Phi fraternity hazing incident that sent shockwaves through the HBCU community.

Murrill’s office filed a motion to compel in the 19th Judicial District Court on Thursday, demanding Boosie respond to their investigation into potential violations of Louisiana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.

The Attorney General characterized the rapper’s actions as a “dramatic misrepresentation and misappropriation of Caleb’s name and image to support a for-profit event without the consent of Caleb’s parents.”

The legal dispute centers on miscommunication between Boosie and Wilson’s family regarding the proposed memorial scholarship. While preliminary discussions were held to establish a fund in Wilson’s honor, no formal agreements were reached, and the family never consented to using their son’s likeness for festival promotion.

“No one ever asked them or even mentioned this event,” Murrill stated during a press conference. “No one ever asked them if they could use his name and image to promote this event.”

During a March 2025 interview with WBRZ, Boosie expressed genuine intentions behind the scholarship initiative, stating, “We going to try to do something positive, because I’m grateful for his dad and all the people who made this work. We’re going to do something special for them because it’s a life lost too short.”

However, the disconnect between Boosie’s public statements and the family’s understanding of their agreement created the current legal predicament.

Wilson’s parents maintain they were blindsided by the festival promotional materials and never authorized the use of their son’s image or name for commercial purposes.

Murrill’s office has not yet filed a formal lawsuit but indicated that civil action for penalties and fines could follow if Boosie continues to ignore their investigation.

The Attorney General’s team is seeking cooperation from the rapper’s legal representatives to resolve the matter without escalating to full litigation.

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Lil Poppa reportedly got into a car crash right before taking his own life in Georgia earlier this week.

On Thursday (Feb. 19), TMZ reported that the Hapeville Police Department revealed the Jacksonville, Fla., native was involved in a single-car crash on Interstate 85 in Hapeville, Ga., on Wednesday morning (Feb. 18). Police told the celebrity news site that the car was still drivable and Poppa called his manager for advice on what to do.

The manager says they met in a nearby hotel parking lot, where Poppa stayed in his car and talked to the manager through the open car window. At some point, Poppa pulled out a firearm and shot himself dead. An off-duty officer who was working at the hotel called 911, who arrived and transported Poppa to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

XXL has reached out to the Hapeville Police Department and Lil Poppa’s camp for comment.

On Thursday, Lil Poppa’s label CMG released a statement about his death.

“We are stunned and devastated by the loss of our beloved family member Janarious “Lil Poppa” Wheeler,” it reads. “Poppa was more than just a talented artist —he was an ambitious young man with depth beyond his years and endless potential. Our love for him knew no bounds.”

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or contemplating self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit Speakingofsuicide.com for additional resources.

See Hip-Hop Artists We Lost in 2025

Jay-Z just nudged the culture without saying a single word, and Hip-Hop is reacting like he dropped a surprise verse at Summer Jam.

If you blinked, you missed it. The Brooklyn billionaire quietly tweaked the presentation of his name across digital streaming platforms, returning to that familiar all-caps aesthetic that mirrors the energy of his 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt. For most civilians, it is a minor formatting choice. For us, it is a flare shot into the night sky. HOPE.

Let’s be honest. Jay-Z has always treated branding like chess. Remember when he removed the hyphen and went with JAY Z? That was a moment (and maybe a slight to Dame Dash). Now the stylization looks like the early Roc-A-Fella days again, and the internet detectives are in overdrive. The loudest chatter is that a sequel, possibly titled Reasonable Doubt 2, could be in the chamber.

I am not buying that particular rumor.

Going back three decades to reheat a classic feels beneath him. Reasonable Doubt is sacred in Hip-Hop. Sequels to that type of classic rarely goes well. And contrary to the conspiracy theorist tin hat crowd, it is hard to imagine him pivoting creatively in response to gossip. That is not how he moves.

What is more plausible is strategy. Veterans are thriving. Nas enjoyed a late-career renaissance that reminded everyone why elder statesmen matter. The hunger for grown-man rap is real. Could Jay be surveying the terrain and plotting a calculated return? That feels more on brand.

There is also chatter (pure speculation) about a potential joint tour with Beyoncé. If that ever materializes, people will go crazy. Stadiums would not stand a chance, but I think Live Nation can deal with it. Still, even solo, he commands attention in a way few ever have. So, there’s that.

Here is the real question. Is this a prelude to music, or simply a reminder that he can still shake the room by adjusting a font?

And no, before anybody spirals, the pronunciation has not changed. It is still Jay-Z.

One thing is certain. When Hov talks – even without words – Hip-Hop listens.

By the way, this is what it looked like when it hit the masses?

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Druski stands firm behind his controversial whiteface comedy performances after facing intense criticism for his September 2025 NASCAR skit that divided social media and reignited debates about racial comedy boundaries.

The comedian transformed into a stereotypical Southern white character at the Darlington NASCAR event, complete with professional makeup, a mullet, a cowboy hat and overalls, while chugging beers and singing Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.”

The four-hour makeup transformation by Georgia artist Kaylee Kehne-Swisher created such realistic results that many viewers initially failed to recognize the Black comedian beneath the disguise.

“These are things I’ve been working on for years. I’ve produced that character multiple times before I did White Face. So I was really good at doing, you know, the voices the improv on all this stuff,” Druski reasoned.

Druski’s performance included controversial moments where he spat at Black attendees and told one person to “Find something safe to do, boy,” actions that critics labeled as reinforcing harmful stereotypes and crossing comedy lines.

The video, captioned “That Guy who is just Proud to be AMERICAN,” generated over 175 million views across social platforms but also triggered accusations of reverse racism and double standards in entertainment.

But some felt Druski’s approach was similar to Sacha Baron Cohen’s satirical methods of using disguise to expose social issues, while critics argued his performances leaned more toward offensive caricature than meaningful commentary.

The makeup artistry behind Druski’s transformation required specialized techniques typically used for film stunt doubles, involving multiple paint layers, color neutralization and alcohol-based products to ensure the disguise lasted through hours of physical comedy and beer consumption.

Defending his artistic choices, Druski referenced comedy history and the precedent set by established performers who have used racial transformation in their acts.

“I think the greats have done it like Eddie Murphy, you look at Martin Lawrence, these guys have done a really good white face, too. It’s not a bad thing, you know, but I think that’s just my vision. And most great comedians know that controversy comes behind good jokes,” he explained.

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Rapper Lil Drip, a former Georgia State football player, is sitting in jail after cops arrested him for aggravated animal cruelty following a disturbing incident that left a woman’s missing dog dead.

The rapper, born Jalen Wade, got charged with beheading a dog named Bambi and posting images of the gruesome act on his Instagram account.

The incident led to a multi-hour SWAT standoff in northwest Atlanta’s Grove Park neighborhood.

Fulton County Police responded Wednesday afternoon to a home on Illinois Avenue after receiving reports about the graphic social media posts.

Officers discovered the dog’s severed head in a bowl next to a machete on the front porch, according to investigators. When police attempted to execute a search warrant, Wade barricaded himself inside the residence, forcing authorities to call in a SWAT team before taking him into custody.

Bambi belonged to Precious Cody, who adopted the animal from LifeLine Animal Project in 2024. Cody said her pet went missing in September 2025 while she served a week in jail on a failure-to-appear warrant.

A neighbor told her a man claimed to know the owner and took the dog, but Cody never saw Bambi again until animal services contacted her Wednesday night after identifying the deceased animal through a microchip.

“All she wanted to do was cuddle,” Cody said about her beloved pet. “Bambi was like my child.”

This marks the second high-profile animal cruelty case involving a rapper this month.

Chicago drill rapper Aspen Kartier faced similar charges after viewers witnessed her allegedly abusing a puppy during a live Twitch stream, prompting widespread outrage and swift police action.

The 19-year-old artist, whose real name is Aspen Easterling, was busted in January 2026 after concerned viewers reported seeing her repeatedly strike a three-month-old Maltipoo during a livestream.

PETA worked with tipsters to identify Easterling’s location and contacted Brookhaven Police, who responded within hours to rescue the puppy and arrest the suspect.

The animal rights organization recently honored the Brookhaven Police Department with its Compassionate Police Department Award for its rapid response in the Kartier case.

PETA officials praised the department’s swift intervention in protecting the vulnerable animal, demonstrating how law enforcement agencies can effectively respond to animal cruelty reports from social media platforms.

Both cases highlight a disturbing trend of artists documenting animal abuse on social media platforms, with viewers playing crucial roles in reporting the incidents to authorities.

A Fulton County judge denied bond for Wade during his Thursday court appearance, keeping him in custody as the investigation continues.

The puppy from the Kartier case remains in the care of DeKalb County Animal Services, where it serves as evidence in the ongoing prosecution.

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Today’s hip-hop evolution is often powered by independent artists who are equal parts creative and business-minded. A prime example is Capodei Capi, who has built more than just a music career. He founded a formal rap enterprise. Capodei Entertainment LLC, founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Rahman Pratt, runs from Miami and represents the modern hip-hop spirit. 

The company was officially established in 2021, and the story of Capodei Capi began years earlier. The founder, Rahman Pratt, had been creating music under the Capodei Entertainment since 2015 and was building its foundation. Those first few years were all about learning. He tried out different song ideas and figured out the hard work that goes into making music. By 2021, starting the official company just felt like the natural next step.

Capodei Entertainment LLC started with a mission to produce and release rap music. It started as a simple, independent music label. But as the industry changed, the company grew to offer more. Now, it also helps with marketing and brand deals, skills every artist needs to reach fans online today.

By keeping its five-member team, Capodei manages to combine the heart of a music studio with the focus of a business partner, all under one roof.

Capodei Capi’s music is built on the signature sounds of Southern hip-hop. It is a style known for its rhythms, heavy bass, and sense of regional identity. His lyrics follow in a classic hip-hop tradition that holds the real stories rooted in street life and personal experience without vague or commercial themes. His music uses direct language and graphics. It places him among artists who see rap as a form of documentation and not artistic expression.

At the heart of the company is Rahman Pratt, the artist known as Capodei Capi. He serves as both the founder and the lead performer. In 2024, Pratt’s reported net worth of $2.5 million reflects the solid results of this dual focus on artistry and business.

The recorded work of Capodei Capi includes early singles like “SpinnaOppBlock” (2022), at the start of the company’s formal releases, followed by drops like “Wipe A Nose” (2023) and “Dis Aint Dat” (2024).

In 2025, that consistency turned into momentum, with new tracks including “Tinder Dick Rick,” “Whoopty Doo,” “Crazy,” “Fake S###,” and “Whoopty Whoo.” This pattern of frequent releases is a common and strategic approach in today’s music culture. It helps an artist to stay connected with listeners and remain visible on the platforms where fans discover music.

Capodei Entertainment’s catalog includes a range of mixtapes and a major project, the album “Retired Street N####.” Mixtapes are like a practice space, as they are raw and let the artist try out new sounds and collaborations. An album is more like a finished product, as it is polished and made to feel complete and compatible.

By working in both formats, Capodei Capi presents a detailed understanding of hip-hop tradition by using each type of release for its purpose in building his sound and connecting with his audience.

Beyond his own releases, Capodei Capi’s music also appears on collaborative compilation projects like DJ MLK’s “Keep Up” series (Vol. 1-10), “Jarpin Sounds” (Vol. 24 & 25), the “Whoopty Doo” series (Vol. 1-6), and “Hood Rich Ent Off Da Meters Vol. 10.”

This isn’t just about having his name on a list. In hip-hop, getting on these big compilation projects is a smart step. It helps him connect with important DJs and producers, get his music heard by new people, and helps him become a recognized part of the hip-hop community.

Capodei Capi’s journey has also been spotlighted by media outlets. He’s been featured in publications like Sheen Magazine, VoyageATL, In the City Magazine, and Canvas Rebel. These aren’t traditional music review sites. They are platforms that focus on profiling emerging entrepreneurs and creatives. They’ve helped frame his career within a larger narrative of independent and cultural impact, and introduced him to an audience interested in the person behind the music as much as the sound itself by highlighting his work.

Capodei Capi is rooted in a creative hub, operating from Miami. Here, the powerful traditions of Southern rap with national trends and global influences place his music at a dynamic crossroads where regional authenticity connects with a wider musical conversation.

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