Nicki Minaj and SZA have heated exchange online, Wizkid clears Instagram page on 35th birthday, Sauce Gardner lands record-breaking $120.4 million contract with Jets. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Nicki Minaj and SZA have a heated exchange online
Nicki Minaj responds to SZA’s recent tweet:
“Shutup ugly” pic.twitter.com/ag3ETo9lNk
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 15, 2025
Nicki Minaj and SZA sent social media into a frenzy on Tuesday (July 15) after a fiery exchange on X left fans reeling and confused about the root of their sudden rift. The drama ignited when Minaj took aim at Top Dawg Entertainment president Punch, accusing him of online harassment. SZA, a TDE artist, then posted a seemingly innocuous tweet about Mercury retrograde, “Don’t take the bait lol silly goose,” which Minaj interpreted as a subtle dig. The rapper fired back with scathing remarks about SZA’s appearance, streaming numbers, and even her signature freckles, dragging Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez into the fray as well.
SZA quickly clapped back, denying any intent to shade Minaj and clarifying she had just stepped offstage when she posted. “I wasn’t even talking about or to anyone,” she tweeted, expressing frustration after being tagged by fans. Despite SZA’s attempts to de-escalate, Minaj continued the barrage, mocking her recent onstage stumble and accusing her of past shade toward fellow female artists like Rihanna and Beyoncé. Fans speculated whether the beef stemmed from deeper tensions, possibly tied to SZA’s connection to Kendrick Lamar, who recently headlined the Super Bowl over Lil Wayne, and the broader fallout from the Drake vs. Kendrick feud. Once collaborators on 2014’s “Feeling Myself,” Minaj and SZA now appear to be at odds in a very public way, leaving followers wondering if this clash is the beginning of a deeper industry divide.
2. Wizkid clears Instagram page on 35th birthday
Wizkid clears all Instagram Posts 🤔 pic.twitter.com/q4rFFUAveQ
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) July 16, 2025
Global Afrobeats sensation Wizkid sent fans into a frenzy on Wednesday (July 16) after mysteriously wiping his official Instagram page clean on his 35th birthday. With over 18.2 million followers, the superstar’s account now shows zero posts and zero following, though his stories and highlights remain intact. The unexpected move, on such a significant personal milestone, has ignited widespread speculation, with many fans convinced it signals the beginning of a new chapter in Wizkid’s ever-evolving career.
This isn’t the first time the “Essence” hitmaker has gone radio silent on social media ahead of a major release or rebrand. In past instances, similar digital resets have preceded major announcements, new albums, or shifts in creative direction. Although Wizkid has not issued any formal statement, the timing of the purge has only intensified excitement, with followers wondering whether a surprise drop, a new project, or a reinvention is on the way. One thing is clear: Big Wiz is moving in silence, and fans are watching closely.
3. Missy Elliott, GloRilla, and Samuel L. Jackson team up for Adidas Superstar II campaign
Adidas is blending cultural legacy with contemporary edge in its latest campaign for the Superstar II, spotlighting both rising stars and industry icons. Featuring Missy Elliott, GloRilla, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, and Teezo Touchdown, the campaign is narrated by none other than Samuel L. Jackson, whose commanding voice anchors the storytelling with historical weight and gravitas. The rollout is split into two cinematic chapters, “Pyramids” and “Clocks,” each designed to emphasize the sneaker’s timeless relevance and connection to greatness.
In “Pyramids,” Jackson draws a bold parallel between ancient monuments and the enduring appeal of the Superstar, stating, “They were made to last.” The second chapter, “Clocks,” brings the message full circle, showing seven cultural figures in Superstar IIs and classic Firebird tracksuits, bridging past and future. Adidas Originals VP of Marketing Annie Barrett says the campaign is about spotlighting a new generation “building what’s next, unapologetically.” The updated Superstar II, available now in classic black-and-white for $100, features enhanced tongue and collar padding, staying true to its legacy while adapting for today’s streets.
4. Emma Watson banned from driving for six months
Emma Watson has been banned from driving for 6 months after speeding offense, BBC reports.
This is Watson’s fourth driving offense in less than two years. pic.twitter.com/RWGFxWOjc1
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 16, 2025
Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding in Oxford, England. The 35-year-old actress and activist, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, was clocked driving 38 mph in a 30-mph zone on July 31 of last year. Watson did not appear in person for the brief hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where she was fined £1,044 (around $1,400) and disqualified from driving under UK penalty point laws.
In an unexpected coincidence, her former Harry Potter co-star Zoë Wanamaker, who played Madam Hooch in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” received the same sentence just moments later for a separate speeding violation. Wanamaker was caught driving 46 mph in a 40-mph zone in Berkshire last August. Both actresses already had nine penalty points on their licenses before these latest offenses, leading to automatic six-month bans. While Watson’s representatives have yet to comment, Wanamaker’s team declined to respond. The parallel rulings mark a curious post-Hogwarts twist for the two actors, now grounded by UK traffic law.
5. Sauce Gardner lands record-breaking $120.4 million contract with Jets
BREAKING: Jets, CB Sauce Gardner agree to terms on 4-year, $120.4M extension, making him the highest-paid CB in NFL history. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/aEYG32HqfO
— NFL (@NFL) July 15, 2025
New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner has signed a record-breaking four-year $120.4 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the deal includes a staggering $85.653 million in guaranteed money, surpassing the previous high mark set by Houston Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. earlier this year. Gardner, 24, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement, writing, “THE DEAL IS DONE. This is only the beginning,” while thanking his family, teammates, and Jets fans.
Since being selected fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Gardner has rapidly become one of the league’s premier defensive backs. He’s the only cornerback since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 to earn first-team All-Pro honors in both of his first two seasons and has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice. Gardner has repeatedly expressed his desire to help transform the Jets into a perennial contender. His extension comes alongside another major deal for the franchise—wide receiver Garrett Wilson’s four-year $130 million contract, signaling the Jets’ commitment to building around their young core as they aim to dominate the AFC in seasons to come.
Featured image: @nickiminaj @sza/Instagram
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the globe. This week, we delve into the latest celebrity headlines, from Hollywood to Nollywood, explore trending global news, and highlight the most exciting sports developments of 2025.
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