Drake’s special radio station on SiriusXM, called Sound 42, has officially ended after four years. This station, launched in March 2021 as a unique collaboration between the famous Toronto artist and SiriusXM, is now changing its name to “SiriusXM 42” and focusing on playing the “500 biggest rap songs of all time.” While this might excite hip-hop fans, the end of Sound 42 feels significant, as it was one of the most original artist-led platforms recently. Sound 42 was first introduced in 2019 as part of a major deal between SiriusXM and Drake.

The station featured exclusive song releases, carefully chosen playlists, and a variety of sounds picked by Drake and his team, giving fans an inside look into his music world. Its sudden closure leaves many wondering why such a vibrant project didn’t have a proper farewell. For Drake, the station provided a way to connect more deeply with the traditional radio experience, something he valued greatly, as he shared in a 2023 interview. He emphasized the support he received from Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s leader, who was passionate about making Sound 42 happen. Drake appreciated how SiriusXM allowed him to reach a wide audience, similar to the memorable radio moments from the past.

Sound 42 gave fans a special experience, offering them fresh music in ways that simple streaming services couldn’t. The station created a unique ambiance that felt distinctly like Drake, worldly, emotional, and undeniably cool. As Sound 42 becomes a part of music history, its influence remains strong. It showed that a radio station led by an artist could succeed even in an age focused on algorithm-driven playlists. While fans might miss the personal touch and surprises that came with Sound 42, the new SiriusXM 42 will continue to celebrate hip-hop on satellite radio.

The legacy of The Notorious B.I.G., a legendary rapper, is facing a major controversy as reports surface that his publishing and publicity rights may be sold for an astonishing $100 million to $150 million. However, concerns have been raised by Gene Deal, a former bodyguard of Puff Daddy (Diddy), about the true motivations behind this deal. In a recent interview, Deal expressed his worries about the people involved in this high-profile sale, particularly Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow, who were once closely associated with Biggie during his time at Bad Boy Records. Deal suggested that these individuals are not acting in the best interest of Biggie’s loved ones, especially as Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, is reportedly in poor health.

He stated, “They’re making deals to sell Biggie’s publishing and marketing rights, everything related to him. But it’s not for Miss Wallace or Biggie’s kids.” These revelations have shocked many fans and industry insiders, raising important questions about who will truly benefit from the sale of Biggie’s music and legacy. If Deal’s claims are accurate, this could be another case of exploitation in the music business, where the estates of deceased artists are often caught up in complicated deals that prioritize profit over respect for the artist and their family. For fans, selling Biggie’s music is a mixed bag. On one hand, it ensures that his incredible music continues to be valuable and generate income.

But if that money isn’t going to Biggie’s family, it raises serious concerns about who controls his legacy and who should benefit from it. There have been no official comments from those involved, leaving the hip-hop community anxiously awaiting more information. Meanwhile, Deal’s comments remind us that the struggle over an artist’s impact and earnings continues even after they pass away. As this story develops, The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy deserves to be treated with the respect and admiration that a hip-hop icon commands.