When the right elements collide, a great show tends to stick around in the cultural conversation. Streaming platforms may allow series to live online indefinitely, but it’s far rarer for audiences to still be watching and talking about a show months after it premieres. In a binge-first era where entire seasons can be consumed in a weekend and quickly forgotten, a series has to leave a lasting impression to keep drawing in new viewers long after its initial release. Great writing gives actors room to dig deep. Strong performances elevate familiar genre beats. And when all of that clicks into place, you get a compelling show that people can’t stop recommending.

That’s exactly what’s happened with The Beast in Me, which continues to surge on Netflix’s Top 10 charts more than three months after its premiere. In an era when most shows burn hot and disappear just as quickly, The Beast in Me has proven to be a clear outlier. That staying power isn’t surprising, given the stellar lead performances from Matthew Rhys and Claire Danes, along with a group of rich characters and a mystery compelling enough to keep viewers hooked. With showrunner Howard Gordon recently noting that there is “always potential” for a second season, the show’s sustained chart presence proves it has real legs in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape.

Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys Anchor a Stellar Ensemble in Netflix’s ‘The Beast in Me’

Premiering in November 2025, The Beast in Me follows Aggie Wiggs (Danes), a mourning author living next door to her new neighbor, enigmatic and arguably menacing real estate mogul Nile Jarvis (Rhys) and his wife Nina (Brittany Snow). Nile was accused of killing his first wife and convinces Aggie to write a book about him. From there, their relationship grows into something deeply compelling and increasingly unsettling as she peels back the truth of who Nile really is.

Right from the start, these characters draw viewers in with their complexity. Aggie is dealing with the guilt of her young son’s death while trying to move on from her ex-wife Shelley (Natalie Morales). Nile lives in the shadow of his father Martin Jarvis (Jonathan Banks), a ruthless real estate mogul whose influence looms over everything. Rhys has always been reliable for delivering incredible performances, from The Americans to Perry Mason, and he does exceptional work as Nile, balancing charm with a chilling edge that keeps the audience constantly guessing whether he’s a killer or just deeply misunderstood.

Related

‘The Beast in Me’s Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys Break Down Their Twisted Relationship and That Shocking Reveal: “It’s a Mess”

From eating a whole chicken to having a laugh to the Talking Heads track “Psycho Killer,” Danes and Rhys had fun making ‘The Beast in Me’ together.

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No one plays a woman in grief and turmoil quite like Claire Danes, who viewers have seen for years on Homeland, but here she plays opposite Rhys with palpable chemistry, echoing her Homeland dynamic, drawn to someone she can’t fully trust, unsure what to believe yet unable to pull away. Another standout performance comes from Brittany Snow, who is finally getting recognized for her dramatic range, building on her work in The Hunting Wives. Together, the ensemble turns the series into something far richer than a standard crime drama, but that doesn’t mean the plot isn’t worth watching for either.

Netflix Unleashes a Captivating Mystery With ‘The Beast in Me’

Beyond its incredible cast, The Beast in Me is anchored by a mystery that unfolds deliberately across its eight-episode season and remains compelling in its own right. Even when the central revelation — particularly the truth surrounding what happened to Niles’ first wife, Maddie — isn’t especially surprising, it’s the process of uncovering that truth that makes the series so gripping. By prioritizing slow-burn storytelling and complex character dynamics, the show transforms what could have been a conventional whodunit into an examination of grief, guilt, and obsession.

The series also isn’t afraid to keep viewers deeply unsettled, whether through the uneasy presence of Jarvis himself or the stormy nights and shadowed windows of Aggie’s Long Island home. Just as importantly, the show’s pacing is confident and controlled. Tension builds naturally over the course of the season without relying on filler, and even the flashback episode depicting Maddie’s fate feels purposeful, deepening both the mystery and the emotional stakes rather than stalling momentum.

More than twelve weeks after its premiere, it’s not surprising that The Beast in Me continues to draw an audience. Whether through new viewers discovering it via word of mouth or returning audiences revisiting the story with full knowledge of the truth, the series makes a compelling case for why great dramas endure. While Netflix has yet to announce a second season, the show’s sustained presence on the charts makes one thing clear: if the streamer does choose to continue the story, The Beast in Me has already built a dedicated audience ready to show up. Anchored by a carefully constructed mystery, strong writing, and standout performances, the series feels built to last, and its continued success feels earned.

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2025 – 2025-00-00

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Netflix

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Beyond the Gates spoilers for February 9th – 13th anticipate Dani Dupree‘s (Karla Mosley) big confession and Dr. Ted Richardson (Maurice Johnson) absolutely snapping and raging at someone in public who really has it coming.

As we do on early edition day, we talk about what’s coming the rest of this week and then we dive into what is ahead next week.

Smitty Make a Dangerous Move and Dani Confesses on Beyond the Gates

On Wednesday, February 4th, we’ve got Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning) meeting with his source. This is for the red market plasma case, which of course Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) is also undercover on. Smitty poking around could put Jacob in danger, which is problematic.

Plus, Dani Dupree goes ahead and makes a full confession to Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman). She told him on Tuesday, but we’re going to have it reiterated on Wednesday that she did kiss Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). I don’t know if Andre will pretend to handle it well while talking to Dani, but I don’t think inside he’s going to take it well.

Andre was pretty confident when he was talking to Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) over at the club after his father-in-law said that Bill really regrets losing Dani. He was acting confident, but inside I think he’s worried he doesn’t want to lose her.

Dani’s Confession and the Red Market Plasma Case on BTG

Meanwhile, Bill Hamilton surprises Carolyn over at the office. I wonder if it’s about banning Hayley Lawson‘s (Marquita Goings) awful tea or something to do with his medical update. Meanwhile, Hayley is flirting with Isaiah. He’s not a very good mark for a conwoman because, as he pointed out to Katherine “Kat” Richardson (Colby Muhammad), he’s got no money. So, gold diggers need not apply. But he is a hunk. If Hayley’s not busy trying to kill Bill, there she is trying to get lucky.

Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) is absolutely stunned by what she sees with her grandma Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie). I’m sure it’s that she cut all her hair off because of the chemo. I thought she looked absolutely gorgeous with the haircut. Obviously, I know that’s natural hair under there and she was in a wig, but I thought they did the scene very well. It’s very poignant. If you have ever had anybody in your family go through this with chemo, it’s upsetting.

Jacob Undercover on Beyond the Gates

Jacob is making progress while working undercover. I hope Smitty stays out of the way and doesn’t get him shot. Thursday, February 5th, we’ve got Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) going out on a date with Kyle. She is working hard to get her groove back. I’m interested to see if Nicole is going to hit the sheets with Kyle as well. She’s had some fun with Carlton, but she’s also been very clear about what she wants and what she doesn’t want.

Beyond the Gates: Relationship Drama and Dangerous Business Moves

Joey lets Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) get drawn deeper into his business and his personal life, which is going to put her increasingly at risk. This is not just from possible legal ramifications; he’s dealing with dangerous people because he does dangerous things. But Vanessa, to her credit, is game for it all. She wants to be all in with Joey. Randy comes to Mona’s rescue and she thanks him.

Plus, Dana “Leslie” Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) does something that confuses Ted. I don’t know if she’s changing up her look or if she’s doing something else to torment Chenise, who is absolutely disgusted when she finds Leslie’s panties tucked behind a throw pillow in the couch of Ted’s hotel room.

I am curious if he is going to recognize them as ones he has seen on Leslie’s body or just recognize her taste in things. Anita is also bickering with Fairmont Crest resident gossip Anastasia. I always enjoy seeing everybody laying into her. And I wonder if she’s making catty remarks about Anita’s new hair or something equally tasteless.

Engagement Rumors and the Infamous Panty Plot on BTG

Friday, February 6th, we’ve got Ted confronting Leslie in public about her little panty plot. I wonder if Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) is going to be there to be mortified by her mama yet again. Two people are getting engaged on Friday. Maybe it’s Tomas “Tom” Navarro (Alex Alegria) and Kat since he’s got his new promotion.

Maybe Chelsea talks Madison into reconsidering her proposal now that they’re heading overseas together. But for real, I would absolutely cheer if it was Vanessa and Joey. Pamela and Andre do some plotting at the end of the week. And I’m sure it’s to make sure that Bill can’t worm his way back into Dani’s life.

Pamela just got her bestie all pulled back together. And she credits Andre for his role in helping Dani heal. They don’t want Bill getting in there and dismantling her again because they don’t trust him, and rightly so.

Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) and Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) talk and she comforts him. He can’t be a fireman anymore, he’s lost Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob). And he’s kind of circling the drain. Grayson has another date with Ashley, but things go awry when Grayson gets a phone call that’s a bit of a mystery.

Could be about his mom because we know he is caretaking a sick parent, or it could be Derek being a jerk and trying to interfere. Plus, Dani gets turned down. And I wonder if Izaiah Hawthorne (David Lami Friebe) is going to officially tell her no thanks on the modeling gig.

Beyond the Gates February Sweeps: Health Battles and Valentine’s Day Plans

The week of February 9th through the 13th, we are way deep into February sweeps with things moving faster. Obviously, everybody in the Dupree family is going to see Anita’s new look and she’s going to tell them about what is going on with the side effects of her chemo. It’s absolutely terrifying. I’m sure we’re not going to see things get too extreme on the soap because we have to keep her looking beautiful, but if you have a family member that’s gone through cancer, it’s terrible.

Next week, Nicole is juggling Kyle and Carlton, but she has made clear with both of them that she doesn’t want anything serious. I’m interested to see if Carlton is feeling threatened by Kyle or vice versa. Hayley’s desperation could make her sloppy now that Bill has a new doctor monitoring his blood levels. Hayley may circle back around to Randy for some other option to kill Bill ASAP.

Beyond the Gates: Bill Disappoints?

We’re also going to have to wait and see if Chelsea and Madison actually pack it up and leave the DMV together or if Chelsea will have to let Madison go alone because of Dupree family drama. Look for Valentine’s Day celebrations to kick off. Vernon’s going to make sure Anita is celebrated in style. And Andre is going to bring his A-game now that Vernon alerted him to Bill’s lurking and regrets.

Hayley’s going to have big expectations, but Bill may disappoint her. Tomas is sure to do something special for Kat. And with Isaiah and Eva officially boyfriend and girlfriend, they’re going to have some big romance, too. I wonder if Marcel’s going to have to bail on Leslie to be with his actual wife. Ted and Shanice are sure to have romantic plans. And I can’t wait to see what fabulous gift Joey has for his lady love, Vanessa.

Massive Young and the Restless Crossover News

We also have some huge crossover action coming to Beyond the Gates in June. We’re going to have characters from The Young and the Restless, including Victor Newman, Kyle Abbott, Jack and Diane Abbott, Abby, and Devon Winters. They’re going to be in town for an event at Fairmont Crest, which is a fundraiser for Martin Richardson’s (Brandon Claybon) re-election campaign. I have some more spoilers on it, but I’m running long, so I’ll share those next time.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 50 seconds ago

Stargate SG-1 turned an early-90s Roland Emmerich film into the foundation for a franchise that’s lasted 30 years and counting. One of the best additions to the franchise came with the villainous Goa’uld symbiotes, who can live for thousands of years and thoroughly enjoy enslaving others to do their bidding.

The problem is that the Goa’uld also use advanced energy weapons, including the Zat’nik’tel, a handheld “ray gun” with capabilities that make no sense the moment you put any thought into them. Michael Shanks, who played Dr. Daniel Jackson, thinks they are the dumbest weapons ever made, and during Oz-Comic Con in 2015, he unleashed decades of resentment in an amazing tirade explaining why the “Zat Gun” was stupid. 

The Zat’nik’tel Is The Dumbest Weapon In Sci-Fi

While on stage with Ben Browder (Colonel Cameron Mitchell in Seasons 9-10, and also the lead from Farscape) and Cliff Simon (Ba’al the Goa’uld System Lord), Michael Shanks takes an innocent fan’s question about why the SGC team uses P-90s as a sidearm instead of the far more powerful Zat Gun. Shanks starts off slowly, explaining he refused to ever carry a Zat’nik’tel because “it’s the dumbest weapon ever invented by sci-fi.” 

For five more minutes, Shanks goes off on everything wrong with the Zat’nik’tel, from its phallic shape to the barely noticeable physical firing effect, before zeroing in on the very stupid way that the weapon works. The first shot from a Zat’nik’tel stuns the target, the second typically kills, and the third causes them to disintegrate. At first, that sounds pretty badass, but as Michael Shanks points out, it makes no sense. 

Shanks argues that if you shoot a lock like O’Neil did, is the lock stunned? Then why did it break open?  How long is too long between shots? Can you shoot someone an hour later? Does that stun, or does that count as the second shot? And after stunning them three times, shouldn’t they disappear because that’s three shots? 

The Zat’nik’tel makes no sense in Stargate SG-1, a show where, again, the big villains are evil, nearly immortal symbiotes. While Shanks is ranting, Ben Browder and Cliff Simon are cackling along with him, having experienced the inconsistent rules around the Zat Gun firsthand. Shanks points out that the third shot that disintegrated was created on the spot as a solution to the pile of bodies the SGC team was leaving behind while infiltrating a spaceship. There was no grand plan; it was an attempt to fill a plothole with a larger pothole. 

No Sci-Fi Franchise Is Perfect

Every sci-fi franchise has parts about it that make no sense, and Stargate is no exception. What’s refreshing is Michael Shanks willingness to have fun with the audience about exactly why he despises the Zat’nik’tel, and again, everyone who’s been in a sci-fi franchise can relate. Star Wars gave fans midichlorians, Star Trek’s timeline drives fans crazy, and Battlestar Galactica revealed the identity of The Five. None of those are as ultimately inconsequential as the Zat’nik’tel, which is what makes Shanks exasperated rant so over the top: it’s the equivalent of Jonathan Frakes talking about how a phaser works. 

Stargate SG-1 fans have known for years that the Zat’nik’tel is a very dumb weapon. As part of its first-anniversary episode, “Wormhole X-Treme,” the crew even got to make fun of the Zat’nik’tel by having it described with a completely straight face, followed by the response, “That’s stupid.” It is, and it’s refreshing when the people making the series acknowledge that, yeah, they messed up when creating this, but at least they can laugh about it. 

Compared to Star Wars and Star Trek, Stargate doesn’t have the name recognition or the same sort of cultural impact, though all that may change, and we may get an updated Zat’nik’tel when the new Amazon series debuts in a few years. In the meantime, there’s plenty of time to binge all 10 seasons of Stargate SG-1 and engage in the fun of discussing why every single planet in the galaxy looks like Vancouver. 

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As with television stars of the past who tried to be taken seriously in major films, popular music artists who leap into acting face risk. Some musicians lean into their established personas, while others make great efforts to put aside their iconic image to play a fleshed-out character. Oftentimes, the ones who succeed the most prove to be the biggest surprises of them all.

While legends such as Cher and Barbra Streisand have built award-winning careers both in film and music, this list focuses on the best acting debuts of any artist in the past few decades. Musical performance cameos do not count in this case. These are the films that launched second careers for the music industry’s brightest stars.

8

Bad Bunny

‘Bullet Train’

Image via Sony

Since arriving on the hip-hop scene in the early 2010s, the self-proclaimed “King of Latin Trap” has surprised audiences across all genres. Bad Bunny’s monumental success in bringing Spanish‑language rap to the mainstream has extended to everything from participating as a wrestler in WWE to headlining this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. Movies always seemed destined for him, and the Brad Pitt-led action comedy Bullet Train fulfilled just that.

Bullet Train sees Bad Bunny play the role of Wolf, just one of several assassins along the brutal Tokyo ride seeking revenge against the Ladybug (Pitt), triggered by the Hornet’s poisoning of his cartel crew. Packed with a tragic backstory and an insane fight sequence with Pitt, the rapper’s on-screen presence never feels like a debut. Bad Bunny plays his killer role straight without disrupting the absurdly dark comedic tone. Director David Leitch praised the star for his dedication to Bullet Train’s dangerous stunts.

“He came like a consummate professional. I think a lot of those guys are. That’s how they get so successful. I mean, his work ethic is off the charts, and he came and trained with us for three weeks to work on the fighting, and then we had to shoot that whole, non-verbal story that I wanted to tell visually. Wanted to build up the expectation of this character and obviously rip the rug out.”

7

Ice-T

‘New Jack City’

A pioneer in the hood movie genre of the ‘90s, New Jack City took the Warner Bros.-produced gangster pictures of the ‘30s and modernized them for urban audiences. Director Mario Van Peebles changed the perception of crime lords who were usually romanticized in such classics as Superfly and Scarface by revealing the true harm they were causing to the community. A film like this did not scream for a straight-laced hero with a badge to take on Wesley Snipes’ charismatic crack lord. It needed someone real to deliver the truth, which Ice-T did better than anyone else in this film.

Though Snipes is New Jack City’s breakout performer, Ice-T’s role as Detective Scotty Appleton was an ideal role model for young people. The future Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star sees through the lies and deception of Nino’s empire as he infiltrates the gang to break them up from within. His rebellious image rarely gets softened until he endures the tragedy of the drug victim Pookie (Chris Rock), whom he fails to save. Even then, the rapper perfected the ideal cop who fights for the victims on the street.

6

Will Smith

‘Where the Day Takes You’

Image via New Line Cinema

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Will Smith went from kid-friendly rapper to the sitcom star of NBC’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and eventually became one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Groundbreaking hits such as Independence Day and Men in Black cemented his leading man status as the go-to actor for movies about saving the world. Before he could battle aliens, robots, and drug dealers, however, Smith surprised his fans in his small role as a homeless teen in 1992’s Where the Day Takes You.

The little-seen ensemble drama starring Sean Astin, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Alyssa Milano features Smith as the paraplegic Manny who hangs around a gang of runaway youths led by their father figure (Dermot Mulroney). Gone is the baggy neon urban wear of Smith’s Fresh Prince days; he is stripped of his winning charm. Smith fully embodies the Hollywood street hustle as a destitute youth embedded in a makeshift homeless family, never once trying to stand out from the pack. Though not as provocative as his next controversial role as a gay con artist in Six Degrees of Separation, Where the Day Takes You showcased Smith’s textured acting versatility which would pay off decades later with his Oscar win for King Richard.

5

Madonna

‘Desperately Seeking Susan’

Image via Orion Pictures

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The quirky 1985 romantic comedy by Susan Seidelman came in the early days of Madonna’s rise from nightclub singer to an MTV household staple. In her debut motion picture, aside from a musical cameo in Vision Quest, the Material Girl takes on the title role of a hip loner whose personals in a New York tabloid publication catch the attention of a dissatisfied New Jersey housewife (Rosanna Arquette). Suffering amnesia and adopting the tabloid writer’s persona, the housewife ultimately crosses paths with the real Susan, and the real trouble begins.

Desperately Seeking Susan allowed Madonna to break out with a larger audience that may not have had a subscription to MTV in 1985. Donning her trademark fashion and accessories, the ‘80s pop queen embodies the hip Bohemian lifestyle of New York City and acts as the imaginary carefree hero Arquette desires to be. Madonna’s evolution pushed her into greater challenges over time, whether it’s a femme fatale singer in Dick Tracy or the aspirational leader in Evita. But Desperately Seeking Susan is a perfect snapshot of Madonna’s ascent as a legitimate movie star.

4

Ice Cube

‘Boyz n the Hood’

25 years after it hit cinemas across the United States, John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood made a statement about Black America that remains as relevant today as it was in 1991. Unlike previous crime thrillers dealing with the gangs of South Central, L.A., the landmark drama emphasized the people in the community walking a fine line between falling prey to the violence and finding hope for a better future. Ice Cube’s performance as Doughboy was not merely a mirror image of the N.W.A. rapper. Instead, he was a living, breathing cautionary tale.

Cube’s role provided Boyz n the Hood a much-needed contrast from Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s arc from aimless boy to an honest adult. Doughboy exemplifies a life in which the lack of a male authority figure in his household forces him to resort to crime, with no options available for a legitimate future. There’s no wink and nodding to the audience like Cube’s later roles in Friday and Barbershop. Through his gritty, authentic portrayal, Cube reveals how young men like Doughboy lack proper guidance, which results in making violence the automatic answer in an unjust society.

3

Eminem

‘8 Mile’

Image Via Universal Pictures

Outside his cameo in The Wash, Eminem’s iconic performance in 8 Mile is the only time the Detroit-based rapper headlined a theatrical film. The funky beats of his songs and the comedic visuals of his music videos are completely dropped in favor of a gritty street drama under the direction of the late Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys). Loosely inspired by Eminem’s life, the hip-hop legend plays a blue-collar factory worker and single father whose aspirations for a better life outside his low-income Motor City surroundings are held back by his alcoholic mother (Kim Basinger) as well as stage fright.

For a leading man debut, Eminem’s quiet restraint and moments of explosive rage echo the grit of the ‘70s New Hollywood era stars such as Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. He never appears like he is acting for the first time in his life because he is actually living the life depicted on screen. The evolution from a working-class nobody to a charismatic rapper is treated like a slow burn, and Eminem lets the anger bubble up every minute until the explosive rap battle finale.

2

Jennifer Hudson

‘Dreamgirls’

The film adaptation of the popular 1981 Broadway musical was a star-studded affair with Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy as the headliners. Add to that Beyonce Knowles, who was a few films into her acting career, playing to her superstar status. But former American Idol runner-up Jennifer Hudson had the greatest challenge of her co-stars by playing the tortured Effie White. In every sense of the word, Hudson exceeded all expectations.

Out of any A-list actor in the Dreamgirls ensemble, Hudson was the ultimate showstopper. Her powerhouse rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is deeply chilling due to the combination of power and heartbreak registering through the vocals. Add to that the most sympathetic story arc of the entire film, Hudson’s Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress remains one of the most deserving Academy Award wins in cinema history.

1

Prince

‘Purple Rain’

Michael Jackson, Madonna, and George Michael reigned supreme in the ‘80s music landscape. Yet, Prince was the only musician to do more than just dip his toe into acting. Like 8 Mile for Eminem, Purple Rain would elevate aspects of Prince’s life into a grounded, but fantastical tale of a self-centered musical genius caught between love, ego, and the struggle to survive in an abusive household. Unlike the aforementioned artists on this list, Prince’s debut film defined his legacy.

The multi-talented singer/songwriter from Minneapolis became a global icon when Purple Rain hit theaters in 1984. The vibrant, often sexually charged musical numbers taking place at Minneapolis’s First Avenue nightclub dazzle across the silver screen, and the red-hot soundtrack elevates everything from motorcycle montages to graphic love scenes. What Purple Rain also revealed was a rock star willing to be open about his personal trauma, specifically the abuse at the hands of his father (Clarence Williams III). Once the title number hits, Prince elicits an emotional intensity few films have since matched.

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Release Date

July 27, 1984

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Runtime

111 minutes

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Albert Magnoli

Writers

Albert Magnoli, William Blinn

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Producers

Robert Cavallo, Steven Fargnoli

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 Toosii has been on a rollercoaster of a journey as he transitions from the rap lifestyle to pursuing football and focusing on his education. After leaving his commitment to the Syracuse University football team and deciding to attend classes at Louisiana State University, he took to social media to address critics who had opinions about his decisions.

RELATED: Social Media Reacts After Toosii Calls Syracuse Football Coach A “Bozo” & Announces First Day At Louisiana State University (VIDEOS)

Toosii Opens Up About His Mental Health As He Embarks On A New Journey

After leaving the Syracuse University football team, Toosii has been transitioning into a new chapter as a student at LSU. The switch sparked a lot of mixed buzz online. Despite the noise, he has continued sharing footage of his football training as he adjusts to his new environment.

He took to his Instagram Story to share the emotional toll the journey has taken on him behind the scenes, noting that it hasn’t been easy and emphasizing his faith and personal growth.

“I wanna be transparent along this journey since I feel like so many of you are along with me on this journey. It’s been taking a toll on me mentally. Not because of the criticism but because behind closed doors things haven’t went the way I may have planned although, that’s just life. You ever wanted something so bad you’d do almost anything for it? That’s how this journey has been. This journey has been a true test of faith. God has great plans and through him all is possible so I have no worries. I will say though forgive and give me grace for my mistakes as I become a better person all around. God bless everyone who supports or even hates this dream of mine. It all is used as motivation.”

A Rapper’s Day In The Life At Louisiana State University 

Despite the mental toll, Toosi is not letting anything dim his spirit. He recently took to his Instagram Story to give fans a glimpse into his life as a new student. He shared photos of his student ID, moments playing basketball with other students, and a look inside his room. In a video of his room, Toosii captioned it, “College life [that] serious,” adding, “Y’all think a n**** got it like that,” as he showed just how real, raw and relatable his life can be. In the footage, his mattress was on the floor with no sheets.

Social Media Reacts 

Fans following The Shade Room Teens tuned in to Toosii’s day in the life as a college student. Some felt he was “cosplaying” as a broke college student and questioned why a rich rapper would live that way. Others defended him, saying he deserves the full college experience. They also emphasized give grace while he’s balancing family responsibilities, school, all while chasing his football goals.

Instagram user @shemarcel_ wrote, “Fiancé, 2 Kids at home but you at a Dorm cosplaying a struggling college Student” 

Instagram user @niyaleshelle added, “it’s cool to get educated but all the testimonies he can save!! just go to school, enjoy yourself, graduate!”

While Instagram user @lakynanmarii wrote, “Coming from a REAL broke college student, please get out my face”

Instagram user @saaytee wrote, “What if he not as rich as we think and this his plan b”

Instagram user @shaaybanks added, “Yall do realize if he wants to play football he has to stay on campus 6 atleast near it”

While Instagram user @chellychelsss_ wrote, “That boy following his dreams and thats okay .. welcome to the boot” 

Instagram user @kalayaha_ wrote, “If he wanna go to college and get his experience etc. what’s the big deal?? so what he’s rich with a house this is what he is choosing to do Ibs”

Instagram user @m3threex added, “he experiencing something he may never got the chance to, yall be so dramatic ab somebody else lives. let that bby shine”

While Instagram user @callmeacenotmitch wrote, “A black man tryna get his education and people wanna make jokes. Our future is cooked fr”

RELATED: Whew! Toosii Leaves Fans Confused After Announcing His Departure From Syracuse University’s Football Team (VIDEO)

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Roommates, some concerning news is coming out of Georgia involving Lil Jon and his son, Nathan Smith. Authorities have issued a missing person report connected to the Grammy-winning hitmaker’s son. And, the details surrounding the situation have left many with questions and concern.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Missing Louisiana Teenager Reportedly Found In Basement Box After Meeting Man On Snapchat (VIDEO)

Authorities Release New Details Surrounding Nathan’s Case

According to the Milton Police Department, Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of Lil Jon, was reported missing on Tuesday, February 3. Police say Nathan was last seen around 6 a.m. that morning in the area of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road in Milton, Georgia.

In a statement shared by officials, police revealed: “Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since. Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety.” Law enforcement urged anyone with information to contact the Milton Police Department or reach out directly to Detective Sarah Moore via email.

Lil Jon & Family Request Privacy Amid Support

Nathan is described as standing 5’9”, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair. As concern continues to grow, a representative for Lil Jon shared a brief statement requesting privacy for the family during this time and also asked for continued prayers for Nathan’s safe return.

Nathan, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, is a rising DJ and musician carving out his own lane in the music industry. He released his most recent single, ‘Feels,’ in March 2025 and has spoken about navigating life as the son of a major hip-hop figure while building his own career. Nathan was last active on Instagram on January 6, where he shared a photo alongside his manager Lil Will and rapper Bow Wow at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.

Fans Revisit Nathan’s Words Amid Ongoing Concern

The situation has also drawn renewed attention to Nathan’s appearance on MTV’s ‘Family Legacy’ last year, where he opened up about growing up with Lil Jon as his father. In past interviews, Nathan expressed gratitude for the foundation his dad laid, while emphasizing his desire to make his own mark in music.

Furthermore, Lil Jon shares Nathan with his estranged wife, Nicole Smith. The former couple married in 2004 and announced their amicable split in early 2024, after separating nearly two years earlier. As the family waits for answers, supporters across social media continue to rally around them, sending love and hoping for Nathan’s safe return.

Fans Send Prayers To Lil Jon Amid Online Reactions

Shortly after the news broke, fans immediately flooded TSR’s Instagram comment section with reactions. While some raised questions as they tried to process the situation, countless prayer emojis filled the comments as others shared messages of hope to Lil Jon’s family. Many also took the moment to emphasize that mental health is real, urging people to lead with compassion and kindness no matter the circumstances.

One Instagram user @shaniceonline said, “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”

This Instagram user @__hot.__.girl__ added, “Grown men don’t just go missing , praying for a safe return 🙏🏾”

And, Instagram user @burgzctx commented, “Everyone going through it , I hope he good 🙏🏾”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @ericasbadd shared, “Mental health is real PLEASE BE KIND…”

While Instagram user @cashmase said, “As a parent, no matter the age, this will always be the worst nightmare…“

Finally, Instagram user @paulaa__1992 wrote, “I’m glad they’re taking this seriously early! Most missing people don’t have this chance. I hope they find him 🙏🏽”

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