This week in hip-hop, LL Cool J and Brad Paisley get the Internet stirring with their controversial song “Accidental Racist.” Plus, Jay-Z is looking into becoming a sports agent and Rick Ross issues a formal apology for his verse on “U.E.O.N.O.”  These are just a few standout stories in another active week in the rap game. Here are your top headlines.

1. LL Cool J and Brad Paisley Release “Accidental Racist”
Racism is a subject that is rarely brought up in contemporary music. Brad Paisley and LL Cool J wanted to create a dialogue about it in “Accidental Racist.” The legendary rapper provided one of the song’s controversial lyrics, “If you don’t judge my durag/I won’t judge your red flag.” Since then, LL and Paisley has said on record that the song was meant to address difficult questions surrounding the topic. Watch their recent interviews on Jay Leno explaining the inspiration here and here.

2. Tyga Explains Why Tupac Sample Wasn’t Cleared for Hotel California
Tyga’s third studio album released this week. One of the biggest draws was his Tupac-assisted “Hit ‘Em Up” that didn’t end up making the final version of the album. However, T-Raw insists that his team is trying to clear it now for possibly re-releasing it as a bonus track. Also, if you were wondering why T-Raw didn’t have stacked features from YMCMB, check that out here.

3. White House Responds to “Open Letter” Lyrics
Jay-Z wanted to discuss recent headlines he’s been making through his new song, “Open Letter.” There are a few lines that talk about his relationship with President Obama, suggesting he got clearance for his trip to Cuba by Obama himself. Press Secretary Jay Carney addressed the lyrics in a press conference with a little bit of criticism. Let’s just say he wasn’t as excited as us hip-hop fans about a new Jay record.

4. Rick Ross Releases Statement after Getting Dropped From Reebok
The backlash for Rick Ross’ rape lyric was at its peak this week. Reebok dropped Rozay as their spokesmen. After taking to Twitter to thank the brand for their partnership, he wrote an official statement that is longer and more sincere-sounding than his previous attempts. "My choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart.”

5. To Become a Sports Agent, Jay-Z Plans to Sell His Share of the Brooklyn Nets
Jay-Z is allegedly in the process of selling his less-than-one percent ownership of the Brooklyn Nets. According to NBA regulations, he cannot represent a NBA player if he has ownership in a team. After establishing Roc Nation Sports with the signing of New York Yankees star Robinson Cano, Jay is looking to expand on his latest business idea, possibly as a baseball agent.

6. Nas Becomes Associate Publisher for Mass Appeal
Like Jay-Z, Nas is making business moves. The Queensbridge MC just signed on to be an Associate Publisher for Mass Appeal. The mag was founded in 1996 and started as a graffiti magazine, before evolving into the entity we see today. Nas was also the first artist to appear on the cover in 2002 alongside Large Professor. Check out the cover story here.

7. Festival Season Is Upon Us
With the first weekend of Coachella 2013 wrapping up, there are two other major festivals that should be on everyone’s radars. Summer Jam’s festival stage line-up just announced that includes artists such as Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Smoke DZA and more. Elsewhere, the line-up for Jay-Z’s Made In America Festival was also revealed. Beyonce is scheduled to be the headliner.

8. OG Double D Killed in Highway Shooting
Future’s associate OG Double D was shot in a highway shooting in Atlanta. OGD was a music executive and an MC. According to reports, the aspiring rapper was killed after multiple gunshots landed on his body and head. Future would later confirm this loss of his closest friend.

9. Gucci Mane Arrested One Day After Being Released From Jail
Gucci Mane was granted a $75,000 bail a few days ago. Due to a probation violation, Gucci was arrested and sent to an Atlanta jail. TMZ reports that the probation violation is unrelated to the recent assault arrest.

More From XXL