Hit-Boy & Big Hit We Coached White Actors to Use the N-Word ... Drastic Times Call for Drastic Content!!!

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BEHIND THE SCENES
TMZ.com

Hit-Boy and his dad Big Hit are on a mission to make the most impactful hip hop possible ... even if it means exercising their freedom of speech to a point some will call controversial or even offensive.

We caught the Hollis family out at Dash Radio while they were promoting their critically acclaimed joint album, "Surf or Drown 2."

The project has birthed multiple videos directed by ThirdEyeRaz ... but none more controversial than the visual for "Police," which depicts a role reversal of America's color lines.

Team Hit and their crew portray police officers who arrest white citizens who mouth off the song's lyrics for the camera, n-words included -- which they tell us was a very intentional creative choice.

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Big Hit even says a few actors declined to star in the video -- because it required using that word -- but they coached their assembled crew through the scenes ... as they felt the video was important to reflect the current social climate.

It's a topic that Big Hit can relate to ... having been released from prison a few months ago after serving 9 years for an L.A. hit-and-run.

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He tells us he's already landed a collab with Snoop Dogg and recorded multiple albums worth of music with his Diamond-certified son.

Looks, and sounds, like the sky's the limit for the father-son duo!!!

2023 Home Run Derby Champ To Receive 3-Pound Chain ... Filled With Over 1,000 Stones!!!

The 2023 Home Run Derby champion will be walking away with a whole lot more than bragging rights next week ... they'll be getting a sweet new chain, too!!

The MLB revealed on Wednesday it's giving the event's winner some bling for the second straight season -- and this year's iteration of the jewelry is awesome.

According to the league, it weighs three pounds and features over 1,000 stones.

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MAJOR LEAGUE BLING
Instagram / @mlb

It also has a centerpiece made of recycled glass and 75 carats of white and yellow Swarovski Crystal embellishments. And, get this, the center even spins!!!

There will be eight guys gunning for it on Monday night at T-Mobile Park in Seattle -- Luis Robert, Pete Alonso, Mookie Betts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Adolis Garcia, Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman.

Last year's winner, Juan Soto, will not be involved -- but he sure seemed to enjoy the 2022 version of the drip after he locked it all up at Dodger Stadium.

So, who will get it this year? Derby starts at 5 PM PT ... getcha popcorn ready!

Nick Smith Jr. NBA Draft Night Chain ... Featured 40 Carats Of Diamonds!!!

The chain Nick Smith Jr. rocked to the NBA draft was SERIOUSLY iced out ... TMZ Sports has learned it featured a staggering 40 carats of VS diamonds!!

We're told the former Arkansas Razorbacks point guard hit up Courtney Roy of Clarity Custom Jewelry to get the piece made just before the big event ... and as you can see, the jeweler certainly delivered.

Roy -- who also made pieces for Cassius Stanley and Jacob Evans -- tells us he spent about two weeks carefully crafting the bling ... not only decking it out in the diamonds but adding 14k of white gold to it as well.

The piece features Smith's "NS" initials ... and sits on a Cuban link chain -- and the 19-year-old hooper was clearly happy with the piece.

Smith Jr. wore it on stage with Adam Silver with pride just after the Charlotte Hornets took him with the 27th overall pick.

Unclear how much it all costs ... but the rookie is expected to make about $2 mil this season as a rookie -- so, yeah, he can certainly afford it!

Cody Bellinger Proposes To S.I. Model GF ... She Said Yes!!!

Cody Bellinger ... MLB star, father, and now fiancé -- the Chicago Cubs first baseman just proposed to his Sports Illustrated model girlfriend, and she said yes!!!

Chase Carter -- who has also graced the cover of Maxim magazine -- shared the exciting news on social media, posting a photo of her massive new ring in front of the Chi-town skyline.

Fans of Carter and Bellinger -- who began dating in 2020 -- were stoked for the couple ... with one follower saying, "That’s a huge ring holy moly."

Another one commented, "I'm over the moon happy for you guys!!!"

The World Series champ and Carter welcomed their second child together in April ... after having their first daughter, Caiden, in November 2021.

There's a lot happening for Cody. In addition to the second baby and engagement, Bellinger also signed with the Chicago Cubs after a rocky end to his tenure in Los Angeles.

Of course, the 2-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner signed a 1-year deal with Chicago in December 2022 after the worst offensive season of his career ... where he's looking to return to his old form.

Off the field, things are clearly pretty great! Congrats!

Harrison Ford One Final Bow as 'Indiana Jones' ... Dapper at London Premiere

Harrison Ford is cracking his whip one last time as the iconic Indiana Jones -- and to ring in the big moment at the film's premiere ... the dude lost his digging gear and put on a suit.

The actor was on hand Monday in London, for the premiere of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" showing off his best smile ... though some of his attempts looked like half-scowls.

In any case, it was a big deal for the movie biz. You see, this is gonna be Harrison's final outing as the famed archeologist ... and yes, he's still kicking ass at the ripe age of 80.

As you know, Harrison might be done playing Indy -- but he's far from retiring ... which he just made clear this past weekend. He was asked if he'd be hanging it up soon -- but he scoffed at the idea of that, saying that working made him feel useful.

BTW, speaking of acting ... Harrison actually made a little news on the red carpet. He said that if contract negotiations fall through this week between SAG-AFTRA and the studios, he too would be prepared to strike in solidarity with his union. Talk about a stand-up guy!

Anyway, as far as the actual movie goes ... it's getting mostly positive reviews and a lot of people are saying it's a fitting sendoff for an iconic character. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who plays his goddaughter in the flick, is said to potentially be getting set up as his replacement.

Time will tell, we suppose. All we know is that it's been a long journey for Harrison in this cinematic universe -- remember, he started playing Indiana Jones way back in 1981 ... so it's kinda crazy to see this thing come full circle all these years later.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES
TMZ.com

The flick hits theaters this weekend.

NFL's Mecole Hardman My New Chain's Ready For Takeoff 100+ Carats Of Diamonds!!!

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MINI-MECOLE
Al The Jeweler

NFL wide receiver Mecole Hardman might have just taken the title for "best chain in the league" ... 'cause he's the proud new owner of an INSANE diamond chain complete with THREE jets!!

TMZ Sports is told -- the 25-year-old wideout wanted to commemorate his "Jet" nickname and recent signing with the New York Jets ... so he hit up Al The Jeweler of Labelle Jewelry in Totowa, NJ for a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Al tells us the two brainstormed on the design ... which features detailed jets, and even a working cockpit that has a mini Mecole sitting inside it!!

The whole thing is made up of more than 100 carats of VVS diamonds and half a kilo of gold ... and it took two whole months to complete.

Al -- who's made unique pieces for the biggest names in football like Sauce Gardner and Stefon Diggs (just to name a few) -- tells us he's proud of all his work over the years, but admits Hardman's new piece might be one of his favorites.

Mecole is slated to get the piece delivered soon ... and it's safe to say he's going to love it.

Trippie Redd $150K Jewelry Delivery by Jet Ski For Yacht Birthday Bash!!!

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CHAIN MAIL
TMZ.com

Trippie Redd is taking celeb yacht parties to the next level by combining 6-figure jewelry and a very unique delivery service ... all to help ring in his 24th birthday.

The red-haired rapper did it big recently, surrounding himself with plenty of friends, and water, as they celebrated his latest trip around the sun aboard a yacht -- but, in true Trippie fashion, he took things up a notch.

His guests watched a jet ski cruise toward the yacht, carrying a famous jeweler flaunting some new bling to float Trippie's boat!!!

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FANCY BLING
Alex Moss

Celebrity jeweler Alex Moss tells TMZ Hip Hop ... he and Trippie brainstormed together to design the new piece -- a layered spikey heart, which became 3 separate chains after it was all said and done.

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TRIPPIE'S BDAY
Instagram / @skymorales

After deciding on the style, Alex says he incorporated amethyst into the chain at Trippie's request and created the pendant with 14k white gold, VVS diamonds. While he was at it, he threw in some custom-cut mother of pearl to match the stones in the chain.

Trippie loved the finished product so much, he copped mini versions for his girlfriend, Skye Morales, and his younger sister ... with rubies and pink sapphires respectively coloring the center hearts on their pendants.

Alex tells us making the trip via jet ski to personally surprise Trippie with all the bling was a memorable experience, to say the least.

Trippie had double the reason to celebrate on June 18 ... he also received his first Diamond plaque that day!!!

Mets Star Edwin Diaz Cops Iced-Out Trumpet Chain ... Worth $250,000!!!

Mets star Edwin Diaz won't be on a mound this season, but that doesn't mean he won't still be looking fly -- TMZ Sports has learned he's just copped a sweet new necklace ... that's worth a quarter of a million dollars!!

The closer -- who's currently on New York's injured list after tearing up his knee during the World Baseball Classic back in March -- hit up Victor Rodriguez, aka Tajia Diamonds, for the piece recently ... and the jeweler just finished the product this week.

And, check out the images ... it came out awesome!!

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DIAMOND DIAZ
Victor Rodriguez

The pendant features a trumpet -- a nod to Diaz's famous "Narco" walkout song -- as well as his jersey number 39 ... and it's completely iced out.

Rodriguez tells us it has 75 cts of VS diamonds and F color stones.

As for the chain it sits on ... Rodriguez says that's decked out too -- with 100 cts of VS diamonds.

The pitcher also got a custom bracelet to go along with the drip for his neck ... and it's got his No. 39 all over it.

In total, we're told the bill came out to $250K ... but don't worry, Diaz can certainly afford it -- he just inked a five-year, $102 million contract this past offseason.

Speedy recovery, Edwin -- can't wait to see that right arm and chain back in a dugout soon!!!

Michael Jackson Neverland Statues Back Up For Sale ... No Longer Package Deal

Dozens of statues Michael Jackson displayed at his Neverland Ranch are going back up for grabs ... but instead of a package deal this time, the art is up for sale individually.

Noble Art Lovers tells TMZ ... the private collector who owns 28 pieces from the singer's infamous California estate is still trying to sell the art, and is no longer seeking $2.5 million for the collection as a whole.

Instead, the entire collection is being sold separately, with most of the statues going for five figures ... shipping not included.

Michael's bronze statues include several images of children ... one such art piece is called "Kids and Tree Swing," and it's going for $150,000. Ditto for another one depicting kids, called "Follow the Leader."

TMZ broke the story ... Noble Art Lovers put the statues up for sale back in April 2021 as a package deal for $2.5 million ... and we're told some affluent potential buyers showed interest, but no one closed the deal.

Noble Art Lovers, based out of Dubai, hopes the separately priced statues will give more folks a chance to own a piece of Neverland.

There is one exception here ... we're told the Malachite Candelabra which is being sold for $500k and the Gloria Victis statues will only be sold as a pairs ... because MJ acquired them as a set.

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce Stoked After Getting SB LVII Rings ... Over 609 Diamonds!!!!

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ADDING TO THE COLLECTION
Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs finally got their Super Bowl LVII rings ... and they were understandably STOKED -- it's got over 600 diamonds!!

Mahomes, his wife Brittany, Juan Thornhill, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and the rest of the squad pulled up in their best fits to receive their new bling Thursday night ... the 2nd ring ceremony in the last four seasons.

The ring is pretty insane. It holds 609 round diamonds, 16 baguettes, 4 marquises, and 35 custom-cut genuine rubies ... a total of 16.1 carats!

Not only does it have a ton of diamonds, but the top of the ring can also be removed and turned into a pendant.

Once the ring top is off, there's a miniature Arrowhead Stadium, featuring Lombardi Trophies and a quote from Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, "Arrowhead Stadium is my favorite place on earth".

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Kansas City Chiefs

Each ring also has the player's signature, and scores from the 2022 playoffs on the interior, as well as Andy Reid's motto, "EDGE."

"The Chiefs Super Bowl LVII ring features thoughtful details and incredible craftsmanship," Chris Poitras, the GM of Jostens Professional Sports Division, said.

"This ring captures their unique championship story and commemorates the team's third Super Bowl victory."

In addition to the sweet jewelry, the Chiefs got a fancy meal, too ... eating surf and turf, with filet mignon and grilled lobster tail.

Of course, earning the ring wasn't easy. In the Super Bowl alone, the Chiefs were pushed to the brink, narrowly winning a 38-35 nail-biter in Arizona.

Mahomes won his second SB MVP after throwing three touchdown passes and hitting a clutch 26-yard run late in the 4th quarter, setting the Chiefs up for the game-winning field goal.

Lookin' good!

Austin Reaves Signs 7-Figure Shoe Deal ... With Chinese Co. Rigorer

Austin Reaves' hot streak continues -- fresh off his breakout season with the Lakers, the former undrafted NBA prospect has inked a signature shoe deal that's reportedly worth millions!!

The 25-year-old signed a multi-year contract with Chinese brand Rigorer that could "reach over seven figures per year," according to Shams Charania ... and it includes getting his very own sneaker, the "AR1."

Reaves talked about the business move on Thursday ... saying, "If you would have told me I'd have had a signature shoe at 18, I'd have looked at you and called you a liar."

"Honestly, I'm blessed to play basketball for a living and I just have to pinch myself sometimes to really understand what's going on."

Reaves blew up this past season ... becoming an important piece on the Lakers roster, averaging 21 points a game in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets.

The Arkansas native's shoe deal isn't the only major source of income -- he's expected to be a big target in free agency, with teams prepping to offer him more than $50 million over four years.

The AR1s are slated to drop this summer ... so yeah, it's been a helluva 2023 for the guy.

Hit-Boy Didn't Think 'N***s In Paris' Would Go 💎 But Glad It Did!!!

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INSPIRING THE WORLD
TMZ.com

Hit-Boy is genuinely surprised his iconic "N***s In Paris" record with Jay-Z and Kanye West gained Diamond status from the RIAA ... but he'll take the honor.

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the ultra prolific producer as he cooked inside his studio, and he says his job as a musician is simply to craft beats to inspire artists ... and that's exactly what happened with Jay and Ye when they hopped on the 'NIP' beat.

Released in 2011 as part of their "Watch The Throne" album, the song became the highlight attraction of their global tour ... with them performing the song multiple times in a row each night — including 11x in Paris!!!

The song also won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 2013 Grammy Awards ... and HB admits Ye removed layers of instrumentation from the original beat in order for it to be palatable to those types of audiences.

"NIP" is HB's 2nd Diamond plaque following his work on Drake and Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode" but he says there's plenty more gas in his engine.

His father Big Hit was released from prison after a 9-year stint last month, and the two linked with director THIRDEYERAZ for a half dozen videos and counting .. and HB tells us the new tunes will appear on his upcoming "Surf or Drown 2" album.

One album HB is not a part of is Nas' "King's Disease 4" ... but he says it's still all love!!!

Floyd Mayweather Gets Juneteenth 'Freedom Belt' ... After Gotti III Melee

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GIVING BACK

Floyd Mayweather, despite being attacked in the ring by John Gotti III after their fight, was still able to share a cool moment with his longtime business partner, with both men receiving a custom Juneteenth belt in a back hallway of the venue.

The ceremony was originally supposed to go down inside the ring, but the subsequential brawl made that impossible. Still, the 50-0 legend, along with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, presented CEO Jas Mathur with the World Boxing Council Championship Freedom Belt.

Mayweather also received the commemorative strap.

The belt, the WBC says, celebrates "the remarkable achievements and visionary leadership demonstrated by Mr. Mathur and Limitless X for their contributions to the sporting and business community."

“Thank you to Mauricio and the WBC for creating and presenting me and my partners with this unique freedom belt to commemorate Juneteenth,” Floyd told us.

"The WBC has always led by example. I am honored to receive the belt along with Robert Smith, who is the largest civil rights activist in our history, and Jas Mathur my dear friend and partner."

Mayweather's friend, billionaire philanthropist Robert Smith, also received the Freedom Belt at a dinner Saturday night in South Florida.

Mathur, who has worked alongside Floyd for years, was touched by the gift, writing, "It is truly an honor to receive this championship belt from the World Boxing Council."

Of course, Mayweather and Gotti III fought in an 8-round exhibition fight on Sunday ... which erupted into chaos after the grandson of the legendary mobster attacked Floyd after the ref stopped the fight.

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CHAOS IN THE ARENA
TMZSports.com

For his actions, Gotti III has been suspended for six months by the Florida athletic commission. Mayweather, who didn't engage with John after the bout was called, received no penalty.

YNW Melly 'Murder' Charge Worked Wonders For Rap Career Went From 0 to 10 Platinum Plaques 💿

YNW Melly's career essentially came to an end in 2019 after he was arrested and charged with double homicide ... but his streaming has seen a resurgence as of late.

On Monday, Melly's trial kicked off in Florida's Broward County court, where it was uncovered the 24-year-old rapper had absolutely zero RIAA certifications on his wall at the time of his arrest on February 13, 2019 ... but now has 10 platinum plaques and 6 gold.

Fans have especially been running up the numbers for Melly's more sinister tracks ... "Suicidal" sits at 4x platinum while his signature hit "Murder on My Mind" is fairly close to Diamond status at 6x platinum.

Melly and Kanye West's 2020 collab "Mixed Personalities" is also double platinum.

The Florida rapper, born Jamell Demons, stands accused of gunning down his own friends YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser.

While it still remains to be determined what will happen with the criminal case, it appears his musical legacy will thrive.

Nicki Minaj Sued Over Damaged Bling ... She Denies It

Nicki Minaj is being dragged to court over some alleged unpaid bills for custom jewelry ... but her attorney says she's not responsible, and claims the jeweler is just using her for publicity.

The rapper is being sued by a West Hollywood jeweler who claims they loaned out some bling to the rapper -- a pretty standard transaction for celebs, but the jeweler claims some of those pieces came back damaged ... which is not standard.

According to a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Nicki's stylist Brett Alan Nelson signed a contract with Roseark jewelry store, with Roseark agreeing to loan Nicki jewelry for a public appearance.

The store claims the contract called for Brett to return the bling within a week and pay for any damages the jewelry might incur under his watch.

In the docs, Roseark claims Nicki's stylist failed to return 66 pieces of jewelry by the agreed upon deadline, and, when Brett finally forked over the bling, there was noticeable damage to a set of earrings and a leaf ring.

A source close to Nicki tells us ... everything was returned on time as promised and it was only after items were in the jeweler's possession for some time that the store complained about a missing stone.

The jewelry store says it sent invoices to Brett for the damage, which it says totals $26,239.50 plus interest. The folks at Roseark claim they haven't gotten paid, despite their repeated attempts to collect.

So, Roseark is suing Nicki and her stylist for the money ... even though it appears Nikki never had any direct dealings with the jeweler.

In fact, Nicki's attorney, Jordan Siev, tells TMZ ... "We have not been presented with any evidence that any of the jewelry at issue was damaged by Nicki. This lawsuit appears to be nothing more than an ordinary insurance claim by the jeweler designed to generate publicity for itself and extract a payment to which it is not entitled. We will defend the lawsuit vigorously."

We covered it all in a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

'Dubai Bling' Star Kris Fade Expecting 1st Baby With Wife Brianna ... After Health Issues

"Dubai Bling" stars Kris Fade and his wife Brianna's dream has come true -- she's pregnant with their first child ... something they feared wouldn't happen due to some serious health concerns.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... Brianna is pregnant, and she's close to the end of her first trimester.

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MAJOR HEALTH UPDATE

The news is particularly special because Brianna recently opened up about being diagnosed with Graves' Disease, which caused her to have Hyperthyroidism. She also developed fibroids ... causing the couple to put off trying for a baby for a while.

However, Brianna recently explained on TikTok her thyroid levels and her vitamin deficiencies are leveled, and she's off all medication.

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Just last month Kris, who hosts the no.1 radio show in Dubai, reflected on his 2019 engagement to Brianna ... saying they were hoping to start a family. It's unclear if he already knew she was pregnant at that time, and just didn't want to jinx it.

Kris has 2 daughters from a previous relationship -- and he and Brianna are hoping for a boy this time around.

Their lavish 2022 wedding was featured in the first season of "Dubai Bling." Fans will get the inside scoop on their pregnancy in the new season, which began filming earlier this year.

Congrats!