Bill Maher Note to Music Lovers ... $$$ Isn't Everything!!!
Bill Maher has not changed his tune about the problems with young people ... he says one of the root problems is the musical messages pumped into their brains.
The 'Real Time' host made his case that the music industry has been singularly obsessed with the almighty dollar and the things it can buy. BM says back in the day ... there were only a handful of songs about the pursuit of cash.
These days, Bill says, the charts are flooded with the pursuit of all the goodies money can buy. Even in a country where "Rolex on a Redneck" is a big hit!
He says there's a sociological element when it comes to rap. The Black community was denied access to wealth and opportunity for so long, when it finally started seeing some inclusion, rappers flaunted their success.
But, as Bill says, the money obsession in music is everywhere ... and growing. E.g., Bruno Mars' "I Wanna Be a Billionaire So F***ing Bad."
And Bill says these musical messages get burned into the brains of teens ... like the first time you saw your father coming out of the shower!
BTW ... you should watch 'Real Time.' Bill's one-on-one guest was Killer Mike, and he was amazing!
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Jon Bon Jovi Junto a Bruce Springsteen en el escenario...
Jon Bon Jovi y Bruce Springsteen le dieron un gran regalo a todos el viernes en la noche, ¡rockeando y actuando juntos en el mismo escenario frente a una multitud de estrellas!
Los dos iconos de la música oriundos de Nueva Jersey tocaron juntos en el Centro de Convenciones de Los Ángeles para honrar la carrera artística de Jon y su labor benéfica, luego de recibir el premio a la Persona del Año de MusiCares.
Muchas celebridades estaban presentes como Paul McCartney, Sammy Hagar, Jelly Roll, Shania Twain, Melissa Etheridge, Robert Kraft y Jim Gaffigan.
Todos ellos pudieron relajarse y disfrutar de los chicos de Jersey tocando uno de los temas más memorables de Jon, "Who Says You Can't Go Home".
Echa un vistazo a este video obtenido por TMZ. Jon presenta a Bruce como su "mentor" y "héroe", y luego este sube al escenario con su guitarra eléctrica. Ambos se abrazan y luego entran directamente a la canción, deslumbrando al público.
Otras imágenes muestran al cómico Jim Gaffigan vestido como en una versión ochentera de Jon, con una gran melena, haciendo a todos reír.
Luego Jon, Sammy, Shania y otros subieron al escenario para cantar una interpretación de "Livin' On A Prayer" de Bon Jovi.
Jelly Roll también honró a Jon en solitario, interpretando su éxito de 1988, "Bad Medicine".
Fue una gran noche para los dos artistas, aunque algo agridulce para Springsteen. Como informamos, compartió un emotivo homenaje a su madre Adele, a principios de esta semana, quien murió a los 98 años.
Kim Kardashian y Kanye West Expertos en sicología opinan sobre la crianza de sus hijos
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Los arrebatos de Kanye West han llevado a algunas personas a cuestionar su aptitud como padre, incluso algunos se han preguntado si Kim Kardashian debería poner límites en las interacciones de su exmarido con sus 4 hijos, aunque otros dicen que sería indignante restringirle los encuentros con ellos.
Como saben, Ye ha soltado numerosos comentarios antisemitas, ha dicho que se identifica con Adolf Hitler y que teme el "adoctrinamiento" judío de sus hijos. Se opone también a que los niños vayan a una "escuela judía".
Ahora en un nuevo TMZ Investiga, que se emitirá el lunes en FOX a las 9/8 central, diversos expertos en psicología y amigos de Kanye compartirán sus pensamientos sobre cómo la pareja está cuidando de sus hijos.
Uno de ellos es el Dr. Kevin Cokley, profesor de Psicología en la Universidad de Michigan, quien piensa que Kim necesita sentar a sus hijos y tratar de hacerles entender que pueden amar a su padre sin aprobar todo lo que dice.
Otros, entre ellos The Game, dicen que es absurdo preocuparse por Kanye y sus hijos. Game dice que Kanye los ama más de lo que se ama a sí mismo.
Aunque algunos pueden querer que Kim le prohíba a Kanye ver a sus dos hijos y dos hijas, sobre todo porque lucha con un trastorno de bipolaridad, el psiquiatra Dr. Kyle Smith dice que una persona no puede proteger a sus hijos de todo.
Smith dice que siempre y cuando Ye no está poniendo en peligro a los niños no es diferente de otros padres que tienen prejuicios, y eso es un grupo grande.
"TMZ Investiga Kanye West: Unhinged But Unstoppable" se emite el lunes 9/8 Central.
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West Psychology Experts Weigh In on Kim & Ye's Child-Rearing
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Kanye West's outbursts have led some people to question his fitness as a parent ... even wondering if Kim Kardashian should put guardrails on her ex-husband's interactions with their 4 kids, while others say it would be outrageous to curtail Ye's interactions with his children.
As you know ... Ye's spouted off numerous antisemitic comments -- saying he identifies with Adolf Hitler, fears Jewish "indoctrination" of his children, and is opposed to the kids going to a "Jewish school."
Now, in a new TMZ Investigates on FOX Monday night at 9/8 central ... experts in psychology, Kanye's friends, and others share their thoughts on how the couple is raising their kids.
One such expert is Dr. Kevin Cokley -- a Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan -- who thinks Kim needs to sit their kids down and try to get them to understand they can love their father without approving of everything he says.
Others, including The Game, say it's absurd to worry about Kanye and his kids ... Game says Kanye loves them more than he loves himself.
Though some may want Kim to stop Kanye from seeing their two sons and two daughters -- especially as he struggles with bipolar disorder ... psychiatrist Dr. Kyle Smith says a person can't shield their kids from everything.
Smith says as long as Ye's not endangering the children ... Kanye is no different than other parents who have prejudices ... and that's a big group.
"TMZ Investigates: Kanye West: Unhinged But Unstoppable" airs Monday 9/8 Central.
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Travis Kelce's Teammate Justin Reid Raves Over Taylor Swift ... 'She's Very, Very Sweet!!!'
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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift clearly have the support of those in Kansas City's locker room ... 'cause Chiefs star Justin Reid tells TMZ Sports he's a huge fan of the pop star and her relationship with his teammate.
The K.C. defensive back said this week he has been able to interact with Swift since she and Kelce went public with their romance earlier this season ... and he had nothing but nice things to say about their encounters.
In fact, he said the 34-year-old "Love Story" crooner paid compliments to everyone he's seen her meet so far this year.
"She's very, very sweet," Reid told us ... "I don't understand why she's getting all the hate. She's an awesome person, awesome artist all around."
As for if Reid, Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs will get a private concert from Swift if they're able to beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII next week ... Reid says he isn't exactly holding his breath on that one.
"I'm sure she'll be busy celebrating with her man," he said with a laugh.
Of course, it's not yet for sure if Swift will even attend Kelce's Big Game -- after all, she has a concert in Tokyo just a day before kickoff ... though given the way she's already traveled this year for Travis, it seems likely at this point.
And, it appears Reid and the rest of the Chiefs will be more than happy to have her around if and when she makes it to Vegas.
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JIMI HENDRIX ICONIC HEADBAND HITS AUCTION BLOCK
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As far as headbands go, Jimi Hendrix's one isn't just a piece of fabric, it's a massive chapter of pop culture history ... and bidders are now shelling out some serious $$$ to get their hands on it.
Heritage Auctions has listed the piece of clothing memorabilia that Jimi wore to a slate of legendary performances in the sixties ... and so far the bidding war's pushed the price tag to $13,500 -- and it's estimated to fetch up to $40,000.
Jimi's legendary red, blue, and white headgear graced the stage during 7 of his packed-out performances ... starting from Fillmore East, NYC, in 1969 to Memphis, TN, in 1970.
And, if that ain't enough to lure bidders ... there's an extra layer of value woven into this particular headband.
He wore it for his live performance of "Machine Gun" on New Year's Day 1970 ... you know, the one famously declared "the most brilliant, emotional display of virtuoso electric guitar playing I have ever heard" by concert promoter Bill Graham.
In fact, last year, Rolling Stones dubbed him the greatest guitarist of all time because of that very performance.
Securing a piece of Jimi's signature stage style ain't exactly budget-friendly ... but you have a few more weeks to break open the piggy bank before bidding ends!
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¡¿Cuál es la gran diferencia?!
Este es el fin de semana más caliente de la música y Donald Glover sabe una cosa o dos (o cinco) cuando se trata de llevarse a casa los Grammy, así que ahora depende de TI descubrir las discretas diferencias en estas dos imágenes ... ¡Ya lo tienes!
Glover estuvo en Nueva York haciendo prensa para su nueva serie "Sr. y Sra. Smith" a principios de esta semana. Sí, algunas cosas están algo raras con su atuendo, pero también es posible que quieras mirar alrededor 😜.
"¡Que no te pillen resbalando ahora!"
**PISTA: ¡Hay TRES diferencias en las fotos de Childish Cambino!
What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!
It's music's hottest weekend and Donald Glover knows a thing or two (or five) when it comes to taking home Grammys, so now it's on YOU to win over the discreet differences in these two shots of THE Childish Gambino ... You've got this!
Strapped and snug in head-to-toe swag -- Glover was out in NYC doing press for his new series "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" earlier this week. Yes, some things are amiss with his 'fit, but you may also want to scope out the background 😜.
"Don't catch you slippin' now!"
**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Childish Gambino photos!**
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Taylor Swift Dominates Super Bowl Prop Bets ... How Many TV Shots?!
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Taylor Swift could help put some money in your pockets this Super Bowl ... 'cause there are a ton of prop bets surrounding the pop superstar!!
The folks over at BetOnline revealed their list to TMZ Sports ahead of the big game between the 49ers and Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas ... and naturally, Travis Kelce's girlfriend is at the center of attention.
Check out some of the most interesting -- and straight-up silly -- prop bets that fans can drop some dough on in hopes of cashing in:
Which will be higher?
- Taylor Swift live shots +150
- Travis Kelce catches -200
Where will Travis Kelce propose to Taylor Swift?
- Vacation -200
- Field (non-end zone) +400
- Podium +500
- End Zone +600
- After-party +800
- Tunnel +2000
- Locker Room +2500
Who will be shirtless first?
- Jason Kelce -10000
- Taylor Swift +2000
- Olivia Culpo +2500
Some other bets will be on the color of Tay's 'fit, if she'll be sitting next to Patrick Mahomes' wife, Brittany ... and if one of her songs will be played during a broadcast break.
There's even post-Super Bowl bets ... like if Swift and Kelce will still be together by the 2024-25 season or if she'll be pregnant before the New Year.
Usher also got some love ... with over 10 options for special guests who could join the R&B sensation during his halftime show -- including Swift (but it may be best to stay away from that one, given TMZ's recent report stating she will not join him during the performance).
Even if the "Cruel Summer" crooner doesn't take the stage, peeps could be feelin' rich if Ursher gives her a shoutout!!
Of course, President Joe Biden will be watching the biggest sports event of the year ... and there are several bets to see if he'll mention Mahomes or Swift in his pre-game interview.
Take a look at all the prop bets and put some money down by Feb. 11!!
As the saying goes ... there's always money in the banana stand Super Bowl!!
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Trae Tha Truth My New Movie's Like H-Town's 'Friday' ... Martin Lawrence Loves It!!!
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Trae Tha Truth's decision to launch his first feature film on Tubi is paying off -- he's already plotting a sequel after earning the praise of some high-level peers!!!
TMZ Hip Hop sat down with the Houston rapper fresh off the movie, "Sole" dropping on the free streaming service -- it's a modern hood comedy set in his hometown he says is getting compared to Ice Cube's cult classic chuckler, "Friday."
Trae's real-life friends and fam fill out the cast, and he stars as "Eddie" ... a local sneaker boutique owner who gets involved with neighborhood thugs over some money they assume he stole -- and, as they say, hilarity ensues!
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Trae tells us he knew Tubi's known to make low-budget films, but says it's also home to legit cinematic art ... and he wanted to contribute to that quality.
He says the streamer's execs were floored by the reception "Sole" is already getting -- and Martin Lawrence even gave him a ringing endorsement after seeing the film!!!
Such a glowing cosign would make anyone dive headfirst into acting and Trae's already 2 steps ahead -- next up is a full-length film of his animated ABN series, and a flick called "Space Trap" ... both are heading straight to Tubi.
Don't worry, Trae's not abandoning music -- he's just diversifying his portfolio!!!
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Bad Bunny Thirst Traps From the Bathtub ... Check Out My Bubble Bush
Bad Bunny's sexual energy is bubbling over ... as in, he's sharing nude thirst traps from his bubble bath ... with a (soapy) crotch shot!!!
The Latin rapper/pop star just posted a series of tasteful nudes on his Instagram ... and he's kinda showing off the goods, although there's bubbles blocking what's between his legs.
Bad Bunny snuck a crotch shot into his IG post ... it's a few slides into the carousel, but you can see his bare and tattooed legs sticking out of the water, with bubbles the only thing between his penis and the camera.
The "MONACO" singer's not being the least bit shy here ... so take a gander. It's not all about his junk ... he's also sharing shirtless snaps from the tub.
Bad Bunny's no stranger to nude thirst traps ... back in August, he kinda did the same thing with some vacation photos ... including one where he showed off his extremely bushy pubic hair. No shame to his game, it seems ... dude just lets it all hang out.
Looks like Bad Bunny's still letting the hedges run wild ... his pubes are peeking out from the edge of the bubbles, BTW ... but that's about all we're seeing in terms of his manhood.
Folks in the comments are thirsty for more ... daring him to whip it out.
It's interesting that he's posting this in light of his recent apparent rekindling with Kendall Jenner. Bad Bunny was dating her the last time he posted nudes ... but they've since broken up, and this certainly feels more like an "I'm single" post.
They don't call him Bad Bunny for nothing ... he just might need to work in a "Bubble" in there somewhere to bring it home.
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Bad Bunny Sube fotos en cueros desde su bañera... Echa un vistazo
La energía sexual de Bad Bunny está burbujeando, pues acaba de compartir unas sugerentes fotos desde su bañera, sumergido en un montón de burbujas.
La estrella del trap y el pop latino publicó una serie de fotos desnudo desde su cuenta de Instagram, donde aparece casi mostrando su mercancía, aunque hay unas cuantas burbujas que bloquean lo que hay entre sus piernas.
Ahora, el pícaro de Bad Bunny igual coló una foto de su entrepierna en el post de IG, donde se ven sus piernas desnudas y tatuadas sobresaliendo del agua.
El cantante de "MONACO" no es nada tímido, así que echa un vistazo porque no es todo. También compartió fotos sin camisa desde la bañera.
Bad Bunny no es nuevo en este tipo de juegos. En agosto, hizo algo parecido con unas fotos de sus vacaciones, incluyendo una imagen en el que mostró parte de tupido vello púbico. Ninguna vergüenza, el rapero solo deja que todo fluya.
Parece que Bad Bunny sigue dejando que sus vellos crezcan salvajemente, algo deja entrever al borde de las burbujas, por cierto ... Pero eso es todo.
Ahora, la gente en los comentarios está sedienta de más.
Es interesante que Bad Bunny esté publicando esto a la luz de su reciente reencuentro con Kendall Jenner. El cantante estaba saliendo con ella la última vez que publicó unas fotos desnudo, pero desde entonces se han distanciado y esto sin duda se siente más como un post de "estoy soltero".
No lo llaman Bad Bunny por nada.
TikTok Artist Mareux UMG/TikTok Beef Hurts Small Artists ... Looks Greedy To Me!!!
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Universal Music Group wiping their songs from TikTok is going to hurt the label's smaller artists the most ... so says a musician who saw the app elevate his own artistic brand.
Mareux had his 2015 cover of The Cure's "The Perfect Girl" go viral in 2021 and it vaulted him to a Coachella performance ... an astronomical leap he feels will go away amid the UMG/TikTok dispute.
Mareux tells TMZ ... UMG saying they're pulling songs from TikTok to help artists financially is shady ... he says if UMG really cared about their artists they would beef up their contracts, not destroy their limitless opportunities on TikTok.
The way Mareux sees it ... artists getting their music integrated into TikTok posts is a great marketing tool. He says the exposure generated on TikTok can literally change an artist's career, like it did for him.
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Mareux says UMG is just being plain greedy here ... and he feels bad for the lesser-known artists who were relying on TikTok to market their music ... telling us they've got to be feeling super stressed.
UMG has a huge roster ... Taylor Swift, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Ice Spice, Rosalía ... and Mareux explains how the established acts are going to be impacted too.
Mareux's a great example of what TikTok can do for a relatively unknown musician ... his 'Perfect Girl' cover was kinda floating in the abyss for 6 years until it went viral on TikTok ... and he says he wouldn't have a career now without the app.
It's interesting ... Mareux says artists aren't making a lot of money directly from TikTok, but the exposure generated helps them make their money in different ways ... and he thinks the UMG strike will put an end to that cash flow.
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Don Lemon Be Afraid MAGA Supporters ... T-Swift Can Beat Trump
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Don Lemon says Taylor Swift could put Donald Trump through a very cruel summer ... 'cause, if she wants to, he thinks she could swing the election in President Biden's favor.
We caught up with the former CNN anchor Friday at LAX where he warned MAGA supporters to keep an eye on just how involved the singer-songwriter opts to be during this presidential campaign.
Lemon says TS wields a ton of power and influence, and while she's not exactly his generation ... he gives her all the props for fighting for her catalog and becoming a self-made billionaire.
As we reported ... members of Trump's inner circle are reportedly ready to go to "holy war" with Taylor if she decides to endorse President Biden -- as she did in 2020 -- but Don thinks it will take more than one-liners to combat her impact on the election.
Translation: underestimating her could sink DT's White House dreams.
This all falls in line with what FOX11 political reporter/anchor Elex Michaelson said on "TMZ Live" earlier this week ... warning Trump's going toe-to-toe with Swift, and Swifties, is a risky strategy.
Although, he does see a scenario where Swift ends up helping both candidates -- basically, Trump could use a Taylor endorsement for Biden to blast Hollywood elitism, and mobilize his supporters to get out and vote.
There has been a vocal minority hating on T-Swift ... even celebs like Plies, who are getting tired of seeing her all over their TVs when they're watching a football game -- so it's not far-fetched to imagine that hate motivating Trump backers.
We know Biden and Trump have bad blood -- to borrow from Taylor's catalog -- and, while she's yet to make an endorsement, it's likely the self-proclaimed anti-hero will end up impacting the election ... one way or the other.
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OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN Would've Loved Taylor Swift's 'Grease' Role
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Olivia Newton-John was apparently a Swiftie -- at least that's what her rep says, telling us the late singer would've gotten a kick out of these Taylor Swift's 'Grease' throwback photos.
Michael Caprio, Olivia's publicist of 25 years and counting, tells TMZ ... Olivia "would be tickled" to see all the childhood pics of young Taylor playing Olivia's famous character in a school production of the hit musical ... which just surfaced earlier this week.
Olivia's publicist adds ... she "had the greatest respect for Taylor as an artist and she was a fan of her talent." So, the fact Taylor was paying homage to her in her youth is kismet.
As we reported ... some old photographs of Taylor in character as Sandy is making the rounds ... it's from June 2000, long before Taylor was the biggest star in music.
Funny enough, Olivia and Taylor actually crossed paths when ONJ was still alive ... Michael says Olivia took a group of girlfriends to see a Taylor concert in Miami in 2010, with Olivia raving about Taylor's performance.
Michael recalls Olivia telling him she thought "Taylor was such a sweet, talented and smart girl."
Sounds like the feelings are mutual ... Michael says Taylor's got a vintage concert t-shirt from Olivia's 1982 Physical Tour in her wardrobe. On its face, they were big fans of the other.
Ya gotta love it ... Taylor was more than likely hopelessly devoted to the part, and it seems Olivia would've really appreciated that.
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DEMI LOVATO SINGING 'HEART ATTACK' AT AHA EVENT ... Encouraged by Org
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Demi Lovato sang a song of hers that certainly might've seemed inappropriate at an event all about heart health -- but as it turns out ... that's not how it was received in the room.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Demi singing her track "Heart Attack" earlier this week at the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection concert might be getting roasted online ... but it was the exact opposite from folks there in the moment.
Demi Lovato singing 'Heart Attack' at an event for women with cardiovascular problems 💀💀GOOD BYE. pic.twitter.com/mn9LKguBdV
— anwar 🩸 ⵃⴰⵎⵣⴰ (@thevenenoo) February 2, 2024 @thevenenoo
We're told the AHA fully backed Demi's decision to belt out this tune -- in fact, they encouraged her to sing the song -- which you can see in the clip making the rounds.
As for why our Demi sources feel like it wasn't offensive or out of touch -- as many on X have suggested -- we're told it's because Demi has reclaimed this song and its meaning ... especially in light of her own health scare following an overdose in 2018.
In the wake of that, Demi has sung this song with new significance behind it ... and it's that same sentiment that was carried over in her performance Wednesday -- one that our sources tell us got rave reviews in the moment from those in the room.
We're told Demi also acknowledged her connection to the song ahead of the performance ... telling the audience: "[T]his song has many parallels for me, my journey and a reminder for all of us in the room just how strong the mind-heart-body connection truly is."
Anyhoo, this should hopefully clarify any confusion from those who were scratching their head about the song choice ... not only was it the right song, but her heart was in the right place.
Haters never skip a beat to jump on the hate bandwagon ... but they can get off here.