Music

Kamala Harris campaign staffers got a pep talk from a surprise celebrity guest ... pop star Katy Perry!!!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the Harris campaign staff met Friday for one of their regular all-staff Zoom calls, when the campaign's chief of staff suddenly announced she wanted to introduce a special guest who is a huge supporter of Harris and a friend of the Vice President.

Katy then appeared on the screen ... and cheered on Harris campaign staffers.

Young Thug wasn't loving the 2024 Rap Wars -- he just broke focus from his RICO case to convince Drake, Future and Metro Boomin to patch things up!!!

The embattled YSL rapper hasn't posted much during his controversial trial but made his presence felt on Friday when he randomly pled to the ex-friends ... "We all bruddas. Music ain't the same without us collabin."

Thugga's advice probably would have been useful when things between everyone got nuclear ... remember diss tracks flew like fireworks all summer long before Kendrick Lamar emerged with one of the biggest years of his career.

Gucci Mane is making some changes ... his 1017 Records financial situation is down bad so much, that he feels it's best to drop all his artists and start anew ... except for his proven talent Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano!!!

On Friday, Gucci addressed his fans and admitted he didn't get around to making a fuss about the label's holiday -- October 17 -- because the company's profit and loss statements weren't adding up in his favor.

Gucci revealed he told all the other artists and their legal teams ahead of his announcement ... but cut the contracts so they could spread their wings and fly elsewhere.

The New York Mets are pulling out all the stops to keep their postseason dreams alive ... as they brought The Temptations to Citi Field to perform the national anthem and sing their hit, "My Girl."

The song -- which became Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor's walk-up track back in May -- became popular with fans before his at-bats ... with many singing along to the tune even after it would be cut off by the stadium speakers.

It wasn't just the fans enjoying the performance ahead of Game 5 ... as even Lindor was seen on the field vibing along to the legendary group as he was going through his pregame warmups!!!

Corey Feldman is all in favor of Diddy’s arrest and federal indictment, saying he hopes it leads to more "scumbags" like the music mogul getting taken down too.

A photog caught up with Corey in Bev Hills, where he made it clear he never attended any of Diddy’s infamous parties, joking he was probably too old to get an invite -- a reference to Diddy facing sexual abuse claims from multiple alleged victims who say they were minors at the time of their alleged abuse.

Corey says he's thankful justice is being served, calling the whole situation gross and emphasizing that children need protection. You really need to catch the full clip to see just how disgusted he is about the whole thing.

Cheryl Cole is heartbroken in the aftermath of ex Liam Payne's death ... calling the tragic update an "indescribably painful time" for herself and their son, Bear.

The British singer posted on Instagram Friday, 2 days after the One Direction alum fatally fell from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina ... confessing she is grappling with her grief after "this earth shattering event."

She called on fans to be respectful in the wake of Liam ... reminding her followers that the late pop star was more than a celebrity.

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy is speaking out for the first time following the death of the One Direction alum ... thanking fans for their support during this trying time.

The influencer posted on her Instagram Stories 2 days after the singer fell to his death from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her statement, Kate said she's "been at a complete loss" amid the tragedy, confessing the last several days have not "felt real."

She continued ... "I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private."

Offset's moving on amid his divorce from Cardi B ... hanging out with some new ladies in the club -- including one who looks a lot like his ex!

The rapper stopped by Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill late Thursday/early Friday morning ... sitting at a table with a couple of women -- one looking at her phone and the other speaking into his ear.

Check out the pics ... the woman chatting with the former Migos rapper shares some physical traits with his estranged wife -- certainly enough to make it seem Offset's got a type.

Eminem's go-to singer Skylar Grey has full confidence the legendary rapper's parenting skills will translate when his first grandson arrives -- as well as all the hijinks he's known for!!!

The tenured songstress was instrumental in breaking Em's daughter's baby news in their latest duet "Temporary" from his latest album, "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)."

TMZ Hip Hop linked with Skylar at LAX on Thursday and she's happy to be here ... her résumé lists Em, Dr. Dre and most recently, Jelly Roll as studio counterparts -- and life couldn't be better.

Well maybe a little better when Hailie Jade welcomes her firstborn with husband Evan McClintock.

Skylar tells us straight-up there will be good f***ery ... the possibilities of Em and his grand-mini-me are endless, especially since he finally buried his Slim Shady alter-ego with the last hurrah.

Simon Cowell is speaking out for the first time since former protégé Liam Payne died ... issuing a poignant statement on social media.

"The X Factor" creator posted on Instagram, revealing he is "truly devastated" following the news about the singer -- who Simon tapped to join One Direction back in 2010.

Simon wrote to Liam directly in his statement, expressing ... "Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you."

Liam Payne's heartbroken dad made his first public appearance since his son's tragic death, after making the trip from the UK to Argentina.

Geoff Payne was spotted leaving his hotel Friday morning, on his way to the Buenos Aires Judicial Office.

Geoff, wearing a navy suit, had a crowd of people around him ... no doubt there to support him during this tough time.

Lil Wayne has a new cook in his kitchen who has the keys to his heart and stomach, TMZ Hip Hop can reveal.

Wayne and chef LeahAngelie Murphy started working together at the top of 2023 after his last chef situation went kaput ... and we've learned emotions between the "Lollipop" rapper and LeahAngelie began to heat up like the oven range shortly after ... and they've been together since!!!

She hails from Los Angeles and lives with Wayne, providing him with round-the-clock meals 24/7.

Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby" is centered in hip hop controversy yet again for being considered for Best Rap Grammys ... but DJ Hed and Gina Views don't think he has a chance of winning, to begin with!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the "Effective Immediately" hosts at SiriusXM and immediately got their thoughts on the recent rumblings of Tommy's blockbuster smash hit potentially being labeled as rap when the Grammy nominations are announced in November.

Hed and Tommy went back and forth on social media a couple weeks ago after Tommy himself deflected from being labeled hip hop in general ... before adjusting his statement after Hed cut him from the station's rap rotation list.

Taylor Swift is feeling "glorious" ahead of her upcoming "Eras" tour blowout in Miami ... and is locked into that new GloRilla and Sexyy Red track melting the streets!!!

The 'Tortured Poet' posted herself cradling her cat on Instagram on Friday as she soaked up the calm before her 3-day storm inside Hard Rock Stadium.

Glo and Sexyy's “Whatchu Kno About Me” collaboration soundtracked Taylor's post ... an update of Boosie Badazz & Co.'s "Wipe Me Down."

Elton John has already said "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" ... finishing up his farewell tour last year -- but, lucky fans got a chance to see him in London -- at Dua Lipa's show.

The legendary singer-songwriter stopped by Dua's concert at Royal Albert Hall in the UK Thursday ... joining his fashionable colleague onstage as they dueted their popular song "Cold Heart" for the audience.

Check out the clip ... EJ's iconic voice still reverberates around the famous venue as he belts out the hit track inspired by his 1972 song "Rocket Man."

Niall Horan is still struggling to accept the death of his friend and former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne ... opening up about his grief in a new statement.

The Irish singer posted to Instagram Friday morning, 2 days after Liam died in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling from his hotel balcony. In the note to fans, Niall reiterated how "absolutely devastated" he's feeling after the passing of his longtime friend ... a sentiment previously expressed in One Direction's joint message Thursday.

Niall remembered Liam for his "energy for life and a passion for work," adding LP was "the brightest" in every room they were in.