TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

LeBron James and his wife, Savannah, kept the birthday vibes going at the Kendrick Lamar concert on Sunday ... 'cause they were straight-up grooving to the rap superstar's music!!

The King and his Queen hit up the Rogers Arena in Vancouver one day after her special day ... and by the looks of it, they were having the time of their lives.

In the clip, you see James and Savannah posted up in what appears to be a private seating area ... but they weren't just standing around -- they were definitely feeling themselves.

Naturally, once fans noticed the 4-time champ in the building, many swarmed to the James Gang's spot ... taking pics and videos of LBJ.

Of course, Kendrick is on tour for his latest studio album, "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers," but rather than wait for K. Dot to perform in L.A., LBJ decided to check it out while up North.

You can tell LeBron was feeling the song selection ... and when the California MC started performing his hit song "Humble," James went crazy and even engaged with the crowd.

Bron has regularly shown love to Kendrick, especially when he releases new music ... posting videos of him jamming to K. Dot's bars and giving the rapper his flowers.

Diddy's view that classic R&B music is a thing of the past upset a lot of artists, but don't include Brian Mcknight in that group -- he's confident it'll live on ... just by a different name, possibly.

The R&B vet got candid when we saw him at LAX this week ... dismissing Diddy's comments while offering some big-picture insight on music's ever-changing landscape.

Brian actually makes several interesting points regarding music's transformation. For starters, the "Back At One" singer says it’s silly to compound generations of musicians together and compare any of them.

In fact, Brian thinks music should go genre-less as a whole and doesn't even consider his own music to be R&B ... a pretty shocking admission in itself! He compared himself to singers like Marvin Gaye and The Four Tops and how their "R&B sound" differed from his.

One more really interesting take -- Brian says today's music's different because today's artists probably don't have sex the same way as he or Motown greats did, so their music reflects that!!!

He even likened the analogy to sports ... pointing out how hard it is to compare stats from different eras.

Ironically, Brian released what he calls his "final" album back in 2020, so technically this is a retiree's perspective.

Christopher Martin -- one half of the iconic rap duo Kid 'n Play -- says the "House Party" reboot is in great hands with LeBron James ... telling TMZ Sports the NBA superstar is working nonstop to make sure the movie is a success.

As we previously reported, the modern version of KnP's iconic flick has been delayed a bit ... with star actor Jacob Latimore saying it was for the best.

We spoke with Martin at LAX about the project ... and he said he heard from sources -- AKA King James himself -- the reason behind the pushback is because it will be a theatrical release instead of on HBO Max as originally planned.

Speaking of the King, Martin couldn't say enough nice things about the hooper/big time producer ... adding he's "very involved" and has "complete ownership" over the operation.

To top things off, Martin says LeBron even hooked him up with some of his signature Nike shoes ... which he was wearing when we spoke with him!!

Also -- we know what everyone's asking ... will Kid 'n Play make it into the reboot??

FN Meka's problems didn't go away when Capitol Records pulled the plug on the controversial project -- the Black rapper whose voice was used for Meka has started the process to take legal action against the creators.

Kyle The Hooligan says FN Meka's creators stole his drip to create the character, and he's ready to see 'em in court. Kyle tells TMZ Hip Hop ... his attorneys already started the legal process to recoup his damages from both Brandon Le and Factory New this week.

Kyle says he was "young" when he met with Factory New, but says he was promised equity and ownership for helping voice and write the music for FN Meka.

He also claims he gave them all the "cool" ideas, and would've prevented hiccups like the police brutality photo from even happening.

Kyle's attorney, Andrew Orcutt tells TMZ, "Despite multiple requests, we have not received a response from or been put in contact with Factory New’s or Brandon Le’s legal representatives, nor have we received any formal offer for compensation. We are continuing to evaluate our options and are hopeful for a swift and just resolution to this matter.”

During all the industry backlash against Meka, we got hip hop veteran Krayzie Bone's take on everything, who said real rappers' jobs were in danger ... but Kyle actually disagrees.

Kyle raps for real, not just virtually, and saw the digital rapper horizon as a way for artists to expand their careers and portfolios -- but now he wants his case to shine a light on anyone else who's been ghosted in the music industry.

Nappy Roots' rapper Fish Scales is recovering from a gunshot injury after getting kidnapped outside his own restaurant -- and now 911 audio, and police records, reveal the scary scene he was lucky to escape.

According to the police docs obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Scales was leaving his ATL brewery Atlantatucky, along with his friend Britt Robinson, to get food. When Robinson was delayed for several minutes outside, Scales went out to check on him.

Scales told police that's when an armed robber surprised him, pointed a gun at him and demanded cash as he forced Scales back inside the brewery.

Robinson was still outside when he called 911 and told dispatch multiple suspects took his gun and house keys before they went after Scales, demanding he open the safe inside Atlantatucky.

Robinson says he saw the shooter talking on a phone during the robbery ... possibly getting cues on where the money was located.

When the robbers returned with Scales, they were adamant about going to to get more money -- the cashless brewery only had $20 to $30 -- and they knew Scales' address.

After loading into the car, Scales said the robbers demanded to enter his home, and the second suspect Taser'd him in the back of the head.

After pleading to no avail, Scales eventually decided to flee the vehicle ... where the first suspect got out and began to wrestle with him, claiming, "I don't want to hurt you."

During the physical struggle, Scales was struck by a single gunshot in his left calf.

Scales began to run, and ran far enough to realize he wasn't being followed. The Nappy Roots rapper then found the closest house, banged on the door and asked the owners to call cops.

Scales also told officers he was dealing with a disgruntled employee less than a year ago, but couldn't recall the person's name. He also suspects one of the robbers was attempting to mask their voice.

Ne-Yo and his estranged wife Crystal Renay are done for REAL this time... so says Crystal, who was seen with a naked ring finger shortly after filing for divorce.

We got Crystal at LAX on Friday and she made a few things very clear -- including the status of her relationship with the R&B singer.

She tells us, there's absolutely no chance she'll work things out with Ne-Yo, cause some things just can't be forgiven. She also says she's not sure how quickly she'll jump back in the dating pool.

As we've reported, CR filed for divorce from Ne-Yo earlier this month, claiming he fathered a child with another woman. Crystal and Ne-Yo have 3 children of their own.

Boosie Badazz was popped for speeding in Fulton County on Friday … but instead of flying off the rails like last time, he performed an impromptu concert on the spot!!!

Deputy Chief for Fairburn PD, tells TMZ Hip Hop ... Boosie was pulled over for going 73 in a 55 zone ... but before the stop, an unknown object was tossed from the vehicle.

Once stopped, police say they smelled weed, prompting a search of the car.

In an apparent act of defiance, Boosie decided to rap his classic song “Set It Off” … y’know the one that starts off with him being annoyed? 😬

During the search, cops say they found a small amount of weed, but didn't cite him for it. The same couldn’t be said for Boosie’s driving habits  ... cops say they issued the Louisiana-born rapper speeding and littering citations before letting him go on his way.

Check out the video -- at one point, Boosie strikes up a convo with an officer -- offers him a new job ... and dangles $30k in “pocket change” in the cop’s face!!!

Boosie tells the cop the gig comes with, um, unconventional benefits. The cop didn’t seem to bite so maybe the pocket change will just go towards paying the speeding ticket.

French Montana recently hit a big milestone with his song, "Unforgettable," but the artist isn't focused on that -- he's laser-focused on helping addicts by providing them with the privacy and help they need to recover.

French joined "TMZ Live" Friday ... talking about his partnership with Guardian Recovery Group to form NAQI Healthcare -- it's aimed at expanding access to in-home and private detox services to privacy-sensitive clients.

He's lost people over the years to addiction, in particular, his pal Mac Miller ... and doesn't want anyone to feel shame by seeking help before it's too late.

NAQI is offering up help in Florida, NY, and Cali, and will soon expand nationwide. The company's also donating a percentage of profits to MusiCares -- a charity that offers health, finance and rehab resources to musicians.

FYI -- French got his diamond-certified plaque for "Unforgettable" Wednesday ... not only is he the first African-born artist to go diamond (10 million units moved), but he's also the first artist from the South Bronx to hit the mark!!!

French is leveling up his rap stock even more with a joint album with Kodak Black and an upcoming doc in which Drake will serve as the executive producer.

Former collaborators Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher’s hostility toward one another is reaching nuclear levels … and fans couldn’t be more disinterested 😴!!!

The 2 rappers have been trading shots all week after Benny posted himself wearing a “G” chain -- presumably snatched from Freddie’s girlfriend’s neck during the Buffalo melee back in May, but the overwhelming reactions on social media have been negative towards both MCs.

Both Benny and Freddie enamored fans with guest appearances on each other’s 2020 projects … but things went downhill when Benny got shot in Houston later that year and they started exchanging disses on social media.

Benny's taunts prompted Freddie to make fun of the Griselda rapper's 2020 shooting injuries … and that just had more fans putting faces in palms.

Bottom line -- they ain't havin' it!!!

Despite instigation from Akademiks, fans are overwhelmingly calling them too grandpa-like to for the social media hijinks.

Benny also took extra heat by leaking nudes of Freddie’s girlfriend … getting defensive with fans while clarifying why he was spamming Freddie’s DMs from a couple of years ago.

TMZ Hip Hop uncovered the footage back in May ... Freddie and his entourage fended off dozens of attackers inside a Buffalo establishment while Benny allegedly looked on.

Fake Drake is missing out on his big celebrity turn with Lamar Odom, and he's blaming real deal Drake for sabotaging his money bag!!!

Fake, Izzy, whatever ... that guy was a recent guest on the WeInMiami podcast, where he got candid about his recent encounter with Drake … who allegedly cold-shouldered Frake and team when approached about the nixed celebrity boxing match with Lamar Odom.

Champagne Papi seemed fine with coexisting with his clone in the past, but lately, he's got no patience for the whole scene. During the podcast, Fake Drake claimed the megastar rapper threatened to pull up to the fight and slap him ... free of charge.

Frizzy also accused Drake of paying off LO to stay out of the ring, but sources involved in the celebrity boxing deal tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Drake cashing out the ex-NBA star is false, and LO simply backed out on his own.

Speaking of fights, one almost broke out during the podcast taping when Sparkling Cider Papi's new opponent, YouTuber M2thaK, promised to remove all signs of Drake … with his fists.

The fight is scheduled to happen in October, and should be worth the price of admission … especially if real Drake shows up to get in a few shots. Hey, we can dream.

Meek Mill said there was no bad blood with Jay-Z when he left Roc Nation management … and now, Jigga is backing that sentiment in a new track.

Jay is one of many major guests on DJ Khaled's "GOD DID" album, and doesn't mince words when talking Meek on a track also titled "GOD DID."

"Me and Meek could never beef, I freed that n**** from a whole bid, Hov did," Jay raps .... referencing the 2018 "Free Meek" campaign he helped orchestrate where he spent millions of dollars and even wrote an op-ed in the New York Times.

The song also features Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend and new singer Fridayy, but Jay clearly got the bigger piece of the pie ... rapping for nearly 4 minutes straight.

Meek was signed to Jay's RN imprint in 2012 -- up until just a month ago when he departed and eventually signed with WME -- sparking drama rumors.

Tank is feeling the love while promoting his new album, “R&B Money” … yet he's not about to give his pal Ginuwine a pass for his dance moves -- if you can call 'em that.

Ginuwine recently went viral following a performance where fans thought his dance moves were so washed, someone eventually memed him into Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video.

Tank wholeheartedly agreed with the fans while speaking to Loreal on "The Morning Hustle" … ranking G's dance moves a -2 on a scale of 10. Damn!

It was all jokes but Tank wasn’t kidding when he revealed Ginuwine and Tyrese muffed the opportunity to reunite TGT -- their short-lived R&B "supergroup" -- for his album.

The trio only released one project together in 2013, but Tank told Atlanta radio station Majic both G and Tyrese moved like dinosaurs in the studio ... and didn’t meet the “R&B Money” deadline.

It's all good, Tank still had plenty of friends who were more prompt ... Chris Brown, Rotimi and Alex Isley appear on the new record -- while Jamie Foxx, OT Genasis, Pleasure P and many others recently helped Tank celebrate "retirement."

No time for the same 'ol G anymore!

'Power Book: II' stars Michael Rainey and Gianni Paolo are stoked for the upcoming season of 50 Cent's hit series ... and his upcoming Tycoon Weekend, especially since Fiddy and Floyd Mayweather are friends again!

We ran into Mike and Gianni hanging out in L.A., and they tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Fiddy's long-running public feud with the boxing champ came to a halt at the request of Mo'Nique while she was doing stand-up!!!

The 'Power' pair say Mo'Nique stopped her Las Vegas show midway to put Floyd and 50 on blast, putting the gears in motion for them to repair their friendship.

50 recently told a version of the story on "The Breakfast Club," admitting there was a bit of stubbornness on both ends ... but the rest is harmonious history.

Floyd is set to make an appearance at the Autograph Show of Texas in Pasadena and Mo'Nique was cast in one of 50's other popular TV series, "B.M.F."

Mike and Gianni also revisited their early days being on the 'Power' set ... and recall T.I. originally being cast in the role of lawyer Davis MacLean ... only to be replaced by Method Man by the time filming started.

Like Floyd, 50 and T.I. have a bit of a testy history, and the 'Power' connection would've ironed out their previous issues. We've reached out to Tip for some clarity ... we'll let you know when we hear back!

At any rate, look for 'Power Book: II' to return sometime in November this year. Gianni recently hit the TMZ Verified podcast where he went into detail on his role as Brayden Weston and the upcoming season feels loaded with surprises!!!

JID's new album "The Forever Story" drops Friday but the Dreamville rapper is already plotting and planning the project that follows it.

Rumors have been swirling that DJ Drama is set to flood the hip-hop space with new rap star-led 'Gangsta Grillz' mixtapes ... and JID confirmed the next issue of his Leonardo DiCaprio mixtape series will be one of them!

Meek Mill, Tory Lanez, EST Gee and several others have been in talks to do a 'Gangsta Grillz' this year, which is perfect for JID's goals.

He says his aim is to recreate that old-school mixtape feeling by scooping other rappers' beats and flipping them into original songs.

"Me and Drama are really gonna do it right," JID confirmed in a new interview, referring to his "DiCaprio 3" mixtape.

The last "DiCaprio" project dropped in 2018, and JID said the actual Leo's now aware of his presence ... through their mutual friend Q-Tip -- from A Tribe Called Quest -- who texted Leo and let him know the project was 🔥🔥🔥.

The last time we talked to JID, he half-joked he could've been the 4th Migos member ... which is interesting as rumors persist there could be an open spot.

Offset filed a complaint against Quality Control Records earlier this week for ownership over his solo career -- all but leaving Quavo and Takeoff to sweep up the dust as the new duo Unc & Phew.

With the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state of California is set to pass an unprecedented rap lyrics bill that will block prosecutors from using artists' work as circumstantial evidence.

Strange Music rapper X-Raided knows firsthand how bill AB-2799 could've changed his life -- he spent 26 years in prison on 1st-degree murder charges, but tells TMZ Hip Hop about "95 percent" of what prosecutors used to convict him wouldn't be allowed with the new bill.

The Sacramento-born rapper was convicted in 1992 with several others for the murder of a community activist inside her own home, but X-Raided says prosecutors never found a murder weapon in his case.

They instead argued he used something similar for his debut album, 1992's "Psycho Active" where he was pictured with a gun placed next to his head.

He recorded several albums while locked up and was eventually paroled in 2018 ... and wound up joining forces with Tech N9ne to tour once again.

A similar bill recently hit a wall in NYC despite the backing of Fat Joe, Jay-Z, Meek Mill and others … and X-Raided says it's the progressive politics of Newsom that's made the difference in the Golden State.

X-Raided wants his experiences to steer past, current and future inmates in a better direction.

The voice behind Capitol Records’ very short-lived artificial intelligence rapper project is speaking out … and he’s actually thankful the label treated the contract like toilet paper.

Real-life rapper Kyle The Hooligan hit Instagram following Capitol’s decision to end its FN Meka deal and says the creators -- Factory New heads Anthony Martini and Brandon Le -- ghosted him after getting everything they needed to power the character … like the ability for it to use the N-word.

Kyle says Factory New approached him with the idea with promises of equity and percentages, but then went M-I-A on their culture vulture mission.

He admitted to waiting for FN Meka to become a success before he could recoup massive damages ... but says he'll happily settle for performing at its funeral instead.

News of Meka's signing went wide on Monday, but by Tuesday the label backpedaled ... apologizing to the Black community for the obvious rapper stereotypes -- gaudy jewelry and glorifying prison life -- built into the character's appearance and lyrics.

Kyle is calling the cancelation karma … as are several other notable figures in the music industry.

We spoke to hip hop superproducer Hitmaka Wednesday on "TMZ Live," and he blamed Capitol’s “capitalistic” mindset for letting FN Meka thrive. He added that if the label allowed its employees -- particularly those of color -- to speak up, it might not have this mess on its hands.