TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Kendrick Lamar is set up to do a bunch of damage at the 2023 Grammy Awards with 8 nominations ...  and he's celebrating by dropping off a new music video from his "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" album.

K-Dot's vid for his "Rich Spirit" single debuted Wednesday, and the visual finds the Compton-bred rapper comfortable in his own skin -- and a pair of sparkling cowboy boots!!!

The music video was directed by "White Men Can't Jump" reboot director Calmatic and features Kendrick and himself fighting off demons in a barren apartment -- similar to the one seen on the 'Mr. Morale' album cover.

Kendrick has one of the highest Grammy counts as a rapper with 14, and he's now the first artist to have his first 4 albums get nominated for Album of the Year.

He didn't win the previous 3 times, but there's no shame there -- sad fact is, no hip hop album has ever received the Album of the Year award.

Denzel Curry, who's cut from the Kendrick cloth, openly disagreed with this year's noms ... but ensured K-Dot got his props this time around.

'Mr. Morale' opened up to big numbers in May -- 295K out the gate to make it Kendrick's fourth No. 1 album.

The alarming murder rate in rap these days has hip hop's OGs E-40 and Too Short searching for solutions, and they think social media's a good place to start.

In a new op-ed for The Atlantic, 40 and Short blame the current trend of social media stunting for fueling gun violence in hip hop writing, "Rappers are trying too hard to flex online to the detriment of their safety ... These dudes are getting money at a faster rate than we ever did."

The Bay Area ambassadors are 30-year veterans of hip hop ... dating back to a time before the industry had amassed actual wealth.

Now they feel rap artists are swimming in excess, and wasting their talent and money in places like strip clubs.

The Mt. Westmore duo questions why rappers can spend thousands on their outfits, hop in luxury cars and post wads of money on Instagram with no logical reason for the flex. They note, "With success comes jealousy and anger."

The year 2022 has been a particularly bloody year for hip hop ... with high-profile stars such as JayDaYoungan, PnB Rock, and most recently, Migos rapper Takeoff all being gunned down across the country.

40 and Short are calling for an intervention -- much like Louis Farrakhan did for rappers following the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. in the late 90s.

Chrisean Rock is flipping the bird to anyone who thinks she should dump Blueface after his arrest for attempted murder ... and she just might prove her loyalty with some fresh ink.

Chrisean got pissed off while Live on social media addressing Blueface's Las Vegas bust -- a number of people suggested she save herself, but CR wasn't having it! She pointed out Blueface never turned his back on her when she was locked up.

Chrisean was on the scene at the time of Blueface's arrest, and says she'll be front and center Wednesday during his first court appearance.

The ride-or-die GF also told haters she was debating getting another Blueface tattoo, and even worked in a plug for their upcoming documentary. There's always time for a promo!

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... undercover cops took down Blueface Tuesday in Vegas, outside a Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles restaurant.

He and Chrisean were sitting on a bench with their phones in their hands when the cops swarmed around, and slammed Blueface into a wall while making the bust.

Law enforcement sources tell us the 25-year-old rapper's arrest is over an October 8 incident, and he now faces 2 charges -- felony attempted murder with the use of a deadly firearm or tear gas, and firing a gun into a house, building, vehicle or craft.

Fivio Foreign is having a hard time wrapping his head around 21 Savage calling Nas "irrelevant" ... and not only because he was featured on Nas' Grammy Award-winning album a couple years ago.

TMZ Hip Hop linked with Fivio Tuesday at LAX, and he was quick to crown Nas "King of New York" in wake of 21's slander.

The way Fivio sees it ... after 28 years of prolific music making, Nas has earned carte blanche status in the rap game, and can legitimately have zero fear of ever being obsolete.

Fivio was a guest on Nas's "King Disease" -- for the track, "Spicy" -- which took home the Best Rap Album Award at the Grammys in 2021.

Fivio also saluted Kodak Black who also gave 21 a piece of his mind regarding the Nas slander, but says the best course of action for artists nowadays is to focus on their own lane.

He also deployed a 4-3 defense for another New Yorker -- the "Big Drip" rapper wouldn't stand for us giving NFL great Eli Manning's recent time in the booth a negative review!!!

Fivio maintains Eli did his thing on the new song "Giants on 3," which was recorded with another #10 ... Super Bowl XLII champion Shaun O'Hara.

Blueface was arrested for attempted murder ... and TMZ has video of the bust.

The rapper was taken down and cuffed Tuesday outside Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles in Vegas ... in what appears to have been an undercover operation. Eyewitnesses tell us 6-8 officers were in on the arrest, parked in unmarked cars.

As you see in our clip ... they all piled on to detain him as a crowd formed. Blueface's girlfriend, Chrisean Rock, was also there, and looked just as confused as everyone else.

Cops on scene said they were executing an open warrant for his arrest. TMZ has obtained legal docs connected to the warrant, and the charges are serious ... felony attempted murder with the use of a deadly firearm or tear gas.

He's facing an additional charge of discharging a gun into a house, building, vehicle or craft.

The incident that got Blueface arrested occurred October 8th.

Gillie Da Kid is lights out shooting the rock ... as the Detroit Pistons learned at their own training facility, and ya better believe he didn't hold back when it came to gloating!!!

The "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast cohost battled Pistons assistant coach Jerome Allen Tuesday in a 3-point competition, where Gillie was talking more smack than Gary Payton in his prime. He even called out his victory before taking his first shot.

Jerome only sunk 3 out of 10 shots, and Gillie was confident he'd top that in short order.

The Philly rapper wasn't even dressed for hooping on the hardwood yet still hit several 3's in a pair of jeans and a Louis Vuitton belt that barely held them up. Jerome is also a former NBA player so the bragging rights are even sweeter.

Gillie's J was so butter, he also called out Pistons' star Cade Cunningham ... who was apparently watching the splashdown massacre from the sidelines but the former #1 draft pick didn't partake. Of course, he's injured with a sore shin, so he gets a pass on dodging the challenge.

Even at 37 years old, Gillie is one of the better rapping hoopers around, and few of his peers would disagree.

Just last year he dropped a cool 30 points in a Philly celebrity basketball game, and also got to show his stuff in Ice Cube's Big3 this past summer.

Celebrated lyricist Denzel Curry jumped out in front of the inevitable "Grammy snub" convo as noms came out Tuesday, and with just a few exceptions ... he says the Recording Academy missed again.

Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, DJ Khaled, Jack Harlow and Future were all nominated for Best Rap Album but aside from the first 2, Denzel insisted he could name 10 acts more deserving of slots in the category -- and then he did!!!

He cited fellow MCs Freddie Gibbs, Joey Bada$$, JID and Smino as clear-cut snubs, and said he feels the Grammys care more about money, mainstream acts and "half-ass s**t" than actual culture.

Denzel's acclaimed 2022 "Melt My Eyez See Your Future" also didn't earn any nominations ... which seems like the real reason he was pissed, but the Florida rapper says his rant was bigger than himself.

If the Academy cares, DC did have one more positive note -- giving GloRilla her just due as her "FNF (Let's Go)" hit is up for "Best Rap Performance." Baby steps?

Gucci Mane no longer disses the dead in his raps -- he lyrically eulogizes them -- recently taking the time in the booth to memorialize Takeoff.

On Tuesday, Gucci dropped off his mournful new single/video combo "Letter to Takeoff" ... as director Joe Yung Spike showcases the 1017 Records boss solemnly trekking through a cemetery and its accompanying mausoleum to hammer home the effect.

Gucci bleeds his emotions on the track's lyrics ... rapping "Just left another funeral, I shed a tear / I'm still in disbelief, I can't believe it's real ... like how the f*** we gon' lose Takeoff, damn he didn't deserve it / We don't supposed to question God, but damn, Takeoff was perfect."

Gucci's tribute also pays homage to other deceased rappers such as XXXTentacion, PnB Rock, Shawty Lo and even Atlanta rapper Slim Dunkin, who infamously was killed back in 2011 after an argument over a piece of candy in the studio went too far.

Sadly, Gucci walked down this road just 11 months ago when he mourned the late Young Dolph in a similar fashion ... via a heartfelt track.

Earlier this summer, Gucci released a song "Dissin the Dead" in hopes to curve the hip hop trend of rappers ripping those who already RIP.

The trend appears to work for some ... Lil Durk recently conducted an interview where he stated he was focused on chasing a billion dollars -- opposed to chasing death in his music.

Kodak Black and 21 Savage are setting the stage for either one helluva Verzuz showdown ... or a petty social media beef, with the string of tough talk centering around 21 dismissing Nas as irrelevant.

After taking a break from Instagram, Kodak says 21 made him mad enough to return and address what he deems as disrespect.

21 and Drake just topped the Billboard 200 with their collaborative album "Her Loss" ... selling over 400,000 in the first week, prompting 21 to fire off a snarky tweet questioning rival album sales.

Kodak just dropped his "Kutthroat Bill: Vol. 1" album right before Halloween and seemed to take exception to the tweet ... as he only sold 43K.

On IG, he saluted 21 for his success, but took issues with the album sales. Kodak's view is he's been in and out of prison the last few years, and hasn't had time to generate momentum in the market.

Despite the sales differences, Kodak doesn't think he's being left in the dust and called out Drake and 21 for being 30+ in contrast to his 25 years young and promised to catch up with his next few releases.

Kodak also bigged up Nas for his music and business moves, and questioned 21's sanity ... accusing the Atlanta rapper of straight-up d***-riding Drake to get to the top of the charts.

The way Kodak sees it, hanging with Drake is cool and all but when you're from the trenches ... you sing songs like Nas' "I Can" for inspiration!!!

21 has yet to respond to Kodak since kicking off the Verzuz debate that he could beat everyone in his 2016 Freshman class -- but he did offer some sort of mea culpa after noticing that his Clubhouse comments about Nas had gone viral.

He claimed his comments were taken out of context and he would never disrespect a legend like Nas who made it possible for him to pop s*** in the first place!!!

Offset is breaking his silence on the death of Takeoff ... saying the pain he's left with after his cousin and groupmate's murder is "unbearable."

Offset took to Instagram Tuesday saying it "doesn't feel real" to be talking about his family member under such tragic circumstances, writing, "My heart is shattered and I have so many things to say, but I can't find the words" ... adding he's been waking up from his sleep recently, hoping it's just a dream -- but adds "it's reality, and reality feels like a nightmare."

He recalls all the times they'd see each other, wishing they could do so many things together just one more time ... writing, "You have left a hole in my heart that will never be filled."

He ends by asking for strength from Takeoff, hoping to get "a lil sign or a beautiful dream" from him soon -- tagging the post with, "I love you forever, 4L and after."

A new Nipsey Hussle docuseries is on its way ... and none other than LeBron James is going to have his fingerprints all over the project.

The Lakers superstar revealed the news on Tuesday morning ... announcing he and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Company has teamed up with Hussle's Marathon Films to bring Nipsey fans some new, inside looks into the life of the late rapper.

The work promises to, among other things, feature exclusive footage and tons of interviews with rap legends like Diddy and Snoop Dogg -- and Bron said Tuesday he was pumped for it all.

"It's an incredible honor for SpringHill to have a part in sharing Nipsey's story and legacy with the world," James said. "He used his gift to give back to his community and lived what it means to inspire, empower, and uplift others along the way."

LBJ added, "His words, his ambition, and his actions stick with me to this day as he continues to inspire myself, our company, and people everywhere."

The series does not yet have a title or a release date.

According to Deadline, James and Carter will receive credit as executive producers.

"It's an incredible responsibility to tell Nipsey Hussle’s story alongside his family and Marathon Films in a way that captures every facet of life from his childhood to his impact on community and culture," Carter said.

Roddy Ricch is still befuddled over his run-in with Canadian Border Patrol last week ... after the "Feed The Streets" rapper recently had trouble getting to Vancouver during Post Malone’s Twelve Carat Tour.

He called out the CBP while pretty much vowing to never enter Canada again.

TMZ Hip Hop got Roddy's side of the story Tuesday in Bev Hills ... where he accused the CBP of "tweakin'" but maintained his love for his Canadian fans, and vowed to get to them.

Seeing as how Drake is basically Canada's honorary PM, we asked Roddy if he thought Drizzy could pull some strings ... and come to find out Roddy's been down this road before.

Back in 2020, CBP was apparently "tweakin'" on Roddy and his camp but Drake picked up the phone and the gates parted like the Red Sea.

As for what Canada's beef is with Roddy -- neither side is saying. As far as we can tell, he doesn't have any pending criminal cases, so it's odd. Canada has been known to turn away visitors who've been convicted or charged of even misdemeanors.

Roddy also tells us he's excited about his album -- "Feed The Streets 3" and its features, which include frequent collaborators Mustard and Ty Dolla $ign ... but was also eager to show off his platinum "dinnerware" chain.

Post Malone's week is off to an incredible start ... as of Monday morning, "Sunflower" -- his 2018 collaboration with Swae Lee -- is now 17x platinum, and officially the most certified in recording history!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Posty in L.A., where the "Twelve Carat Toothache" superstar was absolutely floored by the RIAA announcement, and all the fan support. His immediate reaction was to shout out Swae Lee as the secret sauce behind their blockbuster record.

According to Post, Swae was heavily instrumental in arranging the melodies -- doing the "heavy lifting" as he puts it.

Originally released as part of the "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" soundtrack, the end result was one of the most favored harmonic duets ever recorded.

Post says throughout his experiences, he’s seen "Sunflower" bring sad people up and make happy people even happier. The song reigned supreme at No. 1 in several countries and almost has a whopping two billion views on YouTube to date.

"Sunflower" is also Post and Swae's second diamond certification behind "Congratulations" and "Unforgettable," respectively … and won’t be the last if they have any say so.

Post tells us he and Swae have been cooking, and should be finalizing at least one recipe very soon.

It’s a very big garden to fill … but yes, we’ll take a whole field of more "Sunflowers" ASAP!!!

Charlamagne Tha God and his wife Jessica have a new spark in their relationship after several years of marriage -- they're now fast food restaurateurs, owners of 6 Krystal franchises!!!

The McKelveys announced Monday they’re slated to open the new locations in the greater Charleston area beginning in early 2023 … with the first one being smack dab in Charlamagne’s hometown of Moncks Corner, SC.

Charlamagne tells TMZ Hip Hop another famous Krystal owner ... 2 Chainz advised them on strategy, and they’re extremely stoked about bringing jobs and opportunities to their home state. Chainz is also the popular Southeast fast food chain's creative director.

Charlamagne and Jessica (more so Jessica) will also personally design the interior of their Krystal franchises, and we’re told they're leaning toward a decor they call "South Carolina-centric."

2 Chainz originally signed on as a brand ambassador early in the year, and later used an Atlanta location to shoot a music vid collab with Neek Bucks ... co-starring Ray J and Hitmaka as burger-flippers.

Megan Thee Stallion isn't letting anyone screw up her shot at an American Music Award -- not even her own label, and a Texas judge is backing her up by granting a restraining order.

Megan filed legal docs to get the restraining order against her label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, and her distributor 300 Entertainment. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Megan claims 1501 made "threatening and retaliatory" moves to block Megan from using her own music in connection with the AMAs ... which will be handed out this coming Sunday.

Of course, Megan's been battling 1501 on a bunch of fronts -- most notably, they're in a legal war over her contract. As we've reported, Meg believes she's satisfied the terms and should be a free agent, but 1501 insists she still owes more recordings.

She doesn't specify what 1501 and/or 300 Entertainment allegedly said or did to mess with the AMA broadcast on ABC -- but a judge heard enough to grant the temporary restraining order. Both companies are now blocked from interfering with her music being used on the award show.

Megan is up for Favorite Female Hip Hop Artist, and voting for the award ends tonight. It's interesting, there is a court hearing scheduled where the label will have a chance to tell their side of the story. Of course, that date is next Tuesday ... 2 days after the AMAs will have aired.

Rich the Kid is one of the freshest rappers around … and not even a lil thing like a TMZ Hip Hop camera will disrupt his dental hygiene!!!

We got Rich in NYC, outside of the Sirius XM office, as he was brushing his pearly whites in between appointments. RTK was on the move, but still made time to talk about the good times with his good friend, the late Takeoff.

The slain Migos star was laid to rest last Friday and as fans reminisced on social media, a clip of him teaching Rich how to make it rain inside the club resurfaced … much to the amusement of the "Plug Walk" rapper.

Rich tells us Takeoff was telling him "to chill the f**k out" in money-throwing footage because as you can see, the cash wasn't traveling too far!!!

He says Takeoff taught him a lot of things but he didn't want to get into specifics ... with emotions still so raw after his death.

Rich did, however, open up about his newly inked deal with RCA Records, which he claims made him $40 million richer. Huge number, for sure, but Rich tells us it's not about money ... it's more about having the right team behind him and inspiring him these days.

The 8-figures can't hurt, though.