Ice Spice Show Goes On Without Lil Tjay ... For ‘In Ha Mood’ Vid Shoot!!!

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COOL BEATS
TMZ.com

Lil Tjay’s arrest for gun possession didn’t completely ruin Ice Spice’s day -- she shot the video for her own single instead.

TMZ Hip Hop obtained video footage of Ice Spice shooting the video in her hometown Bronx neighborhood for her recently released single "In Ha Mood."

The track has already been winning on Spotify and TikTok and will appear on her debut EP dropping sometime this year.

Ice had originally planned to film her "Gangsta Boo" collaboration with Lil Tjay on Monday, but the “Calling My Phone” rapper was apprehended by officers after a traffic stop on Monday ... forcing her to switch up the production.

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TAKEN AWAY
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TMZ broke the story … Tjay and several others were busted on a gun possession charge en route to the filming location, and he's currently awaiting arraignment.

Lil Tjay Busted for Gun Possession ... En Route to Vid Shoot with Ice Spice

NYPD arrested Lil Tjay Monday in the Bronx, and now the rapper's in police custody for an alleged weapons violation.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Hip Hop that Tjay was arrested following a traffic stop in the Bronx, while on his way to film with fellow NYC rapper Ice Spice. We're told officers found a handgun in Tjay's vehicle, and then arrested him.

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TAKEN AWAY
TikTok / @hijoshotit

The 21-year-old is going to be booked for weapon possession, and is currently on his way to an NYPD station.

The news comes on the heels of Tjay’s full recovery after being shot multiple times last summer.

Story developing ...

Kanye West's Lawyers Looking To Take Out Newspaper Ad ... To Let Him Know He's Dropped!!!

Kanye West's legal team wants to officially say they're finished representing the rapper in a lawsuit -- and they're planning on doing so in a very public way.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Greenberg Traurig, LLP claims there's been "a breakdown in communication" with Kanye, as they attempt to let him know they're off of the case. They say Ye apparently deactivated the phone number they previously used to get in touch with him.

As a result, the docs say the company's looking to use "alternative means" to reach him ... which includes putting ads out in 2 L.A.-based newspapers, and publishing the order from the judge, which allows them to withdraw from the case, for all to see.

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InfoWars

The docs say the goal is to inform the rapper about the order -- and seeing as he's incommunicado, this is the best option left to give him notice. The firm says it's aware the publication would "likely garner significant media attention, resulting in broader publication."

AllHipHop was first to find the documents about the newspaper ad.

For those unaware, K.W.'s been pretty MIA since he announced his love for Hitler and Nazis on Alex Jones' "InfoWars" last year.

TMZ broke the story, however -- we learned Kanye and Yeezy architectural designer Bianca Censori recently had some sort of wedding ceremony ... though we're told it doesn't appear they've filed a marriage certificate to make it legal.

Unclear what newspapers would end up publishing the notice if the judge grants the request -- but hopefully Ye can spot it!

DJ Paul I Helped Pay For Gangsta Boo's Funeral ... But Won't Bend To Trolls!!!

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I DON'T DO FUNERALS
Instagram / @djpaulkom

Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul is clarifying some things following his now-viral response to missing Gangsta Boo's funeral, but tells TMZ Hip Hop he was still on the frontlines when it mattered the most.

In a statement, the Oscar-award-winning rapper confirmed his absence, but did admit to helping foot the bill.

He says, "The fact that I had to even address negative things being said behind the scenes is really bothersome, I spearheaded the planning and paid for the majority of Boo’s funeral. Others reached out to assist as their way of showing Boo love. It was only right to include them, as we all loved Boo."

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We're told others such as Juicy J, 8Ball & MJG, and other kin all chipped in for the services and Paul wants the entire ordeal to be water under the bridge.

He concludes, "I have previously stated why I did not attend the funeral and this is exactly why, as I think bringing the attention is not appropriate. Boo and my relationship was ours alone, she knew (and knows) where my heart was in it. I don't have to explain that to anybody."

Paul let out his fiery Instagram response to fans around 4 AM Sunday morning, Paul explained how his presence at funerals unjustly attracts groupies and freeloaders.

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Paul also dug further into the trolls with a history lesson … revealing he discovered Gangsta Boo as a teenager and oversaw all her top records.

The funeral still had a huge turnout — hundreds of mourners including fellow artists Drumma Boy, La Chat and GloRilla, Hittkidd, Memphitz and Glitter Gloss were among the filled the Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, MS to pay their respects.

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WE LOST A GREAT ONE
TMZ.com

Gangsta Boo's close friends Juicy J, Yelawolf and DJ EFN also sent in videos to make up for their absences, clearly wearing their emotions on their sleeves in the clips.

We're told there's a Gangsta Boo posthumous album in the works, in addition to other special projects ... and we bet it'll sound better without all the infighting!!!

Funk Flex I'm Lifting Ban on 6ix9ine's Music!!! Rap’s Full ‘O Snitches, Anyway 🤷🏽‍♂️

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CASH FLOW
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Funkmaster Flex is having a sudden change of heart -- one that could potentially anger the rest of his New York rap base, because he’s decided to play Tekashi 6ix9ine’s music again after previously banning him.

The longtime Hot 97 personality's decision was swayed by 6ix9ine's latest post ... which featured the rainbow-haired rap star on a plane with a mound of cash he says totals $1M, unafraid of any potential threats as he trekked back to the East Coast.

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Back in 2021, 6ix9ine ignited Funk Flex's musical interest when he previewed his "ZAZA" single but the DJ ultimately refused to play the track over the street code he says no longer exists ... mainly because rappers aren't signing up to do 5 years behind bars to support their gang anymore!!!

Funk Flex saluted Bobby Shmurda, Rowdy Rebel, Fetty Wap, Boosie Badazz and Young Thug as the last of a dying breed of rappers who don't give statements to the police ... an obvious dig at Gunna, who's been losing friends on IG -- such as Lil Baby, Lil Durk and recently Meek Mill -- for taking a plea deal in the YSL RICO case.

6ix9ine has been teasing a musical comeback for a while now, and Flex wants it to happen this Thursday on his primetime show, so he can drop bombs on a new record!!!

Flex has singles with several 6ix9ine opposers ... Bobby, Rowdy, even the late King Von to name a few, so his new co-sign could create some interesting ripples in the timeline this week!!!

Gangsta Boo Juicy J, DJ EFN & Yelawolf's Vid Tributes Cut From Funeral 🕊

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WE LOST A GREAT ONE
TMZ.com

Gangsta Boo’s funeral this past Saturday was just as hectic as one can imagine for a prominent rap star ... and technical difficulties with the video files in order to play them on the church's projector prevented some star-studded video tributes from being presented to mourners.

TMZ Hip Hop obtained videos from Three 6 Mafia’s Juicy J, Drink Champs cohost DJ EFN and Yelawolf … all of who somberly shared fond memories of the late "Where Dem Dollas At" rapper.

Juicy, like DJ Paul, missed GB’s funeral but sent in a video from his studio, crowning her the “Queen of Memphis” and sending out prayers to the fam, friends and fans.

Juicy says making the video was hard enough, and he and GB had a great conversation just a couple of months ago after a show … and was devastated to see their journey cut short.

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IT'S TRAGIC
TMZ.com

GB’s longtime friend and collaborator Yelawolf also referred to the late rapper as family… revealing their bond was so deep even his mother had forged a friendship with Boo over the years.

Yela’s video was interrupted midway by a semi-truck horn and the Alabama rapper hilariously attributed the moment to GB pranking him.

Yelawolf recruited GB for his debut album on Eminem’s label back in 2012, and says they had a relationship only the 2 of them would understand.

EFN says his real-life appreciation for GB came well before they got wasted on "Drink Champs" … citing their 2019 meeting at SXSW as their formal introduction before taping the show just a few months ago.

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FINAL FLOWERS
TMZ.com

GB had been trying to get on "Drink Champs" for some time but EFN says she didn’t have an ego about it ... and they were able to shoot an iconic episode and even remain friends down the line.

Three 6 Mafia leader DJ Paul took a lot of flak for missing the service — and let off a volcano's worth of steam Sunday night … ripping into trolls with claims he paid for the funeral and was tied up on the road for his tour.

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I DON'T DO FUNERALS
Instagram / @djpaulkom

Sources involved in GB’s funeral tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Paul did indeed contribute to the funeral, but didn't pay for the full ceremony. We’ve reached out to him for further clarity.

As we reported, 43-year-old Gangsta Boo died earlier this month -- after attending a concert on New Year's Eve -- and police are investigating it as a possible OD.

Juice WRLD Ex-GF Ally Lotti, New BF Arrested For Walmart Theft, Drug Charges

Juice WRLD's ex-girlfriend Ally Lotti and her boyfriend Carter Jamison were busted for shoplifting at an Arkansas Walmart over the weekend ... and cops say they found narcotics on Lotti during their search.

Ally was arrested by Crittenden County Sheriff's Office and booked on possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with the purpose to deliver at least 2 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of property.

Her lawyer, Bradford Cohen, tells TMZ Hip Hop Ally and Carter tried to scan their items in the self-checkout aisle on Saturday ... and believed they'd rung up everything -- until a security guard detained them at the door.

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We're told that's when the drugs were discovered.

Carter was booked for theft of property and released without bond later that day.

Ally has now also been released and is currently celebrating Carter's new purchase that was waiting at home for her -- a brand new 2023 Mercedes-Benz to drive her troubles away.

She says her side of the story will be shared from her OnlyFans account later today. Get your 🍿 ready!!!

King Combs Scoffs at 'Nepo Baby' Tag ... I Put in Bad Boy Work!!!

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NEPO-NOTHING!!!
TMZ.com

Diddy's son Christian "King" Combs isn't accepting the "nepo baby" label critics keep tacking onto his name, but he's fully up to the challenge of upholding his dad's legacy!!!

We got King Wednesday at LAX and got his honest feedback on people automatically thinking he has a silver spoon in his mouth -- due to his father's bank account -- and he says that's one criticism he shrugs off.

KC tells us he understands the notoriety that comes along with being a rich kid, but calls his birthright as the Bad Boy heir apparent nothing short of a blessing.

Successful offspring of rich and famous parents have been under the microscope as of late, but as it turns out ... King's been earning his keep in the rap game lately.

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LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

He and Diddy made father-son history in November when their songs both hit No. 1 on different Billboard charts and the title of Christian's song, "Can't Stop Won't Stop," is now his life mantra.

Except when it comes to the haters, who KC says need to cease and desist their activity!!!

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He recently posted another so-called "nepo baby" -- his new baby sister, Love Sean Combs. Could there be a #1 hit in her future???

She's barely 3 months old, so no pressure yet ... but King seems confident here the family biz will still be going strong if she wants to join the fun!!!

Gunna Lil Baby Unfollows Him ... Lil Durk Takes a Swipe in New Song

The hits keep coming for Gunna -- not only is he on the outs with YSL, but big-time rappers are now turning their backs on him too ... including Lil Baby and Lil Durk.

First, LB has officially unfollowed the embattled rapper -- as of Saturday, it appears Gunna no longer shows up as one of the 970 people Lil Baby is paying attention to on Instagram ... which might seem petty, but carries weight considering he *was* following until recently.

An unfollow in 2023 is the equivalent of telling someone ... I don't wanna be your friend anymore. That's where things seem to be between LB and Gunna, which is a big deal -- these two have been incredibly close for years. They put out a mixtape together once, and have rapped on each other's songs back and forth ... plus, they're both from Atlanta.

Now, on to the more transparent falling out ... Lil Durk clearly called out Gunna in a new track he previewed -- which features a line that alludes to a joint song they were on.

The video shows Durk and co. vibing out to the unnamed song, which features a quick line toward the beginning that goes ... "What happened to Virgil // he probably gonna tell." That's a reference to a song Durk did with Gunna of the same name ... so yeah, it's a shot.

As we reported ... Gunna's already under fire from a lot of people in hip-hop, including YSL members and associates -- who made it clear online that they're not messing with him.

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This, of course, comes after Gunna was released from custody when he copped a plea deal with state prosecutors in the sweeping RICO case that saw not only him arrested ... but Young Thug as well. YT's on trial right now, and Gunna seems to be perceived as a snitch.

It's pretty wild to see this play out. While 6ix9ine went through something similar a few years ago, he was nowhere near as popular or beloved in mainstream hip-hop as Gunna was, which makes this cold-shoulder treatment all the more dramatic and eye-popping. 👀

Floyd Mayweather Champ Training Armani White 🥊 Jab, Step, Push-Up Contest!!!

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SHOWIN' HIM THE ROPES
TMZ.com

Floyd Mayweather made the most of his downtime cameoing in Armani White's new music video -- he actually taught the Def Jam artist some of the tricks that kept him an undefeated champ!!!

TMZ Hip Hop got clips of Floyd showing Armani the ropes outside the ring at his TMT gym ... where they'd been shooting the rapper's "GOATED" video. In between takes, Armani's face was all business while soaking up the 50-0 prizefighter's tips ... which included some footwork pointers, lessons on the heavy bag and overall posture.

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FUN ON SET
TMZ.com

The real sweat poured when they switched to cardio training and Floyd calmly did 100 push-ups and showed off his ninja skills with the jump rope.

It wasn't all grind and grit, though. Armani showed Floyd "The GOATED shoulder" dance that's perfect for TikTok. The champ caught on right away, and his groove made co-directors Mikey D’Amico and Davey Robinson's final cut!!!

The animated visual also sports the lyrical contributions of Denzel Curry and will be featured on Armani’s upcoming EP, which we hear is due out sometime early this year.

His breakout hit “Billie Eilish,” graced the Billboard Hot 100 and crossed more than 40 billion streams. With Floyd in his corner for his next release, Armani's looking for another 'W.'

Tory Lanez Hires Jose Baez for Appeal Team ... Plus, Ex-Suge Knight Attry.

Tory Lanez has a new top-notch legal team in his midst that he hopes can get him out of jail ASAP -- which now includes the man who famously got Casey Anthony off the hook.

Sources connected to TL's defense team tell TMZ ... the rapper has recently hired Jose Baez as his latest attorney, whom we're told is going to work side by side with David Kenner and Matthew Barhoma ... two other powerhouse lawyers Tory brought on this past week.

It's shaping up to be quite the squad around him. Of course, Baez has repped countless notable clients -- there's Anthony, but also ... Aaron Hernandez. JB was in the middle of filing an appeal for his conviction in the murder of Odin Lloyd before AH took his own life.

Prior to his death, Baez successfully got Aaron acquitted in a separate double murder case he'd been charged for -- and he's worked on behalf of several other celebs over the years.

Kenner, for his part, repped Suge Knight in the '90s regarding a robbery charge -- for which he got Suge probation. It appears Kenner was also working for Suge for his more recent manslaughter case ... appearing in court with Suge while he was fighting those charges.

On top of that, Kenner also successfully represented Snoop Dogg around the same time -- helping him beat a murder case. So, yeah ... the guy's got a pretty good track record.

As for the latest on Tory's case ... Kenner asked a judge this week to have sentencing delayed for a bit while he catches up on court transcripts from the trial, so that he can prepare a solid appeal. The judge granted that request ... sentencing is now on for Feb. 28.

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NO APPEAL

Tory fired the OG attorneys who were working for him during the trial. He's facing 22 years in prison (and possible deportation) after being found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion.

Tristan Thompson Mother's Funeral Draws Celebs ... Drake, Kardashians, Etc.

Tristan Thompson held a funeral for his late mother this weekend -- which a handful of notable celebrities flew out for to pay their respects ... including the Kardashians.

The NBA player was on hand Saturday in Toronto -- where a service was held for his mom, Andrea, who died suddenly over a week ago after suffering a heart attack. Tristan was dressed in all black outside, where Andrea's casket was eventually carried through as well.

Looks like some famous faces attended the celebration of life ... Drake, for instance, was notably on the scene. Ditto for Kim, Khloe and what seems to be Kylie. We know Kris Jenner was there too, but she doesn't appear in any of these shots.

In addition to these stars, there were other friends and family who were supporting Tristan. Everybody looks somber, and most everyone was dressed in traditional funeral attire.

As we reported ... Andrea was rushed to a hospital on Jan. 5 after going into cardiac arrest. Doctors tried reviving her, but she passed. Tristan flew out almost immediately, and Khloe went with him. Of course, they share two children together -- True and a new baby boy.

The ex-couple is no longer romantically involved, but obviously ... they're still close. Andrea was also incredibly close to her son -- she'd met True and Tristan's other kids over the years.

RIP

O.T. Genasis I'm Down Bad Over Broncos ... 'S*** Is Awful Right Now'

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MAJOR MISTAKE
TMZSports.com

Russell Wilson and the Broncos have put O.T. Genasis in a really crappy mood ... the rapper who loves the Denver franchise tells TMZ Sports he's down bad after the team's abysmal 5-12 season.

"This s*** is awful right now," the "CoCo" crooner admitted out at LAX this week.

Thankfully for the Broncos, though, O.T. is still keepin' the faith -- at least, somewhat -- telling us he's got hopes that after giving head coach Nathaniel Hackett the boot towards the end of the season, they can turn things around.

Then again, he ain't exactly optimistic about Wilson ... saying he's got big-time regrets about the five-year, $242 MILLION contract the Broncos gave the star QB after trading for him this past offseason.

"We gave him too much money," O.T. said ... before adding, "We should have test-drove the car before we bought it!"

O.T., though, knows a thing or two about sticking by Denver in bad times. The big Broncos fan -- who's often seen rockin' Denver attire -- lived through some disappointing losses before finally seeing them win the Super Bowl in 2016.

"Hopefully, it's just coaching," he said. "Hopefully, we come up with a better scheme, bro."

Denver's got about eight months to figure things out before the 2023 season officially begins ... and you can bet O.T. will be watching intently!

Offset Getting '2 Live' With Hit-Boy!!! 1st Post-Takeoff Release

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CELEBRATING THE SINGLE
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Offset and Hit-boy held a party in Hollywood last night to celebrate their new track -- Offset's his first since tragically losing Takeoff -- and, as you can see, the Migos rapper is on the up again.

Sources inside the event tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Offset was in good spirits and drinking good spirits, as the party was sponsored by Patrón.

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Their new single "2 Live" glorifies the wildness of Miami rap legend Uncle Luke's glory days while splicing in Too Short's smut masterpiece "Freaky Tales" in the sample.

The track dropped on Nas' Mass Appeal label, and we're told his team was instrumental in placing the collaboration.

The ThirdEyeRaz-directed video also premiered at the party and on YouTube this morning.

'2 Live' not only signifies Offset regaining his footing in the studio, but we hear the track could also be the launchpad for Hit-Boy's 2023 blockbuster release ... which would cap his work with Nas last year!!!

Offset's creativity seems to be activated again, but he's not the only one in his household dropping a project in the near future.

His wifey Cardi B officially started the countdown for her long-awaited sophomore album this week ... which would make them '3 Live.' No?

Meek Mill Shady Use of PARTYNEXTDOOR Lyrics ... Fans See It As a Lori Harvey Diss!!!

Meek Mill's suddenly quoting PARTYNEXTDOOR's new slow jam, but fans are convinced it's no coincidence the line he tweeted plays like a big ol' shot at Lori Harvey, who continues to reject his public advances!!!

The OVO singer released the track "Her Old Friends" ... a bitter bop that calls out an ex-lover's homegirls for "letting her" run the streets.

In the opening line, PARTY croons ... "Fuck all my bitch's old friends/Y'all let that girl f**k anybody/She out here catchin' 'every body'" -- and Meek felt compelled to tweet the "Y'all let that girl f**k anybody" bars and a slide emoji.

Fans weren't convinced Meek was simply in his Toronto bag, despite his rebuttals, and dragged his name as they perceived the tweet to be a response to Lori's newly IG official relationship with "Snowfall" star Damson Idris.

Meek notoriously pined for Lori on his Drake-reuniting hit "Going Bad" in 2019 ... only to be trolled heavily when, shortly thereafter, she started dating Michael B. Jordan, and when Meek took her "off" his wishlist at 2021's Summer Jam.

Damson kicked off Lori's 26th birthday on Friday with an IG story of him kissing her on the cheek and debuting his affectionate nickname for her: "Nunu."

The Philly rap legend sheepishly let on that his PR was a bit frazzled over his commentary as he took his lumps on Twitter left and right.

It's not a completely terrible Friday the 13th for Meek ... as Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf pardoned the 35-year-old of firearm and drugs charges stemming from 2008.

Meek also joined Kevin Hart and Michael Rubin to donate $7 million in scholarships to Philly-area private schools -- so, he's got plenty going to keep his mind off Lori.

She's taken!!!

Luenell 50 Apologized To Meg Because He Was Horny!!! These Jokes Write Themselves, People!!!

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HE'S GOT HIS REASONS
TMZ.com

50 Cent made a rare public apology to Megan Thee Stallion this week ... but Luenell is not entirely convinced he did so out of the kindness of his heart.

We bumped into the sassy comedian on Friday in NYC and she quipped that 50 was simply trying to get into Meg's good graces so he could then get in her bedroom.

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I WAS WRONG
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Luenell tells us Meg's best revenge will just continue to be the same Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling success that got her to this point.

We also had to pick Luenell's brain on the current climate in comedy, in the wake of Eddie Murphy's Will Smith joke at the Golden Globes ... which weirdly angered Tyrese, who in turn, angered Ray J.

Luenell tells us Eddie's punchline was killer and the Will Smith slap jokes are here to stay, now that the dust has settled on the controversy.

Perhaps she'll bring some to "The Daily Show" ... as she officially tossed her name in the hat to be Trevor Noah's replacement.

We gotta say, 50 would be a hell of a first guest.