TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Tory Lanez is still hoping to stay out of prison pending his appeal in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case ... even though his first crack at getting out on bond was shut down.

Ceasar McDowell, a member of Tory's legal team and the CEO of Unite the People, tells TMZ ... Tory called his lawyers Thursday, just minutes after a judge denied him bond, and assured them he remains hopeful for the future.

We’re told Tory talked with Ceasar on the phone, starting the conversation by saying he wasn't surprised the judge denied his request ... chalking it up to being "all in God's plan."

Ceasar says Tory is focused on next steps for his legal team ... including plans to file an emergency motion to try to reverse the judge's ruling. We're told Tory believes a higher court will be more receptive to him than the trial court judge who issued Thursday's ruling, which keeps Tory behind bars at the moment.

As we reported ... Tory's asking to be released on bond so he can live with his son as his appeal plays out in court. Tory says he wants to be able to take his young son to school now that class is back in session.

Remember ... Tory was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty in the Megan shooting case. As we first told you, he's been leaning on his faith, and his unwavering hope for the future appears to be a byproduct of that.

That Mexican OT is enjoying a breakout year thanks to his "Johnny Dang" hit with Paul Wall and DRODi, with his punchy flow drawing comparisons to both DaBaby and Kevin Gates ... but if you ask him, the comparisons are all wrong.

TMZ Hip Hop linked with the tongue-twistin' Texas rapper at LAX Thursday who says he believes his style is more like Megan Thee Stallion. TMO admits he first thought the current female hip hop wave was too vulgar for his taste, but says he eventually came around.

OT says acts like Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj had lyrics that were more mild than what Megan brings, but says he and Megan share a similar flow..

There's a ton of hat-tipping to the ladies lately, we also recently spoke to Trinidad James, who gave Gunna his props in the "male Hip Hop" category, but made it clear the women were still on top.

OT's respect for his Texas culture is also through the roof and he shared his top Mexican rappers to date ... Lil Bean, Berner, Big Mone, Homer Pimpson come on down and pose for your Mt. Rushmore photo-op!!!

Jake Paul is showin' his support for Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on the platform that just might decide the 2024 election -- yep, one little TikTok dance can go a long way.

The boxer shared their collab Wednesday, taking a stab at a viral dance made popular by Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks ... something that's kinda blown up online.

Jake drags politicians for not reaching out to the youth through social media, saying those trying to garner the attention of young voters are missing out on a practically untapped market. He says Vivek is all about these types of connections, however.

BTW, Vivek also spoke about the lack of social media interaction from his fellow candidates, claiming they're all just scared because of the unscripted factor.

Jake and Vivek's video has gained a lot of attention online, but not everyone's as supportive of Jake's endorsement -- one commenter called the video "a terrible idea," while a handful of others claimed Vivek lost their vote just because he worked with Jake.

Haters. Just part and parcel of the social media landscape.

Vivek and Jake's criticism of the other candidates doesn't apply to at least one Democratic hopeful -- Marianne Williamson recently told us why moving to TikTok is helping her overcome what she sees as a blatant bias on TV.

She claims the cable media outlets won't give her airtime because she's running against President Biden.

As for Vivek, it'll be interesting to see if an endorsement from Jake will really make a difference in the polls -- don't forget, he got a stamp of disapproval from Eminem last month, who blocked Vivek from using his songs at his campaign events.

Offset's been defending his love for Michael Jackson heavy, and now it's easy to see why -- his new album cover finds him, effectively, channeling the King of Pop in explosive fashion!!!

On Thursday, Offset officially confirmed his "Set It Off" album's October release date while premiering the cover art, which shows a screaming Offset dressed like MJ -- black sequin suit, one glove, highwater pants and sparkly white socks -- getting blown away from an exploding building.

Cardi B recently told the world Offset has an MJ tattoo that stares her dead in the face when she's engaged in a certain sex act with her hub, and he told us he's keeping it ... no ifs, ands or shamones about it!!!

The album's been delayed for nearly a year ... first due to a legal battle with Quality Control Records that was eventually settled, and again after Offset's brother-in-Migos Takeoff was killed in November.

He recently got things back on track by enlisting Cardi for his new single "Jealousy" and sources close to the project tell us it won't be her only appearance on the album.

Russ no longer thinks he can beat the music industry machine, so he's gonna join in their fake streaming game to his own benefit.

The proudly independent rapper has been ranting for weeks in regard to his recently released "Santiago" album ... where he claimed Billboard shorted him 10,000 in sales.

On Thursday, Russ came to the ultimate conclusion that he should just lie about his numbers statements from this point on, and seems to feel he's the crazy one for not lying in the first place!!!

The way Russ sees it, announcing whooping whoopers is a good way to get the public excited, as he thinks the average fan is nothing but an NPC in sheep's clothing anyway. 😬

"Santiago" debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 ... a step up from his rappity rap "Chomp" compilations that didn't chart at all ... but Russ has been on the music industry's ass for years now!!!

Last time he hopped on "TMZ Live," he criticized why anyone would still sign a deal with a major label ... but his current issues may have answered his own question.

Tory Lanez will remain behind bars after being found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion ... his request to be released on bond pending his appeal was just denied.

For those unaware, Tory was asking a judge in Los Angeles to let him live with his son and wife instead of staying behind bars while his appeal plays out.

Tory had a hearing Thursday about his request, but a judge said no dice -- noting Tory's convicted of a violent felony, has a history of violating court orders, and isn't a U.S. citizen as reasons for the thumbs down.

Tory's defense argued the last point, saying the Canadian rapper is in America legally on an active work visa and has no reason to go back to Canada ... but that didn't seem to sway the judge.

As we reported, Tory was given his sentence last month -- being handed a decade behind bars after facing over 22 years.

He was found guilty of 3 charges last year ... negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm.

Tory spoke out after his sentencing ... continuing to claim he's innocent, saying he was "wrongfully convicted."

The infamous 2020 clip, obtained by TMZ, showed Megan limping near their vehicle with a trail of blood behind her.

Desiigner just got sentenced in his mid-flight masturbation case, and now he'll have to register as a sex offender.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, the judge ordered the "Panda" rapper to register as a sex offender going forward, in addition to the other conditions of his 2-year probation ... such as participating in a psychiatric evaluation and drug testing.

Desiigner is also barred from owning or possessing firearms and must perform 120 hours of community service.

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... Desiigner pleaded guilty to indecent exposure after he was accused of whipping out his willie in the presence of flight attendants back in April during a flight back from Japan.

According to the initial charging documents, he told the arresting federal agents he didn't get much "cootie" overseas.

Sexyy Red's raps are making hip hop history -- she just took the game to pound town with the first #1 hit on Billboard's new TikTok chart!!!

On Thursday, Billboard and TikTok rolled out their inaugural chart that monitors musical activity on the app, and it was determined Sexyy Red's "SkeeYee" anthem ranks at the top of the pile!!!

Sexyy Red stated "she always knew" she'd end up being "a #1 type of artist" after her rowdy record got the honor and thanked all her fans for running her numbers up in a statement following the announcement.

The track is a highlight on Sexyy's "Hood Hottest Princess" album, which has taken her career to new heights -- namely, an opening slot on Drake's "It's All a Blur" Tour opposite 21 Savage.

Birdman says he's willing to invest $100 million of his own money to seal the deal on the Hot Boys reunion, now that B.G. is free, but right now it sounds like Turk will be odd man out.

The Cash Money Records boss dropped an update Wednesday on the HB reunion talks -- but only after being confronted with the stark differences in his behavior regarding both B.G. and Turk's releases from prison!!!

B.G. got the red carpet treatment from Birdman following his release this month, after 11 years on the inside -- but Turk served 9 years without any of the post-prison fanfare.

Birdman explained he didn't have a relationship with Turk when the "It's In Me" rapper went into the bing ... and didn't seem like it was a priority to include him in the reunion.

The news might blindside Turk -- he recently told TMZ Hip Hop a Hot Boys reunion is imminent, and seemed pretty excited to be on board. Birdman's calling for the "main players" for the tour, though, and Turk's been on the outside for some time now.

Birdman is still likely harboring a grudge over Turk's legal battle from 2015 when he sued Cash Money for $1.3 million and eventually settled out of court.

The original Cash Money regime had infamously crumbled at that point, with ALL the Hot Boys inciting mutiny at one point or another.

Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar both helped make Top Dawg Entertainment into the powerhouse rap label it is today, and Jay says that bond can never be broken!!!

We caught up with him Wednesday at Dash Radio outside the "Dub C & CJ Mack Show" ... and he deaded any fan notions he and Kendrick fell out following his defection from the label last year.

Jay, Kendrick, ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul once touted a TDE in-house supergroup named Black Hippy, and were supposed to drop a super album -- but Jay tells us everyone got too engulfed in their own solo missions to complete the group project.

He's right about that solo work ... Jay-Z praised Ab for his album back in December while Q is currently working on his next album.

Like Kendrick, Jay Rock took an extended hiatus after releasing his last studio album back in 2018, where he and Kendrick won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance along with Future and James Blake.

He tied the Grammy win with Anderson .Paak, who stars on Rock's new "Pull Over" single with Latto.

Ciara and Future share a child, legally and biologically speaking, but, if you ask her about his style of co-parenting ... be ready for side-splitting, nonstop laughter!!!

That's exactly what happened when Thembi of The Shade Room closed their interview by asking Ciara about how she and Future co-parent their 9-year-old son Future Zahir.

The question was an instant humor injection for Ciara -- but, for a moment, it seemed as if she was actually going to answer the question ... until she just erupted in more laughter, and then the giggles got the best of her and Thembi.

Of course, Future's been taking shots at Ciara's husband Russell Wilson in his music for years ... most recently in July when he lyrically tackled the QB on Quavo’s “Turn Yo Clic Up” with the bars, “I got it out the field/F*** Russell.”

So, Ciara's laughter could be seen as a tame, but hilarious, response to Future's lyrical jabs

Ciara and Russell are currently expecting their 3rd child together, sure to be a joyous occasion for the couple.

Beyoncé is still in the middle of her hugely successful "Renaissance" tour, but that didn't stop her from taking a little break to get some serious privacy to celebrate her birthday.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ the singer rented out a spot called Mermaid Bay -- a string of 11 villas located within The Brando, a private island resort for the ultra-rich in French Polynesia.

Our sources say Beyoncé and crew arrived at the property September 5, and stayed at least through Friday the 8th ... with adults and kids all in tow.

As for her accommodations, we're told Beyoncé and Jay-Z stayed in the Bay's main residence -- a 4-bedroom villa that goes for around $20K per night -- and the rest of their group stayed among the 10 other villas ... which have 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options.

Of course, Beyoncé's actual birthday was September 4, and she celebrated it with Diana Ross and about 70,000 fans -- so the private island retreat looks like the perfect destination to unwind before taking on her 42nd year.

Kanye West had the project manager overseeing the remodel of his Malibu home sleeping on the floor, and fired the guy over a disagreement about removing all the home's windows and electricity ... this according to a new lawsuit.

Ye is being sued by a man named Tony Saxon, who claims Yeezy hired him back in September 2021 as project manager, caretaker and 24/7 security for the mogul's Malibu property.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Saxon claims he was working 16-hour days and sleeping on the floor while coordinating Kanye's remodel ... and he says Ye couldn't care less that he was literally using a coat as makeshift bedding.

In the docs, Saxon says Kanye ignored all of his concerns and only paid him for one week of work until things reached a head in November 2021 when Saxon claims Ye demanded Saxon remove all the home's windows and electricity.

Saxon says he "expressed concerns about the extreme danger of such actions" ... but he claims Kanye raised his voice and then insisted on moving large generators inside the house, which Saxon worried would potentially lead to a fire hazard.

In the suit, Saxon claims Kanye threatened him and said he would be considered "an enemy" if he didn't comply with the demands. Saxon says he wouldn't budge and Kanye told him to "get the hell out."

Saxon also says Ye told him, "If you don't do what I say, you're not going to work for me, I'm not gonna be your friend anymore and you'll just see me on TV." He says he told Ye he didn't watch TV and was fired on the spot.

Cardi B and Offset couldn't keep their hands off of each other at the MTV VMAs, and decided to make a sex tape -- a fake one, anyway -- during a bathroom break at the venue.

The couple got their bump n' grind on in a restroom at Tuesday night's event -- they were fully clothed, but pretending to have sex with Cardi bent over and making some pretty wild sounds ... as she recorded the moment for posterity.

Sounds like a friend outside the bathroom was looking for a phone charger, and through her moans ... Cardi tells the woman to come in and get hers! Offset was all smiles during the funny moment, while their pal reluctantly walked into the room, making Cardi laugh.

If you're wondering what got them in the mood -- they don't exactly need one, but it's worth noting Cardi was in the outfit she wore for her performance of "Bongos" with Megan Thee Stallion. Safe to assume ... Offset was feeling her 'fit!

Of course, we've seen the couple get nasty before -- she was twerking on him in Vegas at the end of July while enjoying their pool, and she posted that clip the same day she was named a suspect in the now-dropped microphone-throwing case.

BTW, Cardi was up for Best Hip Hop at the VMAs for "Tomorrow 2," her collab with GloRilla, but they didn't win.

We're sure she was feelin' like a winner in the bathroom, though!

With all of the big stars -- Taylor, Nicki, Selena and more -- do you think the MTV VMAs have gained credibility again? Vote below.

The real fun at the MTV VMAs started when the show was over ... as celebs like Cardi B, Taylor Swift, and many more hit up after-parties to keep the big night going.

It was poppin' at several post-VMA bashes Tuesday night -- a couple big ones in NYC, while the main ceremony went down in New Jersey.

Looks like the stars were divided in the Big Apple -- folks like Taylor, Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, Diddy and Ice Spice hit up the MTV party at The Ned NoMad Hotel, while other big names like Lil Nas X, Tiffany Haddish, and French Montana went to Cardi B's party at Somewhere Nowhere.

Of course, Cardi and Offset showed up together to their shindig -- the couple walked inside hand in hand looking like the king and queen of the prom.

Both spots were swarming with celebs ... other artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Saweetie, GloRilla, and Swae Lee were spotted having a blast, too.

The artists had plenty to celebrate after some big VMA wins -- Ice Spice took home the award for Best New Artist, the show's emcee, Nicki Minaj, won Best Hip-Hop for "Super Freaky Girl," Stray Kids secured a W for Best K-Pop, and SZA got a Moonperson statuette for Best R&B.

Taylor Swift certainly came out of the event victorious ... collecting 9 wins overall, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Show of the Summer.

In other words, a great year for Swifties.

With all of the big stars -- Taylor, Nicki, Selena and more -- do you think the MTV VMAs have gained credibility again? Vote below.

Selena Gomez is getting the internet meme treatment after her disapproving reaction to Chris Brown at the VMAs, but she quickly clapped back once the award show was over.

In case ya missed it, Selena was on camera Tuesday night while the nominees for Best R&B were read out, and the now-viral moment went down as Chris' name was announced.

Check it out ... she scrunches her face and stops clapping as his collab with Chloe Bailey, "How Does It Feel," was announced. Her smile returned and her clapping continued after they moved on to the next nom, however.

The singer jumped on Instagram after the festivities -- and more importantly, after the clip made the rounds ... vowing to "never be a meme again," adding she'd rather have no reaction at all than show off her genuine feelings.

As you know, Chris infamously assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna, back in 2009, and has been accused repeatedly of assaulting women over the years ... so that's more than likely why she made that face in the audience.

What's interesting is ... Selena's not denying her reaction, but it's more about her being pissed about the whole meme thing -- which btw, also included shots of her just looking bored during the award show.

Selena also made the rounds last night for covering her ears during Olivia Rodrigo's performance at the VMAs, but that seemed to be a reaction to the staged act gone wrong ... as onstage explosions drowned out Olivia's vocals.

Don't forget, Selena and Rema took home the Best Afrobeats award at the ceremony for "Calm Down" ... and she thanked her collaborator for believing in her and letting her be a part of the track.

Fittingly, that song title is basically Selena's reaction to all the memes.

Do you think Selena Gomez's viral reaction was actually shade? Vote below.