TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

SZA's runaway success following her "SOS" album last year wasn't enough for the MTV VMAs committee to nominate her for Artist of the Year ... a move Top Dawg Entertainment deemed disrespectful enough to yank her from the show.

Terrence 'Punch' Henderson told THR on Friday, he repeatedly attempted to get clarity as to why her album's 10-week run at No. 1 didn't earn her even a nomination alongside Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Shakira, Karol G and Taylor Swift.

SZA was nominated for other awards, and was scheduled to perform, but as Punch put it ... "Why go perform and do this if she’s not going to be respected to the highest level?"

He says that's why he effectively terminated all things VMAs for SZA this year. As far as who's really beefing ... Punch says it's all him, not SZA, harboring the animosity. He says it's not in SZA's character to hold this kinda grudge.

MTV is boasting its highest-ever VMA impressions on social media, evidence they did something right with the viewing audience -- but it wasn't good enough to get SZA onstage that night.

Jeezy is pulling the plug on his marriage to Jeannie Mai -- the Atlanta rapper filed Thursday to divorce the talk show host in Fulton County Superior Court.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Jeezy filed in Georgia on Thursday … saying their marriage is "irretrievably broken," with "no hope for reconciliation."

Jeezy’s seeking joint legal and physical custody of their 1-year-old daughter, Monaco, and he says they have an existing prenup in place.

The news could've very well been news to Jeannie ... she recently celebrated her soon-to-be ex's book and his accomplishments on a heartfelt IG post just a week ago.

Their union was a relatively short-lived affair ... the pair got hitched in March 2021 at their Atlanta home in the heart of the pandemic.

Former lovers Drake and SZA are giving fans a taste of what's to come from the album "For All The Dogs" ... with the release of their "Slime You Out" duet, a modern-day battle of the sexes!!!

Drake fired off the new song on Friday ... which opens with him scolding women for lacking direction in their lives before belting out all the high notes about being in a low place with his lover.

SZA gets passed the baton midway through the track and holds her own for the women before Drake closes the track with sing-songy rap.

The two megastars have a bit of a testy past ... their dating history was made public after Drake leaked the info on his 2020 "Mr. Right Now" collab with 21 Savage, jeopardizing their potential working relationship ... but it's water under the bridge now!!!

Drake went with a snap of Halle Berry getting slimed at the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards for the cover art, which he touched on in his bars ... "I'm slimin' you for them kid choices you made."

Offset has the perfect way to promote his new album, or at least that's how Cardi B feels about him live streaming for a full day ... because she says it's super easy to keep tabs on him!

Offset was in the middle of his 24-hour run online with YouTuber Kai Cenat Thursday night when Cardi decided to dial up her hubby and have a chat. When Offset put the call on speaker, she quickly chimed in, "You need to be streaming every single day for 24 hours, so I can know everything you're doing!"

Offset, Kai and a few other fellas in the room laughed it off, but, let's keep it real ... she meant that s**t!

They've had their issues in the past -- cheating accusations and Cardi briefly filing for divorce in 2020 -- but lately they can't keep their hands off each other. Earlier this week, they even faked a sex tape while backstage at the MTV VMAs. Good stuff!

The couple's clearly inspiring to some ... because Kai decided to make the most of having Cardi on the phone, and shot his shot. He nervously asked if Cardi's sister Hennessy was available.

Diddy's star-studded new album dropped Friday and he threw a blowout bash in New York City to match the tracklist!!!

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ Hip Hop Diddy rented out Sei Less NYC for his "Love Album: Off The Grid" release party ... a special occasion seeing as how the restaurant extended its usual midnight shutdown time, so the shindig could go until 4 AM!!!

The moment he entered the bash, Diddy hit up the venue's co-owner Dara Mirjahangiry for a bottle of Ace of Spades, and raised glasses with Yung Miami, Jadakiss, French Montana, Shyne, Jozzy and his sons Quincy and Justin Combs.

We're told the 'Love' album was playing to get the party started, and once the shots from Diddy's DeLeon Tequila began to flow ... they launched into an impromptu karaoke session.

Keyshia Cole led the sing-along to her classic "Love" track and Diddy commanded The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Warning" for the crowd.

Fans have been rallying around the R&B compilation, and its lead-off music vid also dropped on Friday ... "Another One of Me" featuring French, 21 Savage and The Weeknd in his final appearance with that stage name.

Sexyy Red's video shoot in Florida turned into a violent scene Thursday ... after an assailant opened fire, killing one person and wounding another.

The rapper was filming the music video with a bunch of extras at Oakland Park Flea Market in the afternoon when somebody pulled a gun nearby and started firing. The suspect then fled.

Two people were struck and one was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Their condition was not known.

Broward County Sheriff's deputies responded and were investigating whether the bloodshed was related to the video shoot.

Videos posted on Instagram show the apparent aftermath of the shooting ... in one clip, you see one victim lying injured on the ground. In the other, people are walking in an orderly fashion through the strip mall.

We've reached out to Sexyy for comment ... so far, no word back.

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.