TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Public Library are auctioning off a one-of-a-kind trophy case to highlight each of his albums ... but the piece has now caused many to speculate Hov has another project on the way.

Roc Nation and Christie's introduced the limited edition Jay-Z treasure from his "Book of HOV" Wednesday ... a black leather case made by Pinel et Pinel, and personally autographed by the Grammy-winning rapper himself.

Proceeds for the auction will directly benefit the Brooklyn Public Library and any Hov stan.

The case features 13 metal library cards sporting all of Jay's solo studio albums but has 14 slots, the empty space can be seen next to Jay's last released album "4:44" ... which arrived 6 years ago.

Gayle King recently quizzed Jay on the possibility of his releasing new music ... which he says he intends to -- the rollout just has to have a bigger meaning.

There's a chance Jay's next release could coincide with his biblically-themed film "The Book of Clarence" which drops in January 2024 -- much like he did with his album inspired by the 2007 film "American Gangster."

The "Book of HOV" has a nice album title ring to it all the same. 🤔 We reached out to Roc Nation for comment on the missing puzzle piece ... no word back yet!!!

As Albania celebrates its independence, Drake's coming in hot ... metaphorically waving the flag, and showing all sorts of Albanian appreciation in the latest music video from his "For All The Dogs" album.

On Wednesday, the day after Albanian Independence Day, Drake dropped the visual for "Polar Opposites" ... where he and the guys in the video are decked out in Albanian bomber jackets, depicting the nation's colors.

He spends much of the video playing poker with his Albania crew on what appears to be a ship sitting on the Adriatic Sea.

Drake also showed off his geopolitical knowledge by mentioning Albania's ongoing North Kosovo crisis with Serbia in the song's lyrics -- "Don’t know how they do things in Pristina/I just know the tension is increasing."

The new single is perfect for stat padding ... Spotify announced its annual "Wrapped" today and Drake ranked #4 amongst global artists behind The Weeknd, Bad Bunny and Queen of Pop Taylor Swift.

Police investigating the Nardo Wick fan beatdown say they are honing in on 2 suspects ... releasing photos of the men they believe carried out the brutal attack captured on video.

The Tampa Police Department tells TMZ ... the men in the photos are suspects in their ongoing investigation, and they are accused of having direct involvement in a felony battery.

Cops tell us tips from community members helped lead them to the suspects, and they've ruled out one previous suspect.

Police say they want to talk to any witnesses, and are, once again, asking the public for help investigating the case.

TMZ broke the story ... video shows Nardo Wick fan George Obregon Jr. walking up to the rapper after his Sunday night show, and getting sucker punched by 2 members of NW's entourage.

George's mom says her 20-year-old son was just asking Nardo for a photo when he was ambushed.

Nardo's apologized for the attack ... saying he didn't know that's how his entourage would react, and he's upset about the whole incident.

Diddy's ex-security team leader is applying more public pressure to his former boss after being named in Cassie's lawsuit ... and he's claiming Cassie is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Diddy's alleged misdeeds.

In a fiery IG post Tuesday, Roger Bonds -- who worked with Diddy around a decade ago -- vowed to tell his side of the story, but interestingly ... he never uses Diddy's name. He does use Cassie's name, though.

In the lawsuit she filed against Diddy, Cassie named Roger, alleging he jumped in to stop Diddy from stomping on her car and attacking her back in 2009 in Los Angeles.

Roger backs up Cassie's story ... saying he not only stopped Diddy from harming Cassie, but he claims there were other such incidents involving other people during his security tenure.

Of course, his public support for Cassie comes after her lawsuit was recently dismissed after she and Diddy reached a settlement. So, as far as helping her, Roger is, as they say, a day late and a dollar short.

So, what's in it for him? Roger seems to be plugging a book or documentary of some sort. His post included the hashtags #2FacesTHEDOCUMENTARY and #ROGERBONDSMYTRUTH.

Bonds also says he suffers from diabetes and says, while working for Diddy, he used the ailment to make excuses for ducking and dodging his former boss.

Kanye West is getting backlash from some prominent Jewish advocacy groups over rapping that he couldn't possibly be antisemitic because he "f***** a Jewish bitch" in his new tune, "Vultures."

A spokesperson for the Anti-Defamation League tells TMZ ... "At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, it’s disgusting to see Kanye once again use his platform to spew Jew hatred."

Though ... they add the degrading lyrics aren't surprising given the source ... blasting the rapper as an "unrepentant antisemite and clearly a misogynist."

Meanwhile, Richard Hirschhaut, spokesperson for the American Jewish Committee, a global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, echoes the anger ... telling us that while Ye's unrepentant antisemitism is well-documented, his latest expression of anti-Jewish invective "seems particularly pathetic and sad."

"To fuel the flames of antisemitism and promote such bile to his millions of followers, especially at this fraught and dangerous time for the Jewish community, is unforgivable," Richard adds.

As we reported ... Kanye performed the offensive lyrics live for the first time at a nightclub in Dubai over the weekend, alongside Ty Dolla $ign and Lil Durk.

The song was leaked earlier this month as Ye worked on his new Ty Dolla $ign album out in the Middle East.

50 Cent recently shocked fans, proclaiming "Many Men" was his least favorite song from his blockbuster debut album "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" ... a surprise to the track's producer Darrell "Six Figga Digga" Branch.

The song ranks in the album's top 5 on streaming services, and 50 told Apple Music "Many Men" ranked low for him because it was the slowest song on the album and didn't match the fast-paced tempo of the era.

And, if it wasn't for Tony Yayo's positive input at the time, fans wouldn't even know the song existed!!!

TMZ Hip Hop spoke to Digga following 50's confessional and while he says he understands where 50 is coming from in reference to the song's intensity, he thinks the track "Blood Hound" featuring Young Buck speaks better to the low energy 50 was referencing.

The album has left little room for complaints ... 50's been touring the globe on his "Final Lap" tour to promote its 20th anniversary. Its lead single "In Da Club" was certified Diamond this year and the album is expected to follow as it currently sits at 9x Platinum.

50's also changed his tune on the song in 2003 -- all because rap's tempo has changed in the last 20 years.

"Many Men" has since been a favorite of 21 Savage, Polo G and Pop Smoke and 50 tells Apple it's now his favorite song to perform!!!

2:35 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Tampa PD tells us "detectives reached out to the performer" ... though a source close to Nardo Wick says the two sides have not yet spoken.

Nardo Wick is finally speaking out after members of his entourage were seen brutally attacking a fan who simply wanted a photo ... saying the whole thing left him upset, but claiming there was nothing he could have done to stop it.

NW just took to Instagram to post an explanation of how he says he handled things immediately following the disgusting sucker punch. The rapper says he doesn't condone what happened, and reached out to the fan's mom to express how sorry and concerned he was over what went down.

Then he gets into the cowardly members of his team, writing, "I cant control another grown man actions, I ain't know that was gone happen, and I was mad when it happened."

Nardo goes on, "I tried to stop it as u can see in the video, and if somebody got the longer video you can see how mad I was, I love and appreciate all my fans and don't condone what happened at all dat s*** ain't gangsta or cool in no type of way."

TMZ broke the story, George Obregon Jr., a 20-year-old fan of Nardo, approached the rapper after his show in Tampa Sunday night to ask for a photo.

In video, obtained by TMZ, you see one member of NW's entourage punch George from the side while another punches him straight on ... we're told George suffered a severe concussion and brain bleed.

We've obtained Instagram messages from Nardo to George's mom as well as directly to George following the attack, you can see the rapper's upset over what happened.

Nardo's mom, who also works as his manager, was also in touch with George's mom ... getting updates on his medical condition.

A spokesperson from the Tampa Police Department tells us they're asking for help identifying the men who punched George.

In his social media post, Nardo Wick does not mention the men by name, nor clarify if he's been speaking with the police to identify the men to help bring justice to his fan who only wanted a photo.

Tina Knowles is defending Beyoncé in the face of accusations the singer is lightening her skin and hair to look white ... saying she's had enough of the negative narratives.

Beyoncé's mom sounded off Tuesday on social media, reacting to scores of online fan comments questioning her daughter's look at Saturday's premiere of her "Renaissance" movie.

Tina's referencing fan comments on Beyoncé's platinum blonde hair and skin color -- some comments even accused her of bleaching her skin.

Tina says those accusations are stupid, ignorant, self-hating and racist ... and she says it's sad that some Black people "continue with the stupid narrative with hate and jealousy."

Beyoncé's mom says her daughter "wore silver hair to match her silver dress as a fashion statement" ... pointing out the theme for the movie premiere, and the whole "Renaissance" tour, was silver.

Tina says the folks accusing Beyoncé of trying to look white are nothing but clowns, losers, bozos and "sad little haters" who are just jealous.

She even mentions she's upset with TMZ because we reached out to Beyoncé's hairstylist to see if they had a comment about what fans were saying about her look at the premiere.

Tina says Black celebrities have been wearing platinum hair since Etta James way back in the day, adding ... "I just went and looked at all the beautiful talented black celebrities who have worn platinum hair and it has been just about everyone of them at one time or another. Are they all trying to be white?"

Bottom line ... Ms. Tina is sick and tired of people attacking her daughter, and reached her boiling point -- feeling the need to speak out despite knowing Beyoncé "is going to be pissed at me for doing this."

"Power Book II: Ghost" star Gianni Paolo says his Airbnb user reviews are trash ... and it's all because he refuses to go the extra mile tidying up ON TOP of forking out a $400 cleaning fee!!!

The guy earns his coins playing rich kid Brayden Weston on 50 Cent's hit series, but Gianni says his hard-earned money is being mismanaged thanks to Airbnb's fees and he hopped on TikTok to rip them a new one.

Gianni's message is clear ... $400 is more than enough to handle little things like making the bed and clearing off the counter.

He's not running an animal house -- Gianni says he's willing to leave the place in good standing. He'll even bag up the trash ... just don't expect him to take it out, too!

Airbnb disputes have been heavy this year ... Tyrese is currently in a legal war with a property owner who says he made illegal alterations to the residence he was renting.

50 Cent has been relentlessly roasting Diddy amid his legal settlement with former girlfriend Cassie and now wants to make him an offer we're sure Puff will refuse ... to buy his Revolt TV empire.

On Tuesday, 50 gleefully took to IG and told Diddy he'd take Revolt off his hands but needed to cut a deal as he predicted his trusty sponsors in Cadillac and AT&T would likely abandon ship.

50 insisted he and Diddy would be friends if he agreed to sell him the network and it probably wasn't all snark.

The G-Unit rapper has been looking for a home to place his TV shows such as the 'Power' and 'BMF' franchises and having his own platform would solidify his empire ... although the likelihood of Diddy accepting the offer is obviously slim to none.

TMZ broke the story earlier today ... Diddy temporarily stepped down as Chairman of Revolt, leaving the day-to-day operations to his CEO Detavio Samuels and Chief Brand Officer Deon Graham.

The Bad Boy Records mogul has been laying low in the aftermath of the new lawsuits he's facing ... for a pair of alleged rapes in the early 1990s -- which he's dismissed as a money grab each time.

The mother and friend of George Obregon Jr., the Nardo Wick fan hospitalized following a disgusting attack carried out by Nardo's entourage, saying the whole thing has left them sick and almost speechless.

Michelle Obregon, George's mom, gave an update on her 20-year-old son's condition -- telling TMZ he's currently stable -- but doctors are fully monitoring him to assess if there'll be any long-term damage.

George's pal Connor Villa, who also attended the concert, tells us he was just a few feet behind his buddy when the vicious attack occurred.

He says Nardo's team gave them a peculiar look as they walked over with their phones up after exiting the club ... before unleashing the assault "out of nowhere" when George asked for a snap together.

Connor adds he was stunned when another member of the entourage continued to strike George after the first swing left him knocked out, leaning against the wall and unresponsive.

Connor tells us resorting to physical violence over a simple request for a picture was utterly ridiculous and should never have happened.

While George is now alert and talking ... Michelle says he hasn't gone into too much detail about the incident and doesn't remember much.

The devastated mother adds she had "no words to say" when watching the clip of the attack ... with her main priority being her son's health -- and ensuring that no other parents have to receive the devastating phone call she experienced.

RZA is not only putting his stamp of approval on André 3000's flute-led album ... he's about to get back into instrumental mode himself!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the Wu-Tang Clan legend Monday in NYC, and right off the bat we discussed his little namesake. RZA's sending blessings to A$AP Rocky and Rihanna for naming their first-born son after him.

He tells us he's yet to meet the tyke but sends nothing but love and light in Rocky and Rihanna's direction. Bong, bong!!!

Switching gears, we got RZA's elder stateman take on André's "New Blue Sun" project ... the debut solo album from the Outkast rapper, featuring no rapping!!!

The album made history this week ... its 12-minute opening track is now the longest song to ever hit the Billboard Hot 100 and even inspired Lupe Fiasco to create new raps over the music.

Joe Budden recently discouraged Lupe from doing such a thing -- and RZA, too, seems to love Andre's album just as it is. He says 'New Blue' had him zoned out, and doing the dishes ... much to his wife's appreciation!!!

9:51 AM PT -- A spokesperson for Tampa Police tells us they're asking the public to help identify the attackers ... adding the victim is in critical, but stable condition. Anyone with info is asked to reach out to Tampa Police.

A Nardo Wick fan got much more than he bargained for after asking for a photo with the rapper, as Nardo's entourage unleashed a brutal attack ... leaving the fan hospitalized and the incident under police investigation.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ the 20-year-old fan attended the NW show Sunday night at Club Skye in Tampa, and spotted Nardo leaving the venue around 1:15 AM.

That's where video, obtained by TMZ, picks up ... you can see the fan approach Nardo and his team for what we're told was to get a photo. Then, without warning, a member of Nardo's team sucker punches the young fan ... knocking his head against a concrete wall.

Unable to move, the fan seems stunned ... and that's when another member of NW's entourage punches the fan again, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

The attack is cowardly, and Nardo -- wearing the white shirt near the rear of the SUV -- appears to try to get his guys to relax ... but the effort proves useless.

As for the fan, we're told he was taken to a local hospital where he was allegedly treated for a severe concussion, and there's some spots where he's hemorrhaging. Our sources say it's currently unclear if there will be any long-term damage ... only time will tell.

We reached out to a rep for Nardo Wick ... so far, no word back.

Step aside beer bongs and Bentleys ... Post Malone just combined two more of his favorite things -- the Dallas Cowboys and cool clothes -- into a winning combination ... helping his beloved squad with a sweet, new merch line!!

The "Better Now" crooner officially debuted the Cowboys-approved items this week ... after collabing with Cheatin Snakes designer Grant Kratzer.

The clothing line features 22 pieces in total ... and includes tees, jackets, sweatshirts, shorts and more.

All of the items have a unique blend of Dallas Cowboys logos as well as imagery associated with Post -- and fans will be able to officially get their hands on them later this week through live stream platform NTWRK.

Cowboys players, of course, already got an early look at the swag ... and Dak Prescott -- as well as some of his other high-profile teammates -- were clearly fans of it all.

The gear will range from $40 to $168 ... and when Post -- who's already partnered with his favorite team earlier this year to make a Cowboys-themed Raising Cane's restaurant -- was asked for his opinion on it all, he fittingly had just one quote ...

Diddy isn't about to let issues in his personal life take down the successes in his professional life, making the difficult decision to temporarily step aside from his role as Chairman at Revolt.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ Diddy decided last week he'd make the temporary move. We're told his goal in making the decision was to not allow the accusations he's facing distract from Revolt's mission or success.

Revolt is currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and doing well under the leadership of CEO Detavio Samuels and Chief Brand Officer Deon Graham. We're told Diddy is not involved in the company's day-to-day.

As we reported, Diddy was quick to settle a lawsuit brought by Cassie with an amicable resolution where she accused him of sexual assault, abuse and human trafficking.

There have since been two additional lawsuits filed against Diddy ... Joi Dickerson-Neal says Diddy sexually assaulted her on camera when she was a college student back in 1991, and a Jane Doe says Diddy and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and friends in either 1990 or 1991.

A rep for Diddy addressed the 2 additional lawsuits by saying, "The claims involving alleged misconduct against Mr. Combs from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute are all completely denied and rejected by him. He recognizes this as a money grab. Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for accusers who will falsify the truth, without conscience or consequence, for financial benefit."

The statement continues, "The New York Legislature surely did not intend or expect the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited for improper purposes. The public should be skeptical and not rush to accept these unsubstantiated allegations."

Travis Scott was the ultimate relationship counselor during his show in Miami Monday night … he prevented a couple's meltdown from happening right in front of him!!!

The "Utopia" rapper halted his "Circus Maximus" tour inside the Kaseya Center -- and had the stage lights shone on the couple after telling the crowd he saw them arguing throughout the show.

Travis told them whatever they were fighting about was small, and as long as they were under his watch ... they were going to have big fun!!!

The woman was still clearly mad -- Travis had to urge her several times to stand up just to receive her man’s hug, but they eventually hugged it out. All appeared to be well, at least for the moment.

The squabbling couple weren't the only fans who benefitted from Travis' goodwill.

Later in the show, he allowed a young fan to join on the harness as they turned up to the fan favorite "Utopia" track, "I Know?"