TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Druski's constant Birdman trolling seems to have finally caught up with him -- that is, if you buy this surveillance footage ... which shows the record exec "pulling up" on the homie.

TMZ Hip Hop has obtained some pretty shocking footage ... which we're told shows the Cash Money honcho and some goons literally dropping in and violently confronting Druski and co. at a studio session that the viral star was in late Friday night here in L.A.

Check it out ... you can see Birdman and his two friends facing off with Druski in a stairwell, and things get heated quickly -- with Baby apparently even attempting to put hands on Dru.

A minor scuffle ensues, and Druski and his pals go tumbling down the stairs as they try to escape ... making a run for it and beelining it through the halls of the studio -- with Birdman in close pursuit. We're told Dru had just finished filming for his reality show, "Coulda Been House," when this happened ... and from the looks of it, Birdman caught wind of it.

It would also appear that Birdman took something with him from all this ... namely, Druski's chain -- which he proudly flashed on social media afterward, writing ... "Surprise Party B*tch Slippin In Studio Richgang." Druski hasn't addressed the incident on any of his platforms.

Of course, the question here is ... is this real or fake??? Frankly, we're not even sure -- because this "beef" between Druski and Birdman has been walking the line of fact and fiction for a while, and Birdman himself certainly seems to think they have actual problems.

It all stems from this "Coulda Been Records" venture ... which has echoes of Birdman's Cash Money Records, right down to style and design of the logo. From the jump, Baby has made clear he does not approve -- this even though Druski has explained it's all for laughs.

That apparently doesn't matter to Birdman, who has repeatedly faced off with Druski (virtually) telling him to back down ... oftentimes in a pretty threatening way ... which seems legit.

Trinidad James is straddling the fence on record labels' decision to block artists from rerecording their music. but does think their primary reason for doing so -- Taylor Swift -- should be allowed to keep cookin' the system!!!

Ditto for Ashanti, who's been actively redoing her Murder Inc. albums in order to nab the biggest piece of the pie for herself!!!

TMZ Hip Hop got the 567 Agency exec at LAX, and he admits some newer artists might be affected by the rules changes in the wake of Taylor's historic, and financial, victory over her old label.

TS is largely responsible for the Billboard Hot 100's top 10 going dude-free twice through the boom of her rerecorded albums -- which labels are down in the dumps over because it devalues the OG master recordings. 🥴

Trinidad argues both Taylor and Ashanti were treated like slaves during their record label tenures ... and he thinks female artists tend to get the short end of the stick in the music biz.

However, speaking for the other side ... TJ says it takes $250K just to get a record off the ground, which is probably why labels are particularly tight with their budgets.

Blueface was roasted online for proudly showing off his new fiancée Jaidyn Alexis' home cooking ... which had culinary critics mocking the millionaire for eating like he was "living paycheck to paycheck."

Digging into homemade pasta topped with cheese singles and a basic side shredded salad, the rapper likely didn't expect to be dragged by online foodies ... who schooled him on shredded cheese and real, non-plastic plates for a more indulgent dining experience.

The salad wasn't let off the hook either, as one person likened it to old pencil shavings -- while others simply encouraged Blueface to "throw away the whole stove and whatever else she used to make this concoction." Ouch.

In one statement that hit a little close to home ... someone wrote, "I see why he cheats," in reference to his turbulent relationship with ex-Chrisean Rock.

Elsewhere, the home cooking was branded as "prison food," ... which Blueface may get all too familiar with if he breaks the terms of his 3-year probation for a Vegas shooting.

Jim Jones got highly emotional responding to Dee-1's recent criticisms about his music ... even hinting he'd take things to the ring if needed.

The Byrd Gang leader appeared on Sway's Universe Friday -- the same platform Dee used to voice his gripes over the murderous themes in the music of Jim, Rick Ross and Meek Mill.

Similar to Rozay's response, Jim opted to focus on his years of philanthropy and his fellow posse vouched for his efforts.

He also defended the content of his music ... declaring it to be rough because of the environment he was raised in but maintained his music always contains spiritual elements ... his first album was named "On My Way To Church" y'know.

Jim said he was really peeved over Dee using his name for fame and the New Orleans rapper should've contacted him offline if he really wanted to have a conversation ... but that window passed.

He denied promoting violence ... but warned Dee should keep his hand down when he sees him because he's seen shirts get wrinkled for less!!!

Sway assured Jim that Dee isn't on a clout-chasing mission but the Harlem boss wasn't convinced and said he was done talking about Dee, so that's that.

Revered producer 9th Wonder eventually entered the chat to defend Dee-1 on all his stances -- when it comes to children.

will.i.am and Van Jones want minorities to be at the forefront of tech space -- so they hosted a full-blown summit in L.A. to raise awareness for its future leaders.

The shindig was billed "Make Wakanda Real" -- like bringing the gadgets found in "Black Panther" to life -- and was held inside Will's FYI Campus Thursday night.

Tiffany Haddish, Ashton Kutcher, Jason Lee, and Quincy Jones III were just some of the supporting guests, as were dozens of innovators, tech experts and entrepreneurs.

Ashton helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars through his VC firm earlier in the year and stressed to the summit how he believes AI could help bridge the gap for underserved communities in the medical and legal realms.

LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, actor Boris Kodjoe, InfectionAI co-founder Mustafa Suleyman, Waye Talks founder Sinead Bovell, Black Ambition Opportunity Fund CEO Felecia Hatcher also tuned in virtually to lend their various expertise to the panels.

Naturally, the biggest topic of the evening was the boom of AI ... and the Black Eyed Peas frontman got a crash course during his panel with Van and 1500 Or Nothin' producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson debating with an AI bot!!!

Will was arguing the case that AI could end up sentient and conquering humans and exchanged in back-and-forth banter with the CPU.

Chris Brown will get the chance for competitive revenge against Robert Glasper -- the Recording Academy announced noms for the 66th annual Grammy Awards, and both artists are up for Best R&B Performance!

Last year's winner Muni Long did the honors Friday morning ... revealing Chris' "Summer Too Hot" and Robert's "Back To Love" (feat. SiR and Alex Isley) would be facing off for Grammy gold.

If you recall, CB totally blew his top in February when Robert beat him out for Best R&B Album ... basically writing him off as a nobody before actually doing his homework on RG's legacy.

Rob told TMZ Hip Hop that Breezy's disses were no sweat off his brow, and he would still be down to collaborate with him, despite the poor sportsmanship.

Chris just dropped his new album "11:11" on Friday with a robust 22 tracks, including the nominated one, "Summer Too Hot." So, it appears the game is still on!!!

Music released between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 15, 2023 was considered -- and neither Chris nor Rob is automatic to win the category.

Victoria Monet's ballad "How Does It Make You Feel," Coco Jones' breakout smash "ICU" and clear favorite SZA's "Kill Bill" are also up for the award.

French Montana kicked off his 39th birthday in exotic fashion ... with a Moroccan-themed soiree in the L.A., where several of his fellow hip hop stars helped him celebrate.

TMZ Hip Hop got this video from inside French's party -- the theme was "Playboy Nights" -- and it was packed with plenty of decadent temptations. Live entertainment, including a sultry fire dancer and a next-to-naked DJ, did plenty to boost the vibes!!!

French clearly had a ball ... he and Offset dapped it up and posed for photos together as the bottle service was flowing -- Travis Scott made a cameo and we're told Chrisean Rock stopped through to help lead the "Happy Birthday" serenade.

Chris Brown was also in the building, and in good spirits... he dropped his 11:11 album last night but still made time to swoop in to show French love.

The crowd was partying around a candlelit pool, and a violinist armed with a glowing neon violin also performed to spice up the festivities.

Donald Trump doesn't forget his day 1 supporters -- Lil Pump was in attendance at the former commander-in-chief's Florida rally Wednesday night, and the "Gucci Gang" rapper got some public praise.

Trump singled him out in the crowd of 5,200 reportedly in attendance in the Miami suburb of Hialeah ... prompting Pump to stand up, collect his flowers and show off his fit ... head-to-toe MAGA!!!

Flip the calendars back 3 years to 2020 and Pump was extremely vocal in attempting to get Trump reelected ... despite not being a registered voter himself.

For Pump, it's the influence that counts in the long run. He's a fan of #45's rebellious persona -- as are Kodak Black and Waka Flocka.

Nicki Minaj is very leery of social media these days and says her heart breaks for the younger generation because their entire lives revolve around being online!!!

The "Pink Friday 2" rapper got into detail about her postpartum life after having her son a few years ago, and admits she sought out other moms through social media for parenting tips ... but, overall, she still thinks the future looks bleak for folks who live on apps.

Nicki told Vogue, "It’s gotten so easy to be alone physically, where young people spend 12, 16 hours a day in their rooms on their phones, looking at these false realities, comparing themselves."

She went on to mourn some of the younger generation's late rappers ... "I’ve seen artists gone way too soon, and I wonder if that could have been avoided if they’d just had the chance to talk about what they were going through."

Gen Z has seen the deaths of Juice Wrld, Big Scarr and Mac Miller to drug overdoses in the past few years, in addition to losing Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion and King Von to gun violence, and the effects have taken their toll on the culture as it tries to push forward.

Nicki interjected in a big social media blowup this week when she convinced Soulja Boy to stop flipping out over J. Cole ... instructing the "Crank Dat" rapper to log off and woosah!!!

A rule she's applies to her own life as well, especially when it comes to politics.

T.I. says his joint album with Boosie Badazz is still coming ... when exactly though, is still up in the air with the moon, stars and rest of the cosmos!!!

We caught the "Rubber Band Man" rapper poppin' tags out on Rodeo Dr. ahead of his southern hip hop Grammy tribute performance alongside Boosie, and we had to get an update on their album.

Just like Boosie told us when he spoke to him this week, Tip promised nothing short of fireworks with his Grammy set, which also costarred Jeezy, but admitted he and Boosie's schedules have been too jampacked to pick up the collab where they left off.

The two rap heavyweights were on the verge of dropping the project at the top of 2023 ... but Boosie got the false impression T.I. was a snitch and went on an interview campaign about it.

After Tip and Boosie patched things up, Young Thug even used his limited social media privileges over the summer -- amid his own incarceration -- to plea for the album to drop, but still nada nearly 6 months later.

They're not capping about their busy schedules ... Boosie told us he's actively working on a new track with Sexyy Redd and an album with Daz Dillinger, in addition to a movie.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince reunited on stage for the first time in years last night in L.A. for the Grammys ... a full-circle moment for the legendary pair!!!

The dynamic duo performed a rendition of hits -- "Brand New Funk," "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It," and "Summertime" -- inside YouTube Theater in Inglewood as part of the Questlove-co-produced "Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" special.

Will was reportedly taping "Bad Boys 4" when Quest tried to get him for the Grammys' celebration of hip hop's milestone birthday during the award show back in February -- but his hometown brethren pulled through this time around!!!

The Fresh Prince was decked out in a Phillies jumpsuit and allowed his world-famous DJ to showcase his skills on the wheels of steel -- much to all the rappers' delight in the audience.

Flavor Flav couldn't contain his excitement and surprised Will on stage with a bear hug as he was finishing up his "Summertime" performance ... and was soon followed by DJ D-Nice, Chance The Rapper and tons of other giants of hip hop!!!

Will and Jazzy Jeff won the first Grammy presented for Best Rap Performance with 1988's "Parents Don't Understand," and were also the first hip hop act to perform at the awards.

The special is set to air on Paramount+ in December and also features Queen Latifah, E-40, Rakim, Latto, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Quik, Too Short, Remy Ma, YG, GloRilla, Gunna and many more.

Lola Brooke is certain Lori Harvey will bounce back after her most recent split -- from "Snowfall" star Damson Idris -- and says she wouldn't mind scooping a few pointers from her on juggling men!!!

TMZ Hip Hop gauged Lola's reaction to Lori's latest breakup on Tuesday, and the "Don't Play With It" rapper didn't want to believe the hot couple was done ... since she totally bought into them being a couple.

Lori's fans, like Lola, had their fears confirmed Tuesday when the couple announced they were headed for Splitsville by releasing a joint statement about having mutual "love and respect," but needing to walk separate paths.

In the past, Lori's been linked to the likes of Diddy, Future, and Michael B. Jordan -- to name a few -- and all Lola wants to know is how she can get the men flocking to her the same way!!!

Snoop Dogg just made good on his promise to send T-Pain a verse for a new track -- and it probably happened a lot faster than the Auto-Tune King thought it would.

T-Pain sent Snoop a text Monday with a harmless inquiry about getting a collab started, and Tha Doggfather told him all he had to do was send the beat, and he'd handle the rest.

And that was even before he heard the instrumental ... an excited Snoop told T-Pain the track was jamming and he'd return fire in just 2 days' time.

On Wednesday, T-Pain confidently told his IG followers Snoop was a man of his word, and announced their "That's How We Ballin'" song would be released this Friday!!!

Tinashe says she's been getting stalked by a guy who showed up at her front door and tried to get inside ... she now wants extra protection from the court to prevent it from happening again.

The singer just filed for a temporary restraining order in L.A., and per court docs -- obtained by TMZ -- the singer has been dealing with the guy for a while. Tinashe says the whole thing reached its tipping point last week when she says the guy surfaced outside her house.

In the paperwork, Tinashe says she's been getting randomly tagged on IG by a guy named Ramon Oppikofer since 2022 ... whom she says she doesn't know at all. Tinashe says it started as seemingly harmless digital fanfare but turned real on Oct. 27 -- when she claims he showed up to her brother's private birthday party ... totally uninvited.

Tinashe goes on to explain that Oppikofer apparently handed her a hotel room key -- which she says she gave right back to him and tried laughing it off. Things turned extra scary, however, after he allegedly arrived out of nowhere outside of her L.A.-area property a few days later ... during which, Tinashe claims he was simply lurking up and down her street.

She says she called cops that day, but he was gone by the time they arrived. The next day, Nov. 2, Tinashe claims this guy came back ... and this time, allegedly rang her doorbell -- only to get no response. She says he returned later that same day in an SUV ... pulling up in front of her house and calling out her name -- only to be confronted by people Tinashe was inside with. She says the man took off again ... but wasn't done just yet.

Tinashe claims that exact same day, he returned YET AGAIN -- this time, allegedly ringing her doorbell ... getting rebuffed by her father who was with her, and then allegedly breaking into her actual house. Tinashe says she fled to an area of her house and locked herself inside ... and claims Oppikofer attempted to open the door. She says some music studio co-workers who were on site confronted him and told him to scram ... and he did.

Tinashe says Oppikofer continued to lurk outside, and that cops eventually showed up and arrested him. BTW, law enforcement sources confirm all this to us -- saying he was booked for misdemeanor trespassing ... but was released shortly thereafter.

The reason, we're told ... L.A. County's no-bail policies -- and that's something Tinashe cites in her TRO request here ... saying she needs this court-ordered protection to keep Oppikofer away, as she fears he's going to show up to her place again and potentially do worse.

She says she's scared for her life ... and is begging a judge to sign off. As of now, her request has yet to be granted -- but the situation sounds dire.

6:16 PM PT -- Rocky's high-powered attorney, Joe Tacopina, grilled Relli on cross in court today ... and it proved to be a combative back-and-forth that delved into the alleged victim's personal history with Rocky -- including the nitty-gritty of what led to them falling out ... as well as how, exactly, he came to report the alleged crime and when.

The whole purpose of this questioning, it seems, was to get Relli to admit that he seemingly dragged his feet in raising this issue with law enforcement ... with the implication being that he may have had ulterior motives. That's certainly what Tacopina was driving at, anyway.

Relli, meanwhile, reiterated he only waited a bit to report this out of fear of retaliation ... and insisted he was a gunshot victim, period. He also denied trying to extract money out of this situation. Like we said, the exchanges were testy ... and it proved to be heated at times.

Now, a source directly familiar with the proceedings today tells us they feel like Relli got exposed, and that his case likely won't hold up in front of a jury due to inconsistencies addressed in the prelim. Of course, time will tell if that actually comes to pass.

5:10 PM PT -- A$AP Rocky's first day in court for his criminal trial appears to have just wrapped, 'cause the dude just left the building ... and he's looking cool and confident on his way out.

Check out this video of Rocky cruising out of the front doors of the DTLA courthouse he's been in all day ... where one of his former A$AP Mob members testified he shot him 2 years ago. As you can see, AR was in a damn good mood ... signing autographs and smiling wide.

From the looks of it, he's not all that worried about this case ... despite how serious it is.

A$AP Rocky's former fellow Mob member -- who claims Rocky shot him 2 years ago -- just testified Rocky also threatened to kill before pulling the trigger.

Terell Ephron -- who went by A$AP Relli when he was rolling with Rocky's crew -- took the stand Wednesday in a preliminary hearing to AR's assault case in Los Angeles.

Of course, Relli is the key witness/alleged victim here ... so he went under oath to explain what he alleges happened on Nov. 6, 2021 -- which is that his old pal opened fire on him and struck his hand with at least one of the shots.

While in court, Relli recounted how he and Rocky first came together and how A$AP Mob formed back in the day -- but also described how their relationship started to fray when Rocky's career skyrocketed, as others in the group were kinda left behind.

Relli says he began resenting Rocky for moves he perceived as dishonest, such as allegedly promising to help support a slain A$AP Mob member's family ... which Relli claims Rocky never did. All their bad blood allegedly came to a head that fateful night.

According to Relli, Rocky called him and demanded to know where he was, and they ended up meeting at an L.A. hotel -- which he thought might be a chance to squash their beef. Instead, Relli claims Rocky and some goons rolled up on him ... and things got heated, with a gun allegedly being drawn.

Relli claims harsh words were exchanged, and Rocky put the gun to his stomach ... allegedly saying, "I'll kill you right now." Relli testified Rocky didn't shoot right then and there, but claims the bullets started flying shortly thereafter as they separated.

At that point, Relli says he felt his hand get hot and knew he'd been hit ... and alleges Rocky fired around 4 times before taking off running and leaving him there on the street. Relli says he didn't go to cops until a full day later out of fear.

As we told you ... Rocky has already pleaded not guilty to 2 counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. Cops swarmed his pad last year and conducted a raid right after he landed back in L.A. from a Barbados trip he was on with Rihanna.

Rocky himself is in court today and heard all of Relli's testimony -- he was seen stepping outside during a lunch break ... and they're set to resume the hearing on November 20.

No sign of RiRi anywhere ... looks like Rocky's dealing with all this with just his lawyers at the moment.

Breakout R&B singer Tyla arguably has the R&B hit of the year with "Water" ... but Trevor Jackson's rendition is tarnishing some of that shine, at least that's the reaction he's getting online.

The "Grown-ish" star dropped his "Water" cover earlier this week along with a visual showing him performing the track and getting extremely animated as he strived to hit the notes ... which left his face distorted with emotion.

It's really the perfect fuel for memes, more than anything else, in this day and age!!!

Trevor's a seasoned R&B artist in his own right and covers popular songs every Tuesday as part of his "TMix" series, but fans accused him of doing the absolute most for this round.

TJ embellished Tyla's OG lyrics a bit with sexual overtones, and added even more naughty emphasis with his bump-and-grind body language!!!

Some argued it might be time for men to dig into their own creative juices, and leave ladies' artistic expressions alone.

The writing's on the Billboard wall ... the Hot 100's Top 10 is currently made up of all female artists for the 2nd time in history!!!