TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Chaka Zulu won't be charged for the fatal shooting in June 2022 that left one man dead outside an Atlanta restaurant -- prosecutors are dropping the case after Chaka insisted he fired in self-defense.

On Wednesday, Fulton County prosecutors released a statement to WSB-TV outlining their decision not to indict Chaka, who is Ludacris' manager, over the incident.

"The Atlanta Police Department made an arrest on charges determined at a standard of probable cause, which is their duty in this and all cases The District Attorney’s office investigates cases to determine what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial ... Our investigation of the facts and analysis of applicable law indicates that this is an appropriate resolution of this case based on the standard of proof required. Because the defendant is now involved in a pre-indictment diversion program, we will not comment further about the matter at this time.”

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... surveillance video we obtained showed Chaka and a group of several men, including the slain Artez Benton get into a skirmish outside Chaka's Apt4B restaurant and not too long after, fists were thrown and shots were fired.

Chaka's lawyer Gabe Banks also sent a statement to the local pub ... thanking D.A. Fani Will and her team for their thorough investigation and saying the music industry vet would be focusing on the "nurturing of his family" while also expressing sadness for the loss of life.

Lil Eazy-E thinks his father, Eazy-E's street sign in Compton probably should've come a little bit sooner ... but the day is finally here and everybody's celebratin'!!!

TMZ Hip Hop chopped it up with Lil Eazy on Wednesday as "Eazy Street" became the newest official order in Hub City. LE revealed he's got big plans for the estate in the future ... including some collab with AI.

The AI idea is just one of the visions Eazy says he's floating to honor his famous father's legacy ... AI tools could prove useful in completing some of the unreleased tracks.

Big Eazy died in 1995 but many of his friends and family were still around to support the street sign ... Alonzo Williams the DJ/club owner who helped launch everyone's career, several of his children -- even his mother pulled up to see her son's tribute.

Also present was original N.W.A. member DJ Yella but the other surviving members Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and MC Ren were noticeably absent but Lil Eazy says he's not surprised.

Lil Eazy says Yella was the only one who showed up to the "Boyz-N-The-Hood" rapper's funeral back in the day so he doesn't expect much change-up ... but does say they need to pay a visit to Momma Eazy for holding them down during the early days.

Ne-Yo is no stranger to giving back and this holiday season he's undeniably in his element ... helping out some of the community's most vulnerable citizens.

Ne-Yo was serving food to roughly 150 to 200 people Wednesday at City of Refuge Atlanta ... helping those who came for a Thanksgiving meal and a glimpse of the superstar singer in the flesh.

City of Refuge Atlanta provides shelter to the homeless, victims of sex trafficking, even single mothers with kids getting back on their feet, and provides gym amenities in addition to other wellness programs and employment services.

We're told Ne-Yo also donated a bunch of desserts to sweeten the pot for Thanksgiving -- and 4 of his children helped pass them out.

Tyga set out to make his 34th birthday legendary and based on this evidence, he succeeded ... twice, with parties in Vegas and Los Angeles this week surrounded by plenty of his celebrity pals!!!

Tyga's first string of celebrations kicked off inside Vegas' Spearmint Rhino strip club immediately after the F1 racing events, in the early hours of Nov. 19 ... and we're told everybody and their momma showed up.

YG, Saweetie, Swae Lee, Future, French Montana, Coi Leray, Odell Beckham Jr., Nav and Russell Westbrook were all Last Kings and Queens that evening!!!

Tyga's longtime bud Lil Wayne didn't want him to shoulder the load alone having to dole out stacks of cash to the strippers in the venue, and made a very supportive appearance ... his and Fat Joe's classic "Make It Rain" anthem clearly still lives up to that title!!!

Sunday was T-Raww's actual birthday and he enlisted the WTB Agency to morph a private West Hollywood residence into a makeshift club "Studio 34" ... disco ball and all!!!

The 2nd shindig was highlighted by cameos from Leo DiCaprio, Chris Brown, Kaytranada,  and Bryson Tiller ... and Saweetie, DDG and 310Babii all grabbed the mic for live performances!!!

Lola Brooke is in a giving mood this week ... the "Don't Play With It" rapper popped up in the Brooklyn neighborhood that molded her to ensure a couple hundred kids have a yummy Thanksgiving!!!

TMZ Hip Hop got this video of Lola and her Team 80 labelmate Bleezy personally serving roughly 200 kids from the Children of Promise organization ... which mentors and provides therapeutic empowerment services to children whose parents are incarcerated.

Lola partnered with Sei Less Restaurant and its co-owner Dara Mirjahangiry to have the kids try something different this go around ... which was dishes with an Asian fusion twist that surely expanded their palate.

There were smiles around as everyone rushed Lola for selfies, and we're told Lolo's mom was also there dropping some knowledge for the kids to grow on.

Lola's a fan of dishing and taking solid advice -- the last time we spoke to her, she was asking Lori Harvey to teach her tips for navigating the high-class dating game.

Kanye West believes his ex-trainer, Harley Pasternak, is stalking him around Dubai -- they did run into each other there -- but TMZ has learned it's Harley who felt threatened enough to call for backup.

Harley and Ye were both at Atlantis the Royal Dubai resort on Monday evening, and according to Ye's camp ... the rapper felt uncomfortable and believed Harley was tailing him around Dubai. So much so, he whipped out his phone and started recording Harley as he spoke to hotel staff.

However, sources with direct knowledge at the resort tell TMZ ... Harley was at the concierge desk making a dinner reservation when he came face-to-face with Ye. Remember, these 2 have a tumultuous history.

Harley's the one who called police and paramedics back in 2016 when he said Ye started behaving erratically during a training session. That call led to Kanye being committed to UCLA Medical Center for mental evaluation.

Cut to Monday in Dubai, around 9 PM we're told, when our sources say Ye approached Harley and attempted to embrace him -- perhaps trying to hug it out -- but Harley rebuffed him. We're told the concierge asked Harley if he needed hotel security, and he said yes.

We're told security arrived, but Ye and his team had left the area by that point -- and there was no further contact between them.

50 Cent fans got some real bang for their buck as Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance at London's O2 Arena ... as part of the rapper's "The Final Lap" tour.

Video footage obtained by TMZ shows 50 urging the crowd to "turn it up even more" with a massive digital box descending onstage along to the beat of Ed's "Shape Of You."

Rap fans look perplexed at the unexpected voyage into pop as the British singer's vocals are heard live in the distance -- and when 50 instructs the audience to "put their hands up," the box lifts to unveil Ed himself.

Cheers erupted from delighted concertgoers ... quickly whipping out their phones for evidence of the dynamic music collab onstage.

This isn't the first time 50 has stunned fans with a plus one on stage ... bringing out the likes of Busta Rhymes and Eminem.

Davido's one of the league leaders when it comes to Afrobeats music, and his efforts are paying off -- he recently nabbed 3 Grammy noms, including an historic one for the Academy's inaugural Best African Performance award.

The "Unavailable" crooner made time to break bread with TMZ Hip Hop Monday in NYC, and told us he has zero reservations about the Grammys botching his homegrown category.

He's nominated alongside several musicians he respects -- Asake, Arya Starr, Burna Boy and Tyla -- and considers them all hardworking, just like himself. Fact is, he's had to hop some serious hurdles just to be in Grammy contention.

Davido suffered a tragic loss in October 2022 when his 3-year-old son Ifeanyi drowned in their home swimming pool.

He grieved privately, and bounced back this past March by dropping his album "Timeless," which also earned a pair of Grammy noms to bring his tally to 3 ... Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance!!!

He and his wife Chioma welcomed twins last month, a boy and a girl, and he tells us their hands have been full taking care of the new blessings!!!

We also got Davido's take on the definition of Afrobeats ... the genre's popularity has exploded in the last few years with some people like Michael Blackson predicting it to be rap music's successor ... while others have dismissed it as watered-down R&B.

AJ McLean's pit stop on the Vegas Strip -- during the Formula 1 Grand Prix festivities --  had A-listers doing laps around the glitzy event, and got AJ onstage with The Chainsmokers.

The Backstreet Boys star put the pedal to the medal inside XS Nightclub at the Wynn Las Vegas Thursday night, as the trio performed a special rendition of his band's mega-hit "Everybody" -- but not before F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton and Will.i.am kicked things off at the exclusive invite-only opening ceremony the night before.

On Friday, TikToker Alix Earle jumped into the DJ booth with Swedish House Madia at XS ... while Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Michael B. Jordan, French Montana, and Saweetie partied in VIP.

The whole weekend was packed with celebs in town for the main event ... Saturday night's race, where RiRi and her man A$AP Rocky immersed themselves in the action. No doubt, it was a nice break from reality for the rapper, ahead of his courtroom appearance Monday in his shooting case.

It's official ... Cassie's lawsuit against Diddy -- where she alleged he raped her and was involved in human trafficking -- has been dismissed.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the case was ended in the eyes of the law Monday in New York. The document reads, "Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, Plaintiff hereby dismisses this action, with prejudice and without costs or fees to either party."

As we reported, it was Friday when both Cassie and Diddy announced they had settled the lawsuit ... Cassie stated, "I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support." Diddy's statement read, "We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love."

The settlement was extremely quick, considering Cassie had only filed her lawsuit Thursday.

However, Diddy's attorney, Ben Brafman, was direct, telling us ... "Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best."

Diddy was seen Saturday outside his Star Island home in Miami looking distressed, to say the least.

The lawsuit was shocking -- with claims of human trafficking, drug use and rape -- including one incident Cassie says happened in 2018 when Diddy allegedly came over to her home after she'd tried to break up with him and forced sex on her.

Cassie also accused Diddy of being physical with her, beating and stomping her several times throughout their long relationship.

Wale finds himself inserted in a rumor about Diddy dangling him over a balcony for working with Cassie against Diddy's wishes -- but Wale says it's a fairy tale derived from Robert Townsend's film, "The Five Heartbeats!!!

Wale's management tells TMZ Hip Hop the story, first started by DMV rapper-turned-YouTuber Ant Glizzy, is pure fakery and goes on to say, "It’s a shame that a complete fabrication has gotten this far and that we have to dignify it with a response."

They continue ... "It is a fantasy written by an outsider to exploit a viral story for clicks … the author must have watched "The Five Heartbeats" on basic cable and got inspired. They have never been in the same room as the people mentioned. Wale has never met Cassie or the author and was never involved in any type of altercation. He wishes peace for everyone involved in the settlement."

Wale's team is also warning any media outlets that continue posting the story would be spreading fake news, "and we appreciate any outlet dedicated to factual reporting.”

The 1991 film is loosely based on the Motown Hits era and features a crazed record label boss named Big Red hanging one of his artists over a balcony after they disrespected his office hours with an inquiry about his royalties.

Ant Glizzy has repeatedly made it clear in his videos that he has a bone to pick with Wale but also lingering beef with Shy Glizzy, who he also mentioned in the story.

Diddy looked gutted over the weekend after settling the explosive lawsuit Cassie filed, alleging rape, physical abuse and human trafficking.

2:35 PM PT -- The judge just decided there's enough to take Rocky's case to trial. He'll answer to two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm ... arraignment on January 8.

Potentially huge development in the A$AP Rocky assault case ... prosecutors just showed what they claim is video of him holding a gun before allegedly shooting former fellow Mob member A$AP Relli.

The video was played in an L.A. courtroom Monday afternoon, and prosecutors say that's Rocky in the clip holding a gun during a physical altercation with Relli.

LAPD detective Frank Flores took the stand, and testified cops obtained the video during the course of their investigation. The prosecution also showed still photos from the footage to bolster their claim it's A$AP Rocky with a gun.

Rihanna's baby daddy was in court as prosecutors made their case against him ... wearing a dark blue suit, black glasses and black facemask, remaining stoic throughout the explosive testimony against him.

Prosecutors also played a separate clip of what they say are 2 gunshots ... though there's been no video of the alleged shooting itself. Relli claims Rocky shot his hand.

Police body cam video was also shown in court ... and it shows at least 7 officers arriving at the scene of the alleged shooting and canvassing for evidence ... they never find the weapon.

As we reported... Relli claims he had beef with Rocky leading up to the alleged incident, and he testified Rocky put a gun to his stomach during a heated exchange.

Relli previously testified Rocky didn't shoot right then and there, instead claiming the bullets started flying shortly after they separated. He says Rocky took off running and left him on the street after firing about 4 shots.

While cops say they didn't find any shell casings, Relli claims he came back to the scene later that night and recovered a pair of 9mm shells. Rocky's lawyers grilled him over the claim, asking how he could easily find casings when the cops could not.

Worth noting ... no fingerprints were recovered from the shell casings Relli provided to law enforcement.

We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Usher broke down into tears while bidding a public goodbye to his longtime friend and drummer Aaron Spears ... the Grammy-winning musician's life and memory were honored following his untimely death.

Usher weeps while crediting Aaron as an "amazing force" at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Worship Center last week in Maryland ... also thanking his Musical Director Valdez Brantley for introducing and bringing them together.

Continuing to wipe away tears, the mourning artist adds that Aaron would forever be in his thoughts ... and pledged to love his devastated family members like his own.

Despite his grief, Usher fondly shares a glimpse into his friendship with Aaron ... "He follows me everywhere I go, and I was like, 'Man, you caught that?! ... you cold bro! You the worst'," he says with a touch of humor.

Tear-stricken Usher props his shades back on ... wrapping up his eulogy by reflecting on Aaron's unwavering encouragement, saying, "He would say man you gonna be alright ... he would say tonight is going to be the most incredible night ever!"

As we reported, Aaron's death was announced by his wife on Oct 30 on IG ... and alongside Usher, the likes of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande left heartbreaking tributes.

Boosie Badazz is standing on business ... and the necks of both Rod Wave and Kodak Black after he caught them allegedly stealing his songs for their new albums!!!

Tensions came to a head after Boosie addressed his IG followers on live, explaining that paying homage also requires paying him for using his work!!!

Rod's recent album "Nostalgia" topped the charts for 2 weeks straight in September and kicked off with the single "Long Journey" ... which Boosie says is a direct ripoff of his 2010 song of the same name.

The Lousiana rap legend says he didn't sign off on Rod using his track, and ditto goes for Kodak, who released his latest project "When I Was Dead," featuring the single "Eaze Your Mind."

Boosie's "Eaze Your Mind" came out in 2007, and although they fell out earlier this year, he says Kodak still could've done fair business when it comes to clearing the sample.

Rod, who's currently on tour, got wind of Boosie's rant and made a video of his own -- pleading for Boosie to skip the legal process, and let him pay out of pocket ... without overcharging him 😬.

Boosie decided to give RW a piece of his mind, suggesting he was swindling money from his kids' college funds.

Snoop Dogg shocked everyone with his declaration he's quitting "smoke" ... and turns out his choice of wording was the marketing ploy many suspected it to be -- he's now promoting a smokeless stove!!!

On Monday, Snoop made the grand reveal his announcement had zilch to do with quitting marijuana, and everything to do with Solo Stove, an outdoor fire pit that brings the blaze without the puff, puff, pass.

The new Death Row Records CEO addressed tarnishing his brand in the ad, but promised he was "done with the coughing and my clothes smelling all sticky-icky."

Yep, Snoop loves a double entendre almost as much as weed.

Keen eyes noticed Snoop said he was quitting "smoke" and not "smoking" -- but not everyone was paying attention.

Both Meek Mill and Coi Leray jumped out the gate with several unfounded claims about cannabis, but vowed they were quitting soon.

We'll see if they hold true to their word now that we know Snoop's just peddling stoves.

11/22 -- 6:32 AM PT -- Trench Baby aka Tauren Bartlett’s attorneys Bradford Cohen and Zoey Aron are speaking out for the client and tell TMZ Hip Hop …"The case against Mr. Bartlett is an example of the Los Angeles State Attorney's Office trying to charge a young man with very little physical evidence and a lot of hearsay. No murder weapon, no motive, his cell phone does not place him on the scene, no gunshot residue, and there is no eye witness identifying him. He was actually given a 2 mill dollar bond, but once he made the bond, the State attorney, who has spoken about justice reform, went back and pulled the bond.

"We expect to move this case forward and demonstrate why this incident could not have been Tauren and is most likely one of the several other suspects that police have questioned regarding the incident."

Polo G's brother Trench Baby is accused of killing a man in an L.A. drive-by shooting ... and is currently sitting in a jail cell after getting charged with felony murder.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Trench Baby (real name Taurean Bartlett) has now been charged for the murder of 20-year-old Dashaun Berry. We're told Berry was killed in a drive-by shooting in the wee hours of June 10 in a North Hollywood parking lot.

We're told paramedics pronounced Berry dead at the scene when they found him at 1:30 AM with gunshot wounds.

Cops believe the incident was just the first in a string of crimes Trench Baby allegedly went on to commit in the following months.

He's also been charged with first-degree residential robbery for an August 15 incident -- and faces an additional charge of dissuading a witness by force or threat on September 10.

We're told both of those charges involve the same man.

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... shortly after the alleged August robbery, police swarmed in on Polo and TB at their L.A. home and arrested them.

Polo and TB were also investigated for an alleged altercation in a Burbank studio involving a woman who said she had been punched in the face ... but prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to file charges for that one.

Trench Baby is being held without bail.