TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Gunna's still locked up, but there's one company reaping the benefits of his clothing choice as he turned himself in ... customers are flooding its site to look like their favorite rapper.

Gunna was booked on RICO charges Wednesday in Fulton County, and while his mug shot appeared to be a little fuzzy, some eagle-eyed fans couldn't help but notice the logo on the hoodie he was wearing -- it's a brand called LaRopa.

We spoke to a rep for the clothing company who tells us the day Gunna's mug shot was released, the brand saw a 15% increase in sales for the hoodie, compared to a normal day.

Not only did sales jump on Wednesday, the trend continued Thursday as well ... with a 24% increase for the top.

We're told Gunna doesn't have a stake in the company ... he just happened to be wearing it during his arrest. However, he's not the only celeb to have rocked LaRopa in the past ... Playboi Carti, Bella Hadid, Erika Jayne and Young Thug -- who is also locked up on related charges -- have all been spotted in LaRopa before.

Memphis-born rapper Al Kapone -- most famous for his hit song "Whoop That Trick" -- says Warriors superstar Steph Curry can't use his signature line ... especially against his hometown Grizzlies!!

TMZ Sports spoke with the Southern MC after Memphis' 134-95 blowout win over Golden State Wednesday night ... and asked him how he felt about Curry saying his game plan heading into Game 5 was, "Whoop that trick."

"To be honest with you, I had two different feelings," Kapone said. "One feeling was, 'Wow, Steph Curry just said whoop that trick.' That was one feeling. Like, 'Man, this is pretty big.'"

"But the other side was -- you can't say that against my team. [I] was excited on one end, 'cause it was Steph Curry. But on the other end, you can't use that against my team."

Kapone -- who debuted the banger in 2005 -- said the Grizzlies tapped him to perform the record Wednesday night ... and once he saw Curry on the court, he knew what he had to do.

"I'm running around the court like I normally do," Kapone said, "getting the crowd pumped, and I just so happen to look up and notice -- there he is right there."

"I gotta make you eat those words right now, for Memphis!!!"

Of course, the song is a big deal because of its Southern roots ... but also because Terrence Howard performed it in the hit movie "Hustle & Flow" featuring Taraji P. Henson.

"It's amazing to have a song that's on the level of 'We Will Rock You,'" Al said. "It's amazing to know I birthed something that's iconic, and I'm here for every moment of it."

Speaking of TH, Al tells us he would love to share the stage with Howard and perform the legendary song together ... whether at a concert or a Grizzlies game.

"I talked to Craig Brewer, who is the writer and producer of Hustle and Flow, and we have had that conversation," Kapone said. "We're definitely trying to make that happen."

As Young Thug, Gunna and dozens of other YSL members stare down pages of racketeering and gang charges ... they're getting a wave of public support from famous friends in rap.

Leading the charge was Lil Keed — the 2020 XXL Freshman and YSL affiliate NOT busted in the 56-count RICO indictment. The 24-year-old is adamant the Young Stoner Life label is many things, but definitely not a gang.

Keed calls his YSL comrades more of a "family" and a "lifestyle" ... but not a criminal org.

Georgia prosecutors feel the opposite, having thrown an 88-page indictment at Thug, Gunna and 26 other associates; accusing the organization of murder, receiving stolen property and even ordering a Fulton County jailhouse hit on rival Atlanta rapper, YFN Lucci ... who was stabbed in February.

Keed's comments mirrored those of longtime Young Thug collaborator, super-producer Metro Boomin, Post Malone and Meek Mill.

Thug and Gunna's lyrics are being combed through as potential evidence -- a notion that set off Young Metro on Twitter.

Post, who worked with Thug on his own hit 2020 album, "Hollywood's Bleeding," also had nothing but love for the cause and gave an eternal vow of support to both Thugga and Gunna.

Meek Mill also bashed the RICO laws and vouched for Thug's character. Meek doesn't blame the artists themselves, but the influence they carry and how it affects individuals looking from the outside in.

The Dreamchasers CEO joined forces with the likes of JAY-Z, Fat Joe, Killer Mike and more in January to propose the "Rap Music on Trial" bill to prevent lyrics from being used as circumstantial evidence.

Travis Scott is among several defendants -- including Live Nation, Scoremore Holdings, ASM Global -- being sued by a woman who claims she suffered injuries so severe at Astroworld, they resulted in a miscarriage.

Shanazia Williamson says she attended Astroworld back in November and was trampled during a crowd surge and sustained injuries to her shoulder, back, chest, leg, stomach and other parts of her body.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Williamson says the defendants', "failure to plan, design, manage, operate, staff, and supervise the event was a direct and proximate cause of Shanazia's injuries and death of her and Jarawd's (her partner) unborn child."

Shanazia first filed a lawsuit for injuries she sustained at the festival on November 21, which included, "trouble breathing, chest pain, and left leg pain, as well as injuries to other parts of her body."

In an amended complaint, submitted a month-and-a-half after the tragedy, Shanazia filed for wrongful death. Interestingly, Texas law states ... a fetus that dies as a result of negligence can be the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit. It doesn't matter how far along the mother was in her pregnancy. It could be a fetus that isn't viable, but the parents could still sue for wrongful death.

It's also interesting ... in her amended complaint, Shanazia added the claim that she suffered injuries to her stomach. BTW, the complaint doesn't say how far along she was in her pregnancy.

Bobby Shmurda can’t wait to unleash his new projects and products onto his adoring fanbase … and he joined us on "TMZ Hip Hop" to reveal what he's been cooking in the stu'.

The newly independent rap star -- who’s been heating up with his new song “They Don’t Know” -- had his undeniable Shmenergy as he told us about some huge collabs with fellow hitmakers. We're talking DaBaby, Rich The Kid, Quavo, Fivio Foreign and his day-one brother, Rowdy Rebel ... just to name a few.

Bobby says he's been loading up new music since amicably parting ways with Epic Records, and he explained why the move is gonna pay off for him in the long run.

The "Hot N***a" rapper's laid down so many new tracks, he plans to drop 2 different projects to dominate Summer 2022!!!

And, music isn't the only thing getting the proud New Yorker lit, as he just inked a deal with Elevate Cannabis Company to release 10 new weed strains.

Bobby's commentary wasn't all fun and games, however. Having served more than 6 years for criminal conspiracy, he shared some words of wisdom and encouragement for Young Thug, Gunna and the rest of YSL after their indictment.

Kanye West and his girlfriend Chaney Jones just leveled up in their relationship, she's rocking Ye's name on her wrist in ink.

That's right, Chaney just posted a series of photos of herself in what looks like Balenciaga pants and a tube top, but it's the subtle "ye" on her left wrist that has fans buzzing.

Of course, the tattoo is a tribute to her new man -- and his new legal name. The pair have been dating for several months now, so it's possible Chaney wanted to get the work done to signify an important person and time in her life.

As we reported ... the couple was together in Japan last month, where Chaney accompanied Kanye on a business trip. The two were low-key, snapping a few pics -- including one Chaney posted while they looked toward a street.

It's not just Kanye's new relationship that's sprouted new tats -- Kim's boyfriend, Pete Davidson, has gotten several pieces done in her honor -- including one that reads "MY GIRL IS A LAWYER" and a branding of her name on his chest.

Ludacris is locking up this year's award for biggest ballin' college graduate -- he's got himself a new private jet just to celebrate his recent degree from Georgia State.

Luda's showing off his shiny new purchase -- a PJ he's planning to use for family vacays, and other trips, we're sure.

He posted the flying flex with the caption #FamilyUpgrade ... a perfect caption, considering his 4th daughter's birth last year.

As we reported, the rapper/actor just received an honorary degree in Music Management from GSU, and he's not even trying to hide how happy he is about his graduation gift.

Once he stepped on board, Luda was belting out "The Jeffersons" theme song. Ya can't deny he's "movin' on up" ... to about 30,000 feet.

The spacious new jet towers over his last plane, which was a Hawker 700, reportedly worth around $20 million.

If you didn't know, Luda took his love for flying to the next level last year by getting his pilot license.

Ciara and Russell Wilson welcomed a new puppy to the family for Mother's Day, but PETA's taking them to task for buying the pup from a breeder, and not rescuing a pooch from a shelter instead.

PETA believes it's clear -- the couple's new dog, Bronco, is a purebred puppy -- and likely from a breeder where "mother dogs are often locked inside filthy cages and bred over and over until their bodies give out."

The animal rescue org also uses some Ciara song references in calling out Russ, telling us the QB made a "One, Two Step mistake by killing a shelter dog's chances of finding a home."

They continue, "PETA is calling on the couple to Level Up on kindness by adopting a companion for this pup instead of fueling the homeless-animal crisis."

As we've told you, Ci and Russ revealed they welcomed their new doggy to the fam over Mother's Day weekend, naming her Bronco after Russ' new team in Denver. Ciara called the puppy, "the sweetest surprise."

50 Cent's infamous Instagram trolling is a fully calculated strategy ... so says 'Power Book 2: Ghost' star Gianni Paolo, who broke down the boss man's online tactics on the latest episode of TMZ's 'Verified' Podcast.

Gianni has the ultimate follow-your-dreams story ... which includes ditching a potential professional hockey career to take his shot at making it as an actor.

Smart move that landed him into 50's expansive 'Power' universe (which may or may not live on Starz in the near future).

When asked about 50's IG trolling (which tends to toe every line imaginable), Gianni says he can usually see the promotional storm coming as soon as Fiddy's social media antics begin.

Call it "convenient trolling," if you will, but between 4 'Power' series and the critically acclaimed 'B.M.F.' (which will now feature Mo'Nique) -- 50 knows how to generate an audience.

Gianni admits working on 'Ghost' dominates most of his day and also spilled on earning Mary J. Blige's respect ... and a mortifying first and second meeting with Method Man.

Jack Harlow just discovered the connection between Ray J and Brandy, getting schooled on their family history live on air ... and it's all on video and hilarious!!!

The "First Class" rapper was doing a live interview Wednesday on "Ebro in the Morning" on Hot97 radio in New York when the hosts got him to play a music guessing game.

While a Brandy song plays in his headphone, Jack struggles to name the voice singing the lyrics ... with his first guess Aaliyah. Nope!!!

The hosts playfully rib Jack and start feeding him clues ... telling him the singer starred in her own TV show.

Jack asks for more and then it gets funny ... the hosts think he will figure it out once they steer him in the direction of Ray J, so they hint at the singer's brother having an amazing sex tape.

The lightbulb doesn't quite turn on for Jack right away ... and then he asks who is Ray J's sister.

Um, it's Brandy ... but apparently, not everyone knows.

Jack's a good sport about it in the end ... explaining no one ever told him that fun fact and saying he had no idea.

Kendrick Lamar is unveiling 2 big surprises at once -- his highly anticipated new album cover, which happens to include the first public image of ... his new baby!!! Say what???

The typically ultra-private K. Dot revealed the cover artwork Wednesday for "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers" -- which would've been plenty to get fans buzzing, but he also threw in the family bonus.

The cover shows Kendrick holding his daughter, who's now almost 3, while longtime GF Whitney Alford is sitting on a bed, cradling a newborn.

The baby's not just a prop either -- TMZ Hip Hop is hearing the couple did indeed have a baby on the low low.

In his new video "The Heart Pt. 5" -- which debuted earlier this week -- Kendrick referred to his "kids," plural, and his "wife" ... a strong hint his parenting and marital status had changed.

The 'Mr. Morale' cover confirms, at least, the children part. As for whether he and Whitney have tied the knot? We're working on it.

Gunna's an innocent and charitable man, and the cops who busted him are wrong to use his music and lyrics against him ... so says the rapper's legal team.

We've just obtained a statement from Gunna's attorneys, who tell us, "Mr. Sergio Kitchens, known as Gunna, is innocent. The indictment falsely portrays his music as part of a criminal conspiracy."

They also point out some contributions Gunna has made for his community, including the first-ever local free in-school grocery and clothing store feeding over 400 children weekly, and nationally sponsored giveaways for victims of disasters and food shortages.

The legal team, comprised of Donald F. Samuel, John A. Garland and Kristen W. Novay tells us, "Mr. Kitchens has been an advocate for his community, and it is our privilege to advocate for him."

As we reported, Gunna turned himself in Wednesday, two days after Young Thug's home was raided and the rapper was arrested. Both have been arrested on RICO charges from a 56-count, 28-person indictment out of Fulton County, GA.

Among lyrics listed in the indictment, "I killed his man in front of his momma, like f*** lil bruh, sister and his cousin,” and “my trigger start itching" from Young Thug.

Both Gunna and Young Thug have been accused of gang activity, possession with intent to sell an array of drugs, and receiving stolen property.

Gunna was in court Wednesday, and will be held without bond.

A$AP Rocky apparently won't be staying in the house police raided during his arrest ... there's a moving truck parked outside and his stuff's getting loaded up.

The rapper's Los Angeles home was buzzing with activity Tuesday ... but this time it wasn't cops using a battering ram to break through the front gate, instead, there were movers loading up a U-Haul truck.

There's got to be some bad juju for A$AP at the home now ... police executed their search warrant the same day cops arrested Rocky at LAX upon his return from a trip to Barbados with Rihanna. Some bad vibes, and memories, all around.

The raid, which cops say turned up several guns that did NOT match the gun used in the shooting, went down April 20.

As you know ... cops believe A$AP shot a man in Hollywood last November during an argument, with a bullet grazing the guy's hand, and Rocky was arrested last month for assault with a deadly weapon.

Gunna is facing the music in a sweeping racketeering case reverberating throughout Atlanta – the guy's now in custody ... and his mug shot is one for the ages.

The rapper was arrested and booked into the Fulton County Jail early Wednesday morning on RICO charges -- -- stemming, of course, from the 56-count indictment levied against him and dozens of alleged YSL gang members this week.

According to jail records, Gunna surrendered and turned himself in to the authorities -- whereas his alleged co-conspirator, Young Thug, was hauled to jail by cops who raided his property on Monday.

Both MCs have been accused of possession and intent to sell a variety of narcotics, receiving stolen property, and for general street gang activity. They were also charged with being part of a larger criminal enterprise comprised of YSL associates who are alleged to have been involved in a bunch of crimes, including the attempted murder of rapper YFN Lucci.

Gunna is scheduled to make a court appearance Wednesday.

DJ Khaled pulled a Drake during the Miami Heat playoff game on Tuesday ... jumping up from his courtside seat to assist his beloved team -- including giving Erik Spoelstra a shoulder massage!!

The hilarious moment went down in the third quarter of the Heat's second-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers ... when the mogul hopped up to snag a ball that went out of bounds.

But, while Khaled was up, he decided to pump up the crowd by clapping and cheering ... and when he made his way back to his seat, he gave Coach Spo's shoulders a squeeze.

Of course, it's reminiscent of what Drizzy did to Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse back in the 2019 playoffs ... when he tried to calm him down after a Fred VanVleet three-pointer.

Khaled should be careful, though -- the NBA had to talk to the Raps regarding Drake's sideline antics ... but ultimately, nothing serious happened.

Spo seemed to love Khaled's gesture ... saying, "That was funny. I didn't even notice him until the end, what he was doing to get the crowd fired up."

"But, I loved it," he added. "That's awesome. I was humbled to be part of that moment. He's such a great fan there. Over the years, I've said hello a few times. But, that was the best interaction and that was genuine."

Jack Harlow always has time for his fans ... even the youngest ones on the outskirts.

The rapper cleared a path this weekend for a 10-year-old who was seeking a photo with him at the Kentucky Derby, but was blocked off by a gaggle of security guards flanking him on all sides.

The kid's mother, Katy Mackin, tells TMZ ... her daughter, Veronica, saw Jack down on the race track where he was scheduled to do the "riders up" call -- signaling the jockeys to take their starting positions on the horses. This family had a horse running, BTW ... Smile Happy.

Anyway, we're told Veronica saw Jack -- whom she loves -- and was eager for a pic ... something that was gonna be hard to achieve with all the muscle around him.

Lucky for her, Jack's got eagle eyes ... Mackin tells us he spotted her and figured she was itching for a quick meet and greet -- which he obliged by opening up the sea of men, so to speak. Before long, she was hugging the guy and got her snap!