TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

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?"

Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert are no longer living under the same roof as their bitter divorce now plays out publicly ... something she blames squarely on her estranged husband.

Sources close to the exes tell TMZ, Teyana is incredibly disappointed and frustrated with Iman -- her husband of 7 years -- for deciding to make their identities public in a recent court filing in their divorce case.

Teyana had sought to not only protect their kids from this mess, but Iman as well ... which is why she initially filed divorce docs, back in January, using just their initials. The divorce was proceeding in private, but after his latest legal move, that privacy's completely out the window.

Teyana's attorney, Tanya Mitchell, echoed this sentiment, writing in a legal doc, "We were able to keep this divorce matter private as Ms. Taylor requested for eleven (11) months in this case prior to Mr. Shumpert's MOTION revealing the parties' legal names and making the private matter public."

She continued, "This matter would very likely still be private if Mr. Shumpert's MOTION TO SUBSTITUTE TRUE LEGAL NAMES AS REAL PARTIES IN INTEREST was not filed ..."

Our sources say Teyana and Iman are NOT living under the same roof -- though Teyana made it seem like they were on good terms in September, when she announced their separation.

In fact, we're told communication between Teyana and Iman is minimal ... and they only chat if it has to do with their 2 children. Basically, things ain't so rosy at the moment.

TMZ broke the story ... Teyana accused Iman of being a jealous spouse, with him allegedly being annoyed and aggravated with her burgeoning career, including on the acting front -- among lots of other messy allegations.

Alonzo Williams witnessed the meteoric rise of N.W.A, Eazy-E, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube with his own two eyes, but thinks hip hop's jumped the tracks since then ... as artists don't just rap about violence, they now promote it!!!

The famed West Coast promoter was front and center at Eazy's recent street sign unveiling in Compton, and said while he's proud of everything Eazy accomplished ... he predicts he'd be disappointed with many of today's hit records.

He thinks, much like Cube did, Eazy would have moved on to acting and producing films ... because his lyrics were too rough and cancel culture would've eventually taken down the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap."

Lonzo knew Eazy well ... his portrayal in 2015's "Straight Outta Compton" painted him as a rap-hating promoter who didn't see the big picture, but Lonzo tells us that wasn't the case at all.

He got his start DJing on the post-disco, electro-funk scene that predated hip hop music, and says the culture thing was all about making people dance.

When rappers started lyrically killing one another on wax, Lonzo says he couldn't get jiggy with it and fell back, but still thinks N.W.A is lightyears ahead of any drill rappers!!!

Special Ed also targeted drill music in his latest discussion with VladTV ... and doubled down on what he sees as N.W.A.'s role in hip hop ending up where it is today.

If you remember, the "I Got It Made" rapper blamed the West Coast pioneers for making the lifestyle look cool, which, of course, prompted heated reactions from Cube and KXNG Crooked.

D.L. Hughley's advising T.I. and Tiny's son, King, to listen to a voice of reason, and understand why his meltdown during an Atlanta Falcons game is "embarrassing" to his parents.

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with D.L. Monday at LAX, where he called King's outburst -- insisting he grew up half-poor -- absolutely "insulting" to Tip and Tiny's lifetime accomplishments.

ICYMI, King ended up in his father's headlock inside their luxury suite at Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- the end result of King claiming he knew about the trap life from growing up at his grandmother's house, and even experienced roaches crawling on his face.

D.L. says King grew up a reality star via VH1's "The Family Hustle," and says any roaches he encountered were actually paid actors!!!

As a father himself, D.L. thinks King's words cut even deeper than they seemed in the video. He says all decent parents take pride in their kids being fed and clean, and D.L. says King's childhood passes that test with flying colors.

D.L. tells us his own kids wouldn't dream of spewing any such disrespect -- he says they're older and know better.

King was still fuming on social media -- a day after squaring off with his parents -- but D.L. is certain he'll eventually come around and see how silly this all is.

According to 50 Cent, his popular 2003 "Magic Stick" hit with Lil Kim was an amazing backup plan ... he says he originally wrote the record with Trina in mind, but she screwed it up big time!!!

Apple Music’s Rebecca Judd recently interviewed 50 during his "Final Lap" tour in London while discussing the making of his debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" as it swiftly moves toward Diamond status.

50 says the "GRODT" tracklist got too long, resulting in "Magic Stick" getting cut, but he had another issue.

50 says he had originally sent Trina the record, but she sent some garbage back to him with "f***ed up" lyrics.

Former Atlantic vice president Gee Roberson swooped in to save the day and asked 50 for permission to give the track to Kim for her "La Bella Mafia" album, which he obliged.

50 says Kim's first single "The Jump Off" with Mr. Cheeks was solid but was lacking the sexual formula the late Notorious B.I.G. had designed for her.

His vision proved correct, "The Jump Off" was a modest success at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 but "Magic Stick" peaked at No. 2, with no video promo or anything, which was huge at the time.

DJ Yella says he'd love to hear AI technology resurrect Eazy-E's vocals and his beloved N.W.A for a new generation ... but he says there's nothing left in the music vault to recycle!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Yella outside Eazy's street sign unveiling in Compton last week where he revealed all the "World's Most Dangerous Group" master recordings fell into his lap after Eazy's death in 1995.

The Beatles just proved to the world that deceased musicians can still make an impact with the release of their final song, which used AI to boost John Lennon's vocals from a 1978 demo tape.

Yella and Eazy remained tight until the end, and he admits he's sitting on a bunch of unreleased instrumentals, likely produced by him and Dr. Dre, but says everything with rapping has already been used.

Chris Brown is taking some heat, with some labeling him antisemitic, after he was spotted in Dubai with Kanye West, listening to Ye's new song about screwing a "Jewish b****."

On Sunday, Chris Brown took to Instagram to set the critics straight about exactly who he was in a fiery message reaffirming his gang affiliations. "Let me make this perfectly clear before y'all try to use me as a pawn ... Ima a Piru, I aint Muslim or Jewish so don't start no s*** wont be no s***!!!" Breezy wrote.

"Im trying to be peaceful but please do not wake up the demon in me! ... Go on about your f****** day."

In another message, the R&B megastar turned down the aggression but still highlighted his point that he wasn't a hateful person.

"I'm pro life and I [make] music for the entire world!!!!!! So please do not get tricked into thinking I spread hate or am kool with it! This is for the million of young kids that look up to me and may be confused"

If you remember, Akon recently told Shannon Sharpe he feels Chris could've succeeded Michael Jackson's musical legacy but let his ties to the street hold him back ... and don't forget the attack on Rihanna.

Kanye West and Lil Durk may be working together a lot more in the future if all goes according to Ye's plan ... which is to free Durk of his current label situation.

Sources close to Kanye's camp tell TMZ Hip Hop that Ye is currently in talks to buy Durk out of his contract with Alamo Records in the aftermath of their new "Vultures" collaboration. That's the one where Ye claims he can't be antisemitic because, "I just f***** a Jewish bitch."

Our sources tell us 300 Records co-founder and current Alamo Records CEO Todd Moscowitz refused to clear Durk for another song he worked on for Kanye's upcoming album ... and now the paperwork battle is upon us.

Kanye was joined by Durk and the song's other featured artists, Ty Dolla $ign and Chicago rap legend Bump J at Blu Dubai nightclub over the weekend where they performed "Vultures" live for the first time ever.

The "Dark Twisted Fantasy" rapper's Dubai trip has been an eventful one so far ... he and his former personal trainer had a tense interaction inside a hotel lobby last week.

T.I. kicked off the Atlanta Falcons' 50th anniversary of Hip Hop celebration Sunday, and almost wound up kicking his son King's ass when a family dispute in the stands got physical.

Following the performance, T.I. and King engaged in what started as a playful back-and-forth but quickly spiraled into a physical altercation inside their suite at Mercedes-Benz stadium.

King began live streaming on IG where he pleaded his case that he knew about hardships like living with roaches while growing up ... to which his famous parents scoffed at his story and claimed he'd run to his grandmother's house to suck the pacifier, because he wasn't allowed to in their mansion!!!

King reached his breaking point and began to scream he's known for standing on business, to which T.I. stepped in and told him he was not only "embarrassing" the family but himself as well!!!

King can then be heard pleading for T.I. to "get off him" and you can see T.I. come into frame in an attempt to subdue his son.

He apparently succeeded ... T.I. secured King in a headlock and told him, "Boy you can't do nothing with me ... ain't shit you can do with me" as multiple people in the background can be heard pleading for King to stop before the camera cuts off.

Afterward, King blew off some steam on his IG stories although many of his followers informed him he was royally tripping and his parents were right.

King was born in 2004 -- T.I. had already released his platinum-selling "Trap Muzik" album and formed his Grand Hustle Records.

Ludacris performed at the Atlanta Falcons game this weekend -- and it looks like he took a page out of Lady Gaga's playbook to make an entrance ... descending from the heavens.

The rapper was the hired talent Sunday at Mecedes-Benz Stadium ... but weirdly enough, he didn't put on a halftime performance -- but rather, did a quick set after the third quarter ... which definitely took everyone by surprise.

The reason ... the dude literally rappelled down onto the stage below from way up toward the top of the facility -- and he did it kinda slowly, partially rapping a song in the air.

Looks like he was doing 'Move Bitch' on his way down ... and he was hyping up the crowd too, who ate it up. Unclear if he did a whole set once he touched down or not (there was a game going on, after all), but he got a little shine regardless.

The whole point of this was to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop in the ATL ... of which Luda has been a huge contributor over the years -- not to mention countless other acts from the area.