TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid is blasting Jay-Z for his new partnership with the NFL ... saying it looks like the rap mogul is selling out and helping "bury" Colin Kaepernick's football career.

Kap's longtime friend and former teammate sounded off on social media late Wednesday night ... responding to a quote from Jay that read "... everybody knows I agree with what you're saying [in Kaepernick's underlying message]. So what are we gonna do? ... [Help] millions and millions of people, or we get stuck on Colin not having a job."

"These aren’t mutually exclusive," Reid wrote back ... "They can both happen at the same time! It looks like your goal was to make millions and millions of dollars by assisting the NFL in burying Colin’s career."

Of course, Jay-Z has taken plenty of heat for his partnership with Roger Goodell -- one where Hov will help the league with entertainment and social justice issues -- because some feel it undercuts Kap's cause.

Clearly, Reid is in that corner ... because he also retweeted several tweets that hammered Jay for the move, including one that read, "You don't 'move on' from riding for the people."

For his part, Kaepernick has yet to respond directly to the whole ordeal ... but he did write on social media Wednesday, "Today marks the three year anniversary of the first time I protested systemic oppression. I continue to work and stand with the people in our fight for liberation, despite those who are trying to erase the movement! The movement has always lived with the people!"

Jay-Z talked to Colin Kaepernick ahead of announcing his new partnership with the NFL -- according to reports -- but the rap mogul said his deal with the league goes beyond Kaepernick's kneeling protest.

Some thought Jay -- by signing on to help the NFL with entertainment and social justice issues -- was undercutting Kap's cause ... but both Jay and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed that Wednesday at Roc Nation's NYC offices.

The two men sat next to each other and discussed the partnership with about 30 invited media members. Referring to Kaepernick and other NFL players kneeling during the anthem, Jay said ... "I think that we forget that Colin’s whole thing was to bring attention to social injustice so in that case this is a success — this is the next thing. There’s two parts of protest: the protest, and then there’s a company or individual saying ‘I hear you, what do we do next?’ For me it’s about actionable items, what are we gonna do about it?"

As you know, Kaepernick still doesn't have a job in the NFL, and Goodell was asked if he's been blackballed. He said "any team" can sign him. Both Jay-Z and Goodell said they had spoken to Kaepernick ahead of Tuesday's announcement they'd be teaming up. However, neither would reveal what Kaepernick said.

As far as whether Kaepernick would be involved in the partnership -- where the NFL will support Jay-Z's social justice causes and Jay will produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show -- Jay said, "You'll have to ask him, I'm not his boss. That's for him to say."

Goodell and Jay seemed like a old friends ... shaking hands and laughing through the event.

We've reached out to reps for Kaepernick to see if he has any reaction to Jay's sit down with the NFL Commissioner.

By the way, the NFL and Roc Nation only allowed one still photographer in the event. The NFL shot the only video which it plans to release later Wednesday.

A$AP Rocky did not beat the rap in Sweden, because the judges in his assault case have found him guilty ... but he will NOT have to go to prison.

The 4 judges in the case issued their written ruling Wednesday ... concluding A$AP was guilty of assaulting a man during a street fight in Stockholm. The judges said Rocky, and his 2 friends who were also standing trial, "were not in a situation where they were entitled to self-defense."

The case hinged on whether A$AP threw a bottle at the victim during the all-out brawl in late June. Prosecutors argued Rocky hurled the bottle and badly cut the guy, but they couldn't produce a single witness who saw a bottle fly during the melee. Rocky conceded he was holding a bottle for protection, but put it down and it never made contact with the guy.

The judges said prosecutors did not prove the bottle was used to hit the victim. As a result, the judges said the crime did not warrant any further time served, and added Rocky will NOT have to do community service.

Rocky got a suspended sentence ... meaning he'll have to pay various fees and fines, and if he does he's in the clear. The judges felt Rocky and his co-defendants got ample punishment already with time served -- 1 month in a Swedish jail.

The upshot ... the court found hitting and kicking the victim while he was on the ground was a crime -- namely, assault -- because A$AP and his crew were not in danger of imminent harm, but prosecutors failed to prove the biggest issue ... that A$AP struck the victim with a bottle, and that's why he got no jail time.

A$AP and the co-defendants will, however, have to pay restitution to the victim, and also cover Sweden's court expenses.

As we reported, the alleged victim was the initial aggressor, harassing Rocky and his crew despite pleas from the rapper to leave them alone. The guy also attacked Rocky's bodyguard before A$AP took care of business.

A$AP was jailed for a month, and 3/4 of that time spent behind bars was before he was even charged. A$AP never claimed his arrest was racially motivated ... but his mom and G-Eazy had a different view.

The case became an international incident -- claims of racism and inhumane conditions in the jail. President Trump intervened ... but that didn't sit well with the Swedish Prime Minister who told him to butt out.

After a month in jail and a 3-day trial, the judges allowed Rocky to fly home to the states while they decided his fate. Prosecutors wanted Rocky to remain in jail pending the verdict, because they said he was a flight risk.

A$AP blew out of Sweden on a private jet, and was gleeful when he touched down at LAX.

As we reported ... Rocky performed last weekend at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA for the first time since his arrest and told his fans, "Hopefully I'm not guilty and hopefully we ain't gotta go back to jail or nothing like that."

Rocky seemed to indicate he would have returned to Sweden to do the time if found guilty -- however, that won't be an issue.

Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign's "Hot Girl Summer" got chilled down by LAPD who nearly torpedoed their music video -- but there's a happy ending. Ya like those, right?

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ, cops crashed Meg's attempt to shoot her video for 'HGS' last Friday, in the Mount Olympus neighborhood of L.A. -- right in the heart of the Hollywood Hills.

The reason? We're told she didn't have the proper permits.

Major drag too ... because our sources say Meg and her featured guests, Nicki and Ty, were all set to go at a house they'd booked as the main set for the shoot. Nicki and Meg were in costume, rocking matching neon striped outfits, which showed off all their good sides. As in, all of them!!!

The problem is ... someone snitched!!! Law enforcement sources tell us someone called the cops, and officers rolled up to find production didn't have the necessary paperwork. LAPD sent everyone packing, shutting down production.

Not to worry though, Stallionaires ... we're told Meg and co. improvised and were able to lock down another location about 50 miles East of L.A. in Chino Hills. It's just like the Hollywood Hills ... of Chino, anyway.

We're told the team was able to finish the scenes they needed without issues that same night, and the music video is scheduled to be released as planned.

Spoiler alert ... this thing appears to feature some wild animal cameos. Saddle up, folks!!!

Rapper Roddy Ricch allegedly grabbed his girlfriend during a heated argument at his home, and now he's facing possible felony domestic violence charges.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the Compton MC got into a verbal spat with his girlfriend early Sunday morning at his Los Angeles pad. We're told the dispute eventually turned physical, and sources say Roddy put his hands on the woman during their argument.

Roddy was arrested and booked for felony domestic violence. We're told the alleged victim did not need medical attention.

The 20-year-old rapper was released on $50,000 bond.

Roddy Ricch has made a name for himself in the West Coast rap scene ... his music videos are getting millions of views on YouTube, and he was featured on Nipsey Hussle's hit track, "Racks In The Middle." Roddy's also working on a collab with Drake.

Jay-Z -- one of Colin Kaepernick's biggest supporters -- is teaming up with the NFL for a music and social justice campaign ... this according to reports.

The partnership is with Hov's Roc Nation company ... in which the rap mogul will be the league's "live music entertainment strategist" ... including working together on the league's Inspire Change activism campaign, according to The New York Times.

Here's where it gets interesting -- just last year, Jay-Z called the NFL out, dissing the league in a song called "APESH*T" ... where he rhymed about turning down the Super Bowl halftime show to show solidarity with Kaepernick.

The role will make Jay a consultant for the show he so publicly rejected.

It's clear the league is trying to make amends for all the backlash it received in the handling of the national anthem demonstrations ... and a man with Jay-Z's reverence and influence will certainly help him do that.

As for the Inspire Change initiative ... it was created earlier this year to "create positive change in communities across the country."

A$AP Rocky's first live show since his arrest overseas proves he still has swagger, showmanship and bravado -- but he's also been humbled, and his fired-up fans gave Sweden an earful.

Rocky performed Sunday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, where he was headlining the annual Real Street Festival -- which also featured Cardi B, Future, Migos, 2 Chainz, Big Sean and lots of other superstars. A$AP brought out some special guests himself -- A$AP Ferg, Tyler the Creator, and YG were just a few.

In this footage from his set, A$AP shared some of his experiences in Sweden with the crowd and thanked them for continued support.

You can tell the audience wasn't happy over his predicament ... they literally chanted "F*** Sweden" at one point in the show, and Rocky didn't try to stop them. He did clarify that he's got nothing against Swedish people, though -- sounds like some Swedes there were holding it down and demanding his release, just like folks here at home.

Before he bowed out, Rocky asked the crowd to pray for him before a verdict is reached this coming Wednesday in his assault case -- which wrapped up about 10 days ago, giving Rocky a chance to finally fly home.

He was ecstatic to be home, and has been keeping busy with some of his staunchest supporters in the days he's been back.

Nothing comes between Rick Ross and a plate of his delicious wings ... unless, of course, it's a NYC cyclist barreling down the street who damn near took out Da Boss!

Rick was on his way out of a radio station this week when he almost got TRUCKED by a New Yorker on one of those rent-a-bikes, and she was PISSED!!!

Check out the clip, which is pretty funny now ... since everyone walked away without a scratch. Rick definitely got on the biker's last nerve because he failed to look before strolling out into the clearly marked bike lane.

We're guessing Rick had his mind on his money, and his money on his mind. He was beelining it for a Wing Stop truck parked on the street. Rick owns more than 2 dozen Wing Stop branches across the country.

No clue who the peeved cyclist was -- she kept rolling -- but we know who won't have any such problem ... Jerry O'Connell. Rick's cycling encounter is the perfect excuse for us to roll this hilarious footage of JO failing to rent a Citi Bike.

Cycling in the big city ain't easy ... for a bunch o' reasons.

Kylie Jenner is riding into 22 with a firm grip on her man -- she and Travis Scott did some tandem jet skiing as part of her outrageous birthday celebration at sea.

Kylie's moved the party into the Mediterranean Saturday -- her actual birthday -- off the coast of Italy. She and her baby daddy are cruising around with her closest GFs on their personal watercraft, as opposed to their OTHER "watercraft" ... the $250 million megayacht, "Tranquility."

And, check out the the birthday girl's sea-faring fashion sense -- an amazing technicolor swimsuit that definitely stands out ... as she always does.

The celebration's been going since the early hours of Saturday aboard their ship. KJ showed off one of her fabulous gifts from Trav ... a diamond chain with a massive pendant fashioned after her Kylie Lip Kit logo -- y'know that thing that made her so stinkin' rich.

It's a pretty sick piece, complete with liquid dripping off the lips ... all made of diamonds, of course.

Hey, we can't all be billionaires at 22, floating off the coast of Italy on a megayacht that costs $1.2 million per week to charter -- but at least we can all share in Kylie's fun.

Rick Ross is siding with Kenny Stills in his beef with the Miami Dolphins owner ... telling TMZ Sports he feels Stephen Ross doesn't do enough for the black community.

The NFL receiver publicly criticized his boss earlier this week ... calling Ross a hypocrite for running a charity championing "equality" while being one of President Trump's biggest financial supporters.

We spoke with the Miami legend and Dolphins superfan and asked what he thought about the beef  ... and Rozay didn't hold back.

"I never cared about Stephen Ross," the "Port of Miami 2" rapper says. "It's been rough for me and the Dolphins for years."

Rick says he sees through any talks of equality ... claiming the billionaire doesn't try to build a relationship with the local African-American youth.

"Stephen Ross, he ain't surprising nobody. No black young kids in the community ever got invited to their football games."

Of course, there's also a huge public boycott against the fancy gym chain, Equinox -- which Stephen owns -- after people found out he was hosting a big fundraiser for Trump's 2020 campaign.

The Bawse -- who once told us he wanted to buy the Fins -- says he's still gonna support his hometown team ... but makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the people running it.

We didn't really get a good look at Kanye West's prototype homes -- the ones that have become the target of L.A. County government -- but we just got these up-close pics, and they're pretty cool.

TMZ broke the story ... Kanye was creating prototypes for new age housing ... housing that blurs the line between low, middle and high-income communities. He built the 4 dome-like structures on the 300 acres he owns in Calabasas, and his plan was to create a full housing complex on the site. Problem is ... the structures may have run afoul of L.A. building code.

As we reported, Ye and co. didn't get building permits, which must be pulled before construction unless the structures are temporary. After 2 visits, the inspector from the L.A. County Dept. of Public Works determined the structures were not temporary and Kanye now has until Sept. 15 to either get permits or tear the domes down.

In addition to bridging the income gap, Kanye wanted to reimagine the concept of space and make more efficient dwellings for the future.

Kylie Jenner's still a couple days away from her actual birthday, and before the festivities really kick off ... she's getting some QT with Travis Scott in Italy.

The next item checked off the itinerary -- romantic dinner for 2.

A colorfully dressed Kylie and her baby daddy hit up the Ristorante da Paolino in Capri Thursday night as she approaches the ripe old age of 22. The couple held hands as they walked in, and they were smooching on the way out. A little limoncello makes everybody feel romantic.

As we reported, Kylie and Trav took Stormi out shopping Wednesday after arriving in Positano. They're rolling deep too ... with Kris Jenner, Corey Gamble, Scott Disick, Sofia Richie and a few girlfriends.

Kylie and the birthday crew boarded a private jet Tuesday to begin the celebration ... which includes spending time on a $250 MILLION yacht.

What do you get a guy for his birthday when his name literally reminds you of moneybags? If you're Kanye West ... you go big, black and Italian.

Ye blew the doors off all birthday surprises when he showed up to his former manager John Monopoly's party at Delilah in WeHo Wednesday night with a brand new luxury ride fresh off the lot -- a customized 2019 Lamborghini SUV.

John told us the gift was from a "very good guy" and brother of his with whom he goes back 30 years. He's coy about it, never dropping a name, but it was pretty easy to figure out. Monopoly discovered West and served as his manager for his first 3 albums.

We also got a pic of Kanye after he made the special delivery to confirm the poorly kept secret.

We're told the customized SUV with the matte-black paint job goes for around $300k ... and John says he didn't even see it coming.

BTW -- Monopoly's bday bash was also a lot of fun on the inside of the club in the private VIP section. Along with Kanye, we're told rapper Cam'ron, fashion designer Don C and Jacob York were there.

Kylie Jenner, Travis Scott and the rest of the brood arrived on Italian soil, but before they traded land for sea, they did what every self-respecting tourist does in Italia ... they shopped.

Kylie and Co. arrived in Positano ... where they joined Scott Disick and Sofia Richie, Kris Jenner, Corey Gamble and Kylie's friends just days ahead of her 22nd birthday.

The group beelined it for a couple stores before boarding a tender that chugged its way to their floating palace ... the $250 million mega-yacht, "Tranquility."

TMZ broke the story ... Kylie & Co. boarded a private jet Tuesday filled with family and close friends to begin her big bday celebration. It's gonna be extravagant ... with a little help from the 29-person crew.

TMZ broke the story ... Kylie boarded the private jet with the train of what looks like a wedding dress poking out of the garment bag as it was dragged along the tarmac. It could have been fully covered up, but we're guessing it may have been a gag ... which Kylie often pulls. We're told they're not getting hitched on the trip.

Arriverderci!!!

Drake is bringing some heavy hitters to the stage Monday in Toronto for his annual OVO Fest ... we just got wind of the lineup, and it's INSANE!!!

Our sources tell us this is the star-studded group set to perform ... Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Tyga, YG, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B and Offset, DaBaby, Lil Baby, Rick Ross and Gucci Mane!!!

OVO Fest 2019 kicked off Sunday night at the Budweiser Stage in the Six ... with special performances by B2K, Mario, Lloyd, Pretty Ricky, Ying Yang Twins and Bobby V.

A solid opening-day lineup, no doubt ... but tonight is shaping up to be EPIC!!!

Safe to say OVO Fest is the place to be for a little Monday fun day ... and for everyone who is not up in Canada tonight, good luck dealing with a serious case of FOMO.

Kylie Jenner's man, Travis Scott, is a petal pusher!!!

Kylie's turning 22 this weekend, and Travis has figured out what to give a billionaire that's super special ... and we're guessing this will be the first of many presents.

Kylie shared video of her walking through her mansion Monday afternoon, feet crunching on rose petals as Stormi plays with the flowers.

Travis' gift also came with a note to Kylie ... it reads, "Happy Birthday!!!! We're just getting started. Love you!!!!"

It's a tall order for Travis, given what Kylie did for him back in April when he turned 28. She slapped a pic of her and Stormi on a billboard in WeHo ... for the world to see.

We're guessing Travis' gifts will be on display for all to see.

BTW ... Kylie and Travis have been together for a little over 2 years. They hooked up at Coachella and haven't really been apart since.