TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Harry Styles' Coachella set was one for the ages, and although he brought out droves of people for his headlining set ... Big Sean had a healthy swath of his own right before.

The singer was the marquee act of the night for Day 1 on Friday, where he was scheduled to start performing at around 11:30 PM at the main Coachella stage -- whereas Sean was winding down his performance at the Sahara stage across the way around the same time.

There may have been some overlap -- these things never get started or end quite on time in real life -- but it's a good thing they staggered these two gents ... because, apparently, folks seemed kinda torn on who exactly they wanted to catch as the curtains were going down.

That's the word on Twitter anyway, and the proof is in the pudding on the crowd sizes -- check out the huge sea of people that were rocking with BS throughout ... it's massive!

Folks are buzzing online about how well Sean did and how packed his audience was ... and some are even (jokingly?) saying he might've been the real headliner for the night considering how many flocked to go see him.

Indeed, his set looked pretty epic and he definitely had an army of fans in attendance -- but if you look at what Harry was able to do ... you'll see it's nothing to sneeze at either. Concertgoers appeared just as eager to catch their boy -- evidenced in photos.

His stage design was elaborate, as it was actually immersed in the crowd itself ... with everybody surrounding him from all sides. As you can see -- people definitely showed up to catch him, especially toward the beginning of his set.

And, while we're sure he maintained a good amount until his show was over ... some videos seem to suggest the crowd was dwindling as the performance went on -- as it looks like people on the outskirts were able to creep in further and further later into the night.

That's to be expected though ... the last performer of the night is often more prone to losing people as they trickle out. And, of course, this ain't a pissing contest either -- it's just interesting to see that Sean was as appealing and widely attended as he turned out to be.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are very much together, just like we said they were, despite the internet buzzing that they split.

RiRi and A$AP looked chill as her baby bump was on full display. Rihanna wore a colorful mini dress in what could turn into the modern maternity wear. She certainly pulls it off!

As you probably know, there were stories that A$AP had cheated on Rihanna with a woman who works for Fenty and that they had broken up. As we reported, our R/A sources called BS on both counts and now there's visual proof.

BTW ... the "other woman" -- Amina Muaddi -- also weighed in ... "I've always believed that an unfounded lie spread on social media doesn't deserve any response or clarification, especially one that is so vile. I initially assumed that this fake gossip - fabricated with such malicious intent - would not be taken seriously."

The couple got together back in November, 2020 after being friends for years before hooking up. Rihanna dropped her pregnancy announcement back in January of this year.

Justin Bieber hit the Coachella stage partially clothed for his surprise performance on Day 1.

JB came out shirtless as he performed "Peaches" with Daniel Caesar ... just as TMZ told you Friday! The crowd loved it. JB flew in from Miami where he had performed as part of his world tour.

Daniel and Justin regaled the music festival crowd with a rendition of their song "Peaches," which was included on Justin's album "Justice" last year.

Harry Styles headlined the night and brought out a legend -- Shania Twain! Harry, who has busted open stereotypes, sang Shania's biggest hit -- "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." The crowd ate it up! The venue lit up with fireworks as Harry performed his set.

Turns out Harry's a big fan of Twain ... he told the audience he recalled his mother driving him around with Shania blaring out of the radio. He said "Shania Twain taught me to sing," adding in a moment of self-loathing, "She also taught me that men are trash."

Big Sean was a big hit, as were YG and Jhene Aiko ... in case you didn't know, Sean and Aiko are BF/GF.

There was also a moving tribute to Ukraine by Arcade Fire. Frontman Win Butler said, "I want to dedicate this to everyone in the Ukraine. Everyone in a punk rock band in the Ukraine right now. I'm thinking about everybody who is dealing with the war right now." Then they performed "The Suburbs" to honor Ukrainian citizens.

Someone in the crowd had a medical emergency. He was taken out on a stretcher. We don't know his status. As it happened, the band stopped performing ... obviously a call-back to the Astroworld tragedy, where 10 people died in a stampede and crowd crush.

Lil Baby also performed, and ended his set with "The Bigger Picture" ... a song he dropped just days after George Floyd's murder. Lil Baby brought Gunna out during his set.

And, there was more ... hip-hop duo City Girls hit the stripper pole and twerked with perfection!

Phoebe Bridgers brought out her friend Arlo Parks  -- the first time for both musicians to perform on the Coachella stage.

The duo performed a rendition of Bridgers' "Graceland Too."

Snoop and Anitta also hit the main stage.

As for Snoop, well he was true to form, smokin' a joint while he performed with Anitta as he danced around the stage. Again, a huge crowd fav.

Word at the venue ... Day 1 was a blast.

Coachella -- Day 1 -- it's a big deal since this is the reset after the pandemic, and one thing was clear ... celebs weren't scared to bring back the fun.

Chanel Iman, Michael Foge, Amanda Stanton and Storm Reid were among the celebs who descended on the Empire Polo Fields outside Palm Springs, to take in the sun, party with intent and stand elbow-to-elbow to watch Harry Styles, Justin Bieber and co.

There were performances by Carly Rae Jepsen, Snoop, Lil Baby, Arcade Fire ... and others who popped up on stage.

Coachella is only partly about music ... the weather was perfect, and Shanina Shaik, Alessandra Ambrosio, Josephine Skriver and others hit the pool. Kendall Jenner made it partly business by hawking her 818 Tequila at a bash she hosted.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Saweetie and Doja Cat are among some of the big names who've secured entry to the biggest and most exclusive party during Coachella, TMZ has learned.

Neon Carnival is known as THE party of the weekend at Coachella, and our sources in the desert say Shailene Woodley is also on the guestlist for the event ... which goes down Saturday night into Sunday morning at the Desert International Horse Park. about 15 minutes outside the music festival grounds.

Doja's performing Sunday night at Coachella ... so, she probably won't be raging too hard, but Shailene's presence creates a little mystery -- will her man, NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers be raving with her at Coachella??? We're told it's unclear if the Green Bay Packers QB will be on hand, but what a sight that would be.

Paris Hilton's gonna be spinning some tunes in the virtual world ... and she's also hosting a virtual replica of the after-party experience, courtesy of the Metaverse.

The virtual experience, dubbed "Paris World," is for folks who don't have an actual ticket to the party ... or a big enough name to get on the guestlist ... and it will recreate what it feels like to actually be inside the velvet ropes. Futuristic stuff, for sure.

Neon Carnival, which is sponsored by Levi’s in association with Liquid I.V., is definitely the place to be for the first Coachella weekend since 2019, and another one of its sponsors is Don Julio tequila, so you can already hear the chants ... shots, shots, shots, shots!!!

Joseline Hernandez beat the crap out of a bunch of dancers behind the scenes of her reality TV show's reunion show ... at least that's what the dancers claim in a massive $25 million lawsuit.

Four women who say they were dancers on "Joseline's Cabaret" are accusing her of ambushing them on set, and violently opening a can of whoop-ass. In docs obtained by TMZ, the dancers claim they showed up in high heels for the reunion show taping, but JH was waiting for them with hard-bottom boots and launched an attack.

One woman claims Joseline violently kicked her in the ribs, while another claims Joseline dragged her by her hair and kicked her in the back ... while the third dancer alleges Joseline grabbed her by the neck and shoved her to the ground.

According to the suit, the fourth woman got off relatively easy -- she claims Joseline shoved her, but only threatened to do more harm. They also claim Joseline even boldly bragged about the beatdown on social media.

During the alleged incident, they say she repeatedly yelled, "Gucci gang" -- which they believe was a signal for the planned attack. They point out Joseline used the phrase again in a post with an image of the shoes she wore during the alleged attack.

DaBaby's feeling good about not using lethal force while thwarting that intruder on his property, and he's even sending well-wishes to the man as he recovers from the shooting.

As we reported, the rapper says he was defending himself and his home when he opened fire on an intruder he says scaled a wall on his North Carolina compound.

Now, DaBaby's cheekily wishing the trespasser the best, saying ... "Chose not to take a n***a life the other day & it felt great.👍🏾 Buddy ain't deserve to go, I step righteously. Heal up & live my boy! Just don't bring ya ass back💥"

DaBaby's message seems to reference a scene -- starring Cam'ron and Wood Harris -- in the 2002 cult classic film "Paid in Full" ... produced by Jay-Z and Dame Dash.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ the Platinum-selling rapper exchanged words with the trespasser before shooting him in the leg ... and then called 911. He had a pretty wild convo with the operator, pressing cops to come get the man, who was in the background screaming in pain.

Tekashi 6ix9ine is full steam ahead resuming his rap career, following a hiatus spurned by his 2020 Tattletales album ... which the culture stamped a sophomore slump.

For his new video 'GINÉ', all the Tekashi tricks appear to be intact: voluptuous models twerkin' in murky paint water, multi-colored backdrops and beef. Plenty of it.

Midway in the video at the 1:25 mark, 6ix9ine snuck in the message "Slide 4 Von" -- a reference to Lil Durk wanting to avenge the death of his slain OTF artist King Von.

The video also serves as a marketing vehicle for an energy drink of the same name, and if you blink, you just might miss it.

Von was killed in November 2020 during an altercation with Georgia rapper -- and NBA YoungBoy affiliate -- Quando Rondo's crew. Hence the ongoing feud between Durk and Youngboy.

His posthumous album "What It Means to Be King" still managed to impress fans enough to reach No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.

6ix9ine, on the other hand, has ZERO dogs in the fight but still timed the disrespectful King Von message to coincide with his Durk-aimed lyrics, "You a bitch, I know you wouldn’t rob for your homie. I knew you wouldn’t ride by your doley."

Lil Durk famously dismissed 6ix9ine on Drake's "Laugh Now, Cry Later" single back in 2020 -- so this beef's been cooking for a while now.

Faizon Love is responding to Jay-Z's bars on Pusha T's "Neck & Wrist" with a healthy mix of sarcasm, jokes ... and a sprinkling of confusion added in there, too.

Pusha T recently grabbed Hov for a track on his upcoming album, "It's Almost Dry," and in true Jay fashion, his verse included a clapback at Faizon that was filled with complex lyricism.

He raps, “The phase I’m on, love, [Faizon Love] I wouldn’t believe it either/I’d be like, ‘Jay-Z’s a cheater.’" He finished up with, "I wouldn’t listen to reason [Reasonable Doubt] either/All I know is he’s a felon, how is he selling?”

During an episode of TMZ Hip Hop this week, DJ Hed explained how Jay-Z opts to covertly respond to shots thrown his way, as opposed to going viral through sensational interviews.

Y'know, because he's actually a rapper.

The backstory of this particular verbal beef dates back over a year when Faizon -- aka Big Worm from "Friday" -- questioned Jigga's drug-dealing past in 2 interviews.

Faizon returned to one of those interviewers, VladTV, and explained how "Neck & Wrist" initially flew over his head and ears.

Seeing that Jay didn't provide any animosity in his tone or words, Faizon simply didn't take it as a flat-out diss and compared the lyrics to a game of serving tennis. (Not exactly what the double entendre entails but still a cool viewpoint, we guess?)

Bankroll Freddie got himself in a pinch Thursday night when cops pulled him over for speeding, but ended up busting him on a slew of other charges.

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office jail records show the Quality Control MC -- whose real name is Freddie Gladney — was booked for resisting arrest, drug and firearm possession, and speeding.

Arkansas State Police says they pulled over 27-year-old Freddie on an interstate 55, and during the stop officers allegedly found guns and narcotics in his pick-up truck.

We're told he's being held on $2,870 bond and, for some reason, he's now in FBI custody.

Bankroll Freddie had just released his latest single, "Pickin' Sides," last week, and it features Icewear Vezzo.

Lil Durk is arguably the hottest rapper out -- his "7220" album topped the Billboard 200 chart last month -- so, it's not surprising fans would literally lose their minds, or even bodily fluids, over him.

New footage just surfaced of Durk's recent Phoenix tour stop, and it shows the Chicago rap superstar's candid reactions to a fan who was in some kinda trouble. He actually stopped the show, and seemed genuinely concerned about her.

But, then he found out the apparent emergency was that she'd peed herself!

Lil Durk fans know his repertoire involves a bit of kink and had to clarify if it was fandom ... or simply the inability to get the bathroom inside the Arizona Federal Theater last Friday that spurned her urination.

Nevertheless, Durk was a good watersport about the situation and told the fan to go clean up, so she could enjoy the rest of the show.

Artists have been extra cautious with fans since November 2021's Astroworld Festival tragedy that left 10 people dead.

We've seen several shows temporarily stopped down so security and paramedics can tend to fans in distress.

That being said, the biggest safety precaution Lil Durk might need for the remainder of his tour is having mops on standby.

Check below to see if the 7220 Tour is infiltrating your city this year.

Friday, April 15, 2022 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

Saturday, April 16, 2022 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans

Monday, April 18, 2022 – Miami, FL – FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily's Place

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater

Saturday, April 23, 2022 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

Sunday, April 24, 2022 – New York, NY – Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – UPMC Event Center

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 – Cincinnati, OH – Andrew J Brady Music Center

Friday, April 29, 2022 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Saturday, April 30, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

There's a story buzzing around that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky split because he cheated on her, but a source directly connected to both artists -- who has regular interaction with them -- tells TMZ ... neither the breakup claim, or the cheating is true.

The story that's circulating claims Rihanna called it quits with A$AP after she caught him cheating with shoe designer, Amina Muaddi. Muaddi does have a connection to RiRi -- she's a shoe designer for Rihanna's Fenty brand.

Our source first said, "100% false on both counts," and then added, "1 million percent not true. They're fine."

Worth noting that yesterday -- as the rumor was bubbling up -- Amina reposted recent pics of Rihanna out and about in West Hollywood. That would have been an odd move if she really were cheating with A$AP.

As you know, Rihanna is pregnant with A$AP's baby. Unclear when she's due, but based on pics she seems to be far along. She's on the cover of Vogue this month, and in the issue, she gushes about A$AP and their relationship.

The couple got together back in November, 2020. They had been friends for years before hooking up.

The man convicted of murdering Angela Simmons' ex-fiance has been sentenced to life in prison ... and she gave an emotional speech to the court just before the sentencing.

Angela spoke about the 5-year-old son she and the late Sutton Tennyson had together, saying he constantly asks her when his dad will come back.

She told the judge she cried all the time, knowing how excited Sutton was about raising their kid ... adding her son will forever wonder what it would be like to grow up with a dad.

Angela says Sutton's gone but never forgotten, and his son -- who shares his first name -- will carry his legacy.

Michael Williams was sentenced to life for murder, as well as an additional 15 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He'll be eligible for parole after serving a minimum 30 years behind bars.

As we reported, cops found Angela's fiancé dead in his garage with multiple gunshot wounds back in 2018. Police say he was talking in the driveway with another man when the conversation got heated and he was shot.

Kanye West is circulating again ... Thursday night chowing down with Shannade Clermont, but we're pretty sure this dinner wasn't about romance.

Ye and Shannade -- one of the twins from "Bad Girls Club" -- hit up Nobu in Malibu. The 2 have history -- aside from being good pals, Shannade and her twin sis, Shannon, modeled for Yeezy season 6 drop in 2018. Shannade and Shannon hang out with a bunch of rappers ... Ye among them, so this isn't confirmed romantic.

As for the romance dept., Kanye seems to be on track with GF Chaney Jones, whom he recently took to a fancy Utah resort. He's showered her with gifts and even taken her to meet his family.

As for Shannade and Shannon ... aside from modeling for Kanye's brand, they've been called Kim Kardashian clones ... and not without some evidence.

The twins have branched out recently with their own fashion line ... saying their inspiration was another set of twins -- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

DaBaby called 911 after shooting a trespasser who entered his North Carolina estate, and you hear the trespasser writhing in pain and DaBaby giving the 911 dispatcher lip.

DaBaby is standing right next to the guy he had just shot in the leg, who is whaling as the dispatcher solicits info. The rapper says the trespasser clearly knew it was his property because he mentioned him by name.

The dispatcher wants to know the condition of the trespasser, and when he asks if the shooting victim is alert, DaBaby goes on on him, saying, "Do you not hear this man, bro?"

DaBaby follows it up by advising the dispatcher not to ask the same question over and over.

Then the dispatcher asks DaBaby to secure his weapon, and the rapper makes it clear it's plenty secure in his hand. He refuses to put the gun down because the trespasser could still be a threat and there may others out there.

The trespasser was taken to a nearby hospital. His wound is not life-threatening.

Tekashi 6ix9ine's bragging he's back on the music scene, and flashing tons of cash ... but he's also gonna be back in court, because a streaming service claims he ripped them off and bailed on 2 concerts.

Tekashi's been hit with a lawsuit for $2 million, filed by Streamusic -- an app that streams live shows, and says they'd arranged for 6ix9ine to perform 2 shows in Hollywood in December 2021 ... both of which the company would stream live.

In docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Streamusic says it paid Tekashi $150,000 to play the shows, and promote the gigs on his Instagram. The company says the rapper went silent in early December when they tried to get him to create the IG promos ... and ultimately, he blew off both scheduled concerts.

According to the suit, Tekashi finally resurfaced in January and they made a new deal ... rescheduling the concerts for later that month. You know where this is going, right?

Streamusic says 6ix9ine went MIA again ... ignoring 7 letters they'd sent trying to get him to fulfill the contract, and he never performed.

The companies gotta be very interested in a video Tekashi posted late Thursday. He just so happens to be counting out about $2 mil in cash in his driveway, and bragging about his lifestyle.

The video's most likely intended to be a jab at his rap rival Fivio Foreign -- they've been beefing about who's the real "King of New York" -- but Streamusic's gotta see it and think that's our cash!!!