TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

LL Cool J is coming to the defense of hip hop's pioneers ... as he blows a gasket over DJ Akademiks calling older rappers "dusty," and not as rich as the new generation of artists.

In a fiery Instagram Live, LL picked apart Akademiks' stance -- noting how music fans don't check the pockets of legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane or popular rock musicians. His point is simple ... why do it for hip-hop icons?!?

Ak questioned the validity of some older rappers' stake in the culture on account of their bank accounts -- which LL calls a "misinformed" opinion.

LL also pointed out that when rap started, there were no managers, endorsement deals or big label budgets ... and hip hop stars of the past literally had to create the movement from the ground up.

The Rock The Bells Festival founder said comments like Ak's are exactly why he started the event ... to preserve the foundations of rap, and advised the blogger to never play himself, noticeably checking his composure to prevent from exploding!!!

LL's thoughts immediately garnered plenty of backup -- Busta Rhymes, DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9, and Pharoahe Monch were just a handful of pioneers who cosigned the message.

LL didn't want to mention Akademiks by name ... but his fellow hip hop legend, former Hot 97 standout DJ Mister Cee, connected the dots and found Ak ranting about older rappers on one of his Twitch streams.

Kanye West says he's fighting to be heard as a parent since splitting from Kim Kardashian ... but he's also apologizing for the headaches he's caused her up to this point.

The artist was candid about his co-parenting struggles when he told Linsey Davis on 'GMA' his ability to have a voice in the relationship with Kim -- once they divorced -- was something for which he fought.

He recalls his time butting heads with Kim about what kind of clothes their kids can wear -- even saying it feels similar to his recent battles with Gap and Adidas.

As you know, Kanye pulled the plug on his partnership with Gap last week, claiming the company double-crossed him with empty promises.

And, while he apologized directly to Kim, saying he's sorry for stressing out her and the family -- he also claimed he's being discriminated against ... in business and as a parent.

Jadakiss' past life as Diddy's ghostwriter still haunts him ... mostly because he hated everything about the process!!!

The LOX rapper was chopping it up on Smoke DZA's 'Personal Party' podcast, revisiting his stint on Diddy's Bad Boy Records -- which was very early in his career, and, apparently, incredibly challenging.

Jada recalls writing Diddy's verses for his debut album "No Way Out" via the tracks "Victory," "Senorita" and the crown jewel "All About The Benjamins," which amounted to a ton of heat for which Jada got zero credit, publicly.

Despite his high skill level, Jada says it was difficult ghostwriting for Diddy simply because they weren't in the same tax bracket, but he had to emulate his boss' fancy lifestyle!!!

Jada says Diddy would simply instruct him to write from the perspective of "Puff Daddy" ... which was tough, considering Puff was already an established mogul hailing from Harlem, while Jada was a rookie from Yonkers who didn't understand the game.

He admits he was a bit rough around the edges ... eventually smoothing out his sound and mentality as he got older. The LOX only released one album on Bad Boy in 1998, but let Jada tell it ... history could've been written differently.

He also recalled Suge Knight phoning LOX rapper Sheek Louch's house with an offer to join Death Row Records amid their label bidding war -- an obvious attempted chess move against Diddy during the height of the East Coast vs. West Coast feud.

Jada says the group pondered the move to L.A. ... seeing as how Death Row was arguably the hottest label out, but ultimately he felt they would've betrayed their NYC lineage by hopping on the California love bandwagon.

Boosie Badazz is feeling optimistic about former Houston rap collaborators Trae Tha Truth and Z-Ro potentially settling their feud -- which already got violent -- and all it took was J Prince coming on the scene.

Boosie was recently back in his favorite VladTV hot seat and revealed he'd seen the Trae and Z-Ro fight footage, but didn't have much of a reaction. The Louisiana rapper chalked up the scuffle-up general town bidness, and expressed regret 2 artists he previously worked with came to blows.

He's also happy no one was shot or killed, especially in the aftermath of PnB Rock's murder.

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... Z-Ro was jumped by Trae and several others outside an event for 50 Cent's Tycoon Weekend earlier this month after initially denying the altercation took place.

The silver lining, as Boosie sees it, is that Rap-A-Lot Records CEO and Houston OG J Prince was recently "at the table" with Z-Ro ... which typically signals a peace treaty in the works.

PnB Rock's murder investigation is taking a deep dive into his past -- because, apparently, cops are under the impression this might've been more than just a random robbery ... on the contrary, it may have been a planned execution by a foe.

LAPD sources tell us the case is moving in several concurrent directions -- and one involves detectives digging into the late rapper's personal life ... especially when it comes to who he rubbed elbows with -- or possibly butted heads with -- resulting in would-be beefs.

We're told investigators are especially interested in his ties to Atlanta -- where he apparently spent quite a bit of time -- as well as his home city of Philly ... and they're asking any and everybody if PnB had known enemies who might've had it out for him.

PnB's lyrics are also under a microscope at the moment, with cops wanting to see if he referenced any feuds he might've had with any of his peers and/or other individuals.

This is an interesting development. Cops initially thought it was a fatal robbery -- in which random thieves came across PnB and/or his girlfriend's social media, saw what they were up to, and went on the attack. But why then didn't they just snatch his chains and leave, rather than shooting him multiple times and killing him?

Cops now believe this could've been a more elaborate scheme by someone with a vendetta.

No matter how you cut it ... the fact that this L.A. investigation is now crossing state lines is pretty stunning -- and they certainly wouldn't do that without at least a good hunch.

Now, as for where things stand in terms of ID'ing the suspects and/or the getaway car ... our sources say cops are still trying to track down the vehicle through video feeds. We're told they're getting lots of tips, but it's taking time to sift through them to see which are legit.

Roddy Ricch is calling his hometown a danger zone in the wake of PnB Rock’s slaying inside a beloved L.A. restaurant.

The Compton-bred rapper admitted his PSA was a bit out of the ordinary for him, but felt the need to speak out as things continued to spiral.

He posted ... "LA ! Usually I try to mind my business and let the world rotate but we gotta do better ... It’s too much senseless violence. Too much opportunity and motivation to take things other people work hard for. It’s too much life to live to take someone else’s away."

In addition to PnB Rock's murder last week, Los Angeles has seen an upswing in violent crimes ... including armed robberies and burglaries, and Roddy's calling it out.

He added, "I love my city but we can’t keep going out like this. Before you know it, it’ll be nobody left to take from or kill. Let’s stay on point stay aware and find better ways to pursue our dreams because this shit turning into ALL NIGHTMARES."

Roddy and PnB were friends and former labelmates at Atlantic Records where they collaborated on PnB’s 2019 album "TrapStar Turnt PopStar."

LAPD's investigating potential motives in the case … including the possibility PnB’s murder was preplanned and detectives are examining his lyrics for clues to any potential beefs.

Tekashi69 is being forced to cough up some serious dough to Fashion Nova, according to a judgment in the company's 2020 suit ... and his bill could skyrocket if the other defendants don't pony up the cash.

Legal docs, obtained by TMZ, show Tekashi agreed to a judgment against him in the amount of $350K, after Fashion Nova alleged he and others walked away with their cash in 2018.

Tekashi agreed he alone is responsible for paying off around $39K of the total.

However, he could wind up paying WAY more ... because if the other defendants -- such as booking and entertainment companies -- don't cough up any of the remaining $311K, Tekashi will remain on the hook to satisfy the full judgment.

Tekashi puts it simply, telling TMZ ... "That's hilarious," laughing at the amount of money he could owe. Unclear why he finds the situation funny ... seems like a big chunk of change.

As we reported, the clothing co. paid Tekashi an advance of $225K for brand promotion in 2018 -- he got locked up 2 weeks later ... making him unable to perform his duties.

DJ Envy thinks all rappers should invest in some form of protection for their jewelry following PnB Rock's murder, and "The Breakfast Club" co-host has much experience insuring valuables.

We caught Envy strolling through LAX, where he said hip hop's latest tragedy resonated greatly with him as he too has a prized collection of jewelry and chains.

At the core, Envy feels the world should be a place where people should be allowed to wear the spoils of their success without fear of violence ... but he's quick to acknowledge that just ain't reality!

Envy admits he tends to leave the flashy stuff locked up at home when he's traveling for DJ gigs or car shows -- but if he does hit the scene with a bit of bling, Envy says he's always trailed by security and sometimes self-protection.

He's also been robbed before, and says sometimes it only takes one time getting burned before you opt to carry your own heat.

As we've reported ... PnB was murdered last week in an L.A. Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles, and the killer made off with his chains as he lay on the floor dying.

Lil Baby is feeling it from fans after he was spotted partying in Vegas, hours after canceling a show in Vancouver ... but he certainly didn't wanna talk about it.

Baby hit Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with some friends Tuesday, and while we asked him several times about the incident from over the weekend, he only tried to deflect the attention elsewhere before eventually hitting an ice cream truck, where he ordered Flamin' Hot Funyons.

As we reported, Baby's fans in Vancouver went ballistic over the weekend, destroying property, when he pulled out of his performance at Breakout Festival. The rapper stated, "I have been going so hard these past few months without any breaks that it finally caught up with me."

However, he was seen just hours later partying in Vegas at Zouk Nightclub for Canelo Alvarez's victory over Gennady Golovkin with the likes of Travis Scott and DJ Drama.

New Orleans having America's highest murder rate in 2022 makes veteran NOLA rapper/activist Dee-1 sick to his stomach, and it's also why he's taking issue with Fat Joe's recent remarks about robberies.

TMZ Hip Hop linked with Dee-1 following the new report about murders rising 46% in NOLA since last year. The city is close to passing the 2021 total of 221 slayings, and it's only September.

Dee -- who's currently at Harvard University -- says it doesn't take a 4.0 student to see hip hop has been amplifying street activity across the board, and Joe Crack's street-influenced commentary following PnB Rock's murder has him extremely frustrated.

Joe recently appeared on Charlamagne's "Hell Of A Week" and said he's fine with someone robbing PnB, but not the murder -- but Dee says that mentality ignores the root problem.

Dee says Joe and other OG's should know better and thinks artists have been hiding behind the "freedom of speech" rights for too long ... highlighting bad stuff to sound good.

As for his hometown, he says too many in NOLA were competing to have the hardest 'hoods in America, and tragically they've succeeded.

Dee is at Harvard via the hip hop fellowship Nas started years ago, and as part of his studies, he's examining hip hop culture at its core ... in addition to its influence on the youth.

If you noticed Freddie Gibbs trending Tuesday it's because he's promoting his new album, and firing off some stray shots while he's at it.

The Gary, Indiana native checked in with Funk Flex at NYC's Hot 97 to deliver a freestyle over Amerie's "Why Don't We Fall in Love" instrumental ... all in the name of plugging his upcoming project -- "SSS a.k.a. Soul Sold Separately" -- and teasing the embattled R. Kelly over his money woes.

"Fuck R. Kelly, bitch I’m the new king of R&B,” Freddie rapped before later promising to put money on Kellz' books for using his name as promo.

The embattled R&B legend recently had to forfeit his prison piggy bank of $28k to pay restitution to his victims, and the future isn't looking up for him either.

Funk Flex got quite the kick outta the diss lines, especially when Gangsta Gibbs clarified he had no "free R. Kellys" to give out ... only thoughts and prayers.

Freddie also revisited his uncooked beef with Akademiks by firing off the homophobic verse ... "Bout to squeeze Akademiks' titties, I love a fat bitch /You a d**k-in-the-booty n***a, go get the strap bitch."

Despite the aggressive rap, Gibbs said he could also see him and Ak having a lot in common ... if they ever had an actual conversation.

The two have been throwing Instagram shots for some time, mostly to entertaining results.

To put the icing on the cake, Freddie unveiled the 'SSS' tracklist, with features from Rick Ross, Pusha T, Anderson .Paak, Three 6 Mafia's DJ Paul and Moneybagg Yo ... via the first single "Too Much."

Future's joined the ranks of Drake, The Weeknd and Kanye other artists flipping their publishing rights into big fat paychecks -- he's sold off his entire catalog to Influence Media Partners.

The deal is said to be worth a "high eight-figures," according to Variety, and includes collaborations with the aforementioned superstars over the course of 612 tracks.

Future's take on the deal is ... “I put everything into my music, and I wanted to make sure these were in good hands as I thought about the next chapter of these songs."

He adds, "I’m proud to partner up with Rene [McLean] and the team at Influence Media and send a signal that this music has timeless value. My music is my art, and these songs represent some of the most precious artwork of my career.”

Future has been making music professionally since 2004, and in April he dropped off his ninth studio album, "I Never Liked You" ... which topped the Billboard 200 and went gold in less than 2 months.

The trend of artists selling off their publishing catalogs has run rampant over the past few years ... but don't include Kanye among those guys.

Earlier on Tuesday, Billboard released a report claiming Kanye was seeking up to $175 million for his catalog ... which came as news to him, as he debunked the story on Instagram after consulting with his team.

50 Cent says an innocent photo he took with a surgeon is being used to falsely imply he's a plastic surgery client who had a penis enhancement procedure ... and now he's suing.

Fifty is suing plastic surgeon Angela Kogan and her businesses, Perfection Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, claiming they keep circulating an old photo of them together, making it look like he needed to go under the knife to enhance his penis.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, 50 Cent says he took a pic with Dr. Kogan back in February 2020 because he thought she was a fan ... and he says ever since, Kogan and her companies have used the photo to pimp their products.

50 Cent claims it started off with Kogan and her companies using the photo on social media to promote the plastic surgery clinics, but he says things took a "disturbing" turn in August, when The Shade Room did a story with Kogan about the rise in male sexual enhancement procedures and used the pic.

The "In da Club" rapper says the image pops up any time the article is posted or shared online ... and he claims the implication is he underwent a penis enhancement procedure.

50 Cent says Kogan and MedSpa know he never went under the knife there, for a penis surgery or otherwise, and he wants them to stop sharing the photo, saying it's exposing him to ridicule, damaging his professional and personal reputation and violating his right to control his name and image.

Fifty wants a court to step in and stop Kogan and MedSpa from falsely saying he's their client and from sharing the photo ... and he also wants money.

We reached out to Kogan and MedSpa ... so far no word back.

Erica Banks can't afford to be seen at the club with girls who aren't on her level ... and by her standards, that means skinny, bad dressers who haven't been to the hair salon can stay home!!!

The 1501 Certified Ent. rapper was recently speaking to fans on Instagram Live about her female club friends' terms of agreement, and she's not ashamed to say she discriminates! Erica explains she nixes women from her entourage who aren't thick enough, or if they're too skinny.

Also, if you aren't red-carpet-ready with your fits, you need not apply.

Fans accused EB of being on a high horse with a sadiddy saddle ... especially after she infamously bragged about getting a BBL in the spring, but the "Buss It" rapper didn't budge on her stance.

The Texas native claimed the surgery didn't change anything (on the inside at least) while clinging to her right to pick her friends to her liking ... even if she's handpicking their attributes!

All hope isn't lost for the thin and underdressed -- Erica offered a conditional invitation for swag-challenged females to kick it with her, but only at album listening parties or cookouts.

Kanye West is ready to reap the rewards of running rap for decades ... he's ready to sell off publishing rights for his entire musical discography to the highest bidder.

Billboard reports Ye is aiming to get upwards of 35 times the value of his net publisher’s share, or gross profit ... which adds up to a potential haul of $175 million.

It's been estimated Ye gets paid $5 mil a year in royalties out of the $13.25 million total -- and has 35% songwriting share on his first 4 albums, and 20% share on the rest.

Because the later albums such as "Donda" and "Jesus Is King" range from having anywhere between 10 to 24 songwriters per song, it makes the valuation of the sale a bit difficult for potential buyers, as the payout splits are anyone's guess at this point.

Ye's catalog includes four No. 1 hits and 69 in the Top 40, and it's said he's been shopping it around for the past 10 months.

The label separation falls in line with his business maneuvers as of late -- Ye's already washed his hands of the Gap deal, and he's ranted about his relationship with Adidas as he retakes control of his Yeezy brand.

That $175 million would likely come in handy for Ye's indie hustle.

Lil Baby says his body "shut down" from tour exhaustion -- and forced him to skip out on a Vancouver gig -- but new video shows he felt good enough for the Vegas nightclub scene.

TMZ Hip Hop got these images from inside Zouk Nightclub, where Canelo Alvarez was celebrating his victory over Gennady Golovkin. It's a fully lit scene, and Lil Baby was right in the middle of the action ... along with Travis Scott, DJ Drama and other celebs.

This particular scene was around 3 AM Sunday, and as you can see, Baby was still singing and feeling good. NBD, except for the fact he was scheduled to headline Vancouver's Breakout Festival less than 24 hours later ... a show that did NOT go on, as they say.

Baby explained his no-show on IG, saying "I have been going so hard these past few months without any breaks that it finally caught up with me." Now, it is true he recently wrapped up a big tour with Chris Brown ... but this vid makes it seem like there might have been other contributing factors.

Interestingly, you can see Baby was rapping along to 42 Dugg's verse from their "We Paid" collab. The Vancouver fans who paid for tickets Sunday night were beyond pissed he never made it to the stage.

As we reported, the crowd got ugly when they got the news and some went into full riot mode ... destroying tents, TV monitors and all sorts of property.

Seven people were reportedly arrested amid the thousands of dollars of damage and destruction.

We're told Baby's security attempted to prevent people from recording him as he left Zouk with a towel over his head. He might need some cover for his next trip to Vancouver.