TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Takeoff's shocking slaying in Houston is prompting the rap community to remember far too many young talents who tragically lost their lives due to gun violence.

Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls, was only 24 when his car was gunned down back in '97 ... just 6 months after Tupac had been shot to death. Both men's murders remain unsolved.

More recently, Young Dolph was killed in 2021 outside a Memphis bakery. He was on his way to hand out a truckload of turkeys in his old neighborhood when he met his violent and untimely death.

PnB Rock was climbing the Billboard charts back in 2016 ... but his career, and life, were tragically cut short when he was shot and killed in September during a robbery at a Roscoe's in Los Angeles.

Of course, there have been so many others, both fatalities -- like Pop Smoke, Nipsey Hussle, Slim 400 and XXXTentacion -- and those who luckily survived ... like Lil Tjay and 50 Cent.

Nipsey was gunned down outside his Marathon clothing store in his own neighborhood ... with at least 10 bullets striking Nipsey's body and his murderer also kicking him in the head.

XXX was only 20 years old when he was shot dead as he was leaving a motorcycle dealer in Florida. XXX was blocked from exiting the parking lot by a black SUV, with two gunmen hopping out and approaching his car. A struggle ensued, with the gunmen reaching inside XXX's car for a small bag before ultimately opening fire.

Shock and outrage continue to pour in over Migos rapper Takeoff's shooting death, and Rich the Kid is especially reeling over the tragic news.

In a series of heartfelt posts, RTK shared his love, old pics and text messages between him and Takeoff ... revealing they used to share clothes and shoes back in the days before they could buy whatever they want.

Takeoff, along with Offset, actually partied with RTK during his NYC birthday bash back in July -- when a Migos split seemed to be going down -- proving Takeoff was the bridge of peace between Quavo and Offset.

As we reported, Takeoff was fatally shot early Tuesday morning when Quavo got into a heated argument with some other guys outside a Houston bowling alley.

Police say 2 other people were wounded in a hail of gunfire -- at least 10 shots -- and they're both hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

RTK also referred to Takeoff as his "twin," and someone who, obviously, did not deserve this cruel twist of fate.

Well said ... Takeoff was only 28.

Takeoff, one-third of Migos, is dead after an early morning shooting in Houston ... TMZ Hip Hop has confirmed.

Law enforcement sources, and multiple witnesses, tell us the fatal incident went down shortly after 2:30 AM ... that's when cops got the call for a man shot at a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston.

We're told Takeoff and Quavo were there playing dice when an altercation broke out and that's when someone opened fire, shooting Takeoff ... either in the head or near his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

TMZ Hip Hop has obtained footage from the scene, and you can see Quavo -- in an orange shirt -- and others gathered around Takeoff. At first they tried to move him, but then put him back down, and Quavo yelled for someone to get help.

Police tell us 2 other people were shot and were taken to the hospital in private vehicles. We do not know their conditions. Quavo was not injured.

Just a couple of hours before the shooting, Takeoff posted a pic of himself lighting up at the bowling alley. Quavo had posted video several hours earlier as he drove around Houston with Jas Prince, who was celebrating his birthday.

We're told Jas was not with Quavo and Takeoff when the shooting happened.

Takeoff, who's real name is Kirsnik Khari Ball, was the youngest member of Migos. Quavo was his uncle, and Offset his cousin.

They came together as a group in 2008 in Georgia, and became multi-platinum hitmakers ... dropping their first major hit, "Versace," in 2013. They would hit number one on Billboard in 2016 with "Bad and Boujee."

Most recently, Quavo and Takeoff had released a project as the duo, "Unc & Phew." They had just released their latest music video, "Messy," on Monday.

Takeoff was 28.

RIP

Chuck D says hip hop needs to start addressing the gun violence plaguing the industry ... and killing rappers at an alarming pace.

We talked to the legendary MC on "TMZ Live" to get his thoughts on the latest shooting death in hip hop -- Migos rapper Takeoff being gunned down in Houston -- and Chuck says it's crazy how folks think it's normal to lose rappers to gun violence.

Chuck says attacking someone with a gun should be considered "abnormal behavior" ... and he's lamenting the fact it's become so commonplace in America, people almost seem to shrug it off as just a part of life.

As we reported ... Takeoff was killed during an early morning shooting in Houston, with emergency audio revealing at least 5 shots were fired. We're told Takeoff and Quavo were playing dice at a bowling alley when an altercation broke out and someone, or multiple people, opened fire ... fatally shooting Takeoff.

Chuck D says gun violence in the hip hop community has been ignored for far too long -- he says any other industry with so many fatalities would have addressed the issue before it became normalized.

He adds ... people have grown up thinking a rapper dying young is a normal thing ... and he says it's not only about the death itself, but also the manner -- drugs and gunshots.

Problem is, Chuck says too much music glorifies guns and drugs, whereas before, it was a reflection of what was going on in the community, not a dictation.

Trey Songz is no longer facing a civil suit for an alleged rape in 2016, because the case has been dismissed after legal documents show the statute of limitations ran out on the allegations.

The docs, obtained by TMZ, show Songz's suit was thrown out Monday after Trey's legal team successfully argued the statute of limitations expired long before the woman -- who filed anonymously as a Jane Doe -- filed her complaint.

As we reported, the woman filed the lawsuit earlier this year -- claiming she had a consensual sexual relationship with Songz, but alleges the singer suddenly turned into a "savage rapist" on March 24, 2016.

The statute of limitations in CA is currently 10 years -- but that wasn't made official until 2019 -- prior to that it was 3 years ... but the woman filed 6 years after the alleged rape.

Deion Sanders is forbidding his Jackson State football players from leaving their Houston hotel rooms this weekend ... giving the demand in a heartfelt speech following Takeoff's tragic death.

The NFL Hall of Famer addressed the Migos rapper being shot and killed in Houston with his players on Tuesday ... pointing out the incident happened in the same city where they will play the Texas Southern Tigers on Saturday.

"Takeoff was murdered in a dice game in Houston -- where we're going," Sanders said.

"So, that eliminates all y'all leaving that hotel, 'cause it ain't happening until I give you further notice."

The 55-year-old explained to his team they may need to make drastic life changes to prevent similar incidents from happening to them.

"You cannot kick it with the same dudes you kicked it with," Sanders continued. "You cannot associate in the same realms that you associated with. You gon' have to change if you expect change."

"I'm sad because it always seems like it's us, but we wanna say we matter, we wanna say we keep it 100, but it's always us!"

Of course, Sanders and the JSU Tigers went through this type of loss almost a year ago ... when Young Dolph was tragically killed in his own hometown of Memphis.

"I'm just sick and tired of the consistency of people, that are influential to you, are leaving us consistently -- that's our rappers," Sanders said.

News of Migos rapper Takeoff's death is gripping the hip hop community hard -- and Desiigner wants nothing to do with it anymore.

Desiigner went live early Tuesday, swearing off rap forever ... pointing to plaques of his past work while screaming, "This version of me is done!"

He continued railing against the culture further ... even going as far as proclaiming he "can't live life like this."

Desiigner ended the video by sending a R.I.P to Takeoff ... and other fallen rappers ... PnB Rock, Biggie, Nipsey Hussle and offering condolences to Quavo, Offset, DJ Durel and the rest of Quality Control.

The whole tragic ending is an eerie twist, considering Takeoff was promoting his "Messy" video just 24 hours ago.

Police are still combing through the details surrounding Takeoff's death, which happened early Tuesday morning in Houston. No one is in custody yet, and it's unclear what the conditions are of the 2 other people shot. We'll keep you updated.

Desiigner joins Tee Grizzley as the most recent rapper to quit rap ... although TG walked back his comments shortly after.

Stassie Karanikolaou is taking after her BFF Kylie Jenner when it comes to throwing a banger ... she had a huge Halloween party and some of the biggest celebs pulled up in killer 'fits.

The shindig went down Halloween night at Delilah in L.A., and Stassie stunned in her take on Medusa.

Lots of stars pulled up in their season's best including ... Lil Nas X, Tyga, and David Dobrik. MGK and Megan Fox also showed up in their couples costume.

Among other big names in the building ... Tana Mongeau, Todd Gurley, Wiz Khalifa and girlfriend Aimee Aguilar, Diplo, Addison Rae and Omer Fedi.

Chantel Jeffries, Bronny James, Adam Lambert, Anwar Hadid also were in attendance for the affair -- which seemed to be lacking spookiness, but more than made up for it with the badass costumes.

Stars from both the NFL and the NBA are mourning Takeoff's tragic death on Tuesday -- with Trae Young and Alvin Kamara both releasing statements in disbelief after the rapper was shot and killed.

Young, the Atlanta Hawks star point guard, tweeted ... "No F***ing Way.." Kamara, a Georgia native, added in a tweet of his own, "RIP bra."

Others in the sports world -- including Jake Paul, Darrelle Revis and Ric Flair -- paid their respects to the Migos musician after learning of the tragedy as well.

"Senseless killings need to stop," Paul said on his social media page. "Need to unify. RIP TAKEOFF."

Added Revis, "our legends are being taken away too soon. a big supporter of Migos. it's just not good to wake up to news like this."

Flair -- who grew close to Migos over the years -- posted his condolences ... as well as a picture alongside the rap trio.

Takeoff's hometown Atlanta Falcons also released a statement ... saying, "Takeoff’s legacy lives on in Atlanta and across the world."

"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends."

Takeoff -- who just dropped his "Only Built for Infinity Links" album with Quavo -- was shot in Houston shortly after 2:30 AM following a dice game at a bowling alley.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Hip Hop an altercation broke out during the game ... and Takeoff was shot and killed. Two others were shot as well.

"To all the youth…," Paul added in another tweet, "put down the guns and pick up some boxing gloves to settle your differences. Violence is not the answer."

Takeoff was just 28 years old.

Tory Lanez will soon be on court-ordered house arrest, but if he’s at all sweating his new ankle bracelet, he certainly isn’t showing it.

The rapper was spotted outside the Corrective Solution facility in LA Monday, the place where folks go for GPS, alcohol, and drug monitoring. You can see the metal tracker on his ankle … but interestingly enough, he was cracking his signature smile.

TMZ broke the story, Tory was ordered to house arrest until November 28, when his trial with Megan Thee Stallion kicks off. The order came after TL was accused of attacking August Alsina in Chicago in September.

You'll recall, Alsina claimed Tory sucker punched him and posted bloody pics of the aftermath after he apparently dismissed him in passing earlier that day.

We should note, no charges were filed in the Alsina case ... and Tory's lawyer attorney, Shawn Holley tried to argue TL’s side by saying there were only allegations made by Alsina without hard proof.

Meanwhile, prosecutors argued TL needed to be remanded into custody because he violated the conditions of his bail in the Meg case ... claiming he was a threat to public safety and monetary bail wouldn't cut it.

As we reported, TL is being charged with firing the gun that injured Meg back in 2020. He has pleaded not guilty.

Kanye West was very clearly agitated on social media over the weekend, but his anger was also apparent at his son's soccer game, getting into a heated exchange with another parent.

We've obtained video taken Saturday while Saint played soccer. You can see Kim Kardashian sitting in a lawn chair and surrounded by security while an animated Kanye stands about 30 feet away. It's unclear exactly what he's upset about, but you see Kanye waving his arms in frustration.

From there, another woman -- who is a family friend -- approaches Ye, appears to say something to him and then he storms off.

A witness tells us Kanye came back a few minutes later, seemingly after he had cooled off, and watched the rest of the game without incident.

As we've told you, Kim and Kanye aren't talking -- and that appears to remain true in the video from the weekend. It was a few weeks ago at North's basketball game when Ye showed up wearing a "White Lives Matter" shirt ... we're told Kim didn't interact with Kanye at all during the game.

A Boogie Wit da Hoodie isn't taking any chances his new album will be overlooked due to Drake and 21 Savage's upcoming joint project ... so he's delaying things once again.

A Boogie revealed the new drop for his "Me vs. Myself" album will be in December. TMZ Hip Hop got more specifics ... the exact date will be Dec. 9, in case you're marking it on your calendar.

Unlike most artists who typically blame sample clearances or technical issues for pausing a project, A Boogie openly admits he's ducking a Billboard chart showdown with Drake ... who earned his eleventh No. 1 album over the summer with his dance-infused "Honestly, Nevermind."

A Boogie had just begun to preview his album last week, dropping the single for "Take Shots" which features Tory Lanez.

Drake and 21 actually started a domino effect of album delays after they shuffled their "Her Loss" album from its original date of October 28. Drizzy blamed it on his go-to producer Noah "40" Shebib contracting COVID-19.

The switched-up release enabled Drake and 21 to avoid sharing a headline with Rihanna's new 'BP' soundtrack record, as well as Taylor Swift's current record-breaking storm over the music industry.

Quavo apparently isn't done rehashing his past relationship with Saweetie ... using their old elevator fight to create a new visual for a music video.

The 2 active Migos -- Quavo and Takeoff -- dropped the video Monday for their song "Messy" ... and they're dredging up the incident where the then-couple went at each other inside an elevator at LAX.

In the music video, Quavo is solo as he acts out his reimagined elevator scenario. While there's no female companion with him, there is an orange Call of Duty box ... just like the one Saweetie snatched from him during their 2021 altercation.

Quavo co-directed the video with DAPS -- he's clearly in control of the vision ... which refuels the fire from the songs lyrics where he raps, "I said, 'Caresha Please' ’cause she too messy/Bitch f****d my dog behind my back, but I ain’t stressin’/You wanted the gang, you should’ve just said it, we would’ve blessed it."

As we told you at the time, investigators decided not to pursue charges based on insufficient evidence to make a substantial case.

In the court of hip hop law ... Saweetie might want to drop a diss track or something because Quavo has been relentless.

Halloween comes with all sorts of rituals, and maybe even seances ... but Flesh-n-Bone is issuing a warning for trick-or-treaters to avoid Ouija boards at all costs!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony rapper out at LAX on All Hallows' Eve and he admits he's a firm believer in the spirit occult, and that's why he's telling everyone to be careful what you conjure ... because you just might get it!!!

Ouija boards became a bigger deal in the mainstream in the '90s, thanks in part to Bone featuring them in skits appearing on their first 2 albums ... "Creepin on ah Come Up" and "E. 1999 Eternal."

He now thinks God is pulling off his belt and spanking those who don't get the memo about messing with dark forces.

Flesh also tackled Bone Thugs' current and final tour run as a quintet.

We broke the story ... Bizzy Bone announced he was officially leaving the touring sector to Krayzie, Layzie, Wish and Flesh ... something we're now told the group had no say in before Bizzy went public.

Flesh says he was caught by surprise by Bizzy's revelation but says every member of Bone is accountable for his own actions at this phase of the group's career.

In any event, Flesh says he's proud of his new Halloween-themed "To The Bone (Remix)," where he features the next crop of Bone Thugs-speed spitters.

The Donda Academy basketball team continues to pay for Kanye West's actions -- the squad will no longer be playing in a tournament at Morehouse College due to his recent antics.

The Donda Doves were originally scheduled to play against The Skill Factory in Atlanta on Nov. 6 ... but given the controversy surrounding West, the host decided to pull the plug on the whole thing.

A spokesperson for Morehouse says the school "cannot condone, in perception or implication, the recent divisive and unproductive statements by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West."

Of course, Morehouse's decision isn't going to sit well with Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who has publicly advocated against Donda hoops players being affected due to Kanye's words.

Brown -- who parted ways with Donda Sports agency last week -- recently said that he will sponsor any event willing to host the team.

"This can’t negatively impact these student-athletes," Brown said. "We all must ensure they complete their senior yr both academically & athletically."

Although Donda's men's basketball team hasn't officially been scrapped ... it seems imminent since they have little to no games scheduled, and organized practices have been limited.

Lil Zay Osama is outta jail for the not-so-low low price of $350,000 ... marking his first taste of freedom since NYPD arrested him on October 1 for allegedly leaving much more than a tip for an Uber drive.

NYPD sources tell TMZ Hip Hop that Lil Zay got sprung Saturday after posting his 6-figure bail, but with several conditions ... including remaining on home confinement and avoiding contact with any witnesses.

We're told Lil Zay also must undergo screening for illicit substances.

Federal prosecutors claim Lil Zay hopped in an Uber with a Glock, and after riding from Manhattan to Queens ... forgot the weapon in the vehicle.

According to the authorities, the weapon was enhanced with a “switch” device ... which turns semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons. The Department of Justice has been cracking down on such enhancements.

The Uber driver contacted the police and Lil Zay was arrested for weapon possession and being a felon in possession of a firearm ... charges that could land him in prison for 20 years if convicted.