TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Houston rapper Sauce Walka is beating Soulja Boy at his own game of being the first rapper to achieve (fill-in-the-blank), and he did it in the hottest way imaginable -- visiting a live volcano!!!

Sauce posted a nighttime clip of himself Wednesday, overlooking Hawaii's Mauna Loa -- the world's largest active volcano, which recently started erupting for the first time in 38 years.  The scene behind him is pretty spectacular ... lava's spewing into the sky, although it appears Sauce is at a pretty safe distance.

SW admitted he flew out to Hawaii solely for the stunt … playfully calling out Soulja in the process.

In true rapper fashion, he claims to live for the danger and needed to see the ongoing inferno for himself.

Residents in the area have started closing down some businesses, but the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency’s website claims there’s no current threat to the communities. For now, at least.

Boosie Badazz thinks Nas and Jay-Z's time in the spotlight is fading fast -- if not totally gone already -- but he insists he's saying that with the utmost respect!!!

The Louisiana rapper recently jumped into his favorite hot seat over at VladTV to dissect the NYC icons' careers ... on the heels of 21 Savage's viral remark that Nas is irrelevant to today's rap fans.

Boosie says when he goes into clubs with folks in their early 30s, he NEVER hears Jay or Nas tracks played … a clear sign they’ve been replaced on the scene.

Vlad argues Nas has been steadily pumping out music, to which Boosie counters ... those songs are strictly for the enjoyment of his established fan base, not to draw new ones.

Boosie did give Jay props on the business side, and Nas for winning the 2020 Best Rap Album Grammy -- but he's still pretty much aligned with 21 Savage's previous Clubhouse comments.

Hot Boys rapper B.G. was centered in an internet hoax this week, and Gucci Mane took the bait -- but in doing so, he revealed the cards he's playing for the incarcerated Cash Money Records OG.

Gucci excitedly tweeted Tuesday ... posting a pic of B.G. with a $1 million offer to sign with his 1017 Records, highlighting the respect he had for the Louisiana-born rapper.

Once the purported video of B.G. was debunked -- it wasn't really him -- Gucci deleted the tweet ... seemingly crushing his hopes to boost his So Icy Boyz roster.

Gucci does have some open slots -- he recently dropped an up-and-coming rapper from the label in a 24-hour timespan -- but many signs point to B.G. returning to Cash Money if he stays in the rap game.

Cash Money boss Birdman has been teasing B.G.’s early release from his 14-year prison sentence for months … despite his 2021 conditional release being denied.

The Chopper City rapper is currently holed up in California’s FCI Herlong Detention Center with a current release date of April 7, 2024. He’s been incarcerated on a federal gun charge since 2012.

Kanye West has been spewing antisemitic remarks for weeks, but apparently has no issue plastering the Star of David on his concert merch -- which came to light when he took his daughter shopping.

Kanye picked North West up from school Tuesday -- just hours after TMZ broke the story he and Kim Kardashian had settled in their divorce. Interestingly enough, North's shirt displayed the Star of David with a cross in the middle along with the words Donda and the date 8.5.2021.

The shirt was actually part of the merch collection Kanye released during the "Donda" album listening event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium more than a year ago.

What's not clear is the intention behind the design of the merch ... many have said the cross inside the Star of David symbolizes Christianity being central to Judaism, while others have said it simply shows a harmony between the two religions.

As we've reported, Kanye's been on an antisemitic tear -- blaming Jewish business and media leaders for his latest demise and wronging him in the past.

On Monday, he stormed out of a podcast interview with Tim Pool after the host pushed Kanye on his rhetoric and said he didn't agree with what he'd been saying.

Afroman says he's hundreds of dollars short after cops returned the cash they seized during a raid of his home ... and he believes it's the cops who may have their hands on his missing dough.

Afroman joined us on "TMZ Live" Wednesday, telling us after he counted the returned money from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio on Tuesday, he realized he was $400 short.

He believes either someone swiped the cash from the evidence lockup, or they took it from his pad during the raid. Either way, he tells us he's gearin' up for legal action.

As we reported, the rapper's home was raided back in August ... and he told us at the time they were in search of narcotics but came up empty-handed.

Afroman mentions a kidnapping charge against him regarding the raid -- and law enforcement tells TMZ someone called the cops in August, saying there was a person being held in his home against their will.

GloRilla and Cardi B’s “Tomorrow 2” collaboration is poised for a No. 1 opportunity on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart, and the song’s back story is all about a big surprise ... which Glo spoiled!!!

The Memphis rapper was on The Breakfast Club Tuesday when she revealed she'd sparked up her own relationship with Cardi, but unbeknownst to her, Yo Gotti was already running a play to get Cardi on the remix of her current smash hit.

GloRilla says she sent Cardi a track to collaborate on … and probably came off a little greedy, because Cardi had already recorded and sent the “Tomorrow 2” verse to Gotti.

Unfortunately, Glo ended up getting it too -- and shortly after, she burst Gotti's bubble by revealing she'd already heard the Cardi-boosted track!!

Glo also arguably has 2022's fav rap song in "F.N.F. (Let's Go)" and is up for a Best Rap Performance at next year's Grammys.

The last time she spoke to TMZ Hip Hop, she said the newfound success has floored her but she's still riding above the clouds.

Kanye West is trying to breathe new life into his Donda Academy -- this time in a new, holier location, even though the school has all but crumbled.

Pastor Ronald Nagin of Cornerstone Christian Church tells TMZ he and Kanye have had 3 face-to-face meetings over the last month, and Ye expressed interest in leasing some of the church space in Northridge, CA -- in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley -- for the Donda Academy.

We’re told Kanye believes CCC is an improvement from Donda's old space in Chatsworth -- where Ye reportedly relocated to last year. Prior to that, Donda Academy was operating out of Simi Valley.

As for what Ye likes about Cornerstone, Nagin says he likes the fact it offers a bigger space with more classrooms and a sanctuary. Worth noting … if Ye pulls the trigger on this, he’d only be utilizing a portion of the grounds -- not all of the church property.

While Nagin notes this isn’t a done deal yet, the wheels are in motion … because we’re told Cornerstone’s lawyers are drafting up a lease for Ye right now.

It’s not a one-way street of interest either … Nagin says the church views Donda Academy as a good fit for them too. We’re told Kanye's priority is providing good education in a Christian environment, which is right up the church's alley, as Cornerstone has had many schools operate out of the church in the past.

Of course, the biggest issue -- Kanye losing his students and teachers, who've recently fled for other programs. If he's successful in locking down the new space, he'll have to recruit a lot of new students, and convince the old ones to come back.

If you’re wondering whether Kanye’s recent bigoted and antisemitic comments are going to be a hindrance, the answer is no -- Nagin tells us he considers Ye a good guy and a friend. He even swung by this week for service, separate from the negotiations over the would-be rental space.

It’s interesting … word is, Donda Academy has been a bit of a bare-bones operation that’s sometimes open, sometimes not amid Ye’s erratic behavior -- so, uprooting it again wouldn't be as strange as it seems from the outside.

Nas and 21 Savage are choosing to be relevant together, with a new collaboration … a sharp departure from the near-beef that started simmering with 21’s disparaging comments about the Queensbridge MC.

Nas explained the truce on Instagram … “Only way we moving is with love, respect and unity. The foundational principles of hip hop. Excited to collaborate with my young brother and I hope more artists use turbulent moments and turn them into a time to make new art. That’s what it’s about.”

If you’ll remember, 21 questioned Nas' relevance during a fiery Clubhouse chat, but their song, “One Mic, One Gun” cooly buries the hatchet over a Hit-Boy produced track.

The song's being celebrated by the likes of DJ Khaled, Peter Rosenberg and even Nas’ brother Jungle, who was among the many calling for 21’s head.

Donald Trump blasted Mitch McConnell Tuesday over the senator's brutal comments about DT's infamous Kanye West/Nick Fuentes dinner ... and his chances at becoming president again.

Trump lampooned Mitch during an interview with Fox News Digital, calling the Senate Minority Leader "a loser for our nation and for the Republican Party."

Earlier in the day, McConnell (R-Kentucky) had met with reporters in D.C. and condemned Trump for meeting with Kanye and Fuentes -- a white nationalist -- at the former president's Mar-a-Lago estate last week.

"There is no room in the Republican Party for antisemitism or white supremacy," McConnell said. "And anyone meeting with people advocating that point of view, in my judgment, are highly unlikely to ever be elected president of the United States." Trump recently announced his 2024 bid for the White House again.

In his chat with FOX News, DT reiterated he didn't have a clue who Fuentes was during their "very quick dinner." And, if Fuentes had voiced any white supremacist views, which he apparently didn't do, Trump said they "wouldn't have been accepted." He did not explain why he'd meet with Kanye on the heels of his nonstop antisemitic rants.

Rapper/entrepreneur Omi In A Hellcat is taking a stand, a very expensive one ... burning tens of thousands of dollars worth of Balenciaga gear amid its child BDSM photo shoot scandal.

Omi flushed his house of all things Balenciaga on Tuesday, piling up dozens of sneakers and several articles of clothing and torching them ... all while cursing anyone still willing to support the brand, and warning them to stay away from his kids.

The newfound closet space freed up room for his own Omi sneaker brand ... of which he prepared a massive shipment for his customers.

Omi also lashed out at commenters demanding he sell off the luxury goods instead of burning them, reaffirming that he wanted to rid the world of Balenciaga ... permanently.

Many high-profile hip hop artists have remained mum on their beloved fashion house’s scandal … which showed toddlers photographed with stuffed bears wearing apparent BDSM gear, and legal documents referencing child pornography.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have settled their divorce ... TMZ has learned.

The former husband and wife have resolved both child custody and property-related issues.

According to the settlement, Kim and Kanye will get joint custody with "equal access" to their 4 children. Although the docs say equal access, sources with direct knowledge tell us Kim will have the kids the lion's share of the time. Even Kanye has acknowledged Kim already has the kids 80% of the time.

According to the settlement, Kanye will pay Kim $200,000 a month in child support. Our sources say Kanye's not footing the full bill for child support -- that's just his share. In addition, he's responsible for 50% of their kids' educational expenses, including tuition. He's also responsible for 50% of their children's security expenses.

Now, this is interesting ... if there's ever a dispute regarding the children, Kim and Kanye agree they will participate in mediation. If one of them fails to participate, the other gets to make the decision in a dispute by default. Not hard to read between the lines.

As for the $200k ... it's due the first day of each month and must be wired into her account.

As for property, the division of assets is in accordance with their prenup. And, according to the prenup, both Kim and Kanye waived spousal support.

Our sources say Kim has walked a tightrope over the last year, with Kanye going off the rails and refusing to participate in resolving the divorce. As we reported, he's gone through half a dozen lawyers and has blown off depositions. As one source put it, "Kim's patience was tested, but she handled things calmly and ultimately Kanye came around."

The secret weapon in settling -- Disso Queen Laura Wasser, who played Henry Kissinger (Google it) ... going back and forth to resolve the outstanding issues.

TMZ broke the story ... Kim filed for divorce in February 2021 after 7 years of marriage. The divorce stalled because Kanye refused to engage, and Kim went to court last March to get an official decree ending the marriage, with both custody and property to be resolved at a later date.

The settlement came Monday, on the eve Kanye was scheduled to have his deposition taken in case the matter went to trial next month.

The book is now closed on the marriage of Kim and Kanye.

Rapper Quentin Miller seems to be at his wit's end with the music industry ... and it's all over his collaborations with the likes of Nas, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign and most infamously, Drake!!!

In a fiery IG Live rant on Tuesday, QM nearly blew a gasket reacting to criticism over the Nas collaboration ... having earned a credit on his "King's Disease II" album without actually appearing on the song.

QM explained Hit-Boy invited him to the studio as he and Nas were completing the project, where he bounced a few ideas for the song "The Pressure."

In October, QM was a guest on Rory & MAL's podcast where he was running down his industry credits.

It was QM's raps that were centered between Drake and Meek Mill's notorious 2015 beef and QM thinks his association still plays a part in his stigma through the music industry ... which he threatened to leave altogether.

He finished the rant not caring if he ever got a high-profile collaboration and denounced the ghostwriter title once and for all.

Drake and 21 Savage recently admitted to writing each other's verses for their "Her Loss" album ... with very little criticism.

Kanye West spent $4.5 million to buy the house next door to Kim Kardashian after she filed for divorce, and now he's decided to give it up in their settlement.

According to the divorce settlement, obtained by TMZ, Ye will transfer the title of the 3,650 square foot, 5 bedroom home to Kim -- and she'll now be responsible for all expenses related to the property. The home borders Kim's lot, so she'll likely just tear it down -- as it needs a ton of work -- and add to her acreage.

Remember, Kanye said he bought the house in order to be close to his kids, but the divorce settlement states they'll have equal access to the kids -- so he'll still be able to see them whenever he'd like.

The settlement also states Kanye will keep his $60 million home on the beach in Malibu, 2 ranches in Wyoming, 300 acres in Calabasas, a home in Belgium and his childhood home which he bought in Chicago.

Kim will retain property she owns in Idaho and of course, the $60 million Hidden Hills estate that she and the kids call home.

TMZ broke the story, Kim and Kanye were supposed to go to trial next month -- nearly two years after she first filed for divorce -- but hammered out a settlement Monday night. Kanye will pay $200k/month in child support and they'll split education and security expenses for the kids.

A$AP Rocky’s style and drip are flooding the newly released "Need For Speed Unbound" video game … even when you simply honk the horn!!!

Eager gamers noticed when the game dropped Tuesday that Rocky’s voice actually serves as a customized car horn in one of the many unlockable options.

Rocky is also a playable character in the game’s "Takeover mode" and so is his actual Mercedes-Benz 190E … down to the last detail with the slogans "Alway$ $trive and Pro$per" and "If Not Now Then When."

The game’s soundtrack is also packed with several Rocky tracks … in addition to songs from Playboi Carti, Tyler The Creator, Rosaliá and Maxo Kream as well as multiple A$AP Mob crew members.

The Harlem rapper celebrated the game’s launch with a full-scale photo shoot while holding stacks of cash next to his beloved Benz.

Buckle up your designer seat belts … the game looks intense!!!

Metro Boomin is treating his upcoming album "Heroes & Villains" like a movie premiere -- and he's got quite the blockbuster cast ensemble for his new short film!!!

Staged in Superman's hometown of "Metropolis," the "Heroes & Villains" mini-movie stars Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox the trusty narrator, LaKeith Stanfield as a deranged driver of a flame-throwing truck.

Currently-incarcerated YSL members Young Thug and Gunna also make lighthearted cameos as a pair of bumbling anchormen.

The Gibson Hazard-directed clip gives off big-time superhero energy … especially once Metro dons his Boominati chain and hops into his Metromobile, which isn't as cheesy as it sounds!!!

Metro and Morgan are tight, having previously collaborated on the 2020 album "Savage Mode II" with 21 Savage -- Freeman's voice is heard on one of the tracks.

Kanye West says Donald Trump credits him with freeing former federal prisoner Alice Marie Johnson ... but Alice doesn't see it that way.

Alice tells TMZ ... she's convinced she'd still be behind bars if it weren't for Kim Kardashian lobbying the White House on her behalf. That's not to say Kanye deserves no credit, but Alice is steadfast ... Kim was her angel.

Alice says Kim leveraged her relationship with longtime friend Ivanka Trump to strategically make a case for Alice's freedom. Kim knew Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner, carried unique power and influence, and spent hours on the phone and in person with Jared, making her case.

Once Jared was on board, Kim was more than game to meet Trump in the Oval Office to lobby for Alice's release. What's more, Kim knew she'd be criticized by lots of her friends and fans for interacting with Trump, but she believed in Alice and did so anyway.

It worked ... just days after that meeting, Trump announced he would commute Alice's sentence. Short story -- Alice would probably be behind bars were it not for Kim.

Alice was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1997 on drug conspiracy and money laundering charges -- her first offense.

Alice says Ye could have very well influenced Trump's decision... but Kanye and Alice did not speak while she was incarcerated -- she only spoke with Kim. She says Kanye was on her side, and when they met shortly after her release he was in tears.