TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

The who's who of Hollywood came out in droves to support the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute at the annual Met Gala in Manhattan Monday night ... and while they dazzled on the red carpet at the iconic steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the arguably more intriguing photos took place inside the elite gathering.

From Gen Z's hottest names to the top of pop music, the Met's walls were bustling with A-Listers letting loose. And our gallery let's us be a fly on the wall at the hottest event of the year.

Check it out ... Jenna Ortega and Sabrina Carpenter -- who costarred in Sabrina's "Taste" music video together -- posed for the cameras and looked like they had a secret to keep.

Federal prosecutors are under pressure relating to one of their star witnesses in the Diddy trial ... because they revealed in court today they may not be bringing an alleged victim into the courtroom to testify.

The alleged victim in question is a woman and the feds revealed Monday the woman does not live close to New York City, where the trial is being held, and they say she's told the court she might not even show up despite being subpoenaed.

Prosecutors claim they are having difficulty contacting the woman and her attorney ... and the judge asked lead prosecutor Maurene Comey if the prosecution planned to drop the woman's name in opening statements.

The first day of jury selection in the Diddy sex trafficking trial is in the books ... and there were a few standouts ... including one prospective juror who said Joe Rogan turned them on to Diddy parties.

The juror told the judge they heard about Diddy parties involving sex and drugs on an episode of Joe's podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience" ... but the juror was not excluded.

Another highlight ... Juror No. 20 was caught shoplifting from Universal Studios ... and he told the judge he had to get a lawyer after busted trying to get a five-finger discount on a wand from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Potential jurors in Diddy's federal sex trafficking trial are getting grilled on topics like sex and violence before they get picked ... because they're being warned the case will include graphic content and some upsetting things they're expected to handle like grown-ups.

TMZ obtained the questionnaire being given to prospective jurors ... and there's an emphasis on the graphic nature of the allegations against Diddy.

For instance, the questionnaire asks ... "The charges in this case involve allegations of kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction of justice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Is there anything about the nature of these allegations that would make it difficult for you to be fair and impartial?"

Aubrey O'Day is in Japan, but it seems she's got a courthouse in Manhattan on the brain ... because she appears to be throwing some major shade at her old boss at the start of his criminal trial.

The former Danity Kane singer posted a bunch of photos from her trip to Japan on Instagram, but the most interesting thing was the caption -- "Your Honor…"

Aubrey seems to be referencing Diddy's sex trafficking trial in New York City.

Diddy is no O.J. Simpson ... at least as it pertains to one significant aspect of their trials.

TMZ has learned ... there are currently NO plans to sequester the jury in the Diddy sex trafficking trial in NYC.

We obtained the questionnaire sent out to potential jurors, with jury selection beginning Monday, and it tells them, "There are no plans to sequester the jury, which means you will go home every day after court."

Lil Uzi’s back in the mix, making his big Instagram comeback after a medical emergency last month that had him laid up in the hospital.

The rapper was back to doing his thing, dropping a bunch of short clips Monday  -- skateboarding around what looked like his recording studio.

Looks like Uzi’s back to full energy -- he even used his caption to thank fans for all the love, and kept things optimistic, saying he knows this summer’s gonna be a good one for him.

Lance Bass went all out for his 46th birthday ... spending the weekend partying in Las Vegas, and getting pulled onstage by Nelly.

The NSYNC singer was at Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World on Sunday when Nelly brought him onstage for a surprise performance ... and the crowd went bananas.

TMZ obtained video of the Lance-Nelly gig ... and they performed their hit from back in the day, "Girlfriend," which was a collab between NSYNC and Nelly.

Diddy's got all sorts of emotions as jury selection begins in his sex trafficking trial ... and he sounds anxious.

The Bad Boy Records founder is in court as potential jurors are questioned by the judge ... and at one point Diddy spoke up to reveal some of the nerves he's feeling.

Diddy told the judge, "I'm sorry your honor, I'm a little nervous today."

Diddy is already facing off with prosecutors in his sex trafficking trial that kicked off Monday in an NYC courtroom ... but he may also have to stare down several accusers who have filed civil lawsuits against him, TMZ has learned.

Florida-based attorney Ariel Mitchell -- who represents 3 of Diddy's alleged victims in civil cases and potentially a fourth -- says she might fly up to the Big Apple to attend the music mogul's federal criminal trial ... with her clients.

As you know, Diddy is on trial for allegedly committing a slew of crimes, including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He's also accused of forcing women to engage in "Freak Offs" ... marathon sex sessions that include male sex workers, according to federal prosecutors.

On the first day of the Diddy trial, the judge is asking prospective jurors about their celebrity knowledge and their own personal backgrounds, based on answers to a lengthy questionnaire each has already filled out ... and one candidate has an occupation and a family relation that could affect both sides of the case.

In a packed NYC courthouse Monday morning, federal judge Arun Subramanian began questioning possible jurors -- and Juror No. 2's job is particularly interesting in the context of Diddy's alleged crimes ... as is his sister's relationship past.

Juror 2 happens to be a massage therapist -- who probably knows a thing or two about baby oil, which will play a HUGE role in the Diddy case. As you know, Diddy bought baby oil in bulk to use during his "Freak Offs," which are marathon sexual encounters between Diddy, his girlfriends and a male escort, according to a federal indictment.

The first day of the federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs began this morning with some lighthearted comments by the judge ... who mentions Diddy's various nicknames over the years, and nods to the size of the potential jury pool and the length of the questionnaire each individual filled out.

As proceedings got formally underway, Judge Arun Subramanian made a remark comparing the size of the list of prospective jurors that both sides will question on the stand -- and the questionnaire of people and places in the case -- to the famously vast "Lord of the Rings" trilogy of novels.

As you know, there are many challenges on both sides for jury selection, which is expected to take several days.

Diddy will finally face a jury of his peers who will determine his fate for the rest of his life ... but finding the right jury -- for each side -- is gonna be a Herculean task.

The defense will have a much more difficult time, because there's no such thing as an unbiased jury. Good luck finding a prospective juror in New York City -- or anywhere else in this country, for that matter -- that hasn't formed an opinion about this case.

Since the public view is Diddy is guilty, prosecutors have a big edge. As for the defense, the way to go about asking questions regarding bias is NOT simply asking if a prospective juror can have an open mind. The way to do it ... they ask if prospective jurors have ever held a view that was important to them but were able to change their mind, and they need to be specific.

Jury selection just kicked off in Diddy's federal trial, and it’s a total madhouse -- with some people getting paid just to stand in line for others to snag spots inside the courthouse.

We caught the chaos at the federal courthouse in Manhattan on Monday -- some folks told us they had been in line since the night before, saving spots for people who paid them to do the heavy lifting.

One line-holder told us he was getting $32 per hour to hold a place in line, though he admitted the going rate is more like $25 per hour. Any bit of extra income helps with inflation, particularly in Manhattan! Another clip on X showed just how absurd the line was to get into the courthouse for the jury selection ... so paying someone to save a spot makes sense.

The fashion elite hit the Pre-Met Gala Dinner -- and the style game was already fire before the main event even kicked off.

It all popped off at Vogue queen Anna Wintour’s pre-Met gala at her NYC home Sunday -- A$AP Rocky rolled in sharp as ever, while Serena Williams served full glam in a bridal-esque gown with a dramatic feathered shrug.

With A$AP in the building, you know Rihanna wasn’t far behind -- rocking an androgynous-chic look with a belted blazer, tailored slacks, and a poppin’ red lip.

Seal and Heidi Klum's daughter turned 21 over the weekend, and it was complete with a heartfelt serenade from her famous father.

The model celebrated her milestone birthday in the early hours at Miami club, E11EVEN. Leni showed up around 1 AM in a party bus with around 20 friends.

The group sat at a VIP table, where a glowing sign bearing Leni’s name lit up and a parade of oversized alcohol bottles set the tone for the night.