TMZ Hip Hop - Page 50

Diddy is being accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman on camera more than three decades ago in NYC ... but he says the claims are bogus.

According to a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, a woman named Joi Dickerson-Neal says she was a college student at Syracuse University in 1991 when she met Diddy. She says he took her on a date that quickly turned into a nightmare.

In her suit, the woman claims Diddy took her out for chicken and waffles in January 1991 at the Harlem restaurant where she worked, then drove her over to a recording studio.

The woman claims her legs felt rubbery and she couldn't stand when she tried getting out of Diddy's car ... leading her to believe Diddy drugged her at some point during their meal.

In the suit, the woman claims after leaving the music studio that same evening Diddy drove her to a house, where she says he sexually assaulted her and secretly recorded it.

She's suing Diddy under New York's Adult Survivors Act, a law providing alleged victims of sexual abuse a one-year window to file a civil lawsuit, even if the statute of limitations is up. Thursday marks the deadline to file such lawsuits, and that's when this suit was filed.

A spokesperson for Diddy tells TMZ ... "This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how a well-intentioned law can be turned on its head. Ms. Dickerson's 32-year-old story is made up and not credible. Mr. Combs never assaulted her and she implicates companies that did not exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more."

The woman also accuses Diddy of showing the secretly recorded tape to scores of people ... claiming a musician once told her Diddy had shown the tape to "everyone."

The woman claims she fell into a "tailspin" after the alleged assault ... dropping out of Syracuse and being diagnosed with clinical depression.

11/24 8:54 AM PT -- Teyana's lawyer Tanya Mitchell Graham released a statement regarding the divorce saying, "Ms. Taylor has tried to resolve this matter amicably and privately in order to protect all parties involved, particularly the parties’ minor children.

"Ms. Taylor requests that the parties’ privacy be respected such that the parties and their minor children are not negatively impacted, and the parties’ divorce can be finalized."

11/23 10:34 AM PT -- Iman's lawyer, Stephen C. Steele tells TMZ, "Mr. Shumpert hopes parties and counsel can work toward a fair resolution, keeping the best interests of the children of paramount concern."

Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert are getting divorced ... she secretly moved to end their marriage nearly a year ago and claims he's been a jealous narcissist during their 7-year marriage.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Teyana filed to divorce the former NBA star way back in January ... more than 8 months before they announced a separation.

In the docs, Teyana details the demise of their marriage ... accusing Iman of being jealous about her fame and feeling insecure about being good enough for her, despite the fact he was earning way more playing basketball than she could ever dream of making in music.

Teyana claims Iman would grow annoyed when they would attend public events together, and photogs would ask for him to step out of frame.

She says when Iman signed a $40 million contract with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015, the same year he was also paid $8 million by the New York Knicks, he remained aggravated by her notoriety, jealous of her acting career and insecure about being her man.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Teyana wanted to keep this private as long as possible, initially choosing to file with their initials. However, Iman's recent filing in the divorce proceedings included full names, thus thrusting everything into the spotlight.

Teyana claims that's when Iman started sending her negative text messages with condescending and manipulative language in response to her being in the spotlight. She claims he would pick fights with her for no reason, even on her birthday, and then apologize.

In the docs, which Teyana filed in Georgia, she says she now feels Iman was "treating her cruelly and displaying extreme narcissistic behavior throughout the majority of their marriage."

She says she "began to intentionally dim her light for her husband to try to have a harmonious and peaceful marriage" as Iman "became more and more angry" about her stardom.

What's more, Teyana says she turned down recording opportunities and acting gigs because Iman "did not want her to work." But she says when she stopped working after giving birth to one of their kids, Iman complained about her not making money.

Teyana says she fought to keep their family together despite Iman "being extremely emotionally and mentally abusive towards her." She says she used her connections to get Iman gigs in Hollywood as his NBA career wound down, but says he "unfortunately insisted on bickering" to the point where in 2021 she began the divorce process.

She says they reconciled but it was short-lived because Iman "remained in an insecure state as his NBA career continued to wind down."

In the docs, Teyana says in 2022 she found herself being manipulated and controlled by Iman and filed for divorce ... only to ask her legal team to withdraw the filing one day later.

Teyana says she finally pulled the trigger in January because she was "unable to handle the emotional rollercoaster."

She claims Iman has been involved in multiple cheating scandals during their marriage and cites his DUI arrest and recalls the time in 2022 when he was arrested for weed possession in an airport. Teyana also alleges Iman once crashed her Rolls Royce and fled the scene to avoid a second DUI arrest.

Teyana says she tried to stay with Iman through thick and thin but says he "reacted with further cruel treatment and selfishness." After she secretly filed for divorce, she says Iman insisted on them getting back together only to be lackadaisical and inconsistent and become involved in another cheating scandal, which she says was embarrassing and humiliating.

As we reported ... Teyana announced their separation in September and said, "To be 1000% clear, 'infidelity' ain’t one of the reasons for our departure." Now, she says was just being graceful towards him.

Teyana says Iman left their family home in October and hasn't spent significant time with their 2 children since then. She's asking for temporary and permanent primary physical custody, plus joint legal custody and child support.

TMZ broke the story ... Teyana and Iman got hitched back in 2016, tying the knot while wearing biker jackets.

Now, she says their marriage is "irretrievably broken" ... which seems painfully obvious based on the litany of issues between them -- at least in her eyes.

We reached out to Iman's camp and a rep for Teyana ... so far no word back.

America's most famous prisoners are chowing down on turkey and gravy this Thanksgiving ... but Tory Lanez, Todd and Julie Chrisley are about to find out what R. Kelly already knows ... the bird is better at home.

TMZ obtained prison menus from across the country, where celebrity convicts are being treated to your typical Thanksgiving staples ... turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Here's a breakdown of their Turkey Day feasts:

Todd at Florida's FPC Pensacola:

-- Roast turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, assorted pies

Julie at Kentucky's FMC Lexington:

-- Roast turkey or baked turkey ham, baked candied yams, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, pie

Tory at California Correctional Institution Tehachapi:

-- Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread dressing, diced carrots, dinner roll, green salad, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie

Suge Knight at San Diego's Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility:

-- Same menu as Tory

Harvey Weinstein at New York's Mohawk Correctional Facility

-- Roast turkey, gravy, dressing, whipped potatoes, sliced steamed carrots, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, ice cream sundae

R. Kelly at North Carolina's FCI Butner Medium I

-- Roast turkey, baked candied sweet potatoes, cornbread dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie

Josh Duggar at Texas' FCI Seagoville:

-- Roast turkey, glazed ham, cornbread dressing with turkey gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, assorted pies

Joe Exotic at Texas' FMC Forth Worth:

-- Smoked turkey legs, cornbread stuffing, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, green beans, turkey gravy, dinner roll, pecan or sweet potato pie

In addition to all the traditional food, prisons are offering several activities on Thanksgiving Day.

Chaka Zulu won't be charged for the fatal shooting in June 2022 that left one man dead outside an Atlanta restaurant -- prosecutors are dropping the case after Chaka insisted he fired in self-defense.

On Wednesday, Fulton County prosecutors released a statement to WSB-TV outlining their decision not to indict Chaka, who is Ludacris' manager, over the incident.

"The Atlanta Police Department made an arrest on charges determined at a standard of probable cause, which is their duty in this and all cases The District Attorney’s office investigates cases to determine what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial ... Our investigation of the facts and analysis of applicable law indicates that this is an appropriate resolution of this case based on the standard of proof required. Because the defendant is now involved in a pre-indictment diversion program, we will not comment further about the matter at this time.”

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... surveillance video we obtained showed Chaka and a group of several men, including the slain Artez Benton get into a skirmish outside Chaka's Apt4B restaurant and not too long after, fists were thrown and shots were fired.

Chaka's lawyer Gabe Banks also sent a statement to the local pub ... thanking D.A. Fani Will and her team for their thorough investigation and saying the music industry vet would be focusing on the "nurturing of his family" while also expressing sadness for the loss of life.

Lil Eazy-E thinks his father, Eazy-E's street sign in Compton probably should've come a little bit sooner ... but the day is finally here and everybody's celebratin'!!!

TMZ Hip Hop chopped it up with Lil Eazy on Wednesday as "Eazy Street" became the newest official order in Hub City. LE revealed he's got big plans for the estate in the future ... including some collab with AI.

The AI idea is just one of the visions Eazy says he's floating to honor his famous father's legacy ... AI tools could prove useful in completing some of the unreleased tracks.

Big Eazy died in 1995 but many of his friends and family were still around to support the street sign ... Alonzo Williams the DJ/club owner who helped launch everyone's career, several of his children -- even his mother pulled up to see her son's tribute.

Also present was original N.W.A. member DJ Yella but the other surviving members Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and MC Ren were noticeably absent but Lil Eazy says he's not surprised.

Lil Eazy says Yella was the only one who showed up to the "Boyz-N-The-Hood" rapper's funeral back in the day so he doesn't expect much change-up ... but does say they need to pay a visit to Momma Eazy for holding them down during the early days.

Ne-Yo is no stranger to giving back and this holiday season he's undeniably in his element ... helping out some of the community's most vulnerable citizens.

Ne-Yo was serving food to roughly 150 to 200 people Wednesday at City of Refuge Atlanta ... helping those who came for a Thanksgiving meal and a glimpse of the superstar singer in the flesh.

City of Refuge Atlanta provides shelter to the homeless, victims of sex trafficking, even single mothers with kids getting back on their feet, and provides gym amenities in addition to other wellness programs and employment services.

We're told Ne-Yo also donated a bunch of desserts to sweeten the pot for Thanksgiving -- and 4 of his children helped pass them out.

Tyga set out to make his 34th birthday legendary and based on this evidence, he succeeded ... twice, with parties in Vegas and Los Angeles this week surrounded by plenty of his celebrity pals!!!

Tyga's first string of celebrations kicked off inside Vegas' Spearmint Rhino strip club immediately after the F1 racing events, in the early hours of Nov. 19 ... and we're told everybody and their momma showed up.

YG, Saweetie, Swae Lee, Future, French Montana, Coi Leray, Odell Beckham Jr., Nav and Russell Westbrook were all Last Kings and Queens that evening!!!

Tyga's longtime bud Lil Wayne didn't want him to shoulder the load alone having to dole out stacks of cash to the strippers in the venue, and made a very supportive appearance ... his and Fat Joe's classic "Make It Rain" anthem clearly still lives up to that title!!!

Sunday was T-Raww's actual birthday and he enlisted the WTB Agency to morph a private West Hollywood residence into a makeshift club "Studio 34" ... disco ball and all!!!

The 2nd shindig was highlighted by cameos from Leo DiCaprio, Chris Brown, Kaytranada,  and Bryson Tiller ... and Saweetie, DDG and 310Babii all grabbed the mic for live performances!!!

Lola Brooke is in a giving mood this week ... the "Don't Play With It" rapper popped up in the Brooklyn neighborhood that molded her to ensure a couple hundred kids have a yummy Thanksgiving!!!

TMZ Hip Hop got this video of Lola and her Team 80 labelmate Bleezy personally serving roughly 200 kids from the Children of Promise organization ... which mentors and provides therapeutic empowerment services to children whose parents are incarcerated.

Lola partnered with Sei Less Restaurant and its co-owner Dara Mirjahangiry to have the kids try something different this go around ... which was dishes with an Asian fusion twist that surely expanded their palate.

There were smiles around as everyone rushed Lola for selfies, and we're told Lolo's mom was also there dropping some knowledge for the kids to grow on.

Lola's a fan of dishing and taking solid advice -- the last time we spoke to her, she was asking Lori Harvey to teach her tips for navigating the high-class dating game.

Kanye West believes his ex-trainer, Harley Pasternak, is stalking him around Dubai -- they did run into each other there -- but TMZ has learned it's Harley who felt threatened enough to call for backup.

Harley and Ye were both at Atlantis the Royal Dubai resort on Monday evening, and according to Ye's camp ... the rapper felt uncomfortable and believed Harley was tailing him around Dubai. So much so, he whipped out his phone and started recording Harley as he spoke to hotel staff.

However, sources with direct knowledge at the resort tell TMZ ... Harley was at the concierge desk making a dinner reservation when he came face-to-face with Ye. Remember, these 2 have a tumultuous history.

Harley's the one who called police and paramedics back in 2016 when he said Ye started behaving erratically during a training session. That call led to Kanye being committed to UCLA Medical Center for mental evaluation.

Cut to Monday in Dubai, around 9 PM we're told, when our sources say Ye approached Harley and attempted to embrace him -- perhaps trying to hug it out -- but Harley rebuffed him. We're told the concierge asked Harley if he needed hotel security, and he said yes.

We're told security arrived, but Ye and his team had left the area by that point -- and there was no further contact between them.

50 Cent fans got some real bang for their buck as Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance at London's O2 Arena ... as part of the rapper's "The Final Lap" tour.

Video footage obtained by TMZ shows 50 urging the crowd to "turn it up even more" with a massive digital box descending onstage along to the beat of Ed's "Shape Of You."

Rap fans look perplexed at the unexpected voyage into pop as the British singer's vocals are heard live in the distance -- and when 50 instructs the audience to "put their hands up," the box lifts to unveil Ed himself.

Cheers erupted from delighted concertgoers ... quickly whipping out their phones for evidence of the dynamic music collab onstage.

This isn't the first time 50 has stunned fans with a plus one on stage ... bringing out the likes of Busta Rhymes and Eminem.

Davido's one of the league leaders when it comes to Afrobeats music, and his efforts are paying off -- he recently nabbed 3 Grammy noms, including an historic one for the Academy's inaugural Best African Performance award.

The "Unavailable" crooner made time to break bread with TMZ Hip Hop Monday in NYC, and told us he has zero reservations about the Grammys botching his homegrown category.

He's nominated alongside several musicians he respects -- Asake, Arya Starr, Burna Boy and Tyla -- and considers them all hardworking, just like himself. Fact is, he's had to hop some serious hurdles just to be in Grammy contention.

Davido suffered a tragic loss in October 2022 when his 3-year-old son Ifeanyi drowned in their home swimming pool.

He grieved privately, and bounced back this past March by dropping his album "Timeless," which also earned a pair of Grammy noms to bring his tally to 3 ... Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance!!!

He and his wife Chioma welcomed twins last month, a boy and a girl, and he tells us their hands have been full taking care of the new blessings!!!

We also got Davido's take on the definition of Afrobeats ... the genre's popularity has exploded in the last few years with some people like Michael Blackson predicting it to be rap music's successor ... while others have dismissed it as watered-down R&B.

AJ McLean's pit stop on the Vegas Strip -- during the Formula 1 Grand Prix festivities --  had A-listers doing laps around the glitzy event, and got AJ onstage with The Chainsmokers.

The Backstreet Boys star put the pedal to the medal inside XS Nightclub at the Wynn Las Vegas Thursday night, as the trio performed a special rendition of his band's mega-hit "Everybody" -- but not before F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton and Will.i.am kicked things off at the exclusive invite-only opening ceremony the night before.

On Friday, TikToker Alix Earle jumped into the DJ booth with Swedish House Madia at XS ... while Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Michael B. Jordan, French Montana, and Saweetie partied in VIP.

The whole weekend was packed with celebs in town for the main event ... Saturday night's race, where RiRi and her man A$AP Rocky immersed themselves in the action. No doubt, it was a nice break from reality for the rapper, ahead of his courtroom appearance Monday in his shooting case.

It's official ... Cassie's lawsuit against Diddy -- where she alleged he raped her and was involved in human trafficking -- has been dismissed.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the case was ended in the eyes of the law Monday in New York. The document reads, "Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, Plaintiff hereby dismisses this action, with prejudice and without costs or fees to either party."

As we reported, it was Friday when both Cassie and Diddy announced they had settled the lawsuit ... Cassie stated, "I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support." Diddy's statement read, "We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love."

The settlement was extremely quick, considering Cassie had only filed her lawsuit Thursday.

However, Diddy's attorney, Ben Brafman, was direct, telling us ... "Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best."

Diddy was seen Saturday outside his Star Island home in Miami looking distressed, to say the least.

The lawsuit was shocking -- with claims of human trafficking, drug use and rape -- including one incident Cassie says happened in 2018 when Diddy allegedly came over to her home after she'd tried to break up with him and forced sex on her.

Cassie also accused Diddy of being physical with her, beating and stomping her several times throughout their long relationship.

Wale finds himself inserted in a rumor about Diddy dangling him over a balcony for working with Cassie against Diddy's wishes -- but Wale says it's a fairy tale derived from Robert Townsend's film, "The Five Heartbeats!!!

Wale's management tells TMZ Hip Hop the story, first started by DMV rapper-turned-YouTuber Ant Glizzy, is pure fakery and goes on to say, "It’s a shame that a complete fabrication has gotten this far and that we have to dignify it with a response."

They continue ... "It is a fantasy written by an outsider to exploit a viral story for clicks … the author must have watched "The Five Heartbeats" on basic cable and got inspired. They have never been in the same room as the people mentioned. Wale has never met Cassie or the author and was never involved in any type of altercation. He wishes peace for everyone involved in the settlement."

Wale's team is also warning any media outlets that continue posting the story would be spreading fake news, "and we appreciate any outlet dedicated to factual reporting.”

The 1991 film is loosely based on the Motown Hits era and features a crazed record label boss named Big Red hanging one of his artists over a balcony after they disrespected his office hours with an inquiry about his royalties.

Ant Glizzy has repeatedly made it clear in his videos that he has a bone to pick with Wale but also lingering beef with Shy Glizzy, who he also mentioned in the story.

Diddy looked gutted over the weekend after settling the explosive lawsuit Cassie filed, alleging rape, physical abuse and human trafficking.

2:35 PM PT -- The judge just decided there's enough to take Rocky's case to trial. He'll answer to two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm ... arraignment on January 8.

Potentially huge development in the A$AP Rocky assault case ... prosecutors just showed what they claim is video of him holding a gun before allegedly shooting former fellow Mob member A$AP Relli.

The video was played in an L.A. courtroom Monday afternoon, and prosecutors say that's Rocky in the clip holding a gun during a physical altercation with Relli.

LAPD detective Frank Flores took the stand, and testified cops obtained the video during the course of their investigation. The prosecution also showed still photos from the footage to bolster their claim it's A$AP Rocky with a gun.

Rihanna's baby daddy was in court as prosecutors made their case against him ... wearing a dark blue suit, black glasses and black facemask, remaining stoic throughout the explosive testimony against him.

Prosecutors also played a separate clip of what they say are 2 gunshots ... though there's been no video of the alleged shooting itself. Relli claims Rocky shot his hand.

Police body cam video was also shown in court ... and it shows at least 7 officers arriving at the scene of the alleged shooting and canvassing for evidence ... they never find the weapon.

As we reported... Relli claims he had beef with Rocky leading up to the alleged incident, and he testified Rocky put a gun to his stomach during a heated exchange.

Relli previously testified Rocky didn't shoot right then and there, instead claiming the bullets started flying shortly after they separated. He says Rocky took off running and left him on the street after firing about 4 shots.

While cops say they didn't find any shell casings, Relli claims he came back to the scene later that night and recovered a pair of 9mm shells. Rocky's lawyers grilled him over the claim, asking how he could easily find casings when the cops could not.

Worth noting ... no fingerprints were recovered from the shell casings Relli provided to law enforcement.

We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Usher broke down into tears while bidding a public goodbye to his longtime friend and drummer Aaron Spears ... the Grammy-winning musician's life and memory were honored following his untimely death.

Usher weeps while crediting Aaron as an "amazing force" at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Worship Center last week in Maryland ... also thanking his Musical Director Valdez Brantley for introducing and bringing them together.

Continuing to wipe away tears, the mourning artist adds that Aaron would forever be in his thoughts ... and pledged to love his devastated family members like his own.

Despite his grief, Usher fondly shares a glimpse into his friendship with Aaron ... "He follows me everywhere I go, and I was like, 'Man, you caught that?! ... you cold bro! You the worst'," he says with a touch of humor.

Tear-stricken Usher props his shades back on ... wrapping up his eulogy by reflecting on Aaron's unwavering encouragement, saying, "He would say man you gonna be alright ... he would say tonight is going to be the most incredible night ever!"

As we reported, Aaron's death was announced by his wife on Oct 30 on IG ... and alongside Usher, the likes of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande left heartbreaking tributes.