Play video content Exclusive TMZ.com Cops in Aurora, CO targeted Elijah McClain‘s violin vigil to make an example out of nonviolent musicians … so says a famous violinist who saw it all play out. Lee England Jr. — who Michael Jordan calls “the Michael Jordan of the violin” — tells TMZ … Aurora police made
Music
The late John Prine, who died earlier this year of COVID-19, has received an unprecedented posthumous honor. He’s the first person to be named Illinois’ honorary poet laureate. “John Prine leaves behind an unparalleled musical legacy and was beloved by family and millions of fans who hope that in Heaven he finds Paradise waitin’ just
Pop Smoke‘s fans have spoken — loudly and clearly — the cover art designed by Virgil Abloh for the rapper’s posthumous album is trash … so a change is coming. Pop’s highly anticipated album, “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” is set to release July 3, but when the cover art was revealed
Kanye West is back with new music. He’s just shared a song called “Wash Us in the Blood,” which comes with a visual from the video artist (and prior West collaborator) Arthur Jafa. The song is mixed by Dr. Dre and features Travis Scott. The “Wash Us in the Blood” video opens with protest footage.
Play video content Exclusive TMZ.com Wayne Brady says he knew he had to nail his Little Richard impersonation for the BET Awards tribute — and he’s giving props to his ex-wife and her BF for helping him pull it off. Wayne joined us Monday on “TMZ Live” to talk about one of the highlights of
Summer Walker has announced a new EP: Life on Earth is out July 10 via LVRN/Interscope. Check out the EP cover below. At last night’s BET Awards, Summer Walker performed “Session 32” and “Come Thru” with Usher, who stayed socially distant. Walker was also nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop and Best New Artist at the
Breaking News Special moment from Lil Wayne on Sunday night — he perfumed his 2009 track, “Kobe Bryant” … with new lyrics to honor Mamba and Gianna. It all went down at the BET Awards — where Wayne debuted a new music video for the song, performing in front of the screen with Kobe‘s name
Marc Orleans, the prolific guitarist and pedal steel player who was a member of the long-running experimental Boston collective Sunburned Hand of the Man, has died. Tom Carter, the Charalambides guitarist who made music with Orleans in the group Eleven Twenty-Nine, confirmed the news in a statement. Some of Orleans’ earliest recording came as a
Play video content Breaking News @chaserice / Instagram Chase Rice got back to touring this weekend — and to kick things off … the guy allowed thousands of people to flood a concert venue, with ZERO regards for coronavirus safety. The country singer held his first show in a while Saturday night at former prison-turned-event
Beyoncé has announced a new visual album called Black Is King. The project is written, directed, and executive produced by Beyoncé. It’s set to premiere on Disney+ on July 31. Watch the teaser trailer at Beyoncé’s website. The singer-songwriter previously worked with the entertainment conglomerate on the “live-action” CGI remake of The Lion King, for
Play video content Ariana Grande threw what kinda sounds like an oxymoron but it’s not … an intimate birthday bash for herself. Ariana hosted the party Friday night for a few of her close family and friends, to celebrate turning 27. Trucks traversed her Hollywood Hills street all day, delivering supplies and decorations for the
James Blake is performing a set on Instagram Live today (June 27). Tune in via his official account. During his improvisational piano concert, viewers will have the option to donate to Rachel Cargle’s Loveland Foundation, which provides opportunity, access, and therapy for Black women and girls. James Blake’s most recent studio album Assume Form came
Exclusive Nipsey Hussle‘s family’s stuck in an odd limbo with a Crips company — over a trademark — and it’s got them worried something shady’s going on. Sources close to the late rapper tell TMZ … his family’s legal conflict with the Crips LLC — yes, the gang’s gone corporate — over the rights to
HAIM have released a video of their live performance at Los Angeles deli Canter’s, where director Paul Thomas Anderson shot the band’s new album cover. The sisters played songs from Women in Music Pt. III, which landed today (June 26). The setlist includes “Summer Girl,” “The Steps,” “Gasoline,” and more. Check out the full performance
Play video content Exclusive TMZ.com Kanye West‘s new Gap deal isn’t only huge for budget-conscious consumers … Daymond John says it could also be a game changer for Gap’s corporate culture …if it’s smart, at least. The “Shark Tank” star helped us follow the money on the Yeezy Gap 10-year deal … breaking down how
The Flaming Lips have announced a new album called American Head. The King’s Mouth follow-up arrives September 11 via Warner. (A double colored vinyl follows on October 2, along with limited edition art prints.) It’s produced by longtime collaborator Dave Fridmann and features the Kacey Musgraves collaboration “Flowers of Neptune 6.” Check out the tracklist
Justin Bieber‘s going after 2 social media users — whom he suggests might be the same person — for accusing him of sexual assault, claiming the allegations are “factually impossible” and part of a scheme to seek attention and fame. Bieber is suing 2 Jane Does — who go by Danielle and Kadi on social
This year’s edition of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Originally rescheduled to September 24—27, 2020, the fest is now expected to return June 17—20, 2021. Ticketholders for 2020 will be able to roll their ticket over to next year, or request a refund. The 2020 edition of
Exclusive Tekashi 6ix9ine‘s Instagram page will stay up and running despite renewed uproar over his criminal record — because the platform feels he hasn’t violated their rules. Here’s the deal … 6ix9ine ran into some legal trouble even before he hit it big. When he was younger — age 18 — he pled guilty to
Okayplayer and OkayAfrica released a statement today announcing that the organizations have “severed all ties” and accepted the resignation of CEO and publisher Abiola Oke. “We take the allegations that have surfaced very seriously, and we stand with the brave women who came forward.” The company’s statement claims that an outside advisor will “review and
Breaking News Panic! at the Disco frontman Brendon Urie is not having it after one of his songs was played at President Trump‘s rallies … and he’s telling the campaign to kick rocks. Brendon went off on the Prez and his campaign after one of his most famous tracks — the 2018 hit “High Hopes”
Note: This article contains descriptions of alleged assault. Today’s episode of the N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN-hosted Revolt podcast Drink Champs featured multiple guests discussing the Black Lives Matter movement. One of those guests was Russell Simmons, who faces multiple allegations of sexual assault. Following the episode’s release, TIDAL—which promoted Simmons’ interview on social media, presumably
Exclusive Nathan Davis Jr. is taking United Airlines to court because he claims he was racially profiled on a flight and falsely accused of having a gun … according to a new lawsuit. The TikTok star and ”Detroit” actor just filed suit against UA, alleging he was singled out and harassed by a flight attendant
This Heat will release their discography digitally for the first time. The titles include the British experimental rock band’s two studio albums (1979’s This Heat and 1981’s Deceit), the 1980 Health and Efficiency EP, and a series of live albums (Repeat and Metal, Made Available, and Live 80/81). The records will come to streaming on
Exclusive George Floyd‘s death has not only sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racism, it’s also fueled donations to charities and organizations … especially The Bail Project. Joseph Pate — spokesperson for the national nonprofit, which pays bail for people in need — tells TMZ … it has received more than $15 million from
Sacramento rapper Bris was shot dead on June 21, Sacramento County Coroner records confirm. He was 24. According to Sacramento Police, officers responded to a report of shots fired on June 21 at approximately 12:42 a.m. near Franklin Boulevard and Fruitridge Road. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located the rapper, born Christopher Treadwell, who
Breaking News Dolphins top draft pick Tua Tagovailoa is quickly learning the perks of being an NFL superstar — ’cause the QB just got noticed by his celebrity crush, Shania Twain!!! The rookie was doing a rapid-fire Q&A with the team when he was asked a bunch of questions … and Tua made sure to
Global Citizen and the European Commission have announced an upcoming televised concert titled “Global Goal: Unite for Our Future.” The virtual event will take place June 27, and feature performances by Quavo, Christine and the Queens, J Balvin, Usher, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, Miley Cyrus, Shakira, and more. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will host. According to
Play video content @queenjac_ / Instagram Ja Rule has made his services widely available to the general public — the dude’s offering up private party bookings now … something his old foe, 50 Cent, finds awfully hilarious. The rapper made an appearance this weekend at a private house party in New Jersey, where it looks
On Thursday, Noname released her new single, “Song 33.” It was widely speculated that Noname was responding to J. Cole’s song “Snow on Tha Bluff.” “He really ’bout to write about me while the world is in smokes,” she rapped on the new song. “When his people in trees, when George was begging for his