Music

Lil Xan is opening up about his current struggles with addiction, the death of his hero, Mac Miller, and why he understands what Demi Lovato's going through right now.

Xan reached out to us Monday, a few hours after we broke the story about Mac's cause of death -- cocaine and fentanyl -- and told us he's not surprised the opioid was to blame. Xan said he was dealing pills years ago -- before he got his break rapping -- but says when fentanyl burst on the scene it scared him.

He says, "My friends were taking it, they were puking. I was like I can't ... I'm out the game."

The 22-year-old rapper told us the deaths of Mac and fellow rapper Lil Peep, almost a year ago, made him curb his drug use, but says he's still not clean. He got specific about which drug he's struggling with now. Much like Demi, he says he's gone through long periods of sobriety, but "I relapsed, and that's common. Any other addict would understand that s**t just happens."

As we reported, Lil Xan canceled a slew of tour dates recently, and while the official reason given was "exhaustion" ... he told us his fight to kick drugs also played a role.

Rihanna ain't waiting for Election Day ... she's made it clear where she stands on President Trump by sending him a legal warning about using her music at his political rallies.

RiRi's lawyers fired off the cease and desist letter to Trump's legal team after he played "Don't Stop the Music" at his Sunday rally in Chattanooga, TN. According to the letter, POTUS has used Rihanna tunes "in connection with a number of political events held across the United States."

The letter, first posted by Rolling Stone, goes on to warn Rihanna has not given Trump consent to use any of her music, so using it "is therefore improper." Translation: do it again and we'll sue your ass.

A Washington Post reporter tweeted at Rihanna Sunday after seeing the Trump rally. She replied, "Me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies."

This has gotta be a game to Trump at this point -- he's gotten the same warning from Pharrell Williams, the Prince estate, Steven Tyler and several other artists.

Vic Mensa would be wise to remain out of the public eye until he does a full mea culpa for dissing XXXTentacion at the BET Awards ... so says one of the late rapper's best buds.

We got Ski Mask the Slump God Monday night leaving LAX and he took aim at Vic for calling out XXX's domestic abuse allegations during his BET freestyle ... with the dude's mother in the crowd. The move caught tons of backlash, and Ski Mask says rightfully so.

He even takes it a step further, saying Vic should probably duck Ski Mask and the rest of XXX's friends until he issues a proper apology to the slain MC's mom.

Vic has already dropped a new song addressing the controversy, which he interestingly called "Empathy." It might be too little, too late for Ski Mask and co. though.

As they put it ... until that real apology comes, keep hiding. Also ... check out Ski Mask's defense of XXX allegedly confessing to beating his girlfriend on tape, and how he reconciles that with what Vic did. Hint ... he's a little biased.

French Montana says he hopes he could have prevented Mac Miller from fatally overdosing if he had been around ... because celeb OD's are all about the people surrounding them.

Our Raquel Harper chopped it up with French for Tuesday's episode of "Raq Rants" on BET ... and he told her if he had spent time with Mac the night he died from a mix of fentanyl and cocaine, he hopes Miller would still be alive. He wishes Mac had a big brother figure in his life to tell him to cut it out.

French believes Mac didn't have good people around him, and it sounds like FM has dealt with similar issues in his own life.

The interview also touches on French's work in Africa, his dating life and new music on the way.

Demi Lovato has what appears to be a constant companion, and he has a few things in common with her that are now the centerpiece of her life -- addiction and sobriety.

We just got these photos of Demi and clothing guru Henry Levy grabbing coffee Sunday night in West Hollywood ... and, as you can see, they're getting really close. Demi's got her arm around Henry's waist, and he's got his draped over her shoulder.

We've learned Demi and Henry went to an AA meeting Sunday night -- he's been in and out of rehab since he was a teen. We're told Demi and Henry actually met a few years back when both were in rehab.

Demi and Henry's Sunday outing comes on the heels of their fancy sushi dinner Saturday night at Matsuhisa in Bev Hills ... when we first saw them together having a great time over dinner.

Demi definitely enjoys Henry's company ... because they were back at it again the next day, smiling, laughing and looking cheerful as they waited on iced coffees.

8:15 AM PT -- According to the report, Mac's assistant found him unresponsive on his bed in a "praying position" -- kneeling forward with his face resting on his knees. The assistant described him as already being "blue" during the 911 call.

There was a 1/4-inch abrasion on the bridge of his nose, and there was blood coming out of one nostril.

An empty bottle of alcohol was found on the nightstand, near Mac's body ... and a bottle of prescription pills was found in the bathroom. The list of pills recovered in the home include Xanax, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and generic Adderall.

Cops found a rolled-up $20 bill with white powdery residue in Mac's right pocket -- and an iPad in his home studio had "linear white powdery residue" on it. There were also 2 baggies found with the white powder.

We're told the amount of each drug was not necessarily a lethal amount, but the combination is what killed him.

As part of the report, the Coroner detailed the location of all of Mac's tattoos, and described each of them -- including his "Most Dope," Einstein face and "No Woman No Cry" ink.

Mac Miller died from a mix of fentanyl and cocaine ... TMZ has learned.

The L.A. County Coroner's Office released its toxicology findings, and according to the report Mac died from "mixed drug toxicity" -- specifically fentanyl, coke ... and alcohol too. The Coroner categorized his death as an accidental overdose.

TMZ broke the story ... Mac died back in September. He was found around noon in a bedroom at his San Fernando Valley home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

As we reported ... a male friend called 911 from Mac's home. Emergency dispatch audio revealed first responders were called for a patient in cardiac arrest. Mac battled with substance abuse for years and it's what ultimately led to Ariana Grande breaking up with him.

He was arrested for DUI and hit-and-run back in May after wrecking his G-Wagon on a utility pole. He fled the scene but cops said he later confessed when they tracked him down at his home. He blew 2 times the legal limit. Ariana later tweeted, "Pls take care of yourself" ... clearly showing concern about his sobriety.

Originally Published -- 7:58 AM PDT

Blac Chyna is dropping the single that proves her goal to become a rapper wasn't just a hip-hop pipe dream -- as some people thought.

BC dropped her debut single Monday ... it's called "Deserve" and features Yo Gotti and Jeremih ... but make no mistake, Chyna really raps on the track. She's not Nicki Minaj or Cardi B yet, but she definitely spits some bars.

The theme of the song is clearly money over men ... and some of her lyrics include, "These broke n***** don't deserve pussy."

Chyna's new track was a long time coming. We broke the story ... Chyna's been working on her album over the past year with Tyga's producer, Mally Mall. She was hellbent on recruiting big stars like Gotti, Jeremih, Tory Lanez, Swae Lee and others, and it looks like at least a couple of 'em delivered.

The feud between 50 Cent and Floyd Mayweather is still going -- Fiddy just CLOWNED the boxer's newly announced fight, saying his opponent is more "Uber driver" than contender.

As we previously reported ... Mayweather just signed a deal to fight on New Year's Eve in Japan against an undefeated 20-year-old kickboxer, Tenshin Nasukawa.

Unclear whether the bout will be a boxing match or full-on MMA ... but, either way, 50 says it's a joke.

"Champ fighting a Uber driver before the IRS embarrass him again. Pay preview my ass, we watching this on YouTube."

50 didn't stop there ... sayin' Floyd shoulda taken on Gennady Golovkin -- writing, "What happen to GGG, couldn't find his phone number. get the f**k outta here wit this sh*t."

50 added, "Champ done turned into a circus act ... at least Canelo fighting killers."

Fitty and Floyd have been beefing on social media for months ... with Mayweather recently saying a rift between the rapper and Floyd's manager, Al Haymon, is where the tiff all started.

Tekashi69 still can't open a few doors -- the rapper and his crew walked away from ComplexCon after Slim 400 started beefing at the entrance -- and Tekashi was PISSED!!!

We've obtained video of the showdown between 6ix9ine and Slim 400 and, as you can see, there was no love lost between them -- just tons of hostility and insults being hurled every which way.

You see Tekashi rolling deep Sunday night to the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach. His crew was immediately confronted at the door by Slim 400 and his squad, and the tension mounted while both sides yelled back and forth.

Tekashi had to be held back, but eventually chose to walk away. Pretty amazing when you watch the video, because it definitely feels like violence is about to go down.

6ix9ine and Slim have been feuding for months. We're told Slim's crew was posted up outside the door as if they were waiting for Tekashi's arrival. Sources close to Tekashi tell TMZ the rapper was livid after he was invited to perform at the event, and was met by Slim and his squad instead of proper security to escort him in. He chose to walk away from the whole performance, rather than risk things escalating.

When you're about to get one of the richest contracts in sports history ... what do you get your wife for her birthday?

Bryce Harper got his wife THE BACKSTREET BOYS!!

The MLB superstar took his wife to see the guys at Planet Hollywood in Vegas over the weekend -- and not only got her backstage for a meet and greet ... but, had the guys take her on stage for a 5-on-1 serenade!

Check out the video as Kayla Harper gets a flower and a special rendition of "Shape of My Heart" from AJ, Howie, Nick, Kevin and Brian!

After the show, Kayla wrote, "My 9 year old self lost her mind last night. Bryce has been surprising me with little gifts all week and one of them happened to be a black dress that he said I needed for Sat night."

"He let me know at dinner that he was taking me to see the Backstreet Boys... little did I know, the biggest surprise of them all was meeting them & then having them pull me onstage to be serenaded."

Diddy's birthday celebrations got so out of control over the weekend, police had to shut down a wild rager at the music mogul's mansion.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police received multiple calls around 2 AM Monday for a disturbance at Diddy's L.A. home, and when cops arrived, they spoke to security and told them to call it off.

Before throwing an epic rager, Diddy had another party for his 49th bday at Ysabel in West Hollywood ... where he celebrated with LeBron James, Usher, Wiz Khalifa, Kodak Black and tons of other celebs.

Check out the vid ... Kodak tries to pull a fast one and sneak a drink out of the club, but he gets caught red-handed.

Seems the after-party spilled over to Diddy's and, as you can image, it was the place to be ... we're told there were about 50 cars parked outside his home, and about 200 people inside in full party mode.

Things went pretty smoothly once cops showed up ... police told security to shut it down or they would have to enter and disperse the crowd, and the guards obliged.

7:44 AM PT -- Victoria just posted about the upcoming tour, saying, "Today marks a special day for the girls as they announce the first tour dates since we performed together in 2012!"

She continued, "I won't be joining my girls on stage again but being in the Spice Girls was a hugely important part of my life and I wish them so much love and fun as they go back on tour."

The Spice Girls are back together ... minus one pair of stilettos, because Victoria Beckham will NOT be part of the reunion tour.

The group just revealed the dates for their upcoming reunion tour! Of course, this after Baby Spice -- Emma Bunton -- damn near let it all slip during her iHeart radio show.

The tour will kick off June 1, 2019 in Manchester, and, for now, will work its way thru the UK only, ending in London 2 weeks later.

The one downside to this much-anticipated reunion is that Posh won't be spicing up her life ... the group posted a new 4-shot of Geri Halliwell, Melanie Chisolm, Emma Bunton and Mel B.

The reunion tour has been in the works since early 2018.

TMZ broke the story in February they'd all agreed to do the tour, and that the biggest hang-up during negotiations was getting Victoria on board. At the time, sources said she'd given in, and the tour was a go.

It was clear things had fallen apart by Halloween, though, when Mel B slipped on a Victoria mask and toted a sign reading "No I am not going on tour."

No word yet on expanding the tour dates to include some international venues, but fingers crossed they will spread the girl power beyond the limited tour.

Viva Forever!

Kanye West distancing himself from politics hasn't affected his relationship with Candace Owens, nor has it affected her "Blexit" numbers ... at least, so says Candace Owens.

The conservative provocateur tells TMZ ... her apology to Kanye was sincere, and she completely respects his decision to back away from politics. She also says she and Ye are still cool even after he said she used him, denying he designed her "Blexit" clothing line. Kanye certainly didn't sound like he was cool.

Candace called the "rumor" that Kanye was behind the "Blexit" design a blatant lie, adding that she was sorry for the bad fallout. Fact is ... Candace had said Kanye created the logo and coloring for "Blexit."

Either way, she says Kanye drawing a line in the sand between himself and "Blexit" has not put a damper on the movement, which encourages black people to bail from the Democratic Party. In fact, Candace says it's quite the opposite ... it's stronger than ever.

She insists orders for "Blexit" gear have been pouring in since it launched, and that not one person has requested a refund in the wake of Kanye calling her out. Candace also says thousands of emails are coming in that are supportive of the cause.

Ray J understands better than anyone why Farrah Abraham's refusing to fight in a celebrity boxing match ... 'cause promoters can't keep their word in the money department.

We're told Ray J was all set to referee Farrah's fight with Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander, slated for November 10 in Atlantic City. Ray's team initially wanted $50k plus travel costs and security but the promoter, Damon Feldman, didn't have the cash, so Ray agreed to do it for $25k.

Problem is ... a few weeks ago Feldman and fight investor Samantha Goldberg came back to Ray and asked if he'd ref for less dough 'cause the event wasn't selling. Ray's manager, David Weintraub, wasn't having it ... saying no dice and pulling out of the event altogether.

Sounds like this was the beginning of the end. As we reported ... Farrah, also repped by Weintraub, pulled the plug on the event because she says the same promoter screwed her on the deal.

Lance Bass was noticeably absent from the 'Brady Bunch' reunion at the Brady crib HGTV plans to remodel, but he's still going to be involved in the show ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the production tell us this week's Brady kids get-together -- which featured all of Mike and Carol's TV spawn -- was simply a photo shoot that will be used for promos when the show is officially announced.

We're told Lance's team spoke to HGTV execs just last week and was assured he's not off the project -- the network plans to tap him in on the project sometime in 2019. It's still unclear if he'll be hosting, producing ... or both.

In addition to the Brady gig, we're told HGTV's offered him a second project. So, it's clear things are still cool between Lance and network execs.

Diddy took a page straight out of Will Smith's birthday playbook to celebrate the big 4-9 ... jumping out of a plane that's more than 10,000 feet above ground.

The Bad Boy honcho went skydiving Sunday to celebrate his 49th birthday and, luckily, he made it down in one piece! Looks like he was well-prepared for the jump too -- Puff was bumpin' some old-school hip-hop as hype music before getting to the diving venue.

As for the landing ... it looks like dropped into the backyard of the Playboy Mansion. Earlier in the day, he'd expressed interest in landing there, and he later confirmed he did, in fact, get the okay. He posted a caption that read ... "I DID IT!!! Thank you to my neighbors at the Playboy Mansion for letting me use their house to land. NO FEAR!!!!"

Daredevil feats are kinda in right now. You'll recall ... Will bungee-jumped out of a helicopter into the Grand Canyon for his 50th birthday, and his wife, Jada, followed suit with her own nosedive.