Music

Montrezl Harrell will be reppin' the late Nipsey Hussle when the L.A. Clippers take the court in the NBA playoffs ... honoring the L.A. artist with a pair of one-of-a-kind kicks!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Trezz wanted to pay homage to Hussle in the Clips' first playoff game this weekend ... so he hit up Marcus Rivero AKA Soles By Sir to whip up the special Js.

Rivero tells us the shoes are extra special ... and feature the names of people close to Nipsey -- his longtime GF Lauren London, his children ... as well as lyrics from some of Hussle's songs.

Trezz has been honoring Hussle since his tragic death late last month ... and even wore a custom Clippers jersey with Nipsey's name on the back.

Of course, other NBA stars like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook -- who dedicated his 20-20-20 game -- have honored Hussle.

We're told Trezz will wear them when L.A. takes on the Warriors.

#RIP

Soulja Boy is behind bars after a judge ruled he'd violated his probation in several ways .. including having ammunition in his house.

Soulja walked into an L.A. courtroom Thursday for his hearing, but was taken into custody at the end. The judge said the rapper had failed to do his court-ordered community service ... and even conspired to falsify evidence that he had completed it.

But, the big no-no came during a raid at Soulja's Agoura Hills home in February. TMZ broke the story ... police went to his house to investigate a claim by one of his ex-girlfriends that Soulja had tied her up and held her captive in his garage.

According to the judge, cops found ammunition during the search ... which is a problem because Soulja's on probation for a weapons case that dates back to 2014.

Soulja was arrested back in March after going to see his probation officer, but was released that same day. As soon as he got out, he bragged he wasn't going out like Tekashi69.

This time he's being held without bail and will remain in custody until a hearing scheduled for April 30.

Ray J has a new lead on who the culprit is behind his missing pup -- he says a dognapper made off with his beloved Boogotti, and he is willing to do anything to get his pooch back.

As we've reported ... Ray J and Princess Love are offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who finds their missing Maltese, who disappeared earlier this week from the Ray's parents' Calabasas home. Ray says Boo didn't innocently wander off their property either.

He tells us Boogotti escaped through a gate on the property, but then he claims a white dude, in his early 20s, pulled up in a Dodge Charger, grabbed the pup off the street and bolted!!!

Ray J tells us losing Boogotti is like losing a family member ... and he's pleading with the alleged dognapper to return him to his home. He's also willing to pay a ransom, if necessary. His manager, David Weintraub, tells us the entire family is worried sick.

HBO is denying reports it yanked its Michael Jackson documentary off the air, and adds ... "Leaving Neverland" isn't leaving it's lineup any time soon, partly because of its popularity with celebs.

Rumors circulated this week that HBO had removed the 2-part documentary from its programming -- there were very few listings of it on the lineup, but HBO tells us that's standard ops for its documentaries.

It says 'Neverland' will stay on its TV cable service for another week, and then it will only be available for streaming on HBO On Demand, HBO GO and HBO NOW for months to come.

HBO also told us it's continuing to get very vocal support for 'Neverland' from celebs like Ellen DeGeneres, Sia, Bill Maher, Judd Apatow, Eve, Rosie O'Donnell and Gayle King.

Since its March 4 premiere on HBO, part 1 of 'Neverland' has pulled in 7.5 million viewers ... according to HBO, which it says is second only to a Scientology documentary it aired.

Dwyane Wade's NYC retirement party turned into a good Bye-Bye-Bye Bash Wednesday night ... when Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel stopped by to celebrate D-Wade's career!

The party was crazy -- a '70s-themed rager at Catch NYC with costumes and great music and basketball stars ... including Wade's good friend, Carmelo Anthony!

TMZ Sports obtained video from inside the party where you can see D-Wade, Gabby and Justin all gettin' down on the dance floor!!

Earlier in the evening, Wade posted a triple-double as the Miami Heat lost to the Brooklyn Nets 113-94.

A ton of Wade's friends were in the Brooklyn crowd -- including LeBron James, Carmelo and Chris Paul ... the entire Banana Boat crew.

Wade also gave his jersey to Carmelo after the game.

So, this is it ... Wade has finally closed the book on his 16-year NBA career that features 3 NBA championships, an NBA Finals MVP, 13 All-Star appearances, he won an Olympic gold medal for Team USA and he was also the NBA scoring champ in 2009.

He was also named to 8 All-NBA teams during his run.

So, what's next for Dwyane? Dude's got options in everything from fashion to TV announcing to acting ... and also helping his superstar sons as they get ready to play at the college level.

Nipsey Hussle's family and friends mourned the late rapper during a private viewing ... one day ahead of the Staples Center celebration of his life with tens of thousands of fans.

Close loved ones packed the Angelus Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon on Crenshaw Blvd. Nipsey's brother, Samiel Asghedom, was among the attendees at the super secret service. We're told security was tight ... several men had a checklist to make sure only invited guests -- Nipsey's inner circle -- were allowed entry.

There were also armed guards standing outside the building where Thursday's procession will end.

That procession will be preceded by Nipsey's Celebration of Life, hosted at Staples Center for 21,000 fans, family and friends. As we reported ... the free tickets were gobbled up within minutes and AXS, which handled ticket distribution, says it's cracking down on scalpers.

The event will be heavily guarded ... with help from LAPD, members of the Nation of Islam as well as Staples Center personnel.

Meanwhile, tons of fans have continued paying tribute outside Nipsey's Marathon Clothing store ... leaving candles, flowers and messages in the parking lot.

R. Kelly going to a club for an hour and walking away with $22k cash might have lots of people upset -- but his ex-wife sure ain't one of them ... quite the opposite, actually.

A rep for Drea Kelly -- R. Kelly's ex of more than 10 years -- tells TMZ ... she takes no issue with R. Kelly getting out there and making a buck -- but not because she thinks he's innocent ... it's more about what it means for her and their kids.

We broke the story ... R. Kelly showed up to a club in Springfield, Illinois over the weekend, where he sang a bit of "Bump N' Grind," hung out for less than an hour ... and walked away with $22,000. He asked the media to go easy on him, as this was just a means to an end.

We're told Drea sees it this way ... if R. Kelly's working to fulfill his financial obligations, "no one can be mad at him for that." Besides, Drea's rep tells us the man certainly has responsibilities that need tending to with dough ... for the sake of his kids.

As we reported ... R. Kelly went BACK to jail last month because he couldn't pony up his back child support bill ... more than $160k. He got sent to the can but was bailed out when someone covered his tab after spotting him (again).

Not only that ... as far we know, R. Kelly is still on the hook for nearly $21k per month in child support, which he was also unsuccessful in getting a judge to lower at the time.

No word on whether he's paid Drea that $21k -- which he presumably still owes her monthly for their minor child, who's 17.

It's interesting ... R. Kelly told Gayle King during his CBS interview he wasn't able to pay Drea, in part because she's badmouthed him to the media ... and torpedoed his ability to make money.

The Game is still reeling over the tragic murder of Nipsey Hussle ... and he's calling for peace, respect and love as Nipsey's family, friends and fans say goodbye to the slain rapper.

Game was out in Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon, and he was super emotional while talking about his fallen friend. Game makes it clear, everyone needs to be respectful and peaceful during Thursday's memorial service and the ensuing funeral procession through Los Angeles.

We broke the story ... Nipsey's celebration of life at Staples Center will be a heavily guarded affair -- with muscle from the LAPD and the Nation of Islam -- and it's got a lot to do with the chaos that broke out at Nipsey's vigil outside his Marathon Clothing store last week, which police now say left 2 people shot.

Avicii wanted Aloe Blacc for his next big single, but Aloe didn't know that until AFTER the late superstar DJ died.

Aloe tells TMZ ... he got involved with collaborating for Avicii's "SOS" track, which dropped Wednesday as the new single in Avicii's posthumous album, "TIM." But, get this ... the Grammy-nominated singer tells us Avicii's team found out about the DJ wanting Aloe after reading notes the DJ had left behind.

As we reported ... Avicii was close to completing the new album before his tragic death a year ago this month. He left behind a collection of nearly-finished songs, along with notes, email conversations and text messages about the music.

And that's how Avicii's team learned the DJ wanted Aloe Blacc for "SOS."

Check out the vid ... Aloe -- who had previously collaborated with Avicii for the 2013 hit, "Wake Me Up" -- talks about the song's importance on asking for help when dealing with mental health issues.

Master P says the outpouring of love for Nipsey Hussle proves he was approaching the level of respect and adoration Michael Jackson fans had for him -- and he says you'll see that on display at Staples Center.

We got the hip-hop mogul outside Nipsey's Marathon Clothing store in South L.A. where he paid his respects and had glowing things to say about the slain MC. Master P says Nipsey might be gone, but his impact on the community will not be forgotten.

When he brought up Nipsey's Celebration of Life -- set for Thursday morning at Staples -- MP said that event is a testament to how many lives Nip touched. He added ... people who didn't realize Nipsey's importance when he was alive are getting the picture now.

We also got Teyana Taylor at LAX Wednesday and asked her thoughts on Thursday's memorial service ... which scalpers have tried to exploit by charging big money for the free tickets.

You can tell she's still disillusioned by Nipsey's murder, saying it still doesn't feel real. Check out her message to the scumbag scalpers too. She has some choice words for 'em.

Justin Bieber is back in the game ... because we've learned he's recorded a track with Lil Dicky that'll drop next week.

Sources familiar with the collab tell us .... he'll be featured on the single. The song with Dicky will be the Justin's first since "No Brainer," which was released last July with DJ Khaled, Quavo and Chance the Rapper.

Justin retweeted Dicky's post Tuesday which said, "New song and video next week," but didn't hint he'd be any part of the project, although we know he's on it.

Bieber hasn't released a solo of his own for more than 3 years -- his "Purpose" album dropped way back in November of 2015 -- and a massive tour followed.

Akon has some words of encouragement and advice for Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall as they dive into the "Coming to America" sequel -- get some real Africans on the set!!!

The Senegal-raised singer got into it with us Wednesday at LAX, where he said he was stoked Eddie and Arsenio are running it back for a sequel all these years later. That said, he says he'd like it if they share the screen with talent from the Motherland (he can say that).

It's a perfect time for them to hear him out, 'cause the two leads just started getting fitted by "Black Panther" Oscar-winning costume designer, Ruth Carter.

According to Akon, Eddie and co. would be wise to cast someone like, say, Michael Blackson -- who's from Ghana -- or any number of African comedians or actors who would make the film feel authentic.

More than that though ... Akon says such a move would pay off big time at the box office.

Nipsey Hussle's Downtown L.A. memorial service will be a heavily guarded affair -- and it's got a lot to do with the chaos that broke out at a vigil a week before ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with Nipsey's Celebration of Life at the Staples Center arena this Thursday tell us there will be an abundance of security from multiple agencies and organizations -- all with the intention of keeping the memorial peaceful and drama-free.

We're told security on hand Thursday will feature a mix of muscle -- from members of the LAPD, members of the Nation of Islam, as well as Staples Center personnel. Our sources say the LAPD is only on hand to offer assistance ... helping to move traffic, keep the peace and to step in if needed.

The reason for such a strong presence ... our sources say a big part of it has to do with Nipsey's family's wishes in wanting to prevent further violence -- especially in the wake of the chaos that broke out at Nipsey's L.A. vigil last week ... which cops now say left 2 people shot.

According to a search warrant -- obtained by TMZ -- cops are still on the hunt for the person who allegedly pulled the trigger with the intent of killing others. A possible added danger to Thursday's ceremony.

As we first reported ... Staples Center honchos and officials with the LAPD were heavily involved with the planning early on, and it appears they're gonna keep a close watch on how people come in and out.

The logistics for Thursday's event were released Monday, and tickets were gone within a couple minutes after they were released on Tuesday. The tickets became such a hot item, second-hand websites shut down pages trying to sell them for hundreds of dollars.

Jennifer Lopez is clapping back at Jose Canseco -- shutting down his public accusations that Alex Rodriguez cheated on her with Canseco's ex-wife, Jessica.

J Lo appeared on "The Breakfast Club" on Wednesday where Charlamagne Tha God asked about Canseco's tweets where he called out A-Rod and then challenged him to a fight.

"I mean, it doesn't matter," Lopez said ... "I know what the truth is. I know who [Alex] is. He knows who I am. We're just happy."

She added, "We're not gonna let other people come out and tell us what our relationship is. I know what our relationship is."

For her part, Jessica Canseco put out a statement last month also denying hooking up with A-Rod ... saying, "Those false accusations Jose is making are not true!"

"I have known Alex for many years and haven’t even seen him for over 5. I certainly did not sleep with him."

"I am friendly with both him and Jennifer. As for Jose he can keep playing with his Alien friends.”

Jennifer and Alex got engaged last month -- but so far, no word on when the two will officially tie the knot.

President Trump tried turning D.C. into Gotham with a little help from the music featured in one of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies ... but the bat signal was cut off quick.

DT posted a well-produced dramatic video on his Twitter feed Tuesday afternoon that hyped up his MAGA slogan and was basically fodder for his base -- but it also used one of the orchestral tunes in "The Dark Knight Rises" ... ya know, one of the epic ones.

And, of course, Trump slugged his tweet, "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

The problem ... Trump stole Hans Zimmer's music, "Why Do We Fall?" The tune belongs to the movie studio behind "The Dark Knight Rises" ... Warner Bros.

At some point early Wednesday morning, Twitter removed the video ... citing a complaint from the copyright holder, WB. A WB honcho publicly said shortly afterward the studio hadn't authorized the White House to use its Bat tune.

The Weeknd is gunning for eSports supremacy -- buying an ownership stake in one of Canada's biggest gaming franchises, TMZ Sports has learned.

The singer is now a part-owner of OverActive Media -- which has teams competing in League of Legends, Overwatch, Call of Duty and more.

In fact, OAM's Overwatch team, the Toronto Defiant, is one of the top-ranked teams on the planet. OAM also owns Splyce, which competes in LoL.

"As a big esports fan, I am really excited to be involved in this project," The Weeknd said in a statement ... noting he will collaborate with OAM in "unique and innovative ways."

The Weeknd is just the latest mainstream star to buy into an eSports franchise -- following Michael Jordan, Drake, Magic Johnson and Rick Fox.

The big question now ... when are these guys all gonna pick up the sticks and compete against each other?!