Music

Someone really wants you to believe 50 Cent went crying to the cops about Jimmy Henchman back in the day, but a report that name drops him is complete BS ... according to officials who know the case inside and out.

Here's the sitch -- a document purporting to be a "Report of Investigation" by the U.S. Dept. of Justice's DEA Office has been circulating for a while that cites 50 as having called the feds in 2009 to tip them off to ex-music mogul, James Rosemond -- aka Jimmy H.

At the time, Jimmy was believed to be linked to the murder of 50's pal, Lodi Mack ... who allegedly beat up Jimmy's 14-year-old son in the streets of NYC. Jimmy was eventually charged and convicted for the murder -- prosecutors say he hired guys to kill Lodi.

Welp ... it would appear someone wants to paint 50 as a good, old-fashioned rat, 'cause the report's been making the rounds on the Internet and in newsrooms.

In the doc, it says 50 called in anonymously at first to say the cops should be looking into Jimmy as a possible suspect for Lodi's murder ... and allegedly went on to tell cops that he was afraid for his own life in the aftermath. The doc says 50 told cops he'd cooperate with the investigation

Thing is ... we've been told the document is a complete fake. Law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of Lodi and Jimmy's case tell us ... the alleged report was never taken, and 50 was never recorded as having talked to officers working on the matter at the time.

Funny enough ... 50's known for calling out real-life snitches, like Tekashi 6ix9ine, who he savagely roasted on social media upon news that Tekashi had cut a deal with the feds by diming out his associates in his racketeering case.

It's good to be one of Travis Barker's kids ... he pulled out all the stops for his daughter's birthday party, throwing an EPIC rager for hundreds of her friends with special appearances by tons of celebs!!!

Alabama Luella Barker, daughter of the Blink-182 drummer and former Miss USA Shanna Moakler, turns 14 Christmas Eve ... but she usually opts for an early birthday party in May, and Daddy always comes through with a blowout bash at his Calabasas estate!!!

This year, Travis opened up his doors to 350 of Alabama's closest pals, including Machine Gun Kelly, Goody Grace, Shaquille O'neal's kids, The Game's son and Floyd Mayweather's son ... and they were treated to live performances from Trippie Redd and Comethazine!

Travis ain't cutting any corners for his pride and joy ... we're told he dropped well over six figures to ensure everything was up to snuff ... even hiring the same stage and lighting companies that Blink-182 tours with, making sure the backyard concert totally ROCKED!!!

Travis loves doing the most for his kids ... when his son, Landon, turned 14, Travis organized a massive party and got Lil Pump to rock the house.

Post Malone thinks country fans need to calm the f*** down and stop bitching about Lil Nas X not having country cred.

We got Post Saturday night leaving Wally's in Bev Hills and asked him about the big stick over "Old Town Road," where Lil Nas X gives a strategic shout out to Wrangler jeans. Some country fans think (A) Wranglers are exclusively country so he shouldn't be a pitchman, and (B) he's not country at all.

Post makes solid points ... (A) country singers, like Sam Hunt, rap and that's no big deal, and (B) Wranglers have never been the exclusive domain for country fans.

Zion Williamson hasn't set foot on an NBA court yet and he already has a shoe and movie deal offer, courtesy of Master P and Romeo.

... but only if Zion actually comes to New Orleans.

We got the father-son duo out in Los Angeles, and they told us they have a role all carved out for Zion in the sequel to their comedy flick "I Got The Hook-Up 2," which comes out in July.

"I have a beautiful idea, we need to get Zion in 'I Got The Hook-Up 3.'"

The movie features Jeezy, Michael Blackson, A.J. Johnson, D.C. Young Fly, Jennifer Lee and a host of others -- and P and Romeo want Zion.

But, that wasn't all ... P had another offer for Williamson from his shoe company, MoneYatti.

"I know Zion gonna get a big shoe deal from Nike or Adidas or whatever. We gonna get him a deal just to have to wear shoes outside of basketball."

Question is, how much is P willing to pay?

"Just to wear it on the side, not in the game, I'm saying $20 [million]."

You heard it, $20 million shoe deal plus a movie role, all if Zion ends up in New Orleans -- which has the #1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

5:25 PM PT -- TMZ has just obtained a demand letter written by Meek's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, to the Cosmopolitan. Tacopina writes, "... we have learned that the Cosmopolitan maintains a list of African American recording artists who should be denied access for no other reason than than their culture and skin color. Such course of conduct constitutes discrimination per se, in violation of state and federal law, and exposes you to significant monetary damages."

The letter goes on -- "...we urge you to promptly issue an apology to Mr. Williams and grant him immediate access. In the event you fail to heed this one and only warning, we intend to pursue all legal recourse against you."

Meek Mill was just told to get the hell away from the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas -- and that if he didn't leave ... he'd be arrested and locked up.

The Philly rapper and 2 members of his security rolled up to the Cosmo at around 3:30 PM PT Saturday when they were stopped by security. You see in this video ... security was not about to let Meek inside the hotel.

Our sources say Meek asked the guard why he couldn't come in, saying he didn't do anything untoward in the past -- he had only been there once before, with Nicki Minaj for a Jay-Z event 5 years ago.

Security made it clear ... if Meek got out of the car, he'd be arrested. Meek, who was there to see a DJ Mustard show, continued to ask why he was being denied, but the guard said, "I don't know why."

Meek's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, tells TMZ, the head of security made it clear -- the decision to ban Meek came from above ... the security chief said, "This comes from way higher up than me."

Tacopina says he spoke with someone whom he says is "a well-placed person inside the hotel" ... whom Tacopina says told him a group of hotels have tried to keep rappers out of the hotels. Tacopina claims it's racially motivated, saying, "They wouldn't ban Vanilla Ice."

Meek himself addressed the altercation on social media, writing in part ... "Cosmopolitan hotel/casino going to extreme racist levels to keep too many black entertainers and black people .... they said they gone lock me up."

He added, "Some of these casinos have a bunch of Tatics to keep the level of blacks down .... but love to take our money!!!! This happens to a lot of black entertainers not just me either!!"

We've reached out to the Cosmopolitan for clarification on why Meek was denied entry ... so far, no word back.

Offset truly is all about the bag -- that much he made clear this week by flying his ass all the way to Russia to perform at a kid's bar mitzvah.

The Migos rapper was spotted performing at the private coming-of-age party Friday at an undisclosed location in Moscow, where he was filmed by multiple people doing his thing on stage.

He didn't keep his distance from party-goers either -- Offset stepped down at one point to get up and close and personal with the kids in attendance ... including the boy of honor himself. Looks like they even had themselves a little dance-off in front everyone.

Offset performed a handful of songs, and he stuck around to take pics with some of the guests too. A good sport through and through, really. The big question now ... how much did homeboy collect???

We know big name rappers have been convinced to do to bar/bat/b'nai mitzvahs for as low as $50k, while some payouts have been as high as $150k for a show. Word around town is that Kanye once quoted a media exec a cool mil to do one ... so these gigs are definitely worth it, especially if you're a top-tier talent like Offset is.

Now, for a dude to travel around the world and get on the mic in Mother Russia ... ya gotta imagine he took home a good chunk of cheddar to show for it.

One of the prisoners Kim Kardashian helped free is now in global demand ... job offers are pouring in everyday ... such is the power of the Princess of Prison Reform.

The freed inmate, Paul Algarin, tells TMZ ... he's been getting hit up by people all over the world -- from Nigeria, the UK and beyond -- who want to team up with him in some fashion. Among the offers -- modeling and work in a tattoo parlor.

Paul's also been approached to help with prison reform. He benefited immensely after writing a letter to Kim after learning about her prison reform work. To his surprise, she responded and he was freed April 19 ... after serving 7 years at Central Prison in North Carolina.

As we reported ... Kim and Kanye West visited Paul and his family earlier this month in Charlotte. Kimye also brought a doctor to help start the face tattoo removal process so he can have a fresh start post-incarceration. Kim and Kanye are covering costs for the procedure.

Paul says the visit alone proved incredibly inspiring to one day get to Kim and Kanye's level.

Bebe Rexha is done with photoshop and is urging women to buck social media bullies whose purpose in life is to "f*** you up."

Bebe was on her way out of LAX Friday when she explained the purpose behind her un-photoshopped pic of her in a bikini, hanging out on a San Juan, Puerto Rico beach.

Bebe celebrates herself and other women, proclaiming, "I love my body, I love this fat ass, and I'm very proud of it!"

She makes it clear ... women who seek approval from social media are in a losing fight, photoshop or not, because the end game is to mess with their mind, so it's dumb to go there in the first place.

Britney Spears' father's done right by her for a long time and deserves respect for that, but her latest issues might require a different approach ... so says Dr. Drew.

The celebrity doc was leaving the Sirius building in NYC this week when we asked about Britney's mental health and family drama, and first things first ... he tells us folks need to lay off the pop star.

Dr. Drew then says Britney's dad, Jamie, should be applauded for his courage for putting her under conservatorship after her infamous 2008 meltdown, which allowed her to make a comeback and have renewed success in recent years.

He points out Jamie's not just been doing what he thinks is best for Britney -- he's doing what's required by law. Dr. Drew's not buying the sordid allegations related to the "Free Britney" movement.

Having said that ... he suggests Britney may well still need a conservatorship -- which medical professionals will determine -- and if she does, Drew thinks it might not be a bad idea to possibly install a new conservator. Problem is, if not Jamie, who?

Hip-hop artist Sosamann was allegedly involved in cajoling 2 young women to come to California with promises of living the Hollywood dream ... then forcing them to turn tricks instead.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the women were arrested in a prostitution sting in L.A. earlier this month, and during police questioning they claimed the rapper and others lured them to the West Coast, then forced them into selling themselves for sex.

The women also claim they were unable to escape.

We're told cops investigated and arrested a group of people for human trafficking ... including the rapper.

Sosamann was arrested and booked on a felony charge on May 11, but was released the next day after posting a $100k bail. He's due in court next month.

No further details are available, but we're told the investigation is ongoing.

Sosamann's been around for a few years, but recently released a track featuring NBA YoungBoy titled "Who I Am."

Lil Pump already seems very familiar with the weed industry, but now he's TCOB when it comes to CBD and THC ... as the face of a new cannabis company.

The "Be Like Me" rapper is adding to his resume by teaming up with the brand, Smoke Unhappy ... which just launched this past week. We're told he'll not just serve as a brand ambassador ... but as a partner in the company with creative and marketing input.

He'll obviously be a key product tester, too ... AND receive a percentage of sales.

Smoke Unhappy founders Kamil Mizstal and Larry Chachko tell us when they were planning the launch at the end of 2018, they were looking for someone who fits the brand perfectly, and their mutual friend and biz partner Eric the Jeweler suggested Pump.

And the rest is history.

Smoke Unhappy produces a wide variety of CBD and THC products in house, which will be available in states like California where marijuana use is legal. It also sells grinders, cartridges, apparel and much more.

The Spice Girls' long-awaited reunion tour is officially underway -- the 4 ladies just took the stage ... and Mel B should have full peripheral vision!!!

Scary, Sporty, Ginger and Baby Spice are performing together for the first time in years, and the crowd in Dublin, Ireland erupted in excitement when they came out and opened with "Spice Up Your Life." Then ... it was time to dance.

From the looks of it, the Girls are going all out for their Spice World 2019 tour ... with a huge stage and screen and choreographed numbers galore. Hours before the show, Mel B shared a photo of the group with their stage director and choreographer, and everyone looked stoked.

More importantly, Mel B appears to be over the worst of last week's eye emergency ... where she was diagnosed with severe iritis in her right eye and uveitis in her left.

She said she was on meds and heavy duty drops to fix her peepers, and claimed she'd have to wear an eye patch ... but it looks like she healed up nicely in time for the big show.

Jay Rock's Memorial Day Weekend will be one he'll never forget ... he just received the key to the neighborhood where he was born and raised.

The "Win" rapper was the guest of honor at the event in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts Friday. L.A. City Councilmember Joe Buscaino presented the key at the Nickerson Gardens Community Center ... where Jay says he developed his hoops skills.

Getting the key to his hometown caps off what's already been a hell of a year of JR, following the success of his hit track and a Grammy win for "King's Dead" ... the "Black Panther" soundtrack single he worked on with his longtime pal, Kendrick Lamar.

To make the occasion even better, Rock also partnered with his label, TDE, and Lyft to donate $5,000 to the community center.

We got the rapper after the presentation on the b-ball court, where he was still on cloud nine about his latest accomplishments.

Jay also gave a shout-out to Nipsey Hussle and addressed YG saying there's a lot of "fake ass" love for the late rapper. Rock doesn't necessarily see it that way, but it's clear his love is real ... and he plans to carry on with the work Nip and others have done bringing L.A. communities together.

Remy Ma's been hit with a new criminal complaint for allegedly punching Brittney Taylor ... and there are some very significant updates.

Prosecutors filed 4 charges against the rapper Friday -- 2 counts of assault in the third degree, 1 count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, and 1 count of harassment in the second degree ... all of which are misdemeanors.

The charges stem from an incident in April, in which Remy allegedly punched the "Love & Hip Hop: New York" star in the right eye while backstage at the Pretty Lou Benefit Concert at Irving Plaza in NYC. She was initially booked for misdemeanor assault after turning herself in ... but prosecutors have now made the multiple charges official.

Here's what's interesting ... Remy's attorney, Dawn Florio, tells TMZ that prosecutors have updated the time in which they claim the attack went down, from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM. We're told they still do not have any video of the alleged attack.

However, the timing is important because as we told you ... Remy claimed she had visual proof she was nowhere near the venue or Taylor at the time she was accused of punching her, which was 9:30. Now that's been updated to an hour later to match up with the rapper being present at the concert.

Though she's facing 4 charges, we're told Remy has been offered a deal to plead guilty to just the top charge -- assault in the third degree -- and the rest will be dropped. She'd also have to enter a long-term anger management program.

Lizzo's die-hard fans are of a certain type ... they are "f*** boys" ... according to her.

She was on the streets of New York City Thursday, when Adam Glyn asked the wildly popular singer if she's getting lots of DMs from obsessed fans. She didn't hesitate to answer.

FYI ... Lizzo has a song, "Juice," where she warns women, "I think he got lost in my DMs, You better come get your man, I think he wanna be way more than friends."

She's on a roll. Her song, "Truth Hurts," is currently #42 on Billboard Hot 100. She's also coming off a successful performance at Coachella.

And, there's this ... she tells us who she'd like to collab with ... and it would not disappoint.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West celebrated a milestone a day early Thursday ... by venturing out to Santa Monica for an awesome dinner.

First, we gotta say ... she looks insanely hot. We can say that because, well, FACT.

As for the milestone ... today is their 5-year anniversary. K & K were married in Italy on May 24, 2014.

They celebrated their union at Giorgio Baldi, an amazing restaurant off the beaten path in Santa Monica.

They have a lot to celebrate actually. They just welcomed their 4th child, Psalm, into the world. Kim's also spending time getting prisoners freed who are serving ridiculously long sentences for low-level offenses. She's also studying around 18 hours a week for the California State Bar exam.

As for Kanye ... his Sunday Service in Calabasas has caught fire and is attracting huge crowds and tons of celebs.

Happy anniversary, and congrats!!!