Music

Rihanna is looking like the sexiest loofah in all the land as she celebrates the Crop Over Carnival in her native Barbados -- and if she's a little tamer this year, it's still a must-see event!

RiRi hit up the carnival Monday wearing this pink feather ensemble. No question about it ... the Caribbean queen rocked it. But, ya gotta admit ... her past outfits have been way more revealing.

Rihanna didn't attend last year's festivities -- a 200-year tradition that marks the end of the sugar cane season -- but fans were salivating at the thought of what she might wear when she announced last month she'd be returning this year.

If ya need a little refresher ... here's why anticipation was so high. Fact is, her outfits never disappoint.

Some might say Rihanna opted for this cute, less overtly sexy look because she's in a relationship. That doesn't track, though, because back in 2017, she was already dating billionaire Hassan Jameel when she wore the hell outta this banger:

That outfit was so fire ... even her most famous ex, Chris Brown, dropped an eye emoji on her Instagram post.

Rich the Kid made sure the viral one-legged Lollapalooza guy didn't have to hop any fences to party his face off at the festival ... by hooking him up with a four-day artist pass!!!

The one-legged dude who went viral after getting busted by cops trying to sneak into Lollapalooza Friday during a massive stampede is Mekailo Woodfork. He tells us Rich gave him the star treatment over the weekend in Chicago after learning of his plight.

Mekailo, an 18-year-old from the Chicago suburbs, tells us he went to the festival with every intention of sneaking in with his buddies. The cops infamously cut his first attempt short, but he says police let him go and he made another attempt to jump a fence -- which he somehow did -- only to have security waiting on the other side.

Enter Rich the Kid ... we're told the rapper saw the viral footage of Mekailo getting busted by a cop, so his manager reached out to the teen over Instagram and hooked him up with backstage access!

Kanye West's plan to build a futuristic, egalitarian community that bridges low, middle and high-income housing has hit a major roadblock ... and it could result in the prototype homes being torn down.

TMZ broke the story ... Kanye had 4 dome-like prototype structures built on the 300 acres of land he owns in Calabasas. He hopes to create a whole community of new-age homes -- dome-like structures that break class barriers.

Here's the problem ... we've learned several neighbors have complained to the L.A. County Dept. of Public Works, and after inspectors came out to the property they determined the project violates the building code, and if Ye doesn't get the property permits by Sept. 15, the structures must be torn down.

Here's what we know. On July 18, one of the neighbors contacted the Dept. and said there was construction on the property late at night. An inspector came out and spoke with the site manager, who said the domes were part of a "production" and they were temporary structures. If they're temporary, building permits are not required.

The Dept. got another call from a neighbor a week ago, again complaining of construction noise. The inspector came out again, and saw the domes were sitting atop a concrete foundation. For that and several other reasons, the inspector determined the structures did not appear temporary.  As a result, plans and building permits are required, and Kanye and Co. never applied for them.

So, the Dept. of Public Works is now demanding that Kanye and Co. submit plans and get building permits within 45 days, or else. The "or else" -- tear them down.

A source close to Kanye tells TMZ ... the structures were always intended to be temporary, because they're simply prototypes. The source says they are in touch with the County and intend to comply with the requirements. And, the source adds, the concrete base was necessary to secure the structure for safety and structural reasons but will eventually be removed along with the structures.

Blac Chyna is NOT getting back together with YBN Almighty Jay ... even though she crossed paths with him several times over the weekend in Texas.

Sources close to Blac Chyna tell TMZ ... she's NOT rekindling her flame with Jay, despite social media posts to the contrary. We're told the exes are keeping things strictly platonic this time around.

The rumor mill was spinning like crazy after pics and videos showed BC and YBN hanging together at Houston restaurant Turkey Leg Hut and a nightclub ... but we're told they bumped into each other at the eatery and went to the club as old pals.

Blac Chyna was in Houston for business, not to visit YBN ... and we're told after they danced the night away at the club, they went their separate ways. No after-hours hookups.

It's been over a year since BC and YBN broke up -- they dated for several months in 2018 -- and we're told Jay is now fully entrenched in the friend zone.

There's usually no coming back from that.

Post Malone is absolutely beside himself after getting the heartbreaking news about the mass shootings in his home state of Texas, and also in Ohio.

We got Post Sunday outside of NYC's Greenwich Hotel, where our camera guy broke it to him that a crazed gunman shot up a mall and a Walmart in El Paso this weekend -- which claimed 20 lives and injured numerous others.

Post, who is from the Dallas area, had been traveling internationally and didn't know about it. Check out the rapper's reaction ... it's clear he's having a difficult time processing the tragedy as he tries to come up with answers.

Our photog asks how people in El Paso can bounce back from this, and he says the people of Texas are strong and the folks just need to be there for each other at a time like this.

On how to possibly resolve this national epidemic, Post is a bit at a loss for words on that one -- as it's such a complicated issue.

Chris Brown isn't just good at basketball "for a celebrity" -- he's got world-class talent and could've competed in the NBA ... so says Metta World Peace.

Metta sat down with Van Lathan on 'The Red Pill Podcast,' and was asked how he feels about rappers and entertainers actually trying to play professional basketball.

"I support that actually. I thought Chris Brown should've been in the league. Before, 10 years ago when I was playing with Chris? Yeah, definitely. He was better than a lot of people."

This isn't fake love. MWP, one of the best defensive players in the history of league, says CB's game was LEGIT, and he saw upper-level, elite hoops talent in him.

"He was very smooth, he could penetrate, really good penetrator, really good at attacking the basket."

Brown's hoops prowess is well known, he's been getting it in on celebrity games for years now, but this level of praise from this level of player we haven't heard.

Plus, Brown famously balled out in the Drew League -- playing with legit NBA superstars like John Wall, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan and he more than held his own.

Aaron Carter is being accused of trying to flip a dog he recently rescued for money -- something he denies -- but the shelter that was involved is now looking into it.

The singer was catching tons of backlash this weekend after a video he posted to Instagram Live made the rounds, in which he's heard saying that a bulldog he recently got from the pound is now available for purchase for a cool few thousand bucks.

In the video, which Aaron appears to have acknowledged as authentic, he says ... "This is my new buddy. So by the way, if I can't keep him, I am going to be listing him." Aaron goes on to say, "He's 10 months old, and he's running for $3,500. So if anybody wants to give my English bulldog (a home), I rescue him and I find him homes."

He finishes by saying, "So if anybody wants to have my English bulldog, he's being sold for $3,500." Aaron makes reference to another dog in the video that he "couldn't keep."

Welp, it looks like the animal care center where Aaron got this latest dog is aware of his intentions, and made that clear with an update to the pup's page. On Instagram, the Lancaster Animal Care Center -- which has photos of Aaron adopting the dog 2 days ago -- wrote ... "UPDATE - We are working on this situation. Thanks to all for your concern."

As for an explanation for this, Aaron has responded ... and suggests it's a misunderstanding and tried clarifying what he does with his pets. He tweeted, "I think it’s apalling that I actually even have to explain myself I’ve rescued many dogs & found many dogs homes. what I said in my Instagram live video was a joke. Find one dog that I adopted and sold for money, be my guest. WONT HAPPEN. I’m a good person and i deserve respect."

He followed up by saying that he doesn't need to flip dogs for quick cash, as he makes millions of dollars a year. Seemingly in response to fans, Aaron says, "And with all due respect I own a home I make over $3 million a year I don’t need to sell a dog for money so have some respect and don’t try to slander my name because I will defend myself and I will take legal action. DONT TRY IT. So back the f*** off... gn."

Aaron says he's not in it for the money, but the question must be asked ... why put a price tag on the dog at all? On another note, the typical adoption contracts with these types of shelters prohibit the adopter from peddling the dog onto someone else. If a person cannot care for the dog, they are usually required by contract to return the dog ASAP.

A$AP Rocky is showing his gratitude to one Kanye West for trying to get him out of Swedish custody ... by showing up on a Sunday and partaking in worship.

The just-released rapper was in attendance Sunday for Ye's weekly Sunday Service, where he was wearing a jacket in the hot sun -- but appeared to be in great spirits. He was filmed talking to his old flame, Kendall Jenner, and they seemed pretty chummy.

Kendall and A$AP have history together, they were dating on and off for a number of years. They haven't been seen in a romantic capacity since early 2017.

A$AP was also photographed chatting up Kanye himself, who was decked out in his usual Sunday Service gear. Some thank-yous were probably exchanged ... and for good reason.

As we reported ... Kanye was part of the initial push to get A$AP's legal predicament on President Trump's radar, before he was eventually freed last week pending a verdict. We're told Ye's got a direct line to the Oval, and that he suggested Trump talk to the Swedish PM.

A panel of judges decided to release A$AP while a decision is made in his assault case, which wrapped up Thursday after a three-day trial. Rocky touched down in L.A. early Saturday morning, and seemed ecstatic to be finally be home after a month in jail.

A$AP testified that he and his crew were acting in self-defense, and that they tried to defuse the situation with the alleged victim before things got violent.

The Swedish prosecutor recommended a 6-month jail sentence -- a decision is expected to be made on his fate on August 14, when he has to come back to Sweden.

Diddy and Lori Harvey are keeping their bond going strong in Italy -- where they're hangin' out with her pops in what can only be described as a family (friend) affair.

The hip-hop mogul and Steve Harvey's youngest daughter were spotted grabbing dinner this weekend in Nerano, where dad and what looks like his wife, Marjorie, were tagging along as well. If you ask us, this might just seal the deal on Diddy and LH's relationship status.

They're sitting incredibly close, and share some intimate moments that just stop short of full-blown kissing. Click through the gallery ... you can make the call yourself.

Of course, Diddy shot down the idea he was dating Steve's 22-year-old kid -- who also happened to formerly date Diddy's own 25-year-old son, Justin. We'll give 'em the benefit of the doubt for now -- but they're looking more and more like a couple.

You'll recall, Diddy and Lori were seen wearing matching outfits in NYC, where they were hanging out like two peas in a pod (again). They've been just about everywhere together now.

To say Machine Gun Kelly has high expectations for his Browns would be an understatement .... 'cause the Cleveland rapper/actor isn't hoping for a winning season or a playoff berth ...

HE WANTS THE FREAKIN' SUPER BOWL!!!

TMZ Sports spoke with Colson about his hometown Brownies now that they're on the rise with stars like Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry and Myles Garrett ... and let's just say the dude's expecting to make a trip to Miami in early February.

"Championship," MGK says. "You know where we're going ...100%"

But, that's not the only hardware Kels wants the team to get this season ... he expects Bake to keep Patrick Mahomes from winning back-to-back MVPs!!!

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner are getting over the death of their dog with the help of a new furry friend ... they got a new pup in their company just over a week later.

The couple was out Saturday in Miami, settling into what appears to be a vacation home with Joe's bro, Kevin, his sister-in-law, Priyanka Chopra, as well as some friends in tow. No word on whether Nick and Danielle tagged along -- they might be joining later.

The biggest addition to the crew though was a puppy golden retriever, who Sophie brought out of the van on a leash and what looks like a harness of some sort. Later, she gave this little lady a bath in the pool, and she didn't even seem to mind. Good girl (we think)!!!

There was another pooch there with them too, but Joe and Sophie's other dog, Porky, didn't show up in these photos. He's the brother of their Alaskan Klee Kai, Waldo -- who was tragically hit and killed by a car in New York last week, after breaking free from his leash.

As you'll recall, the pet owners were devastated in the following days ... and definitely didn't hide their emotions in grieving the loss of their canine family member.

A$AP Rocky was downright gleeful after touching down on U.S. soil Saturday just after midnight ... free for the first time in a month.

A$AP's private jet touched down at LAX after a long flight from Sweden ... this after the judges in his criminal case allowed him to leave the country as they noodled over the verdict.

The rapper was ecstatic ... smiling, taking pics with folks, hugging people. He actually stayed in the private terminal parking lot for around 45 minutes, talking and joking most of the time.

As we reported, all signs point to a not guilty verdict. Prosecutors in the assault case asked the judges to keep Rocky behind bars because he remained a flight risk. The judges had a middle-ground option -- to release him from custody but order that he remain in Sweden, pending the verdict which will be announced on August 14, but instead they let him return to the U.S.

Fact is ... a judge thought he was a flight risk a month ago when he threw Rocky in jail, even before charges were filed, so he'd be at least as much of a flight risk today ... and that's why it seems like it doesn't matter anymore and that he'll be found not guilty.

Our Rocky sources say he's never going back to Sweden, and even though his position has been that race was not a factor, privately everyone in his camp thinks it was, and he probably does as well. It was smart of him not to take a stand on the racial issue, for fear of inflaming the judges.

The key to the case seems to be a green bottle. Prosecutors maintained Rocky hit the alleged victim over the head with it, but not a single witness supported the theory, nor did the video. You do see Rocky holding a bottle, but he says he did it to fend off the guy and put it down on the ground.

Rocky does not have to appear in court for the verdict. It will be a written decision.

LL Cool J has a lot of sympathy for A$AP Rocky, but says if he's convicted in Swedish court of assault, he can't go on the lam.

LL was at LAX Friday and made one point clear ... if he were in A$AP's shoes and got a guilty verdict, he would not just go back to Sweden and face the music ... rather, he'd "negotiate." We're reading between the lines, but it seems he's saying he'd do a little horse trading ... I'll come back, but you can't throw the book at me.

As for never going back, LL thinks that's a bad idea. Even if Rocky couldn't be extradited from the U.S., his travel would be severely restricted because other countries might in fact hook him up and send him back to Sweden.

As we reported, it's looking likely that A$AP will be found not guilty, because prosecutors failed to prove A$AP struck the alleged victim with a bottle.

A$AP Rocky's saying good riddance to Sweden FOR GOOD and never looking back ... assuming everything goes according to plan.

Rocky left Sweden hours after the judges in his assault case decided to let him out of jail while they noodle on their decision, which is expected on August 14. A$AP returned to the U.S., and he won't have to return for the reading of the verdict, because it will be a written ruling.

All signs point to Rocky being acquitted. Prosecutors tried to keep him in jail pending the verdict, because they said he was a flight risk. The judges could have ordered him to stay in Sweden but they gave him the all clear to leave the country. That smells like a not guilty verdict.

Our sources say if the verdict comes in as expected, Rocky will never go back to the home of IKEA.

He never said the arrest was racially motivated -- at least not for public consumption -- but a lot of people, including his mom, think that's exactly what's behind his arrest and prosecution. As we reported, Snoop and Quavo say they had similar experiences with Swedish cops, and Snoop also said good riddance to the country.

The rapper said during his testimony he won't seek any money from the Swedish government for wrongful prosecution, because he can easily earn back his profits from canceled concerts. Smart move ... more incentive for the judges to find him not guilty.

Rocky's lawyer says he believes he did enough to show the judges his client acted in self-defense and the attack on the alleged victim was not overboard or premeditated ... as the prosecution alleged.

DaBaby's concerts can be hazardous to your health ... because we got video of ANOTHER fan on the receiving end of a can of whoop ass.

The incident went down Wednesday night at the Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines, IA where the rapper was performing. We're told during the concert the fan jumped on stage to score a video with DaBaby.

Witnesses say a security guard pushed the fan into the backstage area and that's where our video begins. You see a massive dude pummeling the fan, who narrowly misses a sock to the face while on the ground. You also see DaBaby -- no shirt but plenty of neck jewelry -- enter and watch.

It's unclear if the guy doing the pummeling is venue security or part of DaBaby's crew.

The West Des Moines PD tells TMZ ...no one filed a police report.

Fans trying to score pics or vids with DaBaby at their extreme peril is becoming a thing. As we first reported ... Donald Saladin -- stage name Don Trag -- sued DaBaby after his crew was caught on video beating him to a pulp back in May outside a Massachusetts club.

Trag, who wanted a pic with the rapper, claimed the beatdown left him in a coma. Just days after that attack ... DaBaby posted video showing he was involved in the beatdown of another man who heckled him at a Louis Vuitton store.

The edited video shows the brawl erupt. It appeared 3 people were involved, but you only see DaBaby, who takes credit for the beating. As we reported ... it's unclear if DB took care of the heckler on his own. It's doubtful, though ... since DB's always surrounded by security.

We reached out to DaBaby's camp for comment, so far, no word back.

Seal is lecturing Katy Perry about the differences between borrowing and stealing ... he says being influenced by other artists is fine, but ya can't just jack someone else's beats!!!

Seal was at LAX Friday when he weighed in on Katy being ordered to cough up $550,000 for ripping off another musician's work. He says there's a fine line between being inspired by a tune and straight up stealing it.

As you know ... Katy lost a huge lawsuit this week, a jury decided she and her codefendants improperly copied Christian rapper Flame's song, "Joyful Noise," for her smash hit, "Dark Horse."

Seal rattles off a list of artists who influenced his music when he was breaking into the industry, but he says he never went so far as to steal from them ... and ya gotta hear the shade he throws at Dr. Luke and the 7 other songwriters who worked on Katy's disgraced track.