Music

Vic Mensa rolled up on ICE headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, stopped traffic and rocked the hell out ... and the protest show went off without a hitch.

The rapper/singer and his band, 93PUNX, stopped traffic and put on a free concert Monday afternoon in the back of a flatbed truck, parked right in front of the building.

Vic and co. broke into their single, "Camp America" ... a blistering track criticizing the U.S. government for its treatment of immigrants. Surprisingly, they were allowed to continue performing for a crowd of about 100 for nearly 40 minutes ... despite the clear "f**k ICE" theme.

We're told cops blocked off the street before finally shutting it down. Mensa was very pleased with the outcome of his first anti-ICE show ... telling us it was a victory. Vic also reiterated the point of it all, saying the treatment of humans right now in this country is unacceptable ... so he wanted to let the people making the decisions know that.

Granted, it was Labor Day so nobody was working inside the ICE HQ ... but we're guessing the message was still received.

French Montana is the ultimate immigrant success story and hopes to be an inspiration for others in this country ... even when it seems the Prez is against them.

We got the "Jungle Rules" rapper out this week ... he tells us he owes his livelihood to the U.S. -- where he emigrated and became a U.S. citizen a year ago in June -- and believes there are a lot of kids out there with the potential to follow in his footsteps.

Based on the video ... that means getting to a point where you have a person to help untangle your bling.

The problem -- French also believes there are a lot of Donald Trumps out there trying to crush the dreams of people from underprivileged countries ... so he vows to do what he can to help them keep the faith.

As for how he plans to achieve this ... it doesn't seem like going the Kim Kardashian route and getting face time with POTUS is in the cards. The rapper says it's more about continuing to give back to the less fortunate.

Montana's mission is a noble one, but if he wants to be a beacon for immigrants ... he should probably avoid more street scuffles. We broke the story ... French was fuming after an alleged attack the morning after VMAs, especially at his own security.

Additional footage of the incident showed French as the aggressor, though. So far, he hasn't been charged for his role in the altercation.

Justin Bieber's in a reflective mood on this Labor Day ... opening up in a VERY big, and wordy, way about his personal roller coaster of life.

The Biebs had a lot to get off his chest -- something like 1,000 words worth of stuff -- and blurted it all out in a post you might go blind trying to read. So, allow us to sum up his points:

- His struggles growing up with 2 very young parents
- Coping with sudden attention from millions of fans
- His darkest days which included doing "pretty heavy drugs at 19" and abusing all his relationships. He admits becoming "resentful, disrespectful to women and angry."

- Going through a cycle of disappointment, which he admits sometimes drove him to the point "where you don't even want to live anymore"
- Feeling unfulfilled despite all his money, clothes, cars, accolades and achievements

But with his nuptials set to go down later this month ... seems Justin's excited about entering the next phase in his life, and he finally feels fulfilled.

He writes, "Luckily god blessed me with extraordinary people who love me for me. Now i am navigating the best season of my life 'MARRIAGE.' !! Which is an amazing crazy new responsibility. You learn patience, trust, commitment, kindness, humility and all of the things it looks like to be a good man."

Trey Songz should NOT feel butt hurt after 50 Cent replaced Trey's track as the show's opening theme song ... so says "Power" star Larenz Tate.

We got Larenz out Monday at LAX and we wanted to get his take on the drama surrounding the theme song. ICYMI ... 50 replaced the original theme song -- "Big Rich Town" featuring Joe -- with a remix featuring Trey Songz and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.

Long story short ... fans went absolutely berserk. Things got so heated ... thousands of fans flooded 50's Instagram page to bitch about the move and demand the rapper reverse course and switch it back to the original theme track. Comedian Affion Crockett posted a video saying, "50 you owe me $100,000 for my emotional f***ing investment. It's been five years with the [same] theme song...go back to the original f***ing song."

This season's second episode aired Sunday and fans were STILL listening the Trey Songz version. 50 took to Instagram and said, "My IG has been disabled because I’m tired of ya mouth. I don’t like the shit you been saying to me about the theme song. So I’m gone for the weekend. I’ll change it next week. Leave me alone fool."

Word.

Fetty Wap's in big trouble for busting out a can of whoop ass on a Las Vegas valet ... at least according to staffers at the Mirage Hotel and Casino.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the rapper was arrested Sunday at the Mirage after he and one of the valets got into a dispute. Things got physical and Fetty allegedly uncorked at least 3 punches on the valet.

We're told another Mirage staffer made a citizen's arrest ... holding Fetty until Las Vegas Metro PD showed up to take him into custody. Our sources say the Jersey rapper was booked for 3 counts of misdemeanor battery -- one for each punch he's accused of landing.

FW was only in custody for a few hours before he was released -- but he'll have a date with the judge before too long.

We've reached out to Fetty's attorney and rep, but no word back yet.

Originally published -- 7:53 AM PT

Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary have a master plan to help get R. Kelly the powerhouse defense team he says he needs ... but it's still a work in progress.

Sources close to Kelly's girlfriends/alleged sex slaves tell TMZ ... they're joining forces to help Kelly scrounge up the funds to hire the attorney who got Michael Jackson acquitted in his child molestation trial -- Tom Mesereau.

We're told the ladies have a couple potential projects in the works that could land them a big payday -- including a book deal -- and their plan is to put that money toward the Mesereau fund ... along with Kelly's general defense fund.

Our sources say Joycelyn and Azriel have just hired reps who are reaching out to media outlets to score some paid interviews. None are scheduled yet ... but we're told there's some interest.

The bad news -- our sources say Kelly's GFs haven't had any luck acquiring big-time talent management for their more ambitious goal of launching Hollywood careers.

Welcome to the club.

Unfortunately for Kelly and his gals, it seems he'll need a fortune just to land Mesereau, and that doesn't include the full cost of defense in his multiple sex crimes cases.

As we told you, his New York federal case will require forensic experts, experts in sex trafficking, P.I.'s and on and on. That alone will easily cost a million bucks to defend ... and he's got cases in 3 other jurisdictions -- Illinois State, Illinois Federal and Minnesota State.

Kanye West's Sunday Service is on the road again ... this time he took the choir to good ol' Watts, and none other than Brad Pitt showed up to feel the good vibes.

Brad was among the large group of worshipers who surrounded Kanye and his choir Sunday in the parking lot of a church. We're told it was a spur-of-the-moment deal, and Brad's presence was a surprise to almost everyone who showed up.

Maybe it shouldn't be going forward, 'cause our sources tell us this is his second time coming.

You can see Brad rockin' his signature charcoal-colored cap. We're told the actor was mostly unbothered by fans as he blended in with the crowd. Yes, Brad Pitt can blend in in Watts.

Other VIPs for this week's Sunday Service included L.A. Reid, Adrienne Bailon, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and radio personality Big Boy.

Meanwhile, Kanye was doing his usual thing ... jamming out with the choir and the band on hand in the middle of the group. It looks like there was singing, dancing and, of course, a sermon was given at one point ... the whole church experience, which Ye's been taking around the country lately.

Looks like Kanye's recent Sunday Service road trip is becoming the norm. Remember, he was just in Dayton, OH last week with Kim and his kids ... where he helped Dave Chappelle put on a free concert and service for the grief-stricken community.

Travis Scott has no ill will toward Cardi B for taking home the Grammy for Best Rap Album, despite what fans might think after watching his new documentary.

Travis' "Look Mom I Can Fly" project dropped on Netflix Wednesday, and there's a part when Travis is visibly upset after Cardi took home the trophy back in February. A lot of people who've seen it already thought Travis was angry at Cardi.

Sources close to Travis tell us it was absolutely NOT anything personal. We're told his emotions only surfaced because of all the hard work he put into his "Astroworld" album ... and he just really wanted to win, plain and simple.

Fact is, Travis and Cardi have always been super cool since then -- and her hubby, Offset, even showed up at the big Netflix premiere event for the documentary.

Cardi defended herself against some Travis fans on Twitter, saying, "I wasn’t even thinking of winning or even the Grammies. All I can think about was...everybody is disappointed in me, am I still going to have a career after this baby? Is this album going to make me or break me ? I need to finish before I start showing."

She continued, "So when I won a Grammy for it I didn’t have no words to say but when I went home I started reminiscing on what I went thru during that period I was like YEA BITCH YOU DESERVE THIS SHIT! And until this day my shit still charting."

Kanye West can sum up his feelings about bringing his Sunday Services to traditional churches in just 2 words -- far less than Justin Bieber used, but we think they're saying the same thing.

We got Ye Saturday night as he and his wifey, Kim Kardashian, were leaving Cafe Habana in Malibu ... and asked him if he felt any more pressure when performing in churches with his Sunday Service choir.

As you know, Kanye's had 2 special services in the last month -- leaving his usual outdoor location in Calabasas to perform for a North Hollywood congregation ... and the other in Dayton, OH for survivors of the mass shooting there.

Kanye's answer was short, sweet and a clear sign of his faith. As for feeling pressure ... he was getting plenty last night from one of his outspoken fans in the 'Bu.

We'd put that same question, about pressure, to Justin last week -- on the heels of him singing for the first time in front of the congregation at Churchome in Bev Hills. Biebs told us it was more nerve-racking than his stadium concerts.

The takeaway, though, is both of 'em are feeling the Spirit.

Wiz Khalifa had to bail on a concert on the eastern seaboard because of a bad foot injury -- specifically, he got jacked up while putting in serious work ... MMA style.

Sources connected to the Pittsburgh MC tell TMZ ... Wiz fractured his ankle Friday night during an MMA training session, which left him unable to perform during Saturday night's Hot 104.7's Hot Summer 2019 showcase in Westbrook, Maine.

He was one the headliners on the lineup -- performing alongside acts like A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Ally Brooke, YK Osiris, Big Freedia and others -- but because he couldn't make it ... DMX filled in for him last minute. Not a bad replacement.

Wiz took to social media Saturday to apologize to fans who'd purchased tickets in hopes of seeing him hit the stage, but promised he'd make it up to them in the future when he was healthy. He also made sure to thank DMX for stepping in on short notice.

If the MMA thing is catching you off guard, it shouldn't. He's been at this for at least a couple years now ... and he's absolutely taking training seriously. Just ask FOX's Jay Glazer.

Back in 2017, Wiz was filmed getting in an MMA sesh with Jay ... and the dude looks like he can absolutely throw down. He's even toyed with the idea of taking an actual fight.

What's crazy about this unfortunate setback for Wiz is that he appears to wear protective gear on his legs and ankles when he trains -- at least he did in this video here. He must've been kicking some serious ass to splinter a bone down there ... yowza. BTW, it should be noted ... we're told Wiz was NOT training with Jay in this instance.

YBN Cordae says there isn't much he can do to help his girlfriend, Naomi Osaka, prepare for a big tennis tournament ... other than be a supportive BF, that is.

We got the Maryland-based rapper leaving a Puma Store Friday night in NYC, where he's in town for the U.S. Open -- in which Naomi is competing and defending her championship. She's got a huge match Saturday night against up-and-comer Coco Gauff. Should be good.

Seeing how Naomi's got a lot on the table ... we asked Cordae if he does anything in particular to help her get ready for these high-stakes moments. Turns out, he says he mostly gets out of the way and let's her do her thing ... 'cause she knows what she's doing.

One thing he is in charge of though ... getting her to bed on time. Yep, that's good boyfriendin' 101, especially if your girl is an international superstar athlete.

Our camera guy also asks if he was able to glean any knowledge off off Kobe Bryant and Colin Kaepernick this week, as they were both sitting near YBN in the stands on Thursday.

Ellie Goulding just tied the knot with Caspar Jopling, and her wedding was a who's-who of British stardom -- plus one famous American who squeaked in ... Katy Perry.

The English pop star said "I do" Saturday at the York Minster cathedral all the way across the pond, where tons of famous Brits flocked in to witness the matrimony. We're talking Royals, folks -- Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and Sarah, Duchess of York, were there.

No sign of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle here -- Ellie used to date Harry a little while back. Seems like she left on good terms with some of the Royal Family though!!!

There were other UK-born celebs who got an invite as well -- Sienna Miller showed up with her BF, Lucas Zwirner, as did James Blunt with his wife, Sofia Wellesley.

Orlando Bloom and Katy also walked into the church hand in hand -- he's English too, of course, so it looks like KP was among a few notable Yankees who made the cut. Then again, that might just be a coincidence ... Ellie and Katy are longtime pals.

Lil Nas X is doing everything he can to change his tune, so don't even TRY to talk to him about the biggest #1 song of all time -- 'cause if you do, he's got a one-word answer for you.

We got Lil Nas Thursday night outside NYC's Soho Grand Hotel and asked him about securing a CMA nomination this week for "Old Town Road." You'd think it's kind of a big deal -- getting a nod for Musical Event of the Year ... especially considering the country music industry hasn't exactly embraced his monster hit.

But, check out the clip ... Lil Nas seemed to downplay the achievement.

As for why the man who just had the #1 song in the country for a record-setting 19 weeks doesn't wanna talk about it? Seems he's fully on to the next. Watch the clip and count how many times he says "Panini" ... his follow-up track to "Old Town Road."

Fact is, no one sets out to be a one-hit wonder, and LNX is working overtime to make sure he doesn't end up in that category. We've got 2 words for him: smart businessman.

Miguel heard Justin Bieber's powerful message and he couldn't agree more ... telling us some of his best work comes in his most vulnerable moments.

We got Miguel leaving Delilah Thursday night and our guy asked about Justin telling his church there's power in weakness when you fight through adversity ... and the R&B great told us he's a big believer in what JB's preaching.

It's pretty interesting ... Miguel tells us the best songs he's written were actually spawned from periods of weakness.

As we first reported ... Justin took the mic and sang in front of his congregation at Churchome in Beverly Hills Wednesday night, telling us his breakout moment was part of a much bigger message he's trying to spread.

R. Kelly is making a plea to a federal judge ... a plea to remove him from solitary confinement and put him in general population.

It's a risky move either way. Solitary can drive you crazy, but gen pop can get you killed if you're accused of sex crimes involving underage girls.

Kelly's lawyer filed legal docs, obtained by TMZ, claiming the solitary area where the singer is confined is designed for punishment ... not housing pending trial.

Attorney Steven Greenberg gives examples ... he has no meaningful interaction with human beings, no time outside getting sunlight, no access to media, no recreational activities, no face-to-face visitations that are not recorded, showering only 3 days a week and one 15-minute telephone call per month. And, he's not permitted to buy snacks or candy from the commissary.

There are other examples, but Kelly's lawyer says his client hasn't violated any rules and has not been convicted of a crime, yet he's being treated as such.

Greenberg claims Kelly is being punished because of his "celebrity status" and the fact he's charged with sex crimes involving minors.

Nipsey Hussle's daughter, Emani, will find out who gets permanent custody of her in less than 2 months -- but for now she's reaping the benefits of grief counseling sessions with her mother.

10-year-old Emani's mom, Tanisha Foster, was in an L.A courtroom Thursday -- along with reps for Lauren London and Nipsey's brother, Sam Asghedom. Much of the hearing was closed to the public, but according to docs filed by Tanisha's attorney ... Emani's monitored visits with her mother have been going well.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Tanisha's attorney says mother and daughter have been meeting with a grief counselor, and are "making excellent progress and are both benefiting" from the sessions.

That being said, Tanisha did have one gripe -- informing the court that Emani was dropped off more than 2 hours late for a scheduled visit last week. Tanisha says the only explanation she got was bad traffic.

Nipsey's family and Tanisha have been locked in a bitter custody war over Emani ever since Nipsey's murder on March 31. His family has said Tanisha is unfit, but Tanisha continues to fight back.