Music

Tekashi 6ix9ine deserves a much lighter prison sentence due to his cooperation -- AKA snitching -- according to federal prosecutors who are officially asking the judge for leniency.

In legal docs, obtained by TMZ ... the U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York lays out the reasons for a reduced sentence for the rapper. They say his assistance was "incredibly significant and extremely useful" in prosecuting and convicting 2 members of the Nine Trey Bloods.

Even the feds acknowledge Tekashi's testimony in open court put a target on his back and endangered his family. In the docs, prosecutors say, "There's no question that the defendant's life will never be the same because of his cooperation in this case." They add he and his family will need "extra safety precautions" at all times to avoid a revenge attack.

The feds say 6ix9ine walked them through his social media posts to provide context for the criminal actions of the gang -- which they say the defendants, Anthony "Harv" Ellison and Aljermiah Mack, claimed was all a hoax to promote Tekashi's music. They say his testimony convinced the jury otherwise.

As we reported ... Tekashi copped a plea deal after pleading guilty to racketeering, firearms offenses, conspiracy, narcotics trafficking and other crimes. 6ix9ine agreed to be a cooperating witness, and without that would be facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 47 years in prison.

R. Kelly's girlfriend is officially breaking her silence with a video that refutes the abuse claims attributed to her on a Patreon account ... claims she calls total BS.

Joycelyn Savage says she wants to clear her name following reports she'd turned on Kelly by posting dirty deets about their relationship on the paysite, Patreon. She says she had nothing to do with the site, and STILL has no plans to assassinate Kelly's character.

But, in this video we obtained ... Joycelyn starts out reading a prepared statement, or, as Kelly's critics might call it ... a script.

As for the claims of abuse, purportedly made in her name on Patreon, she says they were all flat-out false -- and she blames an impostor for launching that page, as well as an Instagram account bearing her name.

Joycelyn also reveals the current status of her relationship with Kelly, saying they communicate daily.

It should be noted ... lots of people had cast doubt as to the veracity of the Patreon account, including R. Kelly accuser Lisa Van Allen, who explained her rationale to us on "TMZ Live."

Joycelyn did go off script later in her video statement ... adding both she and Azriel Clary are still firmly in Kelly's corner, although Azriel never appears on camera.

As we reported, Patreon shut down the alleged Joycelyn account after it couldn't authenticate the owner's identity.

R. Kelly, meanwhile, is still behind bars ... and dealing with multiple federal and state sexual abuse cases, but Joycelyn says she still sees him regularly.

Jason Mraz won't hesitate no more ... to go after the brewing giant he says used one of his hit songs without permission.

The singer-songwriter's got a major legal battle on tap for MillerCoors -- he's sued 'em for a Coors Light advertisement he spotted on Instagram. According to Jason's lawsuit, the ad contains an unauthorized clip of him performing "I'm Yours" live.

In the suit, obtained by TMZ, Mraz says the clip was from his performance at the BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach, CA back in May -- and 13 seconds of footage were included in the summer-themed ad.

Mraz points out the spot also features his image along with the Coors Light logo and a can of the beer prominently displayed. He says he gave MillerCoors a heads up it was committing copyright infringement, but it failed to seek his permission and has "never acknowledged the wrongfulness of the use."

It's unclear if MillerCoors is holding out for Jason to look into his heart and find love for their ad ... we've contacted the company to find out.

For now, Mraz wants the Coors Light ad killed and he's suing for damages.

Waka Flocka Flame believes there were clear racial motives behind Gabrielle Union's 'AGT' firing, and says it's now on the black community to stop supporting companies that have problems with the culture.

Gabrielle's feud with 'AGT' is striking a chord with Waka, and he unloaded when we got him in Atlanta -- telling us he's proud of Gabrielle for speaking out about what was allegedly going down at 'AGT.'

As you know ... Gabrielle feels she was given the boot because she complained to NBC and 'AGT' producers about racially insensitive situations on set -- including producers giving her excessive notes about her hair, wardrobe and physical appearance.

Waka says Gabby's a role model -- because black people in similar situations need to push back and stand up for themselves when someone asks them to change who they are.

Gabrielle also had issues with Jay Leno joking about Koreans eating dogs while he was guest judging. Jay won't say if the joke is racist, and has been mostly mum on the whole controversy.

We ask Waka if we're living in a society that treats racism as a joke, and he says anyone over 40 who is still acting racist is "f***ed up," and needs to stop teaching racism to younger generations.

Jason Derulo's got a problem most men would die for ... his penis is too big to post underwear pics on social media.

Jason just had his recent Instagram shot flaunting his manhood taken down for violating the platform's community guidelines on nudity and sexual activity ... and a Facebook spokesperson tells TMZ Jason's post got the heave-ho because it featured "aroused genitalia."

Glad we got to the bottom of that!!!

Jason's not taking the removal too kindly ... he says it's a double standard because women flaunt their bodies all over the 'gram. He points out he's covering his junk with underwear and says it's a clear example of discrimination because he can't help his size.

Dude may have a point ... we did some snooping and found a pic of The Game showing off his endowment in some nut huggers, and it's yet to be removed after over a year. Sorry bud, guess you ain't on Jason's level!!!

A$AP Rocky will NOT be performing at the Swedish prison where he was detained for several weeks earlier this year -- but hey, at least he can say he tried in good faith.

The rapper is heading back to Sweden in about a week for a concert on Dec. 11 -- and while he's expressed interest in possibly playing a gig for the inmates at Kronoberg prison ... it ain't gonna happen.

The reason ... a honcho with Sweden's Prison and Probation Service tells TMZ there were logistical and security concerns that prevented them from getting something together.

You'll recall, Rocky himself was a prisoner for a good while this summer as his assault case stalled.

As you know, Rocky told us he was very interested in heading back to the Euro country and giving back for the inmates with whom he was once jailed. And, of course, the same Prison and Probation Service that's denying him now said they were open to the idea as well.

So, what's with the cold shoulder then? Well, specifically, the Service cited a high occupancy as the main reason for saying no. There might be other issues, though, based on Rocky's written request ... which TMZ has obtained. In a letter written sent to prison officials Tuesday -- in Swedish, no less -- AR's team formally made the ask.

According to the doc, Rocky says he wanted to swing by Kronoberg while he was in town and bring a DJ and what sounds like 11 accompanying performers and tech crew members. He also requested to have 4 to 5 different camera guys there to document it.

Kid Rock's saying good riddance to his hometown restaurant because he's sick of people labeling him a racist -- due to his Oprah rant -- and he's taking a parting shot at Al Sharpton on his way out.

The rocker announced he's not going to renew his licensing agreement next year for his Made in Detroit restaurant at Little Caesars Arena -- effectively closing one of the signature dining spots at the home of the Pistons and Red Wings.

The news comes on the heels of Kid's drunken rant about Oprah last week at his Honky Tonk bar in Nashville. Some people in the crowd, and many others who saw the video, took it as a racist diatribe -- and he even acknowledged that during the rant, but insisted it's not true.

KR says he still has love for Detroit, but he learned long ago to "go where you're celebrated, not tolerated." He adds, "I guess the millions of dollars I pumped into that town was not enough."

He's certainly not been celebrated since his verbal attack on Oprah, and organizers were planning to protest at his restaurant Wednesday before his decision was announced.

As for being called a racist, Kid Rock says ... "I may be guilty of being a loud mouth jerk at times, but trying to label me a racist is a joke, and actually only does a disservice to the black community, which I have supported my entire life."

He also sent a personal message to Sharpton, with whom he's been beefing for years -- "PS - Hey Al Sharpton, you or your cronies will never beat me you tax evading, race baiting clown!" Kid also threw in a "Trump 2020!!" for good measure.

Guess it really is "so cold in the D."

Willie Nelson -- one of the most prolific pot puffers on the planet -- has given up smoking weed after recent health issues ... but he still gets high.

The 86-year-old recently sat down with KSAT-TV to talk life on the road ... and his weed obsession. Willie says, "I have abused my lungs quite a bit in the past, so breathing is a little more difficult these days and I have to be careful."

Then, he drops a bombshell, saying, "I don't smoke anymore, take better care of myself."

A source close to Willie says it's true, he's not smoking weed ... however, he still vapes and eats cannabis-infused items. We're told it's also not out of the question that Willie will decide to smoke again in the future.

As for Willie's overall health, our source says he's just fine ... and is excited to continue touring through next year.

Willie's grown a weed empire over the course of his career -- even launching Willie's Reserve -- a cannabis company selling everything from joints to weed-infused candy and vape products.

Forget the Heisman Trophy ... get Ole Miss QB John Rhys Plumlee a Grammy -- 'cause the dude can SAAAAAAAAAANNNGGG!!!

Here's video of the Rebels star at the 2019 C Spire Conerly Award ceremony Tuesday in Mississippi ... taking ALL of the shine away from the other award finalists.

It's unclear why JRP stepped up to the piano ... but we're all sure as hell glad he did -- 'cause the 18-year-old tickled the keys and belted out "Drops Of Jupiter."

And, yeah, we're all swooning!!!

As for what went down after Plumlee's impromptu concert ... the freshman didn't end up winning the coveted honor that goes to the best college football player in Mississippi (Miss. State's Kylin Hill did).

But , JRP sure gained a bunch of new fans anyway!!!

By the way, if you haven't heard of Plumlee ... you should get to know the guy -- he's got SUPERSTAR potential, rushing for 1,023 yards and throwing for 910 more in just 9 games this season.

Meek Mill thinks the heart-wrenching stories of parents losing kids to police brutality and social injustice can create real change ... and he's hammering his point home with a powerful video.

Meek's record company, Dream Chasers, is releasing a moving PSA Wednesday focusing on the tragic death of Antwon Rose Jr. -- a Pittsburgh honor roll student who was fatally shot in the back by a police officer in 2018.

The PSA is narrated by Antwon's mother, Michelle Kenney, and she makes a case for the need for more "understanding and communication" between police and the communities they serve.

The video is part of the "Responsibility Program" launched by Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Sources involved in the production tell us Meek wanted to get involved with Antwon's story because he's from his home state of Pennsylvania -- and it turns out, Meek was Antwon's favorite rapper.

Meek tells TMZ, "My hope is this PSA will inspire people to come together and create change in our communities. Our country needs more communication and understanding – not hate and division – so it’s important that we collectively start the conversation and work to leave a lasting impact for future generations."

You'll recall ... just last month, the "Responsibility Program" teamed with Philadelphia Eagles star Malcolm Jenkins and his Players Coalition to tell the story of Pace University football player Danroy "DJ" Henry ... who was also fatally shot by a police officer.

We're told Roc Nation plans to present a new story every 2 to 3 weeks.

Gorilla Zoe's domestic violence case is no more -- and it's all thanks to the girlfriend he allegedly attacked.

The Monroe County Florida Prosecutor's Office tells TMZ it dropped all the charges against the Atlanta rapper after his GF made it clear she didn't want him prosecuted. She even delivered a notarized letter requesting the D.A. fall back.

We're told the reason she was unwilling to cooperate is she claims they'd simply gotten into a disagreement in their hotel room. She also said that to the arresting officers on the spot.

As we reported ... Gorilla Zoe was arrested for domestic battery after cops say they saw him pinning her down in their room. Witnesses told police they were fighting on their balcony before that, and he'd allegedly knocked her to the ground.

According to the police report, she told cops ... "We always drink and argue, nothing more. He's never gotten physical with me. Isn't that what happens when everyone drinks?"

She went on to say that he always got aggressive while drunk, but would never actually hurt her. Cops say she didn't have any noticeable injuries or marks. They still arrested Zoe based on what they and witnesses had seen.

Texas-born Edgar Winter gained fame in the '70s when his psych supergroup, The Edgar Winter Group, released rock anthems like the hard-hitting synth smash, "Frankenstein," and the blues-riffing "Free Ride."

While Edgar Winter played practically every available instrument on stage including guitar, synthesizer, keyboard, saxophone and even drums ... he wasn't alone in the music-making. Edgar also included artists like Chuck Ruff on backline percussions, Ronnie Montrose on the electric ax and Dan Hartman on the driving bass.

Edgar's brother Johnny Winter was also a famous musician and was put into the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list.

Travis Scott is getting an inside look at the upcoming Dior x Air Jordan 1s due out next year ... and yeah, they look expensive as hell.

La Flame -- who's got his own Nike deal and custom line of AJs and AF1s -- posted the luxurious kicks on his IG on Tuesday ... proving his folks at the Swoosh really care.

The Dior Js are slated to come out in April 2020 and have a HEFTY rumored price tag of $2,000, making them some of the highest-priced Js EVER.

The sneaks will be made entirely in Italy with white and pearl grey Dior leather and the Swoosh will have the classic pattern used in the Dior B23 shoes. Fancy stuff.

Of course, Scott's collabs with Nike have been a massive hit -- his $175 AJ1 collabs have sold out within minutes and have gone for thousands on the resale market ... and he's also got his take on a number of other iconic Nike kicks.

Travis also announced earlier Tuesday he's working with Nike to bring a "Cactus Jack Court" to Houston ... so yeah, both sides gotta be happy about that.

Beyonce's dad, Mathew Knowles, says before there was Destiny's Child ... there was Girls Tyme -- which apparently had A LOT of pieces filling in around his daughter over the years.

Mathew came on "TMZ Live" Tuesday to give us the 411 on a new book and album he just released about the girl group he started nearly 30 years ago. You know about DC, obviously, but that success was built on Girls Tyme.

The book, "Destiny's Child: The Untold Story," and the album by the same name offer previously unreleased music, and a deep dive into the making of the group -- which Mathew says involved more than a couple dozen different members.

We've always heard about Bey, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson -- but, as it turns out, that was just the tip of the iceberg between Girls Tyme and the final version of DC.

Damon Dash and his baby mamas are cutting him out of the equation when it comes to settling up his hefty child support tab -- and instead, the dough will come straight from Lee Daniels.

The hip-hop mogul had a hearing Tuesday in NYC, where he and Rachel Roy and Cindy Morales came to figure out how to square the $950k he owes them in back child support. Their settlement plan involves a previous settlement Damon reached with Daniels. Stick with us.

Lee and Dame reached a settlement earlier this year over a $5 million lawsuit Dame had filed against him. On Tuesday, Roy and Morales' attorney Donnell Suares, and Dash's attorney Natraj Bhushan informed the court the child support will come directly out of the pot of money Lee owes Damon.

The deal calls for the women to be paid in installments of several thousand dollars per quarter until the total of $950k is paid in full.

Rachel and Cindy had this idea earlier this year when they sued Lee to get direct payments.

You'll recall, just last month -- in an entirely different legal battle -- Dash cried poverty, saying in court docs he couldn't pay off a $2,400 debt. You'll recall, cops arrested Dame about 2 weeks ago over the child support. When he got out he told us he'd paid what he owed.

Seems like he didn't, but at least they've now agreed on a payment plan. They just need the judge to sign off on the deal.

Cardi B says whoever was messaging Tekashi 6ix9ine's girlfriend certainly wasn't her hubby, Offset, and she's out to prove the whole thing is just some bulls**t.

Here's the deal ... Jade -- who's dating Tekashi and who Cardi allegedly ordered an attack on in August 2018 for sleeping with Offset -- put Offset on blast for apparently sending her a DM on Instagram saying "Miss you fr."

Jade shared video of her checking her phone to show it definitely came from Offset's account, and poured gasoline on the fiery situation by adding ... "Your wife @iamcardib has a OPEN CRIMINAL CASE , why are you writing me you don’t respect her ???????"

The thing is ... Cardi and Offset say it's not real -- they claim he was hacked. To prove it, Cardi's shared a couple of vids with Offset, saying they were up sick with their kid all night ... and insisting her husband didn't do what Jade claims.

She also revealed a couple of screenshots from Twitter and Instagram, seemingly proving he was hacked and is unable to log in to his accounts.

There's also this -- earlier on Tuesday, around the same time Jade made claims Offset was messaging her ... his Twitter account was tweeting some strange tweets, including one that just said "I lick ass cheeks."

So, it seems like something suspicious is afoot ... it's just unclear who's to blame for starting it.

One thing to note ... Jade suggested she has more dirt on Offset, saying, "Theirs a lot of s**t I haven't exposed yet."

Stay tuned!