Music

A country singer under investigation for child sex abuse crimes has committed suicide ... TMZ has learned.

Daniel Lee Martin died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound ... this according to the Pasco Sheriff's Office in Florida.

Martin was arrested January 27th after the alleged victim, a child, told cops Martin exposed himself to them while the 2 were sitting on a sofa. Cops say the victim claimed Martin fondled himself and shared pornographic images. Cops went on to say there were numerous incidents where the victim spent the night at Martin's home.

He was released on $15,000 bail hours after his arrest.

Cops tell us they were attempting to serve a warrant at Martin's home Friday out of Tennessee, for 3-counts of sexual exploitation on a minor, along with aggravated sexual battery and solicitation of a minor to commit rape.

We're told when deputies entered the home, they found Martin dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Martin released several albums, including "All That I Am" in 2003 and "On My Way to You" in 2007.

What you want? Baby, Jennifer Hudson's got it ... especially if you're looking for someone to nail the role of Aretha Franklin!!!

Jennifer and Forest Whitaker were filming the upcoming biopic -- aptly titled "Respect" -- Friday in Manhattan's Washington Square Park. Props to the wardrobe and hair department too ... 'cause Jennifer's got the Queen of Soul down pat.

Forest is playing the role of Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist also known as the man with the "Million-Dollar Voice."

As you know ... Jennifer was reportedly hand-picked for this role by Aretha before she died in 2018. Seeing the Oscar winner on set ... we gotta say, Franklin couldn't have chosen better.

We've already seen Jennifer as a young Aretha, kissing her onscreen husband, Marlon Wayans, in November ... and now we've got another look.

Bottom line ... Jennifer ain't gonna do you wrong when "Respect" hits theaters this summer.

Mya's been holding a big secret for months ... we've learned she said "I Do" in a super-secret wedding down in Seychelles.

Sources close to the singer tell TMZ ... Mya walked down the aisle back in December in a very intimate ceremony on the island nation off the African coast. We obtained these pics of her on the beach in her gown ... looking absolutely stunning.

If the wedding seems like a shock to you, it is to us too. It's unclear who Mya's spouse is -- and she hasn't publicly dated anyone in years.

In the past, she's been linked to NFL stars DeSean Jackson and Larry Johnson, plus rappers Jay-Z and The Game. So, her partner's got big shoes to fill.

This was Mya's first walk down the aisle. As for the 40-year-old singer's mystery ball and chain? We've got a call in to her people.

We know this ... they had killer weather! Always a toss-up with beach weddings.

Congrats!!!

James Brown was NOT murdered, regardless of what a woman who knew him is now suggesting ... so says the doctor who signed the legendary singer's death certificate.

Dr. Marvin Crawford tells TMZ ... the Fulton County D.A.'s Office is wasting its time in looking into so-called evidence from Jacque Hollander because he claims there was no evidence of foul play when he examined Brown right after he died.

Crawford says Brown suffered a heart attack on December 23, 2006, and was hospitalized. He suffered a second heart attack not long afterward ... and that's what killed him on Christmas Day.

The doctor tells us Brown had a long history of diabetes and hypertension, which contributed to his death ... and that's it.

Crawford admits he's never met Hollander and doesn't know how she's come to believe The Godfather of Soul might have been murdered.

As we reported ... Jacque presented Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard with a bin full of items and investigators have been directed to interview her. If her evidence holds up, Howard says he's open to launching a full-scale death investigation.

Crawford clearly believes that would be useless, and there's something else ... he denies he ever hinted otherwise.

As we told you, in a 2017 CNN interview Crawford did raise questions about Brown's death because the doctor reportedly wondered if James' heart attack was triggered by a toxic substance or an OD.

However, Crawford tells us ... "CNN said I said that but I didn't say that about the drugs."

Brown was 73 when he died.

James Brown might have been murdered ... so claims a woman who knew Brown, and just handed prosecutors stacks of what she believes is possible evidence of foul play.

A Fulton County D.A. spokesperson confirms Jacque Hollander met with Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard on Wednesday and gave him a bin full of items. Howard now says he's directing his investigators to interview Hollander ... and if evidence she presented to the D.A.'s Office holds up, Howard says he's open to launching a full-scale death investigation.

We're told Hollander -- who unsuccessfully first tried to meet with the D.A. in 2019 -- reportedly gave a list of possible witnesses and handed over a stack of printed text messages. She also reportedly explained how she came into possession of the bin.

James, of course, died on Christmas Day 2006 at an Atlanta hospital. His death certificate cites a heart attack and fluid in his lungs as the cause of death.

Jessica Simpson's sending a message to the angry anti-fur protesters who've been crashing events on her book tour -- faux fur's just fine with her.

In a possible attempt to get in the good graces of the animal rights activists who've been calling her out for wearing fur, the "Open Book" author shared a series of pics of herself rocking a Stella McCartney belted, vegetarian leather and faux fur coat.

Of course, it's also possible the protesters had an impact on Jessica. The faux-fur move comes after we broke news extra security measures are being put in place at upcoming stops on her book tour to keep protesters at bay.

As we reported, Simpson was accosted at a book signing and outside a restaurant in NYC last week, and earlier this week at an L.A. book signing.

Jessica doesn't address wearing fake fur explicitly in her posts, but says ... "I pray every day that I can use my platform for good. I promise to continue to be open and to lead with my mistakes."

Sounds like she's suggesting she's heard the animal abuse accusations from the protesters about her history of wearing fur, and instead of laughing it off ... she's learning from her mistakes. Or, maybe she just likes Stella's design.

Rebecca Black poured her heart out for the anniversary of her song, "Friday," and says the honesty paid off ... and might even unlock some doors in the near future.

We spoke to the singer Wednesday in L.A. after she posted an emotional reflection on her viral hit 9 years to the day that it went up on YouTube ... which she tells us has been reciprocated with folks opening up to her right back, and being just as vulnerable.

ICYMI, Rebecca said she wishes she could go back in time and talk to younger versions of herself, whom she says were going through it in the wake of the earworm ... and all the hate that followed. RB says she went through depression, rejection and food feathering.

She found the light at the end of the tunnel though ... adding that despite all that, she now knows no one thing has to define a person -- and each day is an opportunity to start fresh.

As it turns out, the message resonated with a ton of people, who've been blowing Rebecca up with support and stories of their own. Check it out ... she tells us she'd never been quite that honest about her experience, and it clearly struck a chord in a good way.

When it comes to regrets ... Rebecca says she doesn't have any and actually doesn't think she would have stopped herself from doing the song/video if she knew what was to come.

We'll let her explain why for herself. But, get this ... a super-famous music producer has apparently been in touch with Rebecca. For new tunes??? Maybe ... a "Friday" remix might be in the cards, folks.

Brandon Casey doesn't want to dignify the allegations of harassment Mathew Knowles directed at his R&B group with a response ... other than to say those involved already know the truth.

If you don't know ... Beyonce's dad claimed recently that Bey and Kelly Rowland were "constantly being harassed" by members of Jagged Edge back when they were touring together in the late '90s, though it was initially misreported as sexual harassment.

Mathew said the harassment caused a rift in Destiny's Child that led to the original members, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, leaving the group.

So, we asked Brandon about Knowles' accusations as he was leaving Zari in Atlanta Wednesday night ... he tells us he has too much respect for Beyonce, Kelly and all the other women involved to dish out dirt on Mathew.

He adds that the truth speaks for itself, and makes it clear he thinks any talk of harassment or sexual misconduct -- which again, was never alleged by Knowles in the first place -- is ludicrous.

Now ... where the party at?

Miley Cyrus damn near brought New York Fashion Week to a halt with a surprise runway appearance ... thanks to a super-hot ensemble.

Miley closed out Marc Jacobs' fall/winter 2020 runway show Wednesday night in NYC ... much to everyone's delight. The crowd had no idea she'd be making an appearance ... strutting her stuff in a black bra-top and pants. She also wore long, black leather gloves ... not that anyone needed reminding who's in charge.

Naomi Campbell thought the performance was fire based on the comment she left on Miley's Instagram post. Hailey Baldwin summed it up with three words .. "YUP. STOMP QUEEN."

That Miley got the honor to close out the show should come as no surprise. She's known Marc Jacobs since she was 16, starred in his 2014 spring/summer show and collaborated with him last year for a special hoodie.

Taking New York by storm's one helluva way to countdown the days before she's officially single. As we first reported ... Miley and Liam Hemsworth's divorce becomes official on February 22.

Madison Beer splurged for her personal assistant's 30th birthday gift ... and we ain't talking expensive booze or jewelry, more like luxury wheels.

The surprise reveal went down Monday night in L.A. after the singer and some friends celebrated her assistant's birthday. When dinner ended, Madison handed her assistant a bag, but it turned out to be empty. It was also a ruse.

Check out the vid ... you can see Madison pull out a key fob to a brand new Mercedes-Benz C300. Suffice it to say ... Madison's assistant was stunned and damn near speechless.

Helluva gesture, especially 'cause Madison knew about her assistant's car trouble for a while. We're told her assistant's 12-year-old whip kept breaking down. It's a car she used a lot to run Madison's errands and whatnot. Madison also knew her assistant's dream was to one day own a white Benz. Madison delivered, and then some ... a white-on-white model that tends to run upwards of $50k.

Goes without saying, Madison is super close with her assistant, and knew this would blow her mind. She was dead-on, as you can see in the video -- which also reveals a sweet new nickname for boss Beer.

Akon's plan to bring a futuristic city to his childhood country of Senegal is getting closer to coming to fruition, and he's going to show it off soon ... a 3D rendering anyway.

The singer was at LAX Wednesday when he gave us an update on "Akon City" ... which he says is 7 years in the making so far, and he's still cutting through the red tape.

Akon confirms what he announced last month -- he's finalized an agreement for the city and secured the land ... but adds he's now working on a partnership with the government to implement tax-free policies and incentives he wants to attract business.

He says he's dead serious about his city resembling Wakanda from "Black Panther" -- with all the latest and most progressive technology -- and believes it's in the perfect geographical location to make it happen.

Akon drops some more facts about West Africa to paint a picture of what Akon City's going to look like ... and says he'll drop a YouTube video soon to share his vision.

City Girls rapper JT says she "spent a car" on Yung Miami's birthday gift, but clearly she was being modest -- it's easily the price of a house!!! Or maybe she drives really pricey cars.

JT surprised her partner with some shiny bling for her 26th birthday Tuesday ... leaving YM305 speechless. We're told the gift -- 2 months in the works -- was delivered Tuesday night.

The chain is a baller 130 carats ... and features everything YM's obsessed with -- diamonds, music notes, money, Chanel and her kids' names. Celeb jeweler Elliot Eliantte was the artist behind the masterpiece.

JT said on social media ... "Happy birthday to my EVERYTHING. I spent a car on this I F***ING LOVE YOU & if a b*tch ever think otherwise they crazy!!!! B*tch you love diamonds Chanel & your kids.... it's all there! Pop your sh*t!!!!"

YM's reaction can be summed up in 2 words. Speechless and tears.

As we first reported ... Miami hooked up JT with some serious jewels last year to celebrate JT's prison release.

The Game will pay homage to the late Kobe Bryant everywhere he goes from now on -- the rapper has revealed a new face tattoo in honor of the NBA legend.

Game added to his ink collection on Wednesday with a sideways 8 and Kobe's autograph above his right eyebrow ... which symbolizes "Kobe Forever."

Game -- who is still grappling with the loss of the L.A. icon -- has also planned a song to honor Bryant and has worn his jerseys during his current tour.

The Compton native is no stranger to face tattoos -- he had a butterfly on his left cheek before covering it with an L.A.-inspired piece. He also has a tear drop under his right eye.

Game hit up Dark Ink Gallery in Glasgow ... just hours before his show at O2 Academy.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis put permanent art on their bodies in honor of Bryant ... with LBJ getting a snake with Kobe's numbers and "Mamba 4 Life" underneath it.

J.R. Smith, Shareef O'Neal and 2 Chainz have also commissioned Bryant memorials on their bodies.

Justin Bieber's getting real about being married to Hailey Bieber ... he loves it but admits there are challenges.

The Biebs opened up about life as a married man Tuesday night at London's O2 Arena where he held a Q&A sesh. It's kind of funny ... as he's riffing about the challenges that come with marriage, you hear someone in the audience say, "I don't see no ring."

Either way ... Justin says life with Hailey's awesome since tying the knot in 2018. They love 'em some Netflix, but he confessed they also get easily, ahem ... distracted. Marriage itself, he says, is no easy task and gives the young crowd some marriage advice.

Justin also says his new album, "Changes" -- set to drop Friday -- reflects some of the hardships and changes in his life. Marriage, being a huge change, and at least one of the hardships has to be health issues.

As we first reported ... Justin contracted Lyme disease, which went undiagnosed for most of 2019. He recently opened up about it on the latest episode of his YouTube docuseries.

The father of Malika Haqq's unborn son is her ex-BF, O.T. Genasis, but there's zero awkwardness -- they're still great friends and plan to be greater co-parents.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... Khloe Kardashian's BFF and the rapper still have a wonderful relationship despite breaking up last summer, and O.T.'s been nothing but supportive from the moment Malika revealed she was pregnant.

We're told the exes are both nervous and excited to meet their baby boy, but there's no concern about parenting together. They remained friends, kept things drama-free after their split ... and we're told they will do what's best for their son going forward.

You might recall ... Malika kept the identity of her baby daddy under wraps after announcing she was expecting in September, but there was immediate speculation it was her former longtime BF.

Turns out, that was dead-on but we're told they both wanted to keep it private as long as possible to avoid unnecessary rumors.

Malika held her baby shower this weekend -- with a big assist from Khloe, of course -- and that's when she confirmed O.T. is the daddy-to-be.

He also confirmed the good news and asked fans for baby name suggestions.

NBA teams in need of a 5'10" point guard need to look no further ... 'cause Quavo says he's available and ready to make a jump to the Association, telling TMZ Sports he's the next Master P!!

Of course, the Migos rapper balled out with Justin Bieber, Sheck Wes, Drake and more in NYC last week  -- and Huncho was in full BEAST MODE scoring at least 15 points!!

So, when we caught up with Quavo, we had to ask who really has the best skills outta the celeb bunch on that court ... and he gave us a far from humble answer.

"It gotta be me," Quavo says. "We beat OVO. I ain't even have my team with me."

Beating Biebs and Drizzy is one thing ...  going against NBA stars like LeBron, Kawhi and KD is another. But, Quavo says he's up for the challenge to make it to the league!!

"I could be the next Master P! Ima go for it!"

FYI,  Master P was signed to Charlotte Hornets in 1998 and Toronto Raptors in 1999 ... but never made it to the court for a regular-season game.