Music

The murder of Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay has been a mystery for nearly 2 decades ... but 2 men are finally in custody for the crime, TMZ has confirmed.

Jay was shot to death on October 30, 2002, in a recording studio in Queens, and now federal prosecutors are indicting  Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan, Jr. for the crime.

The 2 men have long been suspects, but the feds finally feel they have the goods to prosecute them on charges of murder while engaged in drug trafficking.

Federal prosecutors are expected to announce the charges some time Monday, as was first reported by the NY Times.

Washington is already serving a federal sentence for robbery, and Jordan was taken into custody Sunday.

JMJ, real name Jason Mizell, was just 37 when he was killed.

Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia was only 22 years old when she shot to stardom after she released her first single, "Torn," which topped the Hot 100 Airplay in the fall of 1997 and opened the doors for her debut album, "Left of the Middle" ... and even scored her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Since Natalie Imbruglia's breakthrough record, she's gone on to release a long list of artistic music, model for brands like L'Oreal, a judge on the Aussie X-Factor ... but her greatest accomplishment was in 2019 with the birth of her son, Max.

C-Murder is singing Kim Kardashian's praises now that she's pledged to help get him outta prison ... the incarcerated rapper says she's an angel who gives him hope.

C-Murder just broke his silence on Kim joining his fight for freedom, saying KK and his ex-girlfriend, Monica, are angels sent by God.

In a message from behind the walls of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, where C-Murder is serving a life sentence after being convicted in the 2002 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old fan at a Louisiana nightclub, CM says he's focusing on his blessings ... namely, Kim devoting resources to try and get his 2009 conviction overturned.

C-Murder says he called his ex 7 months ago and that's when Monica started to get Kim involved, unbeknownst to him. C-Murder says he can finally sleep knowing Kim and Monica are fighting for his freedom.

Master P's been fighting for his brother ... lobbying President Obama and trying to get a new jury to look at the case ... but now KK is trying to do for C-Murder what she did for Alice Marie Johnson.

As we reported ... Kim pledged to get involved with C-Murder's case Sunday, noting evidence is now in question and eyewitnesses have recanted testimony pinning him to the crime he was convicted of committing. Jurors were also allegedly pressured to vote guilty.

Kanye West's wheels are turning about his next big project, and he thinks he's on to something huge ... JESUS TOK.

The rapper and presidential candidate says he was perusing some content on TikTok with his daughter and "as a Christian father" ... he was disturbed by some of the stuff he saw.

But, Ye says he loves the tech, and he's had a vision -- a Christian version of TikTok.

Kanye says he's praying he can collaborate with the insanely popular social media platform to create a more kid and Christian-friendly outlet ... "in Jesus name amen."

It's unclear if the rapper also plans to go back and make more PG-related versions of his tracks -- for instance 2018's "I Love It," which features the lyrics "They had to fake orgasms and sh*t" and "You're such a f***in' ho, I love it."

Ye doesn't address the sometimes sexy content on his wife's social media accounts either, but if he wants to go that route ... JESUS GRAM might work.

As we reported ... Kanye recently revived his Sunday Service up at his ranch in Wyoming, so clearly the Lord is on his mind.

MC Lyte's marriage has hit the ultimate ruff patch ... because the old school hip-hop icon is calling it quits.

Lyte, one of rap's female pioneers, filed divorce docs in L.A. Monday, just 3 years after her marriage to Marine Corp veteran and entrepreneur, John Wyche.

As for the reason for the split ... officially, according to docs, it's the classic irreconcilable differences.

The couple wed at a beach resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica back in August 2017. The "Ruffneck" rapper said they met on Match.com and the relationship took off from there ... but it probably didn't last long enough for the dating site to brag about it.

Louis Tomlinson's crib is back on the market and it's definitely heading in one direction ... down, 'cause the price has been slashed again.

The 1D singer has re-listed his marvelous L.A. crib for a cool $6,750,000. The 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom crib sits on around 4,000-square-feet of living space. Louis originally bought the house back in 2016 for $7.3 million and listed it last year for $6.9. He eventually took it off the market and is bringing it back at this reduced price on Homes.com.

The Art Deco home features a screening room, wine cellar, decorative mirrored doors and not one ... not two ... but THREE freakin' luxury guest suites -- and yet, it still wasn't snapped up last year.

The best part of the place has to be the huge terrace, firepit and infinity-edge pool. Seriously, if you're looking for great views -- of downtown L.A. and the Hollywood sign -- this is the joint!

Joe Biden's crash course in Cardi B is complete, and now you can decide if he passed after their sit down covering race, healthcare and uhh ... that "big chunk of taxes" out of our checks!!!

It's almost a rite of passage -- for Democrat Presidential candidates, anyway -- a campaign chat with Cardi, this one for Elle, and she gave Joe an earful. He started out with flattery and then asked what's her main issue heading into the vote.

Welp ... Biden got more than 2 minutes of her issues -- including education, social justice and childcare -- complete with some okurrrrs! Seriously, Cardi's sound effects seemed to throw him off a bit (go to 3:55).

He's just lucky "W.A.P." didn't come up ... that woulda been a moment.

The fact the presumptive Democratic candidate spent 15+ minutes chatting with Cardi -- the day the Democratic National Convention opens -- makes it clear Biden's campaign sees the reach and influence she has. Remember, she also grilled Sen. Bernie Sanders ... so, she's becoming an important campaign stop.

As for Biden ... he and Cardi spent a lot of time talking about racial equality, but she also slipped in a jab about taxes. Y'know, she's famously gotten heated about where her tax dollars are going -- so pay attention to her final question.

Kim Kardashian showed up for Kanye West's Sunday Service over the weekend, and it could -- COULD -- be a sign that maybe their make-or-break vacation worked.

Kim and the kids made the trek to Wyoming to join Kanye for the service ... a service we haven't seen for a while. She posted video with the caption, "Guess what's back?!?!"

Among the many highlights -- Kim and Kanye's kids running around as North yells for her Dad ... a lot of singing and dancing, and a new song alert.

As for COVID-19 ... Kim says Kanye's team took precautions to keep the choir healthy and safe, pointing out that they filmed without an audience. She says the music will be available soon for those who need their spirits lifted.

Kanye also tweeted ... "Praise God. We would like to thank our staff for making sure all Covid safety guidelines were followed today during Sunday Service at our West Mountains family ranch in Wyoming."

It seems like the family getaway -- which included a tropical resort in the Dominican Republic did everybody good.

Norman's Rare Guitars is in trouble ... and Slash and Post Malone are among the celebs holding out hope the legendary guitar shop avoids its swan song.

Here's the deal ... Norman Harris' famed guitar shop in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley is in serious jeopardy of closing its doors forever due to the pandemic, and celebs are trying to raise awareness in a new documentary, with personal tales of how Norman and his store impacted their careers.

The shop's served as a mecca for guitar enthusiasts and music icons ever since it opened its doors way back in 1975, but the coronavirus could be the final nail in its coffin -- unless MGK, Post and other famous rockers can pull off a miracle -- and get people to buy product.

Norman's daughter, Sarah Edwards, says her dad's store isn't in dire straits financially, but Norman could be forced to keep the store shuttered because he's a 71-year-old type I diabetic who can't interact with customers like usual anymore.

Norman's Rare Guitars closed its doors back in March, and Sarah says her dad can only go in on Tuesdays and Fridays for a couple hours to pack and ship internet orders and film content for the store's social media.

Gone are the days when Norman would shake hands and take pictures with customers, and lend his guitars to rockers for epic jam sessions. Sad.

Slash, Jeff Daniels, The Goo Goo Dolls, Melissa Etheridge and Jeff Garlin are among the celebs lamenting the possible loss of another music landmark in the upcoming documentary directed by Devin J. Dilmore and produced by Norm's daughter and Kiefer Sutherland.

Kim Kardashian has her sights set on her next prison case -- saying she's going to put her resources toward helping free a famous rapper who's Master P's sibling ... AKA, C-Murder.

She made the announcement Sunday, noting evidence has been questioned in the case and that eyewitnesses have since recanted their testimony about pinning him to the crime he was convicted of committing, not to mention jurors allegedly being pressured to vote guilty.

Kim writes, "On January 18, 2002 a tragedy occurred when a young man was killed. The next day Corey Miller was arrested for the murder." She went on to say he was convicted on a ruling of 10-2, and that if his trial happened today ... it would have to be unanimous.

She says true justice means catching the actual killer -- C-Murder was accused of fatally shooting a 16-year-old at a Louisiana club -- and that in light of these new developments over the past several years, it's time to get him out, or have him retried at the very least.

Right now, C-Murder is serving a life sentence at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

Kim also says she's teaming up with C-Murder's ex-girlfriend, Monica, in the effort to free him. Monica's been outspoken about the cause for a while -- and now, she has a powerful ally in KK to actually get some movement. Kim's bringing on some high-leverage attorneys.

It looks like C-Murder himself is incredibly appreciative of the love and dedication Monica's shown over the years ... 'cause he shouted her out in a new IG post in light of the news.

He writes, "Moses when they took me I told you go live your life because you didn’t deserve what the system was about to do to me. You still stood for me, without me asking created a team that could change the outcome of a very unfair fate! You been Forever Tru , One in a Lifetime!! @monicadenise got em saying #FreeCoreyMiller."

Elvis Presley lives on in the hearts of adoring fans who made sure to pay their respects on his 43rd death anniversary ... even if it meant wearing masks and having to spread out.

A candlelight vigil was held for The King Saturday night at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee -- which hundreds of people flocked to come sundown just to get a glimpse of the man's gravesite and leave behind flowers, notes and photos of their idol. It was one of the last events for Elvis Week around there -- but this year, precautions were in place.

The vigil was a ticketed event of sorts -- only 720 people were given access to the grounds for an up-close view, and the folks running the place only let parties in who wore face coverings and traveled in groups of 6 or less. Also, everyone had to trickle in slowly for proper distancing ... so it was certainly less packed than gatherings like this in the past.

There were also police officers stationed outside the property with barricades in place blocking off surrounding roads -- so people who didn't have tickets couldn't even get near the mansion to watch from a distance. By and large, it sounds like it was a success (COVID-wise).

Fortunately, Elvis fans didn't seem to mind either -- in fact, people came from all over the country (and the world) for the momentous event ... marking the year Elvis had been gone longer than he'd been on this Earth. He was just 42 when he died in 1977.

On Sunday -- the day he actually died -- Elvis Week is set to cap off with a virtual gospel event at the Graceland soundstage, and later tonight ... a drive-in Elvis movie in the parking lot (which we imagine will also be limited). Definitely a bummer, but better than nothing.

Elvis died after suffering a heart attack. He was discovered on the bathroom floor, where he was using the commode moments earlier. His legacy is cemented in pop culture as a pioneer for modern rock 'n' roll music as well as the blues.

Speaking of that, he's faced criticism in the years since his death for culturally appropriating music made popular by Black artists, and passing it off as his own style. Still, the guy was incredibly talented ... and goes down as an icon from his time, paving the way for other big-time acts to follow. John Lennon once said, "Before Elvis, there was nothing."

He left behind his wife, Priscilla, and only child Lisa-Marie ... plus lots of grandchildren, many of whom went on to be famous in their own right. Some have tragically passed as well.

Forget we're in the middle of a make-or-break election ... Cardi B is already setting her sights on 2024, because she's got her eye on AOC.

Cardi just tweeted that she wants Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to throw her name in the ring for President when she turns 35 ... the required age under the Constitution.

AOC is clearly a Cardi fan ... check out her moves dancing to "Bodak Yellow." But, she's also become a big star in the Democratic party -- or at least the progressive wing of the party -- she'll give a speech next week at the Dem's convention to put Bernie Sander's name in the mix. It's a formality since Joe Biden will become the party's nominee, but AOC will have primetime exposure.

So, here's the deal. AOC is 30 ... she'll turn 31 in October. So, if she were to run in 2024, she'd be 34 -- one year shy of the minimum requirement, but WAIT. We checked the Constitution, and it says anyone can run when they're under 35 as long as they hit that age before being sworn in. Since the swearing-in would be January 20, 2025 ... she'd qualify.

Kanye West just tweeted something that seemed to cast shade in Taylor Swift's direction, but it also seems it might be directed at Kim.

Kanye, who's ensconced at his Wyoming ranch, tweeted a pic of a rattlesnake with the caption, "Not gonna use a snake emoji cause you know why ... I'm not sure if Christians are allowed to use snake emojis."

You probably recall Ye's war with Taylor Swift back in 2016, when Kanye said he gave Taylor a heads up before releasing his song, "Famous," which included the lyric, "I made that bitch famous."  Taylor begged to differ and the war was on.

Kim jumped to Kanye's defense, using snake emojis to call Taylor a "snake" after Swift said she was blindsided by the lyric.

Taylor then used a giant, robotic snake during her "Reputation" tour.

So, Ye saying it's not the Christian thing to do sure seems like shade. It's unclear what got Kanye heated since the feud is 4 years old. That said, it's interesting the only person who used snake emojis was Kim, not Taylor.

Tekashi 6ix9ine is feeling like Randy Newman ... he says he loves L.A. and didn't disrespect Nipsey Hussle when he visited a mural of the late rapper ... near where he was murdered.

We got Tekashi shopping on Rodeo Drive in Bev Hills Friday, where he was surrounded by his security team and flanked by tons of supporters, as well as haters shouting obscenities. You could sense the tension in the streets.

69 tells us everyone claiming he trolled Nipsey's 'hood by posing in front of the mural has it wrong ... he says he loves Nipsey, which is why he kneeled and paid respects.

Lots of folks are pissed at Tekashi's stop in Crenshaw because Nispey was famously killed by a snitch, but he says his love for Nip is like L.A.'s love for the Notorious B.I.G.

6ix9ine also shoots down rumors he was robbed while seeing the sights around town. It's his first time in L.A. since he ratted on his former gang members back in New York, and he's been met with a mix of anger and adulation everywhere he goes.

Another solid tribute for Kobe Bryant -- this time it's rap superstar, Lil Baby, teaming up with Money Man in a track paying homage to the NBA legend.

The two rappers dropped a song called "24" -- which includes several shout-outs to Kobe ... and some pretty incredible cover art which based around Black Mamba snakes, basketball and #24.

Some of the lyrics ...

"R.I.P. Kobe Bryant, R.I.P. 24
I can make a cool $50K in less than 24 hours."

Also ...

"Grew up in the trap watching Kobe yam on a n***a
Pull up in the Porsche, yeah, the Pan' on a n***a
Yeah, pull up in the Dodge, yeah, the Ram on a n***a
Anybody try, yeah, I'ma blam on n****s."

There's a gratuitous shot at NFL quarterback Joe Flacco ...

"White collar diamonds, n***a ballin' like Lonzo
These n****s overrated like Joe Flacco."

FYI, Flacco did win a Super Bowl!

Anyway, Money Man and Lil Baby are just the latest to honor Kobe ... following Lil Wayne, Amine' and others.

Kobe Bryant was big into hip-hop -- famously dropping a single with Tyra Banks back in 2000. He also appeared on some other tracks.

R. Kelly's alleged manager is facing more legal fallout over what the feds claim are efforts to run interference for the disgraced singer.

Donnell Russell has just been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for an alleged threat to shoot up an NYC theater in December 2018 when the Lifetime documentary, "Surviving R. Kelly," was being screened there.

The feds claim Russell admitted to first sending a cease-and-desist letter trying to end the screening -- but when that failed, prosecutors allege he phoned in the shooting threat ... and successfully nixed the event, which was being attended by a number of Kelly's alleged victims.

TMZ broke the story ... law enforcement sources told us an R. Kelly associate was a person of interest over an alleged threat that came in just 20 minutes before the start of the screening. Russell was charged with 1 count of conspiracy to threaten physical harm and 1 count of threatening physical harm. Each charge carries a max sentence of 5 years in prison. This, of course, is just the tip of the legal iceberg for Russell.