Music

Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin appear ready to become L.A. homeowners -- but one of the houses they're checking out has some ominous vibes ... 'cause it's the one in which Demi Lovato nearly died.

The newlyweds were seen leaving Demi's old Hollywood Hills home Wednesday in a black SUV, with Hailey behind the wheel and JB riding shotgun.

This is the property where Demi overdosed earlier this year -- which she put on the market last month. You'll recall, she's currently in rehab and we've seen her out and about.

The home is listed right around $10 million with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 5,546 square feet. Pricey, but considering JB is plunking down $100k/month on a new rental he just snapped up in the valley, it ain't so bad.

Rihanna has used F.U. as a business card for her clothing biz, and now another company is firing back ... FU, Rihanna.

Freedom United Clothing claims in a new lawsuit it owns the 'FU' trademark ... something they've used since 2006.

As you know ... Rihanna did a deal with PUMA where she had the company slap F.U. on her sweatshirts, jewelry and sandals, and Freedom United says that's just stealing.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the company claims RiRi knew there was an existing FU logo, because she was photographed in one of their hoodies in 2014 and, even before that, then-BF Chris Brown attended Freedom United's launch party back in 2007.

The suit goes on to say PUMA touts Rihanna as a lawbreaker of sorts, noting on PUMA's website it refers to the singer as "most likely to break the rules." Well, they say F.U. is evidence of that.

This isn't the first time Freedom United lashed out ... they fired off a cease-and-desist letter demanding that PUMA and Rihanna back off.

10:15 AM PT -- Oli was found dead in a pond near his Connecticut home ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

We're told police were dispatched to Oli's Stafford Springs home Tuesday afternoon after someone reported him missing. Cops searched the area and found Oli in a nearby pond.

Police sources say the death does not appear to be suspicious, but an autopsy needs to be performed to confirm the cause and manner of death. The Connecticut medical examiner is investigating.

Oli Herbert, a founding member and lead guitarist of metal band All That Remains, has passed away at the age of 44.

The band confirmed Oli's death on its Facebook page -- "We were devastated to learn that Oli Herbert, our friend, guitar player, and founding member of All That Remains, has passed away."

No word on the cause of death yet.

The band's message continued ... "Oli was an incredibly talented guitarist and song writer who defined Rock and Metal from the Northeast. His impact on the genres and our lives will continue indefinitely."

Oli started the band back in 1998 in Springfield, MA alongside frontman Phil Labonte.

All That Remains has released 8 studio albums, with over 1 million records sold worldwide. The band is scheduled to release a new album, "Victim Of The New Disease," November 9.

Oli is survived by his wife, Beth.

RIP

Ariana Grande is making an attempt to cover up any and all signs of Pete Davidson ... even if it means hiding a tattoo dedicated to Pete with a Band-Aid.

Grande performed "The Wizard and I" Tuesday in NYC during a pre-taped segment for the upcoming NBC special dedicated to the Broadway musical, "Wicked." Ariana has a "pete" tattoo on her ring finger, and you can see in this side-by-side, she made sure to cover it up for any close-ups.

The special is set to air October 29, meaning the split will be more than two weeks old ... so hiding the tattoo now does make a lot of sense.

TMZ broke the story, the "Wicked" performance was Grande's first public appearance since the split ... Davidson was set to headline a comedy gig at Temple University Wednesday, but dropped out last minute.

In a post that's apparently since been deleted, Ariana said, "time to say bye bye again to the internew for jus a lil bit. it's hard not to bump news n stuff that i'm not tryna see rn. it's very sad and we're all tryin very hard to keep goin. love u. and thank u for bein here always."

Ariana's also parted with the $100k engagement ring from Davidson, but will keep the couple's teacup pig.

Cardi B's team is locked in a private battle over her upcoming music ... specifically, whether Cardi should take shots at Nicki Minaj on the track.

Sources close to Cardi tell us the rapper has already recorded some new stuff, and the lyrics take some serious jabs at Nicki. We're told her team is divided ... some think the Nicki disses should be 86'd. Those people in Cardi's camp feel the lyrics would actually benefit Nicki by putting the spotlight on her.

Cardi's team believes she's already eclipsed Nicki, and the best strategy is just ignoring her.

As for Cardi's feelings -- she's always included her real-life drama in her raps, so she thinks keeping the lyrics in is the only way to keep it real.

TMZ broke the story -- Cardi attacked Minaj at a NYFW party last month -- launching a shoe at Nicki and leaving the party with a big lump on her forehead after a scuffle.

9:40 AM PT -- Sources close to the band tell TMZ that they went to a label after-party following their performance across the street from their hotel. We're told among the items stolen was a Fender 1981 P Bass Orange guitar, a pedalboard, a laptop, an iPad and Dallon’s passport. Apparently, there was a music video being filmed in a room a few doors down from theirs, and the person staying there has told Dallon they believe the culprit might be one of their own crew members. We're told Dallon's hopeful that iDKHOW will get their stuff back, and he isn't planning on pressing charges.

Panic! at the Disco's former bass player is really panicking after a bunch of his new band's gear and property got jacked from their hotel room ... TMZ has learned.

Dallon Weekes says he and his band, iDKHOW, got all of their stuff stolen early Wednesday morning from their suite at the Dream Hotel in Hollywood. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... personal belongings, electronics and band equipment were taken ... totaling about $10,000.

But, Dallon's biggest concern is all the new music his band was working on was also taken, and he's not sure how they'll be able to tour after this setback.

Our sources say someone forced their way into Dallon's room early Wednesday morning. iDKHOW members weren't there ... they'd been out performing at a private gig Tuesday night.

Not all hope is lost though -- Dallon says the Dream Hotel has informed him they have surveillance footage of the alleged culprit.

Police are investigating, and Dallon says he's holding out hope they can get their stuff back.

Originally Published -- 10/17/2018 8:52 AM PDT

Taylor Swift is back on election day soapbox, and this time she's got a new message -- start voting now ... if you can.

Taylor urged her fans Wednesday morning to follow in her footsteps and learn more about the early voting process. She says, "Something I wish I knew about when I was 18 and voting for the first time: EARLY VOTING. It makes it so quick and easy to go and cast your vote before November 6."

Ten years later, T-Swift's got it all figured out. She points out early voting opens today in Tennessee, her home state. And just to prove she's a serious patriot, Taylor included a pic of her red, white, and blue toenails. 'Merica!!!

Taylor had an enormous impact on the election a couple weeks ago when she -- for the first time -- shared her political views. She revealed who she was supporting for Congress in Tennessee, and encouraged everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to vote.

T.I. just got cut a partial break after prosecutors dropped his outrageous charge in a case that a lot of people think is racially motivated.

You'll recall, T.I. was arrested back in May after getting into it with the guy at the guard shack in his gated community outside Atlanta. The guard -- who was sleeping when the rapper rolled up -- demanded to see ID and when T.I. couldn't produce it the guard wouldn't let him in.

At one point T.I. said repeatedly, "You're making it worse for yourself, man ... You're gonna have to deal with me." Apparently, cops thought that was a criminal threat and arrested him for assault. Well, that dog don't hunt, so prosecutors have decided to drop the charge.

T.I. still faces 3 counts of misdemeanor disorderly conduct and one count of misdemeanor public drunkenness.

Unbelievable.

Members of Machine Gun Kelly's entourage are in for a surprise if they ever set foot in Georgia again -- a judge has issued warrants for their arrest ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the case tell TMZ ... Atlanta PD has ID'd at least 3 individuals involved in the brutal beatdown of actor Gabriel "G-Rod" Rodriguez, and they've each been charged with misdemeanor battery.

We're told at least 2 of the crew members live outside the state, and Atlanta PD won't spend resources to extradite the suspects ... because they're only charged with misdemeanors.

As far as MGK's fate goes ... our law enforcement sources say he will NOT be charged with any crime, because the investigation determined G-Rod triggered the fight. G-Rod has not been charged yet.

The 2018 BET Hip Hop Awards turned into one big party onstage and off, with the best artists and biggest ballers turning up in South Beach ... showing off their ice, style and swag.

Some of the stars who were dripping extra hard ... award winners Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled, Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka'Oir, Blac Chyna, T.I. and Tameka, O.T. Genasis, Fabolous ... and lots of other pairs and groups who reveled in the good times.

Also walking the red carpet at The Fillmore Miami Beach ... TMZ's Raquel Harper, in advance of her new TV show.

Ariana Grande put on a brave face and belted out a big tune in her first public appearance since ending things with Pete Davidson.

Grande performed "The Wizard and I" Tuesday in a pre-taped TV special for the Broadway musical "Wicked." Grande assured fans Monday she'd still be a part of the event, even after the split with Davidson, and she delivered on her promise.

TMZ broke the story ... Davidson was supposed to headline a comedy gig Wednesday at Temple University but dropped out last minute. He's being replaced by Adam DeVine.

Grande has already returned the $100k engagement ring from Pete, and she'll keep their pet teacup pig, Piggy Smallz.

The candidate Chance the Rapper's endorsing for mayor of Chicago says his support goes way beyond the typical celeb endorsement, because he's going to be a key player in her campaign.

We spoke with Amara Enyia Tuesday shortly after Chance announced he was endorsing her in the race to get Rahm Emanuel's office when he steps down next year.

She tells us Chance's backing is more than a "flash in the pan," and the proof will be evident on the campaign trail. Not that the hometown hero needs to prove himself -- Amara reminded us Chance has walked the walk in Chicago ... donating millions to the city's public school system and other services.

Amara compares Chance's shift into politics to people like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West, who've both gotten in some face time with the President over different issues.

Meek Mill can't lose these days ... first he gets his freedom back, then he squashes beef with Drake, and now he's winning a cool $50k by making a crazy over-the-shoulder, half-court hoops trick shot.

Meek was hanging out with his pal, Michael Rubin -- owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and one of MM's strongest allies when he was inside -- when the two men decided to have a little friendly wager.

Friendly, meaning $50k ... according to Meek.

Meek had 25 tries to make an over-the-shoulder, half-court heave ... and with about 9 tries left, he nailed it.

Listen, the NBA season kicks off Tuesday night and, while we think it's dope someone other than those guys are getting paid for basketball, this whole thing reminds of one very sobering fact.

Pete Davidson is doing everything in his power to keep a low profile after the collapse of his relationship with Ariana Grande.

Davidson was set to headline Wednesday at Temple University's event, "Comedy Night Live." In a statement for the event, we're told Davidson pulled out last minute due to "personal reasons."

TMZ broke the story ... Pete and Ariana ended their engagement and called it quits on their relationship over the weekend. Ariana has already returned her $100k engagement ring to Davidson and Ariana will keep the couple's teacup pig, Piggy Smallz.

James Prince thinks it's stupid to avoid interacting with people who have a different world view, and that's why the rap mogul tells us he's willing to have a conversation with President Trump in the Oval.

J Prince was on Van Lathan's 'Red Pill Podcast' talking about his new book, 'The Art & Science of Respect,' when he said he'd accept an invitation to the White House ... promising to lobby for the black community if he goes to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The Rap-A-Lot Records CEO has tons of experience with famous rap beefs ... so he's no stranger to reaching across the aisle to try and ease tension and settle differences.

Some critics have said Kanye West brought a circus to the Oval, but J Prince says his visit would be totally different.

Check out the full episode with James below, and catch 'The Red Pill' weekly on SoundCloud.

Kanye West's season of giving continued in Uganda ... with tons of kids getting Yeezys!!

Ye and Kim Kardashian West surprised a bunch of kids as their tour of the east African country continues. But first, they had to get there ... and our sources say none other than the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, gave Kimye permission to use his presidential helicopter so they could be flown to a kids' charity event.

We're told Kanye, Kim and their entourage were flown from Chobe, Uganda -- where they're staying -- to the event in Masulita, about 94 miles away. The pic above shows them arriving.

Kanye didn't waste time rapping for the kids ... who went wild as soon as they saw him and Kim. The kids sang but things got really wild when Kanye brought out several bags loaded with Yeezys. You gotta see their reaction ... frankly, it's just heartwarming.

As they were heading out ... Kim -- with Saint in tow -- was swarmed by reporters. Kim stopped to chat with them and shared some thoughts on her experience during their stay in Africa.

As you know ... Kanye gifted President Trump a pair of Yeezys last week, and also surprised the President of Uganda with his own pair. Neither was nearly as excited as these kids.

Well played, Ye!