Music

Jamie Spears flatly denies bugging his daughter's bedroom ... one of the most explosive charges leveled against her former conservator.

Jamie filed a declaration, obtained by TMZ, in connection with the ongoing battle over alleged misdeeds committed during Britney Spears' 13-year conservatorship, and he said flatly, "I am informed of the allegation by Britney's counsel that a listening device or 'bug' was placed [in] her bedroom as surveillance during the Conservatorship. This allegation is false. I never conducted or authorized any surveillance of Britney's bedroom at any time, including during the conservatorship."

He went on to say he was not aware of any such device that was placed in his daughter's bedroom.

The New York Times documentary about Britney's conservatorship featured Alex Vlasov, a former employee of Black Box Security ... the company Jamie hired. He claimed such a device was indeed secretly placed in her bedroom to spy ... allegedly listening to private conversations.

Britney's lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, has gone after Jamie hard, saying he violated his client's privacy and civil liberties.

Arguably the biggest days in Brittney Griner's life have finally arrived -- her drug case trial in Russia has begun ... and it appears she chose to send a loud and clear message with her fashion for the monumental moment.

Cameras at a courthouse in Moscow captured Griner in the minutes before the trial officially began Friday morning ... and they showed the WNBA superstar rockin' a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt for the occasion.

While we're sure Griner is a big fan of the musician's work ... it seems the 31-year-old -- who's been detained in Russia since mid-February after authorities claimed she had hash oil in her luggage at an airport -- was attempting to send an "I'm innocent" note to the world.

You'll recall, Hendrix was arrested in Toronto back in 1969 after he, too, allegedly had drugs in his bags at an airport. Hendrix eventually stood trial in the case, but was found not guilty.

Griner -- who's facing up to 10 years behind bars if convicted on the charges -- is clearly hoping for a similar result in her drug case.

Friday's hearing reportedly lasted around two and a half hours, and is scheduled to continue next week. U.S. officials said at the courthouse following the proceedings that Griner told them she is in good spirits and "is keeping up the faith."

Griner's wife, meanwhile, spoke with CNN on Thursday night ahead of the important hearing ... and stressed she still wants to get in front of Joe Biden to make sure he knows just how important Griner is to her, her fans and America.

"He has that power -- he is the person that ultimately will make that decision for BG to come home," Cherelle Griner said. "And, so while everyone else wants to tell me they care, I would love for him to tell me he cares."

Cardi B's break is officially over, and she's got Chicago's finest -- Kanye West and Lil Durk -- for her first track since last year.

Cardi dropped "Hot S***" at midnight, and her fans are going nuts over the highly anticipated new music ... which has her flexing about her over-the-top lifestyle.

For instance ... "All this jewelry at the grocery store, I'm obnoxious / Bought a home and closin' on another, I know I'm blessed." She even says "I don't know what's colder, man, my heart or my necklace."

Ye starts his verse off strong too, poking fun at his own unpredictability -- "Pinky swear you ain't scared when you heard Ye appear."

Cardi was pretty hesitant about dropping the single -- she says she's been holding it for about 3 years, making it older than 2020's "WAP."

It's her first track since "Up" in 2021, and it's holding over her fans until they get that long-awaited second album. Cardi told followers on Instagram Live "Hot S***" doesn't have a music video, but she's confident they'll still dig it.

She thinks the song is appealing to a lot of different demographics, too -- "It's masculine, it's great for the clubs, it's great for the bitches."

A$AP Rocky's arrest in Sweden a few years back almost triggered an international trade war ... with then-President Donald Trump demanding his release -- or else.

Sweden's Justice Minister just revealed the information ... that Trump threatened to impose trade restrictions if A$AP wasn't freed stat.

The Justice Minister said Trump's threats were classic bullying, adding, "If you can try and do something like this against Sweden, what will you then try and do to slightly weaker countries that don't have the European Union behind them?"

The J.M. said Trump's actions clearly showed how essential it is to stand up for democracy.

As we reported ... A$AP was arrested 3 years ago in Stockholm after he and 2 bodyguards beat up a fan outside a fast-food restaurant ... and it was caught on video. They hit and kicked the guy ... then hit him with a broken bottle.

A$AP and co. said the guy had been harassing them and hurling racial epithets at them well. A$AP was held for more than a month.

Trump was briefed by Kanye and tweeted his support for A$AP, saying "Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Lofven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States," adding, "I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly. #FreeRocky."

Bret Michaels is currently being treated in a Nashville hospital ... a medical emergency that occurred just before he was set to get on stage with Poison.

The band is part of a massive stadium tour with Def Leppard, Motley Crue and Joan Jett. Audience members claim members from Poison got on stage Thursday night and let the crowd know Bret had to go to the hospital for a bad reaction to medication.

As a result, the other band members announced they wouldn't be able to perform their set.

Obviously, some fans were upset, going to Twitter to express their disappointment. One fan wrote, "Came all the way from KC to watch poison. Bret Michaels was admitted to hospital. No poison in Nashville."

Unclear how long Michaels will be sidelined, the tour continues with a date Saturday in Florida and Sunday in Mississippi.

Get well soon!!!

Travis Barker continues to fight pancreatitis in the hospital, and he's getting support from loved ones and fans around the world ... and now, his ex-wife Shanna Moakler is joining that support team.

Shanna, who was married to Travis from 2004 to 2008 and has two kids with him, tells us, "Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern to my ex and father of my children, I know he is in great hands and surrounded by loving support and the best medical teams available and his beautiful wife Kourtney.

TMZ broke the story, doctors believe a recent colonoscopy is to blame for the drummer's current medical situation.

Moakler says, "I pray for a speedy recovery and for the comfort of my children as I know they are very concerned and worried. Travis has a beat the odds numerous times and I know with his support system he will do it again. I will always be there for him and my children."

Travis and Shanna's daughter, Alabama, has posted a few times about Travis' situation -- asking fans for prayers and sharing a photo of Travis in the hospital ... though she later deleted it.

DDG's celebrating a big legal victory -- he's no longer facing charges for illegal gun possession -- and it's perfect timing, as the platinum-selling rapper has a big summer tour.

We spoke to DDG's manager, Dimitri Hurt ... who tells TMZ Hip Hop the new California gun laws allowing for more concealed weapons also played into the District Attorney's decision to reject the case and not pursue charges.

An excited DDG took to Instagram to celebrate the news, thanking Dimitri and jokingly calling vlogger Charleston White his "lawyer" in Akademiks comment section ... but it's actually Dimitri.

TMZ Hip Hop broke open the story ... LAPD pulled over DDG on June 7 for allegedly speeding and swerving in his Lambo, and he admitted having a loaded firearm in the whip.

Dimitri says DDG did make the honest mistake of speeding to a video shoot with the firearm, but with the charges dropped, he's now clear to travel for work.

This week, it's onward to Europe for the U.K.'s 2022 Wireless Fest, a Rolling Loud Portugal ... followed by shows in Amsterdam, Germany, Denmark and Poland as they make their way back to the U.S.

Lil Tjay is making some significant progress in his recovery after the rapper was shot multiple times ... and while he remains hospitalized, things are starting to move in a good direction.

Sources familiar with Tjay's situation tell TMZ he's awake and alert, even speaking on his own. What's most promising -- doctors recently removed his breathing tube, and when speaking, his voice sounds just like it did before the scary incident.

Our sources say Lil Tjay was shot multiple times -- in the chest and neck area -- and now that he's able to communicate, cops want to speak with him on the details surrounding the shooting.

As we reported, a man named Mohamed Konate was the alleged triggerman involved in the June 22 incident ... he's since been arrested. Cops say the whole thing happened after Konate allegedly tried to rob Lil Tjay.

NBA star Miles Bridges was arrested for felony domestic violence in Los Angeles on Wednesday, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 24-year-old forward -- who most recently played for the Charlotte Hornets -- turned himself into a local jail regarding an alleged physical altercation that happened on Tuesday.

Law enforcement sources tell us a woman claims she was in an argument with Bridges that turned physical. We're told police were called to the scene, but Bridges was gone by the time cops arrived. We're told the woman required medical attention.

The 6'7", 225-pounder was arrested by LAPD after turning himself in Wednesday afternoon. His bail was set at $130k ... and he's since been released.

Bridges -- who's also a rapper under the name RTB MB -- spent his first four seasons with the Hornets ... but is expected to be a top free agency target this off-season.

Bridges was the 12th overall pick out of Michigan State in 2018 ... averaging 13.4 points and 5.6 rebounds a game over 4 seasons. He had the best season of his career in 2021-22 ... averaging 20.2 points, 7 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

We've reached out to Bridges' people for comment ... so far, no word back.

Kourtney Kardashian clearly has a lot on her mind while husband Travis Barker battles pancreatitis in an L.A. hospital ... spotted out running errands in L.A.

Kourtney's solemn expression says it all, as she hit a store in Encino Wednesday dressed head to toe in Travis' DTA Records merch -- which appears to be the same outfit she was wearing when she took Travis to the hospital Tuesday.

TMZ broke the story ... doctors believe a recent colonoscopy is to blame for the drummer's pancreatitis. The condition's symptoms usually include everything from severe stomach pain to nausea and vomiting.

It's currently unclear what Travis' condition is, but as we reported, his daughter posted asking fans for prayers just hours after Travis was admitted.

We know Kourtney was the one who first drove Travis to West Hills hospital Tuesday morning, and was by his side while he was transported by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center later that day.

Xzibit is ready to bury the hatchet with MTV parent company Viacom over his "Pimp My Ride" legacy -- but says they first need to acknowledge he got screwed in the first place.

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the West Coast vet after he unloaded on Viacom, claiming it's essentially erasing him from the show's history, and in the process, digging into his pockets!!!

X to the Z claims Viacom gave him the shaft by cutting his "image and likeness" from the show in order to get around paying him royalties over the years since the show was in production.

He says episodes cut for DVDs and streaming were also re-edited to remove his music, and DVD covers removed his image and likeness. We checked, and that tidbit appears to be true.

Xzibit was in his prime as a rapper when the show was shooting ... laying platinum albums with Dr. Dre and hitting sold-out shows with Eminem and Snoop Dogg, and he says his celebrity boosted the show's visibility.

In the suit, X calls Viacom's actions "petty," but he told us he's willing to move forward and still hopes to conduct business with them down the line.

Ludacris' manager, Chaka Zulu, was scared for his life, and actually fired back, allegedly in self-defense, during the Atlanta shooting that's left the music honcho in critical condition.

We've spoken with multiple sources who have viewed surveillance footage recorded Sunday outside the APT 4B restaurant. We're told Chaka, his assistant and another friend were leaving an event, walking through the parking lot when Chaka was approached by another man.

Our sources say, in the video, Chaka and the other man start exchanging words, but things escalate, and the conversation becomes visually more intense ... all while the other man allegedly keeps his hand on and around his waistband.

We're told at one point, a female bystander pushed the other man away from Chaka, but he didn't back down ... and then things really got intense when Chaka approaches the man again, who seemingly bumps Chaka with his chest, and Chaka grabs the man by the collar.

From there, our sources say, a group of about 3 or 4 other men -- who'd been standing in the parking lot with the man confronting Chaka -- get involved, rushing in, and knocking Chaka to the ground with a punch followed by kicks and stomps.

We're told one guy in the group makes his way between 2 vehicles, produces a gun, and fires at least 2 shots. Our sources say Chaka, who was also armed, can then be seen getting back on his feet and firing at least one shot in return.

TMZ obtained the dramatic 911 call from the scene, where a man claiming to be restaurant security works to help Chaka ... who had suffered a gunshot wound in the exchange.

A source close to Chaka tells us he was shot at least once -- the bullet came close to his heart -- and he's currently in critical condition.

As for what started the verbal altercation ... we're told it's unclear, though it might have been some sort of dispute about the man not being allowed entry to a party.

Calvin Harris is looking to dominate the Summer '22 party waves with his "Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2" album, and he's enlisting several superstar rappers to get it done.

On Wednesday, the legendary DJ dropped a 'Funk Wav' teaser video, along with the A-list guest list which includes lots of rappers -- like Pharrell, 21 Savage, Snoop Dogg, Pusha T, Lil Durk, Latto, Busta Rhymes and Swae Lee.

He's also got Justin Timberlake and Shensheaa onboard for tracks ... and the first single, "Potion," arrived in May, featuring Dua Lipa and Young Thug.

Calvin's 1st 'Funk Wav' was released back in 2017 ... and earned a Gold plaque.

R. Kelly has just been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison following his conviction for 9 federal charges, including sex crimes and human trafficking.

The disgraced singer was in the federal courthouse Wednesday in Brooklyn when Judge Ann M. Donnelly announced his sentence ... bringing a close to one of the U.S. Attorney's Office's highest-profile criminal prosecutions in years.

Kelly's known he could get 10 years to life since he was convicted last September on all 9 counts. He declined to give a statement during sentencing.

As we reported, federal prosecutors had recommended no less than 25 years in prison based on the severity of Kelly's crimes.

Kelly's trial had taken just over a month, and his attorneys seemed overmatched in court -- federal prosecutors called for more witnesses than the defense.

Kelly's legal team called on a handful of ex-Kelly employees and associates -- all saying, under oath, they never saw Kelly abuse anyone.

Prosecutors, however, brought dozens of witnesses to the stand, poking holes in that claim ... some said Kelly had managers, bodyguards and assistants who rounded up his potential victims before the singer groomed them for unwanted sex, among other things.

Kelly himself never took the stand.

We spoke with one of Kelly's victims, Lizzette Martinez, who told us he's more than earned a life sentence ... she says the guy's proven multiple times he's using his power to get what he wants, and he shouldn't be given the chance to prey on women again.

Ludacris’ longtime manager Chaka Zulu is one of 3 victims shot outside an Atlanta restaurant, and now we have audio from the horrific scene ... where some calm, quick thinking saved lives.

In 911 audio from Sunday’s shooting, obtained by TMZ, a man who describes himself as Restaurant 4B’s head of security can be heard calmly describing the extent of Chaka’s injuries ... even as he applied pressure to Chaka's wounds to stop the bleeding.

His calmness is in stark contrast to the noise in the background, which was absolute pandemonium.

The caller says Chaka was shot in the upper torso and, at one point, he can be heard raising his voice in an effort to keep Chaka conscious until medics can arrive.

He may very well have saved Chaka’s life. The musician’s family released a statement on Monday saying Chaka had successful surgery and is now in stable condition.

Nipsey Hussle's alleged killer, Eric Holder, got jumped by other inmates on his way to court ... and the beatdown was so bad he apparently needed stitches to close his wounds.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Holder was waiting Tuesday to catch the bus to court for his murder trial when he got jumped, causing the trial to be delayed.

We're in the courtroom today, and Holder showed up with stitches running up the back of his head. Holder also appears to have a slightly swollen left eye, plus more stitches cutting their way through his hair.

It's interesting ... Holder and his defense attorneys are all wearing face coverings, which they generally have not done in the past.

The jury is in the courtroom too, but no one has so far addressed Holder's injuries ... the judge, prosecution and defense are just moving forward as if nothing happened.