Music

Quality Control’s Bankroll Freddie hopefully can find time to exercise “patience” like his recent hit with Lil Baby suggests -- the feds are charging the Arkansas rapper in a firearms and drug case.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Hip Hop the 28-year Freddie Gladney was part of a massive 61-count indictment ... along with 34 other defendants, and is currently in custody.

We're told Wednesday's round-up is part of a larger investigation involving around 70 people all facing similar charges and circumstances.

According to the indictment, Freddie and his East AR crew conspired to sell massive amounts of crack cocaine and marijuana between March 2021 to October 2022.

Freddie is also facing weapons charges for allegedly possessing multiple firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

We're told the feds also seized jewelry and cash from several of the defendants totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Shawn Mendes is making a strong case to be Canada's finest export ... for the latest evidence, look no further than these pics of him taking a stroll without a shirt!!!

The "Treat You Better" singer ditched his shirt Wednesday and went on a hike on one of Los Angeles' many trails ... looking like a certified hunk.

Shawn worked up a sweat on his journey ... which only made him look even hotter.

The guy's checking all the boxes here ... flowing dark hair, the right mix of tattoos, six-pack abs, and just enough body hair. Yes, please!!!

Handsome looks aside, it's good to see Shawn looking happy and healthy ... remember, he's not performing right now because he canceled his world tour for a mental health break.

TMZ broke the story ... Shawn told us he pressed pause on his tour to enjoy the simple things in life, along with some therapy, in order to regain his life balance.

The last time we saw Shawn, he was going to church with Justin Bieber, who also put his tour on ice for a mental health break.

Kanye West's Yeezy designs will, in fact, live on at Adidas after all ... but they'll have a completely different title when they drop.

Adidas honchos announced Wednesday the company plans to continue selling more of the Ye-inspired shoes starting as early as 2023, but without a trace of the Yeezy name ... according to Insider.

Adidas reportedly emphasized to their shareholders the company remains the sole owner of the core designs of the current Yeezys in circulation ... including shoe silhouettes and colorways. As such, they feel they have every right to keep hawking them.

Adidas also gave some sobering financial numbers -- noting it expects to lose up to half a billion dollars in annual revenue as a result of ending the partnership with Ye.

Previously, execs said they'd take a $247 million hit, this year alone.

Unclear if they're going to discard the Yeezy inventory they have right now, or retweak and rerelease them. In any case, it sounds like sneakerheads will see "Yeezys" on the market again soon enough.

Adidas had already signaled this move when it first cut ties with Kanye -- explicitly saying the shoe designs belonged to them. Kanye hasn't publicly said anything about that stance or the company's plan to sell rebranded Yeezys.

We know Kanye's griped in the past about ownership. As it stands, at least on paper, he only owns the patent to Yeezy Slides.

FWIW, there are 14 different Yeezy shoe products (sans the Slides) that have been released over the years, and lord knows they've been popular and profitable thus far.

Alicia Keys is performing at Takeoff's memorial service this week ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge of the event tell us AK is scheduled to take the stage Friday at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta for the Migos rapper's sendoff. It's unclear how long Alicia will perform, or what exactly she might be singing ... but we do know she'll be there and mic'd up to sing.

Alicia doesn't have any solo tracks with Takeoff specifically, but she and Migos were all featured on Kanye West's last 'Donda' album -- so there is a connection there.

She also posted a tribute to Takeoff after his shooting death, saying ... "This is too much. It's like every day. RIP Takeoff. Sending light to your family and loved ones. We are losing too many too soon!!"

Tickets for Takeoff's memorial are already sold out ... and as we first told you, Justin Bieber is also set to perform at the service.

Snoop Dogg's calling big 🧢 on a claim his ex-blunt-roller serves him 150 joints daily -- and now even the blunt roller herself is cosigning, telling us her words were taken outta context!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Ranagade PerRana, the professional blunt-roller whose rep is going up in smoke over what she says was some wayward reporting down unda.

During a recent appearance on Australian radio’s “The Kyle And Jackie Show,” Ranagade estimated she had rolled around 450,000 blunts since 2016 when she turned pro.

Ranagade specified she was referring to Snoop as well as her other clientele … but several publications and social media blogs fumbled her statements, applying the massive number only to Snoop.

She told us that's a huge disservice to Snoop and her, and that's plain as day in the interview -- Ranagade never says she rolled that many for Snoop, but the falsehood has snowballed.

She says spilling her clients’ joint count or even their favorite strain of Kush would be unethical, and something she'd never do.

Tha Doggfather himself reacted to the embellished tale on social media in typical Snoop fashion … and, unfortunately, also seemed to buy the fake news.

Ranagade says she doesn’t speak to Snoop directly, but wants him to know she feels terrible about how the misquote spread like wildfire.

Eminem received his flowers from the Rock Hall of Fame and shouted out a ton of hip hop legends ... but the current crop of Detroit rappers, such as Icewear Vezzo, think he could do more for the new wave they're currently experiencing.

Icewear visited The Breakfast Club Wednesday to discuss his recent signing with Quality Control and the loss of Takeoff -- when recent comments made by Detroit hip hop gatekeeper Royce Da 5'9" were brought up.

Royce feels there's a disconnect between himself and Eminem's generation ... a point Icewear agreed with. Detroit rap is having a marquee moment thanks to the likes of Babyface Ray, 42 Dugg, Peezy, Sada Baby and others and Icewear says Eminem's reclusive nature has left a hole in the timeline.

Royce was credited for diverting attention to spotlight the younger class ... but Icewear says he can't name anyone aside from Nickel who's ever met Eminem, let alone seen him in person!!!

Icewear contends Eminem is a GOAT rapper and has done great things for the city of Detroit ... but has left the up-and-comers hanging when it comes down to passing knowledge and spitting game.

Philly rapper Tierra Whack had a rough time at her hometown airport ... the enigmatic lyricist was detained and cited for disorderly conduct after she allegedly brought a loaded gun into the building.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Hip Hop Tierra's bag was searched by Homeland Security officials at an X-ray checkpoint inside Philadelphia International Airport ... when they discovered the gun loaded with 6 live rounds in the magazine and none in the chamber.

We're told authorities believe it was an honest mistake and Tierra wasn't intentionally trying to bring the weapon onboard ... nor did she intend to hurt someone.

Tierra is actually licensed to carry a firearm in the state of Pennsylvania ... but that doesn’t mean you can bring it on an airplane, which is prohibited under federal law. We’re told the gun was confiscated and, after a short detention, Tierra was issued a disorderly conduct citation and released.

Aaron Carter's fans -- at least some of them -- have a growing suspicion the singer may have taken his own life ... but those closest to him couldn't disagree more.

Family sources connected to Aaron tell TMZ the singer had a lot he was looking forward to, and for the first time in a while, he and his ex, Melanie Martin, were in a really good place with their relationship.

Fans have thrown theories around on social media that Aaron may have died by suicide -- pointing to a recent post that read, "LOVE YALL STAY BLESSED STAY SAFE. ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS." Some fans believe Aaron knew he wasn't going to make it to the holidays and was planning on taking his own life -- even appearing out of it on live streams.

Our family sources say if anything, Aaron couldn't wait for the holidays, and was even planning on spending time with both Melanie and their young son, Prince. He also had set up appointments with a family counselor and social worker -- which he knew would help his chances of being a more involved parent.

Law enforcement sources told us they did not find a suicide note at the scene of Aaron's death -- and that there were cans of compressed air and prescription pills in the singer's bathroom and bedroom. Although not conclusive, that evidence suggests he died by accident.

TMZ broke the story, Aaron was found in his L.A. home, having drowned in his bathtub sometime Friday.

We're told the last time he was seen alive was about 2 AM Friday morning after cops were called for a welfare check, which pissed the singer off, and he sent them away.

At this time, an official cause of death for Aaron has been deferred pending toxicology results.

Eli Manning was big drippin' when he hit the studio with Fivio Foreign on Tuesday ... and the 2x Super Bowl-winning QB even took shots with the NYC rapper!!

Fivio tweeted on Tuesday, "I'm goin to the studio w Eli Manning" -- then later posted a video with the former Giants QB and his old teammate and center, Shaun O'Hara, pouring shots.

"We doing shots. Eli. Shaun. Toasting. We in the studio making Big Drip," said Fivio.

It's unclear what sparked the unexpected linkup ... but Eli and the "Big Drip" rapper appeared to be having a great time at the studio while pouring shots for one another.

41-year-old Eli wore a yellow Celine hoodie (they go for like $1,100) and bucket hat ... and had an iced-out chain around his neck in the video.

Eli's studio sesh had a different feel than the popular "Manningcast" show he's accustomed to hosting with his brother, Peyton, during "Monday Night Football."

Nevertheless, it was funny to see the legendary NY football star enjoying himself with Fivio.

Earlier Tuesday, Fivio said new music is on the way, tweeting, "Ov course I'm droppin friday 2 lol.."

Maybe we'll hear Eli on the new project?!? One can hope!

Johnny Depp's clearly moved on from walking the plank ... he's now strutting his stuff at Rihanna's Savage X Fenty fashion show.

J.D. looked swag walking through a fake forest with dancers in tow -- gussied up in Rihanna's men's collection.

The actor hit the runway to Outkast's "So Fresh, So Clean" ... unclear if the reference is to the dude or the duds.

TMZ broke the story ... Johnny would model at Rihanna's show, which has been littered with stars over the years, including Cindy Crawford and Erykah Badu. J.D. has the distinction of being the first man to assume the role.

Aaron Carter's home is bustling with activity a few days after his sudden death -- his fiancé is moving her stuff out, and deputies are there too.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a woman called L.A. County Sheriff's deputies to the late singer's home Tuesday afternoon, telling cops she wanted deputies to "keep the peace" while she retrieved her belongings.

A couple moving trucks are parked outside Aaron's home in Lancaster, CA ... and his fiancé, Melanie Martin, was pictured opening the front door, wearing a hoodie.

Our sources say police arrived at the property 10 minutes after the call came in, with cops keeping an eye on things while the moving process unfolded.

It's unclear why Melanie felt she needed law enforcement there to keep things calm ... but it appears a couple other folks were helping her pack.

Aaron had a live-in housekeeper, but we don't know if she was there while Melanie was grabbing her stuff. As far as we know, no one else was living there with him.

Law enforcement tells us no crimes were committed at the home, and deputies consider it a civil matter. We're told all the cops have now left Aaron's home.

Michael Jackson's estate is not just content with preventing the potential sale of MJ property the estate claims was stolen from the singer's home after he died ... they want it all back.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Michael's estate is seeking to recover $1 million in property the estate believes is being wrongfully possessed by Jeffre Phillips.

TMZ broke the story ... MJ's estate claims Phillips was engaged to one of Michael's siblings and used the sadness and chaos around MJ's 2009 death to take a bunch of private and personal property from the singer's Carolwood House, with the estate recently preventing a potential sale of the items.

Now, Michael's estate wants to recover the allegedly stolen property ... which the estate claims is worth seven figures.

Michael's estate claims the items Phillips allegedly stole from the home include hard drives, laptops, iPods, CDs and DVDs believed to contain non-public performances and unreleased concert footage ... which the estate says alone is worth at least $500,000.

MJ's estate also claims Phillips made off with a bunch of Michael's handwritten notes with bits of song lyrics ... plus personal computers, cassette tapes, a photo album with MJ on the cover, a black bag with a skull on it, framed record awards and a Michael Jackson doll.

Gillie Da Kid's travel plans were soured a bit Tuesday ... after the Million Dollaz Game podcaster was pressed by a patrolling officer claiming he smelled of marijuana at the airport.

Gille and co-host Wallo had previously been enjoying their downtime at Dallas/Fort Worth with jokes ... but the fun would be short-lived once they began boarding their plane.

The dramatic video begins with the Philly-bred rapper arguing with the officer ... as both of them stand their ground.

With his bag open, Gillie and the officer go back and forth over search protocol ... leaving the officer in disbelief that Gillie would search his own bag -- and Gillie was left stunned he was singled out over everyone on the plane.

The bickering heightens with Gillie telling the officer he was probably "the richest" person on board the aircraft and the Marshal reiterating a cold hard fact ... cannabis is illegal in Texas.

The officer eventually backed off -- after realizing Gillie was backing down, but not before getting in one last angry shout.

21 Savage doesn't appear on the "Her Loss" album nearly much as Drake ... but that doesn't mean the Slaughter Gang rapper's voice wasn't heard.

On the contrary, 21 says he's cosigning all of Drake's spicy commentary on the project and even instigated some of the drama while they were recording the project!!!

In a new convo for DJ Akademiks' "Off The Record" podcast, 21 reveled in Drake's "Her Loss" verses ... which include a line insinuating Megan Thee Stallion lied about her shooting, and a "groupie" jab at Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian.

Internet sleuths have determined Drake contributes roughly 67% of the "Her Loss" vocals but 21 maintains he's a team player on 100% of the project.

Both Megan and Alexis reacted to Drake's shots -- which probably helped grow the album's notoriety. "Her Loss" is set for a No. 1 debut atop the Billboard 200 chart with 335-350K in projected sales.

Drake and 21 were supposed to rock out this Friday at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, but they postponed the show to attend Takeoff's funeral in Atlanta.

Aaron Carter was working on a sitcom before he passed away ... and we're told the production is going to honor him by moving forward, dedicating the project to his memory.

Brian Farmer, writer and director of "Group," tells TMZ ... Aaron and co. wrapped on the pilot episode of the show a month ago -- and he's since gotten a blessing from Aaron's camp to complete the project and dedicate it to him.

He says the show revolves around group therapy and pushes for mental health advocacy -- something we're told Aaron was eager to open up about, playing a fictionalized version of himself.

Brian tells us he was a kind soul that was a true pleasure to work with -- adding being a part of the show gave Aaron something positive to work toward.

The pilot's currently in post-production, and will be shopped around to networks once completed ... alongside Aaron on the show -- "Freaks and Geeks" star Samm Levine, Anne Judson-Yager from "Bring It On Again," and Mike Starr from "Dumb and Dumber" & "Goodfellas."

Olive Chiacchia, who played his love interest on the show, posted about losing her costar over the weekend ... saying, " I wish the world saw you the way I do, and saw your side of the story."

Drake and 21 Savage's hot new album, "Her Loss" is gonna be their loss in court ... if Vogue gets its way -- the magazine's suing over fake covers the rappers used to hype their record.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Drake and 21 have been promoting "Her Loss" by posing on what certainly looks like a legit Vogue cover, leading fans to believe the company would drop the special edition soon -- some media outlets even reported on the issue.

Condé Nast, which owns Vogue, says that isn't the case ... despite Drake giving the brand and editor-in-chief Anna Wintour a shout-out online for getting a blessing.

Condé Nast claims Vogue and Anna "have not endorsed ["Her Loss"] in any way" ... and have asked multiple times for all promos using the Vogue name to be taken down, but nothing's been done.

The docs say the rappers falsely promoted the Vogue collab on social media, and put up posters of the "cover" in major cities.

Condé Nast also claims Drake and 21's teams sent out an email blast about "celebrating Drake's Vogue cover" ... saying street teams across the country would even be handing out copies.

People on the streets allegedly got their hands on the false mags, according to the docs ... and many claim it's a direct replica of Vogue -- even including a fake pic of Anna posing with Drake. Wow!!! Can't say they didn't go all out.

Condé Nast wants a judge to shut down the use of the Vogue mark immediately ... and it wants at least $4M in damages.

We've reached out to Drake and 21 Savage for comment ... so far, no word back.