Music

Britney Spears has clear regrets ... about a tattoo, and about her ex, Justin Timberlake -- she's even posting throwback pics of him -- which can't feel great for her husband, Sam Asghari.

She posted a video of herself getting inked up while in Maui, but never revealed the finished product. As Brit put it, "Can’t show it because it sucks 😂😂😂 !!! Like really really sucks !!! S–t 🙈🙈🙈 !!!”

That's probably exactly what Sam is saying about the Justin pics Brit posted right before her tattoo video. They were throwbacks to JT and Brit in 2001 wearing matching basketball jerseys, and the caption said, "When we used to shoot hoops TOGETHER … that’s when miracles happened."

It wasn't all gushing, though ... she also said, "I came out of my mom’s stomach just like we all did !!! Psss … why always cast me out ??? I’m equal as all !!!"

Brit didn't leave up the cryptic, yet definitely critical, Justin post for too long. That one's been deleted, but she left up the tattoo vid.

As you'll recall, Britney accused Justin last year of using her name to gain serious popularity ... referring to his hit, "Cry Me A River," as a way to blast her publicly for their split.

All the public reminiscing about her ex, can't sit well with Sam ... who was just publicly defending her.

As we reported, eyewitnesses told TMZ Brit was acting "manic" while out to dinner last week -- and video showed her sitting alone at the table and speaking incoherently.

Sam later said his wife was just freaked out by fans taking photos of her, and he denied leaving her in the restaurant. Chivalry at its best.

The Navy isn't gonna be happy with this.

Stephen A. Smith had a BOLD take this week, but it wasn't about whether Dak Prescott is elite ... it was his reaction to Rihanna performing the Super Bowl halftime show -- simply saying, "she ain't Beyoncé."

The ESPN personality made the comment during his appearance on "The Sherri Show" Wednesday ... claiming it's no shade to RiRi, but will most certainly come across that way with the singer's diehard fanbase.

"Rihanna's music is fantastic," SAS said during the interview. "She's great. She's a sister. I love her dearly, I listen to her music, I'm gonna support her 'til the cows come home."

"I'm just telling you, for me, there's Beyoncé and there's everybody else. Just like there's Michael Jackson and there's everybody else."

Smith says he isn't NOT excited to see Rihanna do her thing ... but makes it clear there's only room for one at the top.

"Ladies and gentlemen, [Rihanna is] a lot of things. She's spectacular actually and congratulations on new mamahood. There's one thing she's not -- she ain't Beyoncé."

SAS says he mentioned Beyoncé because the icon did the SB XLVII show in 2013 without the likes of Coldplay and Bruno Mars ... although she did have support from her former Destiny's Child groupmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Here's the thing, though -- Rihanna could certainly do her gig alone as well ... as her show has been completely under wraps since it was announced.

Smith goes on to explain his stance ... comparing the situation to the show's host.

"I like television," he added. "I like a lot of talent out there. There's some spectacular females in television, I just want to say that. Everybody ain't Sherri. That's not throwing shading on them. That's appreciating their greatness but understanding, there's levels!"

Bottom line, both Rihanna and Beyoncé are incredibly successful and talented ... so there's really no need to pit them against each other. But, Stephen A. is entitled to his opinion.

The whole interview airs Wednesday ... check your local listings.

G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo is sharing his own experience in a similar situation to the one that ended deadly for Takeoff, and the clear pattern is ... dice games tend to go awry.

Coming up in Jamaica, Queens, Yayo says he's seen a ton of dice games go sour and recalled a brush with death he had while shooting dice inside an NYC barbershop years ago.

Yayo says he and his friends were celebrating as they were cleaning the guy outta his rent money, but afterward the loser asked for “a walk.”

Yayo explained to DJ Vlad “a walk” is when someone asks for a portion of their money back, so they won’t go home totally broke and disgusted.

Yayo says he was cordial with the guy, but when he refused to give up some of the winnings ... an argument resulted in gunfire, which Tony oddly described as a “friendly shootout.”

Dice games have been a touchy subject within the hip hop community since Takeoff’s Nov. 1 death in Houston following a not-so-friendly encounter.

Mel B's ex-husband is being dragged to court by an up-and-coming singer who claims he cost her a fortune after allegedly grifting her into a bogus management contract.

Malu Trevejo just filed suit against Stephen Belafonte -- whom she alleges swindled her into signing a binding deal to have him represent her exclusively as her manager ... this after she says he discovered her in 2020 and suggested they meet one-on-one to talk business.

In her court docs, obtained by TMZ, Trevejo claims Belafonte completely misrepresented himself as a licensed talent agent ... and not just that, but also says the agreement he had her sign was completely one-sided in his favor -- which she says she naively signed.

The contract, however, isn't her biggest gripe ... it's the alleged misappropriation of funds -- not to mention what she claims were predatory financial practices Belafonte undertook.

For example, Trevejo alleges Belafonte rented a luxury Beverly Hills home in 2021 with her cash ... but, according to her, lied and insisted the lease was only for a few months ... when, in fact, she says it was actually for a year -- unbeknownst to her. For the majority of the time, Trevejo claims Belafonte was using the pad for himself and having her pay for it.

Another instance of alleged fraud that Trevejo hurls is a $400k loan she claims Belafonte lent her through a friend ... only to charge her a massive amount of interest, upwards of $150k.

These are just a couple manifestations of what she claims was a lot of self-dealing on his part ... all at her expense, and under shady circumstances. For this, Trevejo says she's entitled to major damages from Belafonte ... because he's cost her a lot of dough in 2 years.

Kelsea Ballerini might be playing coy about whether she's dating Chase Stokes -- but he's a bit more definitive ... explaining to TMZ what it is, exactly, he likes about her.

The "Outer Banks" star confirmed to our photog Tuesday he and the country singer are, in fact, an item ... but whether he meant for it to slip out the way it did is another story. Check out our chat with him in L.A. ... where we congratulated him on his new boo.

Rather than correct us or clarify anything ... he simply said thanks, and even gave us an answer when we asked what Kelsea brings to the table in their relationship.

Another tell they're definitely dating -- CS scoffing at the idea that Kelsea might need to brush him up on Southern culture. She's a Nashville girl, but Chase made sure to set the record straight ... noting he was raised in the South himself, and knows all about cowboy hats and such.

The speculation over whether they're a thing all started last week when they were seen attending the National Championship game in the same group -- but it looked more official when Chase posted a photo of just the 2 of 'em cuddled in the stands.

That seems to be the IG official pic, but Chase is letting people come to that conclusion on their own -- he didn't comment on the game shot, but happily talked about Kelsea.

For her part, Kelsea reacted to the gossip with a non-answer answer -- rolling her eyes at some DeuxMoi chatter about them and a lot of "Really?".

More marital issues for Marvin Gaye III, son of Motown icon Marvin Gaye ... his wife is seeking court-ordered protection after he got arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at her.

Marvin's wife, Wendy Gaye, beelined it to court Tuesday and filed for a domestic violence restraining order against her husband ... according to online records.

Wendy's filing comes on the heels of her husband's arrest.

TMZ broke the story ... Marvin III allegedly physically assaulted his wife and cousin during an argument inside his Calabasas home Thursday, and allegedly pointed a gun at both women.

Police surrounded Gaye's home and called for him to come out, but he had already left in his Corvette.

The next day, MG3 turned himself in to sheriffs and was booked on two charges ... misdemeanor domestic violence and felony assault with a deadly weapon. Gaye posted $50,000 bond and was released.

The Golden State Warriors returned to The White House to celebrate their 2021-2022 NBA Season championship -- but it wasn't just members of the team who went -- Oakland hip hop legends joined in too!!!

TMZ Hip Hop obtained photos and videos of E-40, Too $hort, Sway Calloway and Mistah F.A.B. at the White House during the reception, posting up with V.P. Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

We’re told V.P. Harris was excited to meet 40 and $hort ... being a proud Oakland native herself, and the guys got to swap stories with Pelosi and her husband, Paul.

The hip hop stars are regulars at The Chase Center, supporting the Warriors through thick and thin -- so it's not totally shocking they were able to tag along. The group also got a pic in with players Andre Iguodala and Moses Moody.

Outside on the White House grounds, 40, $hort and F.A.B. discussed Oakland streetwear legacy and later connected with former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for a photo-op.

We spoke with $hort earlier this season about the potential for this year's squad, and he’s adamant the Warriors will win another chip with ease.

Last year marked the Warriors’ 4th championship in recent years, but it was their first trip back to the White House since 2015, after refusing to celebrate with Donald Trump.

Billie Eilish is asking a judge for some protection, asking for a temporary restraining order against a man she claims allegedly broke into her family home earlier this month.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Billie's asking for protection against 39-year-old Christopher Anderson ... as well as protection for her parents and her brother, Finneas.

Billie's father says Anderson's visited their family house numerous times since late December, allegedly professing his love for the singer and hoping to meet her. She says cops were called 5 times, and they've made multiple reports.

Billie says these incidents caused her "substantial anxiety, fear, and emotional distress" over the safety of herself, her parents, and Finneas -- adding she doesn't feel safe visiting her parents anymore.

As we reported, cops responded to the Highland Park home earlier this month after receiving a report of someone scaling a fence to gain access to the property.

Iggy Azalea might've lied about never joining OnlyFans, but she says she's keeping it all the way real when it comes to the numbers her surprise subscription is putting up.

The "Fancy" rapper debunked some widespread reports her new OF account earned $307,000 Tuesday, after its first 24 hours in existence.

Iggy says the staggering figures were pulled from "thin air" ... but she's still hyping the new account, which she calls the start of her "slut era," promising "hotter than hell" content ... leaving the door open for her music career.

Iggy previously stood tall on the notion she would never join OF ... writing in April 2021, "I think onlyfans can be really empowering for people, But I WILL NEVER, EVVVER join.
I don’t want to make that type of content & it only f***s up the bag for ppl on there who really bout that life. Shoutout to the baddies tho!!!!"

The change of heart towards OF appears to be a backup -- now that her would-be album executive producer Tory Lanez is behind bars!!!

We spoke to Tory shortly before his trial for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, which, as you know, he eventually lost, but he was genuinely excited about working with Iggy ... claiming to have been working on a "new classic" like her famed IG handle.

Usher and Pusha T have yet to unify for a record throughout their illustrious careers, but that could change, seeing how eager their convo was in Paris while checking out some fashion.

The R&B legend was at the Wales Bonner Autumn/Winter 2023 show when he ran into King Push. The fellas dapped it up, exchanged pleasantries ... and at the end, Ursh told the Clipse rapper, "We gonna make it really happen."

Push was all smiles and appeared to be in agreement. Get these 2 some studio time and a producer!!!

The bright orange hairdo Usher's been rocking for a couple of months finally got the attention it was seeking with the string of international posts -- and as you can imagine, the IG haters have been roasting him like a chestnut at Christmastime.

Tuesday marked a big day for Usher outside the fashion show ... his Lovers & Friends Festival announced a blistering lineup with Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Chris Brown, Bow Wow, Omarion, Soulja Boy, and way too many other superstar names to list in this sentence.

Cardi B was back in front of the judge in her strip club beatdown case after failing to start the community service portion of her plea deal ... and now she's got a new deadline.

The "WAP" rapper showed up Tuesday to a courthouse in Queens, where the judge gave Cardi until March 1 to complete her sentence, which includes 15 days of community service.

A rep for the Queens District Attorney tells TMZ ... Cardi was supposed to complete her community service by Tuesday, but so far, Cardi has done ZERO hours.

Cardi made a fashion statement at court ... rocking a huge fur coat over a skintight dress, strutting around in Louboutin heels and hiding her eyes behind Christian Dior sunglasses.

As we reported ... Cardi copped a plea deal back in September, pleading guilty to 3rd-degree assault and reckless endangerment, both misdemeanors, and received 15 days of community service as part of the deal.

Drew Findling, who reps Cardi, tells TMZ ... "Personally and professionally, Cardi is dedicated to community service and charitable endeavors. She therefore appreciates the court giving her until March 1st to complete her community service commitment in Queens, New York."

We're told Cardi will be doing community service this week.

Remember ... Cardi was accused of ordering an attack on 2 strip club bartenders, Jade and Baddie Gi, way back in August 2018 ... and she was arrested and booked a few months later for her alleged role in the strip club fight.

Lisa Marie Presley will be laid to rest alongside her father, son and grandparents during a public memorial service at Graceland -- a very special place for the Presleys.

A rep for Graceland announced the service will take place Sunday at 9 AM at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee ... and the general public is invited to attend.

Graceland is obviously significant to the Presley family history -- it was home to Elvis Presley before he died on the property in 1977. Family members including Lisa Marie's son Benjamin Keough, her grandparents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, as well as Elvis’ grandmother, Minnie Mae, have also been buried there.

Graceland has also served as a backdrop for other family celebrations over the years -- including what would have been Elvis' 80th birthday in 2015 -- and a vigil to honor Elvis on the 40th anniversary of his death in 2017.

TMZ broke the story ... Lisa was rushed to the hospital last week after going into full cardiac arrest. She later died at the hospital surrounded by her loved ones.

As for Lisa Marie's service, the announcement also notes, "In lieu of flowers, the family encourages all who wish to send something to do so in the form of a donation to The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation."

Drake and 21 Savage clearly aren't on the same page promoting their "Her Loss" album to start the new year.

The OVO rapper released the video for one of his solo songs from the album, "Jumbotron S**t Poppin," just hours after 21 got into a ridiculously heated argument on Clubhouse ... one that would surprise no one if it spawned an investigation!!!

Per his usual video treatments, director Tristan C-M splices clips of Drake hanging out with his famous pals -- Lil Baby, Mike Tyson, French Montana, Lenny Kravitz and Central Cee -- and adds some luxury items, like a golden PSP and Rolexes, and Drake rapping in front of a bright red Lamborghini.

Drake's been wooing fans with access to Pharrell's custom jewelry in the form of a 22 karat gold, diamond-encrusted skateboard pendant, and upped the ante in 'Jumbotron' ... brandishing Pharrell's Jacob & Co. piece that features N*E*R*D members glowing in rare stones. The chain and pendant actually sold at an auction last November for $2.184 million.

21 Savage raised eyebrows for not being fully featured on "Her Loss" -- which might explain why he got so heated Monday during a now viral argument on Clubhouse ... just ahead of the 'Jumbotron' video release.

21 and a group of people were arguing over who had the bigger war chest between people in Atlanta and Chicago ... and the 'Slaughter Gang' rapper bragged about his crew's winning streak while yelling "you gon' die" repeatedly throughout the audio clip.

Drake will just be a spectator for Trippie Redd’s upcoming feature-filled project -- but that’s perfectly fine with the megastar rapper.

Trippie dropped off the intimidating tracklist Monday for his "Mansion Musik" album, which comes fully loaded with guest appearances from Chief Keef, Future, Lil Baby, Travis Scott, Kodak Black, DaBaby ... the list literally goes on.

Drake couldn't contain his excitement and fired off a series of emojis in the comment section, prompting Trippie to respond with the #MM hashtag.

Trippie told his followers he would let off the release date at 80k likes ... which has since been obliterated by nearly a million clicks.

Sources close to the project tell TMZ Hip Hop that Trippie is actually dropping "Mansion Musik" this Friday, January 20 -- so fans won't have to wait much longer to hear him paired with some of the best in rap!!!

He'll also update his barren IG profile pic with the project's cover art later today as well.

Lisa Marie Presley's twins are deeply traumatized by the sudden death of their mom and will not return to the house where she went into full cardiac arrest ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the family tell TMZ ... 14-year-old Finley and Harper have spent a lot of time at Priscilla Presley's home in L.A. since Lisa's death. We're told their older sister, Riley Keough, has been there as well ... and everyone is relying on each other for support.

Our sources say Michael Lockwood, the girls' father, has also been central in making sure their needs are being taken care of during an impossibly difficult time.

Lisa Marie's son, Benjamin, took his own life back in 2020 ... and less than a year later, Lisa Marie sold the home where the incident occurred. It was just too traumatic for her and the family.

TMZ broke the story, Lisa Marie's housekeeper discovered her in full cardiac arrest Thursday morning just as Danny Keough -- Lisa Marie's ex who was living with her -- got home from dropping the twins off at school.

Keough immediately started CPR, and paramedics were able to get a pulse before transport, but Lisa Marie later died at the hospital.

The L.A. County Medical Examiner's Office is waiting on the results of a toxicology report before determining an official cause of death.

Lil Tjay’s getting a raw deal from the NYPD, at least according to his legal team which believes cops had no business searching the "Calling My Phone" rapper's car, leading to his arrest for gun possession.

Attorney Dawn Florio tells TMZ Hip Hop ... Tjay was just a passenger inside the vehicle alongside several other people, and she insists the vehicle was parked legally on the street.

Once police arrived, Florio claims they gave no reason for searching the vehicle and, perhaps most importantly ... she adds, the gun they found does not belong to Tjay.

So, she's claiming the traffic stop itself was bogus -- and, therefore, cops had no right to arrest her client.

Florio thinks NYPD targeted Tjay on account of the social media posts he and fellow Bronx-born rapper Ice Spice put out to promote the filming of the music video for their "Gangsta Boo" collaboration.