Music

R. Kelly is under investigation for possessing a retired warden's phone number at his federal lockup in North Carolina ... and he's been placed in isolation for the duration of a probe of the incident, according to his lawyer.

Kelly's attorney, Beau Brindley, tells TMZ ... the R&B singer's problems began when he got involved in a mentor program to help guide other inmates, which was overseen by the warden at FCI Butner Medium 1.

Recently, the warden retired ... but before he left, he gave Kelly his cell phone number in case the convicted felon needed to reach out to him to seek advice about the mentor program.

Billy Steinberg -- the legendary songwriter behind Madonna’s smash hit "Like a Virgin" -- has died at age 74 after a battle with cancer, TMZ has confirmed.

His death Monday was confirmed by his attorney, Laurie Soriano.

Steinberg’s career took off early with his bands Billy Thermal and i-Ten ... the latter was formed with songwriting partner Tom Kelly. But it was their collaboration on "Like a Virgin" that cemented Billy's place in music history, with the song spending six straight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Michael Jackson's entire trajectory may have shifted in just 30 seconds ... in a theory posited by our new documentary 'Michael Jackson: 30 Fatal Seconds.'

In the doc, we reveal shocking, never-before-seen footage of the infamous fire that engulfed the King of Pop's head on a commercial set in 1984. The tragic event left MJ with severe third-degree burns and led to his obsession with plastic surgery, a severe narcotics addiction ... and eventually his untimely death.

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun weren’t shy about spending big during a cozy lunch outing ... and apparently they made sure everyone around them ate well, too.

The power couple were seen Sunday at Cold Spring Tavern in Santa Barbara, California ... where they were hanging with a group of friends and ordering enough food to feed an army.

An eyewitness tells us they actually benefitted from Scooter and Sydney over-ordering ... claiming the couple offered them untouched plates of burgers, fries, onion rings, and nachos -- as seen in this photo obtained by TMZ.

Sydney was looking chic in a tan jacket over a white skirt, paired with cowboy boots ... while Scooter kept it casual in a crewneck with "Beach" written across the front.

David Archuleta is opening up about the emotional minefield that was his relationship with his father Jeff ... admitting for years he saw him as a threat to his peace while battling his sexuality within the strict confines of the Mormon Church.

Speaking on "GMA" Monday while promoting his new memoir "Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself," out Feb. 17, the 35-year-old said he’d been viewing everything through the lens of his terrified younger self ... until he reclaimed his voice by redirecting years of bottled-up anger toward his dad into something healthier.

David revealed ... the moment he came out to his dad, he stunned him with acceptance, telling him how proud he was -- a response he says brought him deep healing.

Aviva Drescher is standing by Jill Zarin ... insisting her fellow 'Real Housewives of New York City' alum isn't racist -- even if her recent halftime commentary came off that way.

Speaking on the "Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel" podcast, Aviva addressed the firestorm surrounding Jill's remarks about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance and didn't sugarcoat things.

"I've known Jill since 2011, since I joined 'Housewives,'" Aviva said. "Even though we didn't work together, we became friendly. I've never thought of Jill to be racist and that was really the thing that stung. That was just the most awful about her tirade."

Your move Jimi Hendrix! Cardi B went to a place no guitarist has gone before ... when she played with her privates like she was shredding a solo during a concert over the weekend.

It's unclear if she intended it to look like she was playing air guitar on her crotch -- maybe she was just really enjoying the music -- but the crowd went nuts!

Watch the video ... while a guitar solo blasts in the background, Cardi goes to town on herself in front of the screaming sold-out crowd.

Do even Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have to wait in line for L.A. hotspot Max and Helen's?

The couple were spotted at chef Nancy Silverton and TV producer Phil Rosenthal's insanely popular diner on Sunday, where the wait times are routinely said to be 4 to 5 hours long!

Selena was seen talking on her phone as she made her way in to the crowded eatery, wearing a casual black outfit, while Benny was snapped in a comfortable hoodie and corduroy pants.

Their cozy-core looks were a far cry from their glammed-up date night at the Golden Globe Awards last month.

North West's future is looking bright and so is her hair.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter stepped out in NYC rocking a vivid wig while hitting up the Alexander Wang store with a group of friends Saturday. The crew looked straight up rocker chic, with a few of her pals also sporting bold, colorful locks.

Check out the pics ... North and company took over the store, browsing racks and scoping out the latest fits before leaving with shopping bags full of goodies.

Manchester Orchestra is reeling after the sudden death of their longtime drummer Timothy Very.

The Atlanta-based indie rock band broke the heartbreaking news Saturday, telling fans they're struggling to process the loss of the man they called the "foundation" of their universe. In their emotional statement, the group admitted they had been "dreading sharing this news" and are still in "absolute disbelief."

Very joined Manchester Orchestra back in 2011 and went on to become the longest serving drummer in the band's history. Over more than a decade, his thunderous playing powered some of the band's biggest records. Offstage, the band says he was pure heart.

It’s Megan Thee Stallion's birthday -- consider this your official heat warning!

The "Hot Girl" coach never misses when it comes to serving looks, and these bikini snaps prove exactly why she stays winning ... confidence isn’t just part of her brand -- it is the brand.

From jaw-dropping curves to headline-stealing poses, Megan knows how to shut it down from every angle -- and she’s never been shy about giving fans exactly what they came for.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner ... and who better to give advice on how to have a romantic evening than Nelly and Ashanti!

We caught up with the music power couple on the red carpet of the Fanatics Super Bowl party Sunday in San Francisco, California. When our photog asked ... "What's the secret to a Valentine's for you two?" even he didn't think they'd give such a candid answer.

Nelly gave us a knowing stare ... while Ashanti blurted, "The bedroom!"

4:49 PM PT -- A rep for Tone Loc tells TMZ ... he's fine, and he's on his way back to Los Angeles. The rep neither confirmed nor denied the medical incident announced by The Krewe of Kolosse.

Tone Loc -- the popular rapper best known for the hit songs "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina" -- is recovering in a Georgia hospital after a medical incident

The Krewe Of Kolosse -- a men's Mardi Gras society -- announced the news because the rapper was supposed to serve as the Grand Marshal of a parade in Dothan, Alabama Saturday.

However, while flying to Dothan, the Krewe of Kolosse says Tone Loc experienced a medical emergency. The organization did not provide additional information.

Rihanna went to support A$AP Rocky's fashion pursuits ... but her outfit gained the most attention when she accidentally flashed her backside.

The singer-songwriter stepped out in an all-black ensemble Friday night to attend her man's AWGE fashion show in New York City ... and her leather jacket opened a bit too wide and revealed the star's famous derrière.

Check it out ... the jacket's skirt is split in the back and the split reaches just a bit too high up her legs, revealing the bottom of her bottom.

Travis Kelce's love was the key that opened Taylor Swift's thighs ... and he's looking to pass that on this Valentine's Day in the form of a virtual card!

See it for yourself -- the official X account for "New Heights" -- Travis and Jason Kelce's hit podcast -- shared a photo of a grinning Kelce from the podcast on a red background.

The card reads, "Wood you be my Valentine?" ... and features a prominent redwood tree in the upper left corner.

Bianca Censori will look picture-perfect for her hubby Kanye West for Valentine's Day -- 'cause she was out getting a spa touch-up the day before!

Check it out -- a photog caught her headed out of a Los Angeles medspa Friday looking as radiant as ever ... and showing off what her mama gave her in one of her signature curve-hugging outfits.

The architectural designer dolled up in a pair of lavender tights that left little to the imagination and an off-the-shoulder chocolate brown blouse ... finishing the body-contouring look with a pair of white heels.