Music

It sounds like it's going down in Jessica Simpson's DMs ... she says she welcomes direct messages from her admirers ... but there's one big string attached.

We got Jessica at LAX Monday ... and our photog asked her if she's open to people sliding into her DMs.

The short answer -- yes.

It seems like some people have already made a move ... but if they were lacking in one area, they didn't get far.

3:00 PM PT -- Mystikal is still being sued by the woman he pled guilty to raping ... which led to his recent 20-year prison sentence ... and she says he spit on her and forced her to pray before forcing himself on her.

Mystikal's rape conviction has rocked his relationship with his son ... and it doesn't seem like they'll be able to work things out anytime soon.

Mystikal's attorney Roy Maughan tells TMZ ... Million Tyler's relationship with his dad has become strained since his father was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a woman.

Maughan tells us ... "Mystikal has reached out to Million to patch things up, but I don't think that's happening yet."

Tay Keith's girlfriend was panicking about the music producer's health before learning he was dead ... so much so, she dialed 911 to get a wellness check.

In the dispatch audio we obtained, she expresses concern for Tay -- whose real name is Brytavious Lakeith Chambers -- after he had asked her to come visit him, but then went radio silent on her.

After a full 24 hours of "crickets" from Tay, she was worried enough to call 911 ... and the audio reveals the dispatcher asking if Tay had any known health issues.

Halsey is still super pissed at YouTube music reviewer Anthony Fantano for crapping all over her 2024 album, "The Great Impersonator" ... and now the singer is blasting him.

The Grammy-nominated pop star spent her Sunday night getting into a heated exchange with Fantano on social media ... after folks started posting about her album and his poor review.

Out of nowhere, Halsey suddenly weighed in and quote-tweeted Fantano, writing that she was "certain my least memorable song will be remembered more fondly and for more time than anything you ever do with your life will be."

No summertime sadness here ... because it's Lana Del Rey's birthday!!!

The singer turned 41 today, and that calls for celebration ... the only way we know how.

In honor of the songstress' big day, throw on her discography, crack open a Diet Mountain Dew, and take a look at some of her hottest shots ... we promise, you won't be disappointed.

Rod Stewart had a rough show in Utah last night ... doubling over in discomfort during the set -- and needing puffs from an oxygen tank onstage.

The singer-songwriter hit the stage at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City, UT last night ... and he wasn't moving around the stage as much as usual.

Check out the video, obtained by TMZ ... Stewart's supporting himself on musical instruments, barriers and even a pole at the side of the stage.

5:03 PM PT -- Dameka Davis, attorney for the Rebel label, tells TMZ ... “Sexyy Red is overwhelmed with grief at the devastating loss of her dear friend and artistic collaborator, Tay Keith. Tay was a brilliant artist, and through his close musical partnership with Sexyy, he became a genuine friend to everyone at Rebel. We send our sincerest condolences to Tay Keith’s family and loved ones."

Dameka adds ... "Royalty negotiations are handled by labels -- not artists -- and I’ve worked closely with the legal counsel and team for Tay Keith to finalize the royalty agreement to fully compensate him for his valuable contributions as a musical collaborator with Sexyy. In fact, we were in the final stages of getting Tay Keith fully compensated before his shocking passing this week. We are expediting the finalization of this work with Tay Keith’s attorney so that full payment can be made to his estate as soon as possible.”

A rep for Tay Keith said, “The dispute is between the parties’ respective labels, and naming Sexyy Red in the lawsuit was a legal formality. Any allegations are directed at the label, not Red personally. Both labels have been cooperating, and the matter is close to being resolved. Tay and Red remained friends and he considered her a sister. They were in the studio together as recently as last week working on new music. We appreciate Red’s sentiments and condolences during this difficult time.”

Music producer Tay Keith had yet to resolve his legal battle with Sexyy Red's label over royalties he claimed he was owed at the time of his death ... but the parties were working towards a resolution, TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Tay sued Sexyy's label back in March 2026, claiming he produced 13 songs for her in 2024, including "Pound Town."

Tay claimed Sexyy’s song made millions from sales and streaming … but he says he never got paid for his services.

Jason Derulo hears the backlash about the shark tank he has in his living room ... and tells TMZ he's figuring out what to do about it.

We caught up with the singer in L.A. Thursday, who said his sharks have more space now than they did in the aquarium he bought them from.

That being said, JD promises he's listening to the criticism and trying to find the best way forward.

Tay Keith, the Grammy-nominated producer best known for crafting some of hip hop's biggest hits, including Travis Scott's 2018 single "Sicko Mode," is dead.

Tay was found dead Thursday in his Nashville apartment, according to Metro Nashville Police.

The cause of death is unclear. Cops say foul play is NOT suspected. Police say he was found during a welfare check at his home.

Christina Aguilera owned the stage for the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center, ... putting on a powerhouse performance fit for a former president.

Xtina brought the house down in Chicago on Thursday, with a rousing rendition of "What a Wonderful World," showing off her impressive vocals and stage presence.

She stunned in a glittery, ruched dress as Barack Obama, Michelle, and a bunch of other celebs and political figures hung on her every note.

Ariana Grande's concert on her "Eternal Sunshine" tour is bringing out tons of winners ... because a couple of "Victorious" cast members came out to show their love for the star.

The pop star rocked the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California Wednesday night ... and standing in the VIP section were a pair of her former costars on the hit Nickelodeon show ... Elizabeth Gillies and Matt Bennett.

Check out the clip ... the Hollywood Arts High alumni are rocking out to one of Ariana's tracks ... belting out the lyrics along with their longtime pal.

Soulja Boy’s ex-girlfriend is attempting to have his music residuals sold off to collect on a multi-million dollar judgment against him ... TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, a former assistant who then started a two-year romance with the rapper filed a notice announcing her intent to sell Soulja's rights to collect music residuals from Broadcast Music. She said she intends to sell to the highest bidder.

The woman, who filed as a Jane Doe, said the sale will go forward unless Soulja objects.

Sabrina Carpenter was granted a permanent restraining order against the man who was arrested at her L.A. home … who she claimed returned to her home hours later … TMZ has learned.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ordered 31-year-old William Applegate to stay 100 yards away from the pop star, her sister Sarah and Sarah’s boyfriend, George, for the next 5 years.

William testified at the hearing in opposition to Sabrina’s request for a restraining order, but he apparently failed to sway the judge.

Lil Jon is opening up about the heartbreaking loss of his son, DJ Young Slade ... telling us how writing his upcoming memoir became part of his healing process.

We got the rapper at LAX Tuesday, and he told us his son's February death came as he was trying to finish his book, "I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me."

Rather than leave the memoir untouched, Lil Jon says he went back and added new sections about navigating grief and processing the devastating loss.

Lil Nas X is giving fans a rare health update ... and by the sounds of it, he's in a much better place after a stint in rehab.

The rapper resurfaced on social media Wednesday and revealed he's spent the last several months focusing on himself .... going to rehab, therapy and working with a psychiatrist.

Nas also opened up about his bipolar diagnosis ... joking that being bipolar, Black and gay felt like God handed him a particularly challenging set of cards.

A producer who was invited on the doomed helicopter flight that killed Oliver Tree and five others in Brazil says he narrowly escaped tragedy after backing out at the last minute.

Victor Wao revealed on Instagram he was originally supposed to be on the flight Sunday, but his friend, Argentine producer Lucas Vignale, kindly arranged a car ride for him due to his fear of flying ... The New York Post reports.

The change saved Victor's life ... because all six people aboard the helicopter died after it collided with another chopper mid-air in Rio de Janeiro. The others who died were Lucas, YouTuber Gaspi, Lucas Brito Chaves and the pilots of both crafts, Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.

The airships burst into flames and crashed into an electric vehicle yard ... and footage shows first responders surrounding one of the mangled choppers.