Music

Wale finds himself inserted in a rumor about Diddy dangling him over a balcony for working with Cassie against Diddy's wishes -- but Wale says it's a fairy tale derived from Robert Townsend's film, "The Five Heartbeats!!!

Wale's management tells TMZ Hip Hop the story, first started by DMV rapper-turned-YouTuber Ant Glizzy, is pure fakery and goes on to say, "It’s a shame that a complete fabrication has gotten this far and that we have to dignify it with a response."

They continue ... "It is a fantasy written by an outsider to exploit a viral story for clicks … the author must have watched "The Five Heartbeats" on basic cable and got inspired. They have never been in the same room as the people mentioned. Wale has never met Cassie or the author and was never involved in any type of altercation. He wishes peace for everyone involved in the settlement."

Wale's team is also warning any media outlets that continue posting the story would be spreading fake news, "and we appreciate any outlet dedicated to factual reporting.”

The 1991 film is loosely based on the Motown Hits era and features a crazed record label boss named Big Red hanging one of his artists over a balcony after they disrespected his office hours with an inquiry about his royalties.

Ant Glizzy has repeatedly made it clear in his videos that he has a bone to pick with Wale but also lingering beef with Shy Glizzy, who he also mentioned in the story.

Diddy looked gutted over the weekend after settling the explosive lawsuit Cassie filed, alleging rape, physical abuse and human trafficking.

Hay un gran avance en el caso de asalto A$AP Rocky, los fiscales acaban de mostrar un video de él sosteniendo un arma de fuego antes de supuestamente dispararle a un ex compañero miembro de la mafia A$AP Relli.

El video fue reproducido en una sala de Los Ángeles el lunes por la tarde, y los fiscales dicen que es Rocky en el clip con un arma de fuego durante un altercado físico con Relli.

El detective de Los Ángeles, Frank Flores, subió al estrado y testificó que la polía obtuvo el video durante el curso de su investigación. La fiscalía también mostró fotos fijas de las imágenes para reforzar su afirmación de que es A$AP Rocky con una pistola.

El padre del bebé de Rihanna estaba en la corte cuando los fiscales hicieron su caso en su contra. Vestido con un traje azul oscuro, gafas negras y mascarilla negra, permaneció estoico durante todo el testimonio explosivo en su contra.

Los fiscales también jugó un clip separado de lo que dicen son 2 disparos ... aunque no ha habido ningún video de la supuesta disparos en sí. Relli afirma que Rocky le disparó en la mano.

La cámara de la policía también fue expuesta en el tribunal, y muestra al menos siete agentes llegando a la escena del presunto tiroteo y buscando pruebas, nunca encuentran el arma.

Como hemos informado, Relli afirma que tenía problemas con Rocky lo cual conduce al presunto incidente y testificó que Rocky puso una pistola en su estómago durante un acalorado intercambio.

Relli testificó previamente que Rocky no disparó en ese momento, en lugar de afirmar que las balas comenzaron a volar poco después de que se separaron. Dice que Rocky salió corriendo y lo dejó en la calle después de disparar unos cuatro tiros.

Aunque la policía dice que no encontró ningún casquillo, Relli afirma que volvió al lugar esa misma noche y recuperó un par de casquillos de 9 mm. Los abogados de Rocky le interrogaron sobre esta afirmación, preguntándole cómo pudo encontrar casquillos cuando la policía no pudo.

Los padres de Taylor Swift y Travis Kelce han puesto en suspenso sus planes de verse por primera vez, debido a un cambio en la agenda de la estrella del pop.

Como esperábamos, Taylor no podrá asistir al partido de los Chiefs contra los Eagles el lunes por la noche, que es donde las familias iban a reunirse. En su lugar, se llevará a cabo el concierto de Río, que estaba programado originalmente para el sábado por la noche y que ella pospuso por la "seguridad y bienestar" de los fans en medio de altísimas temperaturas.

El cambio en la agenda significa que Taylor no puede participar de la reunión en Kansas City, y fuentes familiarizadas con la situación nos dicen que simplemente no tenía sentido que los padres se reunieran con Taylor ausente y Travis ocupado en el campo.

Recordemos que la semana pasada nos dijeron que el plan era que Andrea y Scott Swift y Donna y Ed Kelce estuvieran bajo el mismo techo al mismo tiempo. Los planes no estaban grabados en piedra, tal vez porque todo el mundo se dio cuenta de que la agenda de Taylor podría cambiar.

Habría sido una reunión familiar apropiada con los Chiefs de Travis y los Eagles de su hermano Jason Kelce en una revancha del Super Bowl, y por supuesto, los Eagles solían ser el equipo favorito de Taylor y de su padre también. La lealtad de ambos parece estar cambiando ahora que ella está saliendo con Travis.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's parents are putting their plans to meet for the first time on the back burner, due to a change in the popstar's schedule.

As we expected, Taylor will not be able to attend the Chiefs vs. Eagles game Monday night, which is where the families were going to meet. Instead, she'll be performing the Rio de Janeiro concert that was originally scheduled for Saturday night ... the one she postponed for the "safety and well-being" of fans amid soaring temperatures.

The schedule shift means Taylor can't play "Meet the Fockers" in Kansas City, and sources familiar with the situation tell us it just didn't make sense for the parents to meet with Taylor absent and Travis busy on the field.

Remember, we were told last week the plan was for Andrea and Scott Swift and Donna and Ed Kelce to be under one roof at the same time. The plans weren't set in stone, perhaps because everyone realized Taylor's schedule could change.

It would have been a fitting family get-together with Travis's Chiefs, and his bro Jason Kelce's Eagles meeting in a Super Bowl rematch -- and, of course, the Eagles used to be Taylor's fave team and her dad's too. Both of their loyalty seems to be swaying now that she's dating Travis.

2:35 PM PT -- The judge just decided there's enough to take Rocky's case to trial. He'll answer to two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm ... arraignment on January 8.

Potentially huge development in the A$AP Rocky assault case ... prosecutors just showed what they claim is video of him holding a gun before allegedly shooting former fellow Mob member A$AP Relli.

The video was played in an L.A. courtroom Monday afternoon, and prosecutors say that's Rocky in the clip holding a gun during a physical altercation with Relli.

LAPD detective Frank Flores took the stand, and testified cops obtained the video during the course of their investigation. The prosecution also showed still photos from the footage to bolster their claim it's A$AP Rocky with a gun.

Rihanna's baby daddy was in court as prosecutors made their case against him ... wearing a dark blue suit, black glasses and black facemask, remaining stoic throughout the explosive testimony against him.

Prosecutors also played a separate clip of what they say are 2 gunshots ... though there's been no video of the alleged shooting itself. Relli claims Rocky shot his hand.

Police body cam video was also shown in court ... and it shows at least 7 officers arriving at the scene of the alleged shooting and canvassing for evidence ... they never find the weapon.

As we reported... Relli claims he had beef with Rocky leading up to the alleged incident, and he testified Rocky put a gun to his stomach during a heated exchange.

Relli previously testified Rocky didn't shoot right then and there, instead claiming the bullets started flying shortly after they separated. He says Rocky took off running and left him on the street after firing about 4 shots.

While cops say they didn't find any shell casings, Relli claims he came back to the scene later that night and recovered a pair of 9mm shells. Rocky's lawyers grilled him over the claim, asking how he could easily find casings when the cops could not.

Worth noting ... no fingerprints were recovered from the shell casings Relli provided to law enforcement.

We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Usher rompió a llorar mientras se despedía públicamente de su viejo amigo y baterista, Aaron Spears, la vida y la memoria del músico ganador de un Grammy fueron honradas tras su prematura muerte.

Usher llora mientras acredita Aaron como una "fuerza increíble" en la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Glenarden Worship Center la semana pasada en Maryland. También agradeció a su Director Musical Valdez Brantley para introducirlos y reunirlos.

Continuando para limpiar las lágrimas, el rapero de luto añade que Aaron siempre estaría en sus pensamientos y se comprometió a amar a sus miembros de la familia devastada como la suya propia.

A pesar de su dolor, Usher comparte con cariño un vistazo a su amistad con Aaron: "Él me sigue a todas partes, y yo pensaba... Hombre, ¿tú has tomado eso?, ¡hermano eso es cruel! Eres lo peor", dice con un toque de humor.

Usher, con lágrimas en los ojos, vuelve a ponerse las gafas de sol y termina su elogio reflexionando sobre el inquebrantable aliento de Aaron, diciendo: "Él decía hombre, vas a estar bien... él decía, ¡esta noche va a ser la más increíble de todas!"

Como informamos, la muerte de Aaron fue anunciada por su esposa el 30 de octubre en Instagram, y junto a Usher, Justin Bieber y Ariana Grande hicieron tributos desgarradores.

Usher broke down into tears while bidding a public goodbye to his longtime friend and drummer Aaron Spears ... the Grammy-winning musician's life and memory were honored following his untimely death.

Usher weeps while crediting Aaron as an "amazing force" at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Worship Center last week in Maryland ... also thanking his Musical Director Valdez Brantley for introducing and bringing them together.

Continuing to wipe away tears, the mourning artist adds that Aaron would forever be in his thoughts ... and pledged to love his devastated family members like his own.

Despite his grief, Usher fondly shares a glimpse into his friendship with Aaron ... "He follows me everywhere I go, and I was like, 'Man, you caught that?! ... you cold bro! You the worst'," he says with a touch of humor.

Tear-stricken Usher props his shades back on ... wrapping up his eulogy by reflecting on Aaron's unwavering encouragement, saying, "He would say man you gonna be alright ... he would say tonight is going to be the most incredible night ever!"

As we reported, Aaron's death was announced by his wife on Oct 30 on IG ... and alongside Usher, the likes of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande left heartbreaking tributes.

Boosie Badazz is standing on business ... and the necks of both Rod Wave and Kodak Black after he caught them allegedly stealing his songs for their new albums!!!

Tensions came to a head after Boosie addressed his IG followers on live, explaining that paying homage also requires paying him for using his work!!!

Rod's recent album "Nostalgia" topped the charts for 2 weeks straight in September and kicked off with the single "Long Journey" ... which Boosie says is a direct ripoff of his 2010 song of the same name.

The Lousiana rap legend says he didn't sign off on Rod using his track, and ditto goes for Kodak, who released his latest project "When I Was Dead," featuring the single "Eaze Your Mind."

Boosie's "Eaze Your Mind" came out in 2007, and although they fell out earlier this year, he says Kodak still could've done fair business when it comes to clearing the sample.

Rod, who's currently on tour, got wind of Boosie's rant and made a video of his own -- pleading for Boosie to skip the legal process, and let him pay out of pocket ... without overcharging him 😬.

Boosie decided to give RW a piece of his mind, suggesting he was swindling money from his kids' college funds.

Snoop Dogg sorprendió a todos con su declaración de que está dejando de "fumar" y resulta que su elección de palabras era la estrategia de marketing que muchos sospechaban que era... ¡por que está promoviendo una estufa sin humo!

El lunes, Snoop hizo la gran revelación de que su anuncio no tenía nada que ver con dejar la marihuana, y que todo tenía que ver con Solo Stove, un pozo de fuego al aire libre que trae el fuego libre de humo.

El nuevo CEO de Death Row Records abordó el asunto diciendo: "Se acabó lo de toser y que mi ropa huela fuerte".

Sí, a Snoop le gusta el doble sentido casi tanto como la hierba.

Los ojos agudos notaron que Snoop dijo que estaba dejando de "humo" y no "fumar", pero no todo el mundo estaba prestando atención.

Tanto Meek Mill y Coi Leray saltaron la puerta con varias afirmaciones infundadas sobre el cannabis, pero juraron que estaban dejando de fumar pronto.

Así que por lo visto, el viejo Snoop solo está vendiendo estufas.

Snoop Dogg shocked everyone with his declaration he's quitting "smoke" ... and turns out his choice of wording was the marketing ploy many suspected it to be -- he's now promoting a smokeless stove!!!

On Monday, Snoop made the grand reveal his announcement had zilch to do with quitting marijuana, and everything to do with Solo Stove, an outdoor fire pit that brings the blaze without the puff, puff, pass.

The new Death Row Records CEO addressed tarnishing his brand in the ad, but promised he was "done with the coughing and my clothes smelling all sticky-icky."

Yep, Snoop loves a double entendre almost as much as weed.

Keen eyes noticed Snoop said he was quitting "smoke" and not "smoking" -- but not everyone was paying attention.

Both Meek Mill and Coi Leray jumped out the gate with several unfounded claims about cannabis, but vowed they were quitting soon.

We'll see if they hold true to their word now that we know Snoop's just peddling stoves.

Travis Kelce's love for Taylor Swift is much deeper than her looks and musical talent ... the NFL superstar says he's fascinated by her brain and learning new things from her every day.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end opened up on his relationship with the pop icon in an interview with the Wall Street Journal this week ... where he detailed how he's personally growing from their one-on-one time together.

"I've never been a man of words," Kelce said. "Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f***ing mind-blowing. I'm learning every day."

Kelce also praised Swift's ability to turn her own experiences into words ... specifically pointing out his love for a line in her hit song, "Blank Space" -- when she sings, "I could make a bad guy good for the weekend."

Kelce -- who referred to Swift as "hilarious" and a "genius" -- added the two are on the same page with their views ... especially when it comes to family.

"Everybody knows I'm a family guy. Her team is her family. Her family does a lot of stuff in terms of the tour, the marketing, being around, so I think she has a lot of those values as well, which is right up my alley."

As for how they first linked up, the two-time Super Bowl champion said someone in Taylor's circle played Cupid after he publicly shot his shot on his podcast ... and eventually, Taylor reached out directly.

Another interesting point -- Travis claims his mother, Donna, is upset with herself to this day about how she downplayed meeting Taylor for the first time during her appearance on the "Today" show ... when she famously said it was just "okay."

Kelce says his mom was just trying to play it cool ... but he reassured her she handled the question perfectly.

Shakira decided not to fight the fight in a courtroom in Spain ... she has settled her tax fraud case with the government and agreed to pay millions in fines.

She cut a plea deal in the case after failing to pay $15.8 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014 -- the singer is set to receive a suspended 3-year sentence and a fine of $7.6 million ... as well as the taxes, plus interest. All told, she's in for about $19 million now.

Shakira showed up for the trial Monday in Barcelona, but before anything official happened the parties announced a settlement.

The fine is actually somewhat of a victory for the singer ... prosecutors wanted more than double that. Also, she can certainly afford it ... her net worth is significantly north of $200 million.

Shakira seemed upbeat when she entered the courthouse ... blowing kisses to her fans.

As for why she settled, she said in a statement it was "to spare my children seeing their mother sacrifice her well-being."

She went on ... 'I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career."

She's still pissed, going after the Spanish government for targeting athletes and other high-profile folks.

The judge asked her if she accepted the charges against her and she simply said, "I do." The judge said the fine would end the case ... i.e., no prison time.

Shakira decidió no luchar en un tribunal en España. Ha resuelto su caso de fraude fiscal con el gobierno y acordó pagar millones en multas.

Ella llegó a un acuerdo en el caso después de no pagar 15.8 millones de dólares en impuestos entre 2012 y 2014, la cantante está programada para recibir una sentencia suspendida de tres años y una multa de 7.6 millones de dólares.

Shakira se presentó al juicio el lunes en Barcelona y las partes anunciaron un acuerdo rápidamente.

La multa es en realidad una especie de victoria para la cantante, los fiscales querían más del doble. Además, sin duda puede permitírselo, su patrimonio neto es significativamente superior a $200 millones.

Shakira parecía optimista cuando entró al palacio de justicia, soplando besos a sus fans.

En cuanto a por qué llegó a un acuerdo, dijo en un comunicado que era "para evitar que mis hijos vean a su madre sacrificar su bienestar".

Ella continuó: "Admiro tremendamente a aquellos que han luchado contra estas injusticias hasta el final, pero para mí, hoy, ganar es recuperar mi tiempo para mis hijos y mi carrera".

Ella sigue cabreada, yendo a por el gobierno español contra deportistas y otras personas de alto perfil.

El juez le preguntó si aceptaba los cargos que se le imputaban y ella se limitó a decir: "Los acepto". El juez dijo que la multa pondría fin al caso, es decir, no iría a la cárcel.

Taylor Swift regresó al escenario en Brasil después de un paréntesis debido al calor abrasador, y le rindió homenaje a una fan que murió recientemente en uno de sus shows.

La superestrella del pop hizo una emotiva actuación el domingo en el Estadio Nilton Santos de Río de Janeiro, donde solo dos noches antes Ana Clara Benevides falleció durante una ola de calor antes de que comenzara el show de Taylor el viernes.

Ana se sentía mal antes de ser trasladada a un hospital, donde fue declarada muerta. La causa de su muerte no ha sido revelada.

El domingo, Taylor subió al escenario de nuevo en Río, pero esta vez las temperaturas eran mucho más bajas que las dos noches anteriores, lo que la obligó a posponer el concierto del sábado.

Durante la actuación de anoche, Taylor se sentó al piano y se desahogó interpretando su canción "Bigger Than the Whole Sky".

Algunos de sus "Swifties" se expresaron por X, especulando que Taylor eligió esa canción para honrar a Ana.

Un fan escribió: "cantar #biggerthanthewholesky fue una hermosa manera de honrar a Ana y podemos saberlo al escuchar la voz de Taylor".

Otro fan publicó una serie de fotos, incluyendo una de Ana, y señaló, @taylorswift13 hizo un hermoso trabajo honrando a todos los Swifties".

Un tercer Swiftie dijo: "Ya tengo un inmenso respeto por @taylorswift13, pero después de la canción sorpresa de esta noche, se ha triplicado".

Taylor Swift returned to the stage in Brazil after a hiatus due to the sizzling heat -- and seemingly paid tribute to a fan who recently died at one of her shows.

The pop superstar put on an emotional performance Sunday at Estadio Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where just two nights earlier Ana Clara Benevides passed away during a heat wave before Taylor’s Friday show began.

Ana was feeling ill before she was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.

On Sunday, Taylor hit the stage again in Rio, but this time the temps were much lower than the previous two nights, which forced her to postpone Saturday’s concert.

During last night’s performance, Taylor sat at her piano and poured out her heart, playing her song, “Bigger Than the Whole Sky.”

Some of her “Swifties” jumped on X, speculating Taylor chose that tune to honor Ana and giving her major props.

One fan wrote, “singing #biggerthanthewholesky was a beautiful way to honor Ana and we can know it by hearing Taylor’s voice.”

Another fan posted a series of photos, including one of Ana, and pointed out, @taylorswift13 did a beautiful job honoring all Swifties taken too soon.”

A third Swiftie said, “I already have immense respect for @taylorswift13 but after tonight’s surprise song, it’s tripled.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are looking to get into the Christmas spirit as a couple ... we're told they're moving forward with plans to be together for the holidays.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... Taylor and Travis are trying to work out their schedules to make sure they set aside as much time together as possible.

We're told Thanksgiving with the 2 families could go down in Kansas City ... Travis and his fam will already be in town Monday for his game against the Eagles. Here's the thing everyone knows ... Thanksgiving with 2 fams is a BIG step.

As we reported, Travis picked up a sweet $6 million K.C. home ... which is a lot more secluded than his old place ... so he could easily host everyone with room to spare.

It's unclear where they'll spend Christmas, but they've already told folks close to them they've been chatting about it. Our sources say the couple REALLY wants to be together this holiday season.

It's not going to be easy for T&T to continue what we're told is a serious relationship ... she's going to be all over the world next year and, of course, he's got his own obligations. But, our sources say as of now, they're both committing to making it work.