Music

Britney Spears decided she'd give Sin City another shot ... celebrating the holidays there 5 months after enduring a slap from Victor Wembanyama's security in a bizarre exchange.

Sources tell TMZ, the singer returned to Vegas over the holidays ... staying for a few days, though it's unclear if she spent Christmas Day among all the lights and excitement.

We're told Britney had a room at Resorts World and another at Aria. Video emerged on social media of Britney walking around the casino floor at The Wynn holding a beer and flanked by a few security guards.

The source tells us she was at The Wynn to watch the show "Awakening" and dined at their swanky seafood restaurant, Lakeside.

Her Vegas schedule was jam-packed -- she also took a tour of the brand-new Fontainebleau property, briefly checked out LIV, and spent time inside their members-only club, Poodle Room.

Basically, we're told her time in Vegas was super chill and inconspicuous -- nothing like last time when she was slapped by basketball player Victor's security when she beelined behind him after running into him in a hallway.

Video of the moment went viral ... and upon watching it, Britney said her reaction to the slap was "priceless."

Britney Spears decidió darle otra oportunidad a la ciudad del pecado y celebrar las fiestas allí a solo 5 meses de soportar una bofetada del equipo de seguridad de Victor Wembanyama en un extraño intercambio.

Fuentes dicen a TMZ que la cantante regresó a Las Vegas durante las vacaciones para quedarse por unos días, aunque no está claro si pasó el día de Navidad entre todas las luces y la emoción.

Nos dicen que Britney tenía una habitación en Resorts World y otra en Aria. En las redes sociales apareció un video de ella paseando por el casino Wynn con una cerveza en la mano y flanqueada por varios guardias de seguridad.

La fuente nos dice que estaba en el Wynn para ver el espectáculo "Awakening" y cenar en su restaurante de mariscos, Lakeside.

Su agenda en Las Vegas estaba repleta. También hizo un recorrido por la nueva propiedad Fontainebleau, visitó brevemente LIV y pasó tiempo dentro de su club solo para miembros, Poodle Room.

Básicamente, nos dicen que su tiempo en Las Vegas fue súper tranquilo y discreto, nada que ver con la última vez, cuando fue abofeteada por la seguridad del jugador de baloncesto Victor cuando estaba detrás de él después de encontrárselo en un pasillo.

El video se hizo viral, y al verlo, Britney dijo que su reacción a la cachetada fue "impagable".

Ice Cube has entered the Katt Williams chat days after the comedian shook up showbiz with his "Club Shay Shay" interview ... and, he's looking to clarify the allegation he tried to make light of a rape scene.

Katt accused Rickey Smiley of lying about being the OG pick for his "Money Mike" role in "Friday After Next" -- and also claimed he saved the character from a bathroom rape scene involving Terry Crews' ex-con character, "Damon."

Cube agreed that Rickey lost the part after Katt embodied the pimp schtick to make "Money Mike" an unforgettable character, but denies he ever wrote a rape scene for the film -- he says that's just not his style.

Cube says the main goal of the scene was to cancel out Katt and Terry's characters, as the film had 3 main villains, including the "Santa Claus" role Rickey ended up filling.

The hip hop legend also took some time out to address the ingrates who've groused over the years about their salaries in the 'Friday' franchise.

Cube explained actors aren't the only ones who need to get paid for movies -- producers, stagehands, even the coffee runners have to get paid every day, while most of the actors he employed were done with their scenes after a couple of days.

Nigel Lythgoe won't participate in this year's edition of "So You Think You Can Dance" ... making the decision after claims of sexual assault were leveled against him by Paula Abdul.

Nigel tells TMZ, "I have informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series. I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain."

Nigel adds, "In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation."

TMZ broke the story ... Abdul filed a lawsuit against Nigel last week claiming she'd been sexually assaulted by him on at least two occasions -- once when she was a judge on "American Idol" and again while she worked on 'SYTYCD.'

During the 'Idol' incident, she says Nigel grabbed her breasts and genitals while trying to kiss her in an elevator. Paula claims Nigel tried to force himself on her during "SYTYCD."

Joey Badass fans collectively mourned the death of his character, "Unique" from 50 Cent's 'Power' spin-off 'Raising Kanan' this week, but he's telling TMZ Hip Hop he's partially to blame for being cut!!!

We linked up with Joey and his GF Serayah in NYC Thursday, still very much in sync after social media blogs recently fueled breakup rumors, and Joey did admit he's a little bummed about being written off the show.

It's not like Joey actually wanted to end his run on the highly touted series -- his 2024 plans involve a new album and tour combo, which conflicted with his time on set, so his character got axed ... figuratively and literally!!!

No worries, Joey says he plans on bringing plenty of Aquarius energy to celebrate his bdday month and flood fans with new music.

Katt Williams can count on at least one comedic ally after his royal roast of Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer -- "Wild 'N Out" vet Bobb'e J. Thompson cosigns everything Katt's saying!!!

We linked with Bobb'e in Hollywood to discuss Katt's super-viral sit-down on Shannon Sharpe's podcast as the numbers for the nearly 3-hour chitchat breached 15 million views in just a couple of days.

Many comedians and even rappers such as Ludacris and Trick Daddy, took Katt's unfiltered thoughts as fightin' words.

TD suggested he's ready to get physical, as he reminded Katt he's from the streets.

But, Bobb'e tells us there's never any reason to rumble over a joke ... unless you can fight, and he says Katt has no issues in the fisticuffs department. He also doesn't feel like Katt spoke out a turn, especially in the pursuit of being credited for his work.

Katt accused guys like Steve and Ced of stealing his material over the years, and even had damning allegations for Michael Blackson ... claiming the Nigerian accent is faker than everything sold on Canal Street.

Bobb'e worked with both Katt and Michael on "Wild 'N Out" and can't confirm or deny Mike's 24/7 speaking patterns ... but does say tensions will arise if a joke gets stolen on the 'WNO' set.

Big Daddy Kane has 0 objections to the proposal to turn Jay-Z's birthday into a holiday in NYC ... saying Hov's successes are worth celebrating.

BDK caught up with TMZ Hip Hop on Thursday and connected the ascension of hip hop over the past 50 years to Jay's billionaire status ... a signal he says makes Jay more than deserving of the honor.

New York City Councilmembers have been pining for legislation to officially make December 4 "Jay-Z Day" for his years of contributions to society.

Hip hop historians note it was BDK who first mentored Jay as he was beginning his career ... even introduced him to the world on "Rap City" back in 1990 -- 6 years before Jay dropped his debut album.

B.G.'s homecoming from prison hasn't ignited the Cash Money Hot Boys reunion, and his new diss in Lil Wayne's direction probably means it's definitely not happening!!!

On Finesse2Tymes' new track "Gangstafied," B.G. unloaded on Wayne ... "My n**** Weezy steady torn/Touring ... but he's a bitch and it's showing!!!" 😱

No clue why B.G. set out to embarrass Wayne on the track, but they haven't been spotted together like fans had hoped they would after B.G.'s release.

B.G. got out of prison last September after serving 11 years for gun possession and was immediately greeted by Birdman, sparking talk of a Cash Money reunion.

Ludacris and his wife Eudoxie also fell victim to the wrath of Katt Williams' viral "Club Shay Shay" interview, but in a fiery freestyle response ... Luda's telling Katt to get back because he doesn't know him like that!!!

The "Fast & Furious" star doesn't do much rapping these days, but returned to the studio Thursday night to bust out a freestyle over Kanye West's classic "Devil in a New Dress" instrumental -- clearly aimed at Katt's noggin.

During his 3-hour sit-down with Shannon Sharpe, Katt swore Luda had joined the Illuminati after selling his soul to the "Fast & Furious" franchise in exchange for $200 million.

Katt also hinted Luda was stripped of his Blackness and sent an insane shot at Luda's spouse for being a "light-skinned ugly-face wife" -- a wild insult, especially considering Luda collaborated with Katt on his 2004 hit single "Pimpin' All Over the World."

Luda kicked off his anti-Katt flow shouting out Snoop Dogg and then slyly responding to Katt's disses and clarifying his sexuality ... "They throwing shade ‘cause n****s could never take my shine ... Never been Illuminati, only Ill-Luda-nati/And I only left with bitches when coming from any party."

The freestyle ended with an RIP to "2 Fast Too Furious" director John Singleton and a final warning to Katt ... "Afro with the sideburns, yeah that’s my signature/Addiction’s on the rise, comedians check your temperature.”

Ludacris isn't the only rapper Katt Williams pissed off with his "Club Shay Shay" remarks -- Trick Daddy also wants a piece of the comedian, and it doesn't sound like a diss track will quell his anger.

The Miami rap legend says Katt dissed him in a comedy bit about his restaurant career ... and hopped on Instagram to defend his friend Rickey Smiley, who Katt ripped for allegedly throwing a temper tantrum on the "Friday After Next" set because he lost a role to Katt.

Trick says KW's not qualified to speak on legends and sent a clear threat ... he's TDD, Dade County's Finest and will gladly take it to the streets and beat Katt senseless.

On cue, Trick rubbed Katt's nose over the comedian's bizarre viral fight with a kid from years ago -- and labeled Katt a clout chaser for his alleged exposé of Black comedian culture that lit up Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, Faizon Love and more all at once.

Trick tells Katt all those guys have more money than both of them and Black men need to stop tearing one another down to get clicks and views.

Jeannie Mai is in her element ... ringing in her 45th birthday with a set of thirst traps in a gold bikini, and ya gotta imagine her estranged hubby Jeezy will take notice.

The TV host brought some much-needed heat to a snowy setting Thursday ... seductively posing outside a lakeside cabin in a metallic two-piece along with a pair of snow boots and a fur jacket.

Her caption's pretty simple ... "Cuz she can" -- an obvious declaration she's reclaiming her power after a challenging year, which saw Jeezy make the move to end their marriage.

He filed for divorce from Jeannie in September 2023 ... saying their marriage was "irretrievably broken."

Things between the estranged couple remain bitter -- with a filing obtained by TMZ in December revealing Jeannie submitted a response to Jeezy's request for a hearing to figure out a temporary custody schedule for their 1-year-old daughter Monaco.

She said his accusation she's interfering with his ability to spend time with their daughter is false -- adding in the docs she wants Jeezy to be involved in their daughter's life -- but the youngster's safety is her #1 concern.

Polo G is feeling optimistic about 2024, especially if this leap year can boost the 2 things he cares about most -- making money and finally getting his delayed album off the ground!!!

We recently caught up with Polo in Bev Hills while he was doing some shopping with his sister Leia, and he made a vow to pad his discography by dropping more music.

Fans were eager for Polo G to drop last September, and he had told us he was just as excited, but legal issues put his "Hood Poet" album release on ice ... the kind that's slow to melt.

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... Polo and his brother Trench Baby were arrested in August 2023 following a police raid where Polo was charged with gun possession, and his bro is being accused of a drive-by murder.

Polo tells us he's still sticking with the "Hood Poet" title -- the single "Barely Holdin' On" was used as a charitable vessel for the music video's actors.

Polo G se siente optimista con respecto a 2024... sobre todo si el año bisiesto actual puede impulsar todas las cosas que le importan: ¡el dinero y sacar adelante su retrasado álbum!

Nos encontramos con Polo en Bev. Hills, cuando estaba haciendo algunas compras con su hermana Leia, y nos dijo que próximamente va a haber más música.

Los fans estaban ansiosos el pasado mes de septiembre. El rapero dijo estar emocionado, pero que tuvo que detener el lanzamiento de "Hood Poet" por problemas legales.

TMZ Hip Hop publicó la historia, Polo y su hermano Trench Baby fueron detenidos en agosto de 2023 después de una redada policial donde Polo fue acusado de posesión de armas, y su hermano está siendo acusado de asesinato.

Polo nos dice que sigue manteniendo el título de "Hood Poet": el single "Barely Holdin' On" se utilizó como recipiente benéfico para los actores del video musical.

Hip hop radio legend Big Boy is revisiting a time being overweight came in real handy -- he says all that extra cushion helped him duck gun charges that might've ended his career before it got started!!!

BB made the eye-popping revelation on "All the Smoke" after Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson asked him about the urban legend that he hid a gun from the police in his body fat.

BB once weighed over 500 lbs -- back before Will Smith convinced him to get surgery -- and he confirmed the legend as fact, but explained there was a perfectly good reason for his actions.

Before earning his stripes on radio, BB bodyguarded for The Pharcyde. and recalled the day of June 17, 1994 -- the same day O.J. Simpson famously led LAPD on the low-speed chase.

The iconic moment caused BB to be separated from the group as they stayed in the Bay Area and he flew back to L.A. -- but left them his gun to drive back to the city.

After BB retrieved his gun the next day, he got pulled over while he also had another gun on him ... so, really bad timing.

Luckily, the officer failed to pat him down properly, and he was able to skate any charges. God knows a strip search at county jail would've gotten interesting!!!

As fate would have it, he got a call from Power 106 the very next day, starting his on-air gig ... and eventually got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame presented to him by Dr. Dre!!!

Nick Carter is speaking out for the first time about the loss of his sister, Bobbie Jean ... something he thinks he'll never fully process.

The singer broke his silence Thursday on social media, saying, "It may take a lifetime to fully process the loss my family has endured over the years – most recently, with the sudden passing of our sister Bobbie Jean. I am completely heartbroken."

He goes on to thank everyone for their "love and kind words" ... adding, "We are reminded again that life is precious, fleeting and to cherish the time we have with the ones we love. I know she is finally at peace with God."

TMZ broke the story, Bobbie and Nick's mom, Jane, told us about the "sudden death" of her daughter last month -- asking for "a prayer for my precious eight-year-old granddaughter Bella, who previously lost her father and is now also left without her mother."

Remember, Bobbie Jean was found unresponsive in her Tampa, FL bathroom ... deputies learned she was on probation for cocaine possession, but her roommates said she had not used narcotics since being released from prison.

No drugs were found in her bedroom or bathroom, and there were no signs of foul play.

Nick Carter está hablando por primera vez sobre la muerte de su hermana, Bobbie Jean ... algo que cree que nunca procesará completamente.

El cantante rompió su silencio en las redes sociales el jueves, escribiendo: "Puede tomarme toda una vida procesar completamente la pérdida que mi familia ha soportado a lo largo de los años, más recientemente, con el repentino fallecimiento de nuestra hermana Bobbie Jean. Tengo el corazón completamente roto".

Continúa agradeciendo a todos por su "amor y amables palabras", añadiendo: "Se nos recuerda una vez más que la vida es preciosa, fugaz y para apreciar el tiempo que tenemos con los que amamos. Sé que finalmente está en paz con Dios".

TMZ dio a conocer la noticia, la mamá de Bobbie y Nick, Jane, nos contó sobre la "repentina muerte" de su hija el mes pasado, pidiendo "una oración por mi preciosa nieta de ocho años, Bella, que anteriormente perdió a su padre y ahora también se queda sin su madre".

Bobbie Jean fue encontrada sin respuesta en su baño en Tampa, Florida. Los oficiales se enteraron de que estaba en libertad condicional por posesión de cocaína, pero sus compañeros de piso dijeron que no había usado narcóticos desde que fue liberada de la cárcel.

No se encontraron drogas en su dormitorio ni en el baño, tampoco había signos de crimen violento.