Music

Forget the issue of Drake's street cred (just for a moment), because it's his lawyers who clearly know very little about Kendrick Lamar ... the guy who wrote the song they're suing UMG over.

A big part of Drake's 81-page defamation lawsuit over "Not Like Us" refers to the danger the diss track created for the Toronto rapper -- as the song "repeatedly suggests that violence should be used against Drake because he is a pedophile," and "the Recording repeats 'wop, wop, wop, wop' and then says Lamar will 'f**k 'em up.'"

But this is where Drake's legal team gets out over its skis, writing ... "Later, the Recording threatens that if Drake comes to Oakland, where Lamar grew up, he will not make it out alive: 'I think that Oakland show gon' be your last stop.'"

3:53 PM PT -- We caught up with Dave Grohl today in L.A. after his fire relief effort.

Dave Grohl spent his birthday putting others first, whipping up hearty meals for people affected by the L.A. wildfires and the brave firefighters battling the blazes.

Check out the clip -- Dave was stirring up a giant vat of chili Tuesday while volunteering with Feed The Streets Los Angeles, the group that's stepping up big-time to feed displaced families, inmate firefighters and other frontline workers in the wake of the recent devastation.

Feed The Streets shared an IG Story of Grohl in action, with another clip showing him pushing containers down the pavement to get those meals out to those in need.

Spencer Pratt is one proud husband ... hyping up his wife Heidi after she landed herself a Times Square billboard amid their wildfire tragedy.

As you know, "The Hills" alum has been actively promoting Heidi's 2010 album "Superficial" as a way to bring in some money after their Pacific Palisades home burned to the ground last week during the raging wildfires in L.A.

Fans and celebrity friends have jumped on Spencer's musical bandwagon by constantly streaming the album, resulting in Heidi's music soaring on the charts -- and a coveted billboard in New York City's Times Square.

Donald Trump’s inauguration is set to double as his disco dream ... 'cause Village People’s Victor Willis tells TMZ an onstage collab is locked in!

We caught up with Victor on "TMZ Live" Wednesday ... and he tells us Trump's 100% hopping onstage with them at Sunday's "MAGA Victory" rally in Washington D.C., and at the Liberty Inaugural Ball Monday for a performance of his all-time fave jam, "Y.M.C.A."

Trump’s all about that tune ... regularly busting out his own unique spin on the iconic dance at campaign rallies. But will the Village People try out DT's moves, or stick to their own? Check the clip, 'cause Victor tells us who’s running the dance floor.

Desus Nice says he's "heartbroken" Cam'ron and Jim Jones are ruining their Dipset legacy with their latest beef ... but he says it's all about the almighty dollar.

We got the comedian at LAX and our photog asked him about Cam'ron and Jim trading shots on podcasts and diss tracks.

Desus, who is a born and bred New Yorker, says it's sad to see the former bandmates at each other's throats ... but he's hoping some good music comes out of this beef.

The Eagles are setting the tone for the upcoming benefit concert for Los Angeles wildfire victims with a massive first donation ... pledging over seven figures.

TMZ has learned ... the famous rock band is donating $2.5 million.

It's unclear if the huge donation means the Eagles are among the acts performing later this month at the FireAid benefit concert.

LeBron James is waving the white flag in the battle for Christmas Day ... admitting the NFL whooped the NBA's ass in the ratings department -- but claiming Beyoncé played a huge role in the L.

The King chopped it up with Jason and Travis Kelce on the newest episode of their "New Heights" podcast this week ... and at one point in the convo, they asked LeBron about his famous deceleration following the Lakers' 115-113 victory against the Warriors -- in which he stated Dec. 25 belonged to Adam Silver's organization.

Unfortunately for James, the viewership numbers didn't back his claim -- as the NFL drew in 65 million U.S. viewers for its two games ... which was much more than the NBA got for its five games throughout the holiday.

1:00 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Universal Music Group tells TMZ … “Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist -- let alone Drake -- is illogical. We have invested massively in his music and our employees around the world have worked tirelessly for many years to help him achieve historic commercial and personal financial success.

"Throughout his career, Drake has intentionally and successfully used UMG to distribute his music and poetry to engage in conventionally outrageous back-and-forth ‘rap battles’ to express his feelings about other artists. He now seeks to weaponize the legal process to silence an artist’s creative expression and to seek damages from UMG for distributing that artist’s music.

"We have not and do not engage in defamation -- against any individual. At the same time, we will vigorously defend this litigation to protect our people and our reputation, as well as any artist who might directly or indirectly become a frivolous litigation target for having done nothing more that write a song.”

Drake is not backing down in the war against his own label, in fact he's now upped the ante by suing Universal Music Group for spreading the "false and malicious narrative" he's a pedophile ... TMZ Hip Hop has learned.

Drake filed the defamation case Wednesday morning in federal court in NYC ... ripping UMG for releasing and promoting Kendrick Lamar's vicious diss track, "Not Like Us." In the docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Drake says UMG knew full well Kendrick's lyrics, and images in the music video, referring to Drake as a pedophile were false and dangerous.

In the suit he calls Kendrick's hit -- filled with "inflammatory and shocking allegations"-- was a "gold mine" for UMG ... and he says they had an ulterior financial motive in promoting it.

Zach Bryan's gotta be punching the air right now ... 'cause his ex, Brianna Chickenfry, just posed in front of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cameras -- and she looks phenomenal.

The influencer and Barstool Sports employee was just named the cover model for the publication's January 2025 digital issue ... and she says the gig was all about "reclaiming myself."

BC raved about having the freedom to do whatever she wants ... which certainly sounds like a shot at the country superstar, who she accused of being emotionally abusive during their year and some change of dating.

The upcoming benefit concert for Los Angeles wildfire victims will be exciting, engaging and will raise a ton of money ... and big-name artists and bands are clamoring for a chance to help out.

TMZ has learned ... there's been an outpouring of interest from musicians who want to get involved ... so much so, organizers are expanding the scope of this event.

We're told more than 50 artists and bands have asked to participate ... and right now, there are only 24 slots ... though organizers are trying to add slots to accommodate the overwhelming response.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have split after a decade of marriage ... TMZ has confirmed.

Jessica tells us ... "Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage. Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The couple first got together way back in 2010, and got engaged that same year as well. It took a little while, but JS and EJ finally got hitched in 2014 ... and since then, they've had three children together ... 12-year-old Maxwell, 11-year-old Ace and 5-year-old Birdie.

Beyoncé is putting today's HUGE announcement on ice as the wildfires continue to cut a path of destruction across Los Angeles.

The iconic singer issued a statement on Instagram Monday night, postponing her big reveal to a later date due to the devastation that has claimed the lives of at least 24 Angelenos with dozens still missing and thousands of homes destroyed.

Bey wrote that she's praying for the families who have suffered trauma and loss, hoping they'll be able to heal and rebuild their lives.

Donald Trump's going to be dancing to one of his favorite songs as he celebrates his inauguration ... because the Village People are booked for one of his events!!!

The band just announced they accepted an invitation from President-elect Trump's campaign to participate in some inaugural activities ... including at least one event with Trump himself.

The Village People used to beef with Trump over him using their songs at his rallies, but they changed their tune last year ... admitting Trump is good for business.

Kate Cassidy -- Liam Payne's girlfriend at the time of his tragic death -- is slowly dipping her toe back into vlogging ... 3 months after the One Direction alum's passing.

The influencer, who is best known for posting lifestyle content on social media, uploaded to TikTok on Monday about her "simple day" ... but the tone was noticeably somber as she gave fans a glimpse into her new routine without Liam.

As you can see from the footage, Kate is putting self-care first during these trying times ... undergoing an extensive skincare routine, exercising, baking, playing with dogs, and journaling, among other healing activities.

The Weeknd is putting his projects on hold, like many others, in light of the devastating L.A. wildfires tearing through the city.

The singer shared the news on IG Monday -- out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, his January 25 concert at the Rose Bowl has been scrapped.

He also announced the release date of his sixth studio album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow," has been pushed back a week, to Jan 31.

Spencer Pratt says he feels like a ghost after losing everything he has in the Pacific Palisades wildfire ... and the weight of starting life from zero and figuring out a way to provide for his family is hitting him hard.

The reality TV star joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" and he opened up to us about watching his life literally go up in smoke ... and it's emotional.

Spencer was born and raised in the Palisades and he says losing his house, all his possessions and his parents' house makes him feel empty and hollow.