Music

Travis Scott is making sure kids in his old neighborhood have a safe and happy holiday ... hooking them up with toys, Christmas trees, food and more.

His Travis Scott x Cactus Jack Foundation held a holiday toy drive Tuesday at Sunnyside Park in Houston -- where Travis grew up -- giving away 2,000 toys to 1,000 elementary school students.

Travis' foundation really put the "drive" in toy drive. In order to keep it COVID-safe ... families, residents and school teachers drove through for the free toys, food, blankets, PPE gear and yes, even Christmas trees.

Sounds like no expense was spared ... the toys were from Mattel, and local celeb hot spot Turkey Leg Hut provided the free grub. Travis also had a special little helper, Stormi was there to make sure things were running without a hitch.

2,000 folks chowed down on the grub ... Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Reps. Al Green and Sheila Jackson attended, along with a couple City Council members.

Santa Scott!!!

King Khan does have s*** on Rihanna, allegedly ... an artist by that name is suing her over a song he says she used to promote her cosmetics line.

Rihanna's being dragged to court by a German father-daughter musical duo -- King Khan and Saba Lou -- who claim she used one of their tracks in an Instagram post advertising Fenty brand accessories.

According to the new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, King Khan and Saba Lou claim they created and own the music and lyrics for a song called "Good Habits (and Bad)," which they say showed up in RiRi's post.

In the docs, they claim Rihanna did not have their blessing, or legal permission, to use the tune. Their theory is she just ripped it from a music streaming platform.

The duo's going after Rihanna for damages, noting the ad got more than 3.4 million views ... and they want her to stop using their song.

The victims from one of Tekashi 6ix9ine's crimes are going after him in court ... demanding he pay up for what they suffered when Tekashi and co. robbed them.

Seketha Wonzer and Kevin Dozier just filed suit against the rapper, claiming he was part of the criminal conspiracy set in motion in April 2018 that led to them getting bum-rushed and robbed at gunpoint in NYC -- something Tekashi himself testified and pled guilty to in federal court.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Wonzer and Dozier say they lost a bundle during the robbery -- including shoes, master recordings, hard drives, precious jewelry, a camera and cash, among other items. They say the whole thing was a case of mistaken identity -- Tekashi and co. allegedly thought they were affiliated with Rap-A-Lot Records, but they say they weren't.

In the suit, filed by powerhouse attorney Joe Tacopina, they say although Tekashi didn't do the robbing himself ... he did film the whole thing from an SUV outside, while his cohorts in the Nine Trey Bloods did the dirty work. In any case, Wonzer and Dozier now want him to pay for the assault, battery and emotional distress they say they suffered.

The defendants say that because Tekashi copped to this crime in court already, his civil liability for the damages is beyond question.

We'd already spoken to Wonzer -- who also goes by Skyy Daniels -- after Tekashi testified against 2 Nine Trey members, and she didn't think his 2-year prison sentence was fair.

Skyy also told us flatly she wanted to see him pay for what he'd done to her. Tacopina, tells TMZ ... "If Tekashi69 thought his legal problems were over after pleading guilty to brutally assaulting my clients, he was woefully mistaken."

He adds, "We do know this now -- if he refuses to redress the injuries he caused my clients, he’ll sincerely regret that decision."

21 Savage surprised a bunch of kids and their families when he played secret Santa ... giving them exactly what they wanted from their Christmas wish lists.

The rapper and his Leading By Example Foundation hooked up over 30 kids from the Wade Walker Park Family YMCA in DeKalb County, GA for some much-needed relief and joy.

Lorna Loh, the Executive Director at that YMCA, tells TMZ ... last week the kids were asked to write letters to Santa with their wish lists. Unbeknownst to the kiddos -- and their families -- the YMCA staff went on a shopping spree and bought everything on their lists ... courtesy of 21 Savage and the foundation.

Some of the most popular items requested were LOL surprise dolls, Legos and Hot Wheels. The kids who benefited are in the YMCA's virtual learning program ... many of whom are on financial assistance, so you know this gesture went a long way.

Then, on Monday, parents brought the kids to the YMCA where the surprise was revealed. The kids were stunned, to say the least. Parents also got a surprise ... the foundation provided each of them with 12 lb. turkeys along with the sides and trimmings for a true Christmas feast.

Yes, social distancing was practiced similar to Prince Jackson's shopping spree.

21 Savage was not at the occasion but his presence certainly was felt. He's also no stranger to the YMCA -- last Thanksgiving he was there to serve 300 Thanksgiving meals to needy families.

How does Blueface prepare for a lunch date with singer Coi Leray? He wings it!!! (Ba-dum-tss).

The "Respect My Cryppin'" rapper and "Slide" singer hit up Harold's Chicken in Hollywood last weekend and appeared to be digging each other's company on this lunch date.

We're told no one else was at the chicken joint, made famous in Chi-Town, so the celebs had no interruptions. Good thing, because they appeared to be in a very flirty mood.

No shocker on what they ate ... we're told they chowed down on a plate of chicken. It's Harold's, after all. If these crazy kids end up a couple ... add them to the list of rising power couples. Coi's enjoyed recent success as a singer with huge collaborations that include tracks with rappers Gunna and Fetty Wap.

In fact ... just a few months ago Coi's "Slide" music video featuring Gunna dropped, and so far it's racked up 5 million-plus views.

Shaquille O'Neal says everyone needs to chill about his "booty" comment to Megan Thee Stallion -- saying he was just showing love, not trying to smash.

People went crazy recently over a comment Shaq left while watching Megan Thee Stallion twerk it out during an Instagram Live.

The comment? "Watching that booty."

Yeah ... even his son, Shareef, commented ... saying, "I feel you pops."

So, was Shaq shooting his shot? The Diesel says it was just a compliment and nothing more.

"This is what happened America … I was in [the IG Live session]. Somebody said, 'What are you doing in there?' And, I typed what I typed. I wasn’t trying to hit on her."

When asked if Meg responded to Shaq's comment, O'Neal downplayed it ... saying, "I don't know, I didn’t even check."

Mmmmmmmhmmmmm ...

There's more ... Shaq also heaped praise on LaMelo Ball -- saying the #3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft is straight ballin' right now.

He's right -- did you see that pass Melo hit during a pre-season game the other day? Good lord!

And, to cap it off ... Shaq also tried out a motorized tricycle (also called a standing scooter) -- and props to whoever made it, because it ran with some zip, even with a giant like O'Neal riding on it!

Too Short and E-40 played their classic tracks, put down some classic dancing and told classic stories -- so yeah, the last "Verzuz" of 2020 was a West Coast classic.

The Bay Area rap legends acknowledged their longstanding friendship from "BR" -- before rap, as 40 puts it -- but then went at each other in a tight competition. As with most "Verzuz" battles ... the online debate about a winner was fierce.

Too Short played hits like "Freaky Tales," "Life Is...Too $Hort," "I'm a Player," "Buy You Some'" and "Blow the Whistle."

E-40 brought it with "U and Dat," "Captain Save A Hoe," "I Got 5 On It" (Remix), "Yay Area," and "Hope I Don't Go Back."

Both were sipping on drinks throughout the night which, for E-40 at least, meant it was time to do some dancing -- hilariously entertaining.

As TMZ first reported ... the stage setup featured 2 classic lowrider whips behind each MC, and they also repped for the Bay with street signs for their hometowns of Oakland and Vallejo.

So, the consensus is E-40 hit hard early on in the battle, but Short put together a 2nd half streak of bangers -- as for who won overall?

Dionne Warwick is getting her wish ... Teyana Taylor wants to play the iconic singer on the small screen in a potential series!!!

Here's the deal ... Dionne's latest Twitter fun involved pitching Netflix on a series about her life and career, and she made clear she would only want to see Teyana cast as her. Next thing ya know ... the 2 singers were hashing it out.

Our sources tell us Dionne reached out to Karen Civil, a member of Teyana's team, and Karen connected them by phone. We're told DW and TT spoke for a while about Dionne's biographical series ideas, and Teyana expressed her desire to play the part.

Teyana not only wants to play the starring role, we're also told she and DW discussed producing the series through TT's production company, "The Aunties Production."

With Teyana on board, our sources say Dionne and her son, Damon, feel like TT is just like family now.

For now, we're told Netflix has expressed interest in a potential series ... but Dionne's fam is still working out logistics. Recruiting Teyana was their first priority, though.

If it comes to fruition, it will be a milestone for both women: Producing-wise for Teyana, and for Dionne ... her first biopic series.

Where's Maury Povich when ya need him? Lil Pump's probably hearing him in his head, 'cause TMZ's learned the rapper is NOT the father of the baby he claimed was his. Let us explain.

Earlier this week, Pump posted a pic -- taken last Sunday on a yacht in Miami -- holding a baby boy. Cute and nothing out of the ordinary ... except the caption shocked his 17 million followers: "Baby momma ain’t s**t won’t let me see my son #fathers right."

That created a big stir on social media, and in the hip-hop world ... with several outlets reporting Lil Pump had disclosed he was a father for the first time, and was dealing with baby mama drama.

But, as MJ put it ... the kid is not his son!!! Sources tell TMZ the baby boy is actually the son of Andre Malek, a yacht captain who operates charters in Miami.

We're told the baby boy's known for taking pictures with celebs and hot women who hire his dad.

Hell, Andre's son even has his own Instagram account ... @CaptainAdorable305.

Earlier this year he took a pic with Cuba Gooding Jr. and the pic was captioned, "This not what I meant when I asked for some OJ...😅🙈."

The Game and Blueface's manager, Wack 100, squared up against two white men and held his own ... this after they allegedly hurled an epithet, which Wack says sparked the brawl.

Sources tell TMZ ... Wack was at Primo Burgers in Lancaster, CA Saturday when he encountered a couple of guys whom we're told were burning rubber behind him.

We're told Wack asked them to stop, as he feared they'd lose control of the car. The response we're told he allegedly got from them in return -- "Mind your f****** business [epithet]." Our Wack sources say the men proceeded to get out of their vehicle, at which point Wack got out too ... ready to defend himself.

It's important to note ... the video does not contain any epithets. You see the two guys swing on Wack, who fends off their blows and strikes back ... actually connecting with one guy and making him fall back on his ass and bleed a bit.

The other guy tries to come at him with a little rooster step, and Wack prepares to trade fists with him too -- but it looks like the fight stops there as more people show up to see what all the commotion is about. They say they're gonna get his plates, and Wack encourages it.

We're told Wack ended up leaving without further incident. Wack himself tells TMZ ... "It's fine," so it sounds like the fellas let things be on the street, sans any police involvement.

"Verzuz" is pulling out all the stops for its 2020 finale, and when Too Short and E-40 hit the stage it'll look like a full-fledged arena concert ... proving how much of a cash cow the show's become.

The Bay Area icons will face off on a soundstage in NorCal that will reflect the nearly $500,000 budget for this single event ... according to sources involved in the production.

TMZ obtained a blueprint of the stage setup for 40 and Short, and you can tell Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Apple are thinking big.

We're told the MCs will be surrounded by concert-style lighting and some expensive props -- 2 classic old school cars will be on stage behind each of them. Makes sense, both Short and 40 have told us their battle will be an homage to the Bay's hip-hop scene.

Our sources say Apple -- which is now streaming all the "Verzuz" episodes -- realizes how much of a cultural phenomenon the show is, and they're spending like it.

In fact, Short and 40 almost squared off at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Campus, but due to COVID safety concerns, the show had to be moved.

Unlike Jeezy and Gucci Mane, the Oakland legends are longtime friends who come into the "Verzuz" beef-free. However, when they came on "TMZ Live," it was very clear they're both playing to win.

Mulatto's encouraging voter turnout in Georgia by doing what she does best ... grabbing a mic.

The "Muwop" rapper hit up a polling place Friday in DeKalb County where she gave people waiting in line to vote an impromptu concert while riding on the bed of a huge truck. She had the whole setup on that truck ... from huge speakers to even a hype man.

There was also a banner that read "Joy to the Polls" ... making her message crystal clear. The 21-year-old rapper's trying to get as many young people to the polls in Georgia's Senatorial runoff, which has huge national ramifications.

Remember ... Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are respectively taking on GOP incumbents David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. The outcome will determine which party controls the Senate. If the Dems win out they'd have the Senate and the House, and President-elect Joe Biden gets a much easier path for his agenda.

Mulatto told us she's aware of the influence she has on young voters ... adding "whatever I do, they're gonna do. If I encourage people to vote, they'll come out and vote." She's not the first rapper to take to the streets in Georgia pushing for voter turnout.

Too Short and E-40 don't want you to get it twisted ... they're buddy-buddy now, but there's gonna be plenty of smack talk leading up to and during their rap battle ... and it's already heating up.

The Bay Area rappers joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday ahead of their highly-anticipated matchup on "Verzuz," and we asked them if they're really going to keep it friendly during Saturday's match.

Short and 40 say don't let their chummy attitudes fool you ... they're coming out swinging. In fact, each of 'em threw a jab or 2 while we were talking to them.

Remember ... this week in Bev Hills, Too Short made it sound like it was going to be all love between them -- and nothing like the beef-fueled "Verzuz" Gucci Mane and Jeezy put down.

But, now, as they get close to game time ... their competitive juices are flowing.

Common is making sure folks remember Ahmaud Arbery while helping out those in need ... he's in Georgia giving away free running shoes in Ahmaud's memory.

Here's the deal ... Common's at a local community center in Brunswick -- near where Arbery was killed -- and he's teaming up with Ahmaud's family to hand out shoes to those who need it most.

As you can see, there are stacks of brand new Adidas shoes in boxes, and a long line's forming.

Remember ... Ahmaud's mother, Wanda, says her son was just out for a jog back in February when he was gunned down in broad daylight in the middle of a street. Ahmaud loved to run, hence the sneaker giveaway.

Common's touring the Peach State, where he's helping drum up votes for the upcoming Senate runoff elections ... which will determine control of the Senate, and therefore, shape the potency of President-elect Biden's administration.

We're told Common didn't want to leave Brunswick without sitting down with Ahmaud's mom, and they did have a private meeting.

During the sit-down, Common told Wanda he wants justice for Ahmaud, wants to keep her son's name alive and he's in it for the long haul ... according to Chris Stewart and Justin Miller, 2 of the attorneys repping Ahmaud's family.

Keith Richards now has the distinct honor of having a cockroach named after him ... and the little bugger even has a custom guitar just like its namesake.

Here's the deal ... The Rolling Stones guitarist is celebrating his 77th birthday Friday, and the Children's Museum in West Hartford, CT is recognizing him with a Madagascar hissing cockroach.

The joke ... Keith and cockroaches have great survival rates. Where's the lie?

As you can see, there's a shiny new miniature bass guitar inside Keith The Cockroach's enclosure. Super-cute ... the guitar, not the roach. Unless you're into that. Although that lil guy slappin' the bass miiiiight cross over into adorable... just sayin'.

Denver's classic rock radio station, 103.5 The Fox, is adopting Keith the Cockroach ... but the roach is staying put at the museum's wildlife sanctuary, where he's expected to live for a long, long, loooooong time just like the real Keith.

Eminem's clapping back at Snoop Dogg in a new song after Snoop left him off his top 10 rappers list ... and he's also giving Rihanna a long-overdue apology.

The Detroit rapper just released a deluxe version of his album, "Music to Be Murdered By - Side B" and he responds to Snoop on his track, "Zeus."

Em raps ... "And as far as squashin' beef, I'm used to people knockin' me. But, just not in my camp. I'm diplomatic, 'cause I'm tryna be. Last thing I need is Snoop doggin' me. Man, dog, you was like a damn God to me. Man, not really. I had dog backwards."

Pretty soft as disses go, but Eminem's rebuttal comes after Snoop left him off his list of top 10 rappers of all time. Back in July, Snoop called Eminem "the great white hope" ... but basically Em owes all his success to Dr. Dre.

Em and Snoop have performed together -- they're both tight with Dre -- but now their beef seems to be heating up. It'll be interesting to see how/if they patch things up.

As for Rihanna ... Eminem said he's sorry for an older track -- not released, but leaked -- where he said he "sided" with Chris Brown.

He raps, also on Zeus, "But, me, long as I re-promise to be honest, and wholeheartedly, apologies, Rihanna. For that song that leaked, I'm sorry, Ri. It wasn't meant to cause you grief. Regardless, it was wrong of me."