Musicians

Aaliyah’s family fight over music royalties has heated up … with the late singer's cousin -- who was blamed for her death by her uncle -- seeking a $20 million payout in their ongoing litigation ... TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Jomo Hankerson, the late singer’s cousin, believes his father, Barry Hankerson, owes him the 8-figure sum over Aaliyah and other artists’ music.

In a letter between the lawyers about the ongoing dispute, reps for Jomo revealed he would settle his claims if he received $20 million.

Rick Springfield may be 77 ... but it turns out the 80s icon is just as ripped as ever!

Rick hit the stage for a show at the Palms casino and resort in Las Vegas ... where he stripped off his shirt and played his hit "Jessie's Girl." 

It's pretty wild ... the guy is insanely jacked, especially for a man pushing 80 years old.

Celeste Rivas’ parents are speaking out after D4VD claimed in court that he’s broke and cannot afford his superstar legal team, TMZ has learned. 

The family attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, tells TMZ, “The Rivas Hernandez family was shocked to learn that David Anthony Burke claims to be indigent."

The statement continues, "It is unfathomable that our justice system qualifies David Anthony Burke as indigent when D4VD has 5+ billion streams with 16 million monthly listeners on a single streaming platform, and controls three corporations" -- pointing out D4VD Entertainment, Skullrose Merchandising and Headspace Publishing, specifically.

Bobby Brown knows better than most what it's like to watch the world mourn an iconic artist.

TMZ caught up with the New Edition alum at LAX on Monday, where he told us how the world lost "another great one" when Dolly died last week.

As you know, Whitney Houston's cover of Dolly's "I Will Always Love You" was an instant classic.

Chris Brown claims he is not able to take time off from his tour with Usher to deal with the ongoing legal matters with his ex-housekeeper ... TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Chris said he can’t be forced to show up for an examination at the Van Nuys courthouse, where his ex-housekeeper Maria Avila wants to review his finances and bank statements to see how he will pay the judgment he owes her.

In his new filing, Chris said he’s a little busy with his nationwide tour … and said there are even talks to extend the tour with additional dates.

10:30 AM PT -- Los Angeles D.A. Nathan Hochman addressed the media after the hearing ... saying the death penalty remains on the table, but prosecutors have not decided whether they will explore that route.

TMZ also asked Hochman about D4vd substituting his legal counsel ... and he said he expects the public defender will give the singer "zealous" representation as the case proceeds.

9:12 AM PT -- D4vd pleaded not guilty and is expected back in court on October 19.

D4vd has just suffered a big blow in his murder case ... his lawyers told the judge they can't rep him anymore, a public defender has stepped in, and it's apparent the singer has run out of cash.

Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter told the judge they are unable to continue representing D4vd. Although they did not give a reason, everything screams ... D4vd is broke.

Berk, Bednarski and Peter tell TMZ ... "This morning the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel."

The lawyers go on ... "We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges. We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him."

A public defender has stepped in, citing the fact D4vd is indigent.

Ariana Grande is ditching her signature heels for the final stretch of her tour ... after suffering a painful foot injury.

Ari told fans Monday she'll be in "cozy footwear" for her London show -- and possibly Tuesday's finale -- because she's recovering from a deep cut underneath her foot.

She says it's not a sprain or muscular injury, but putting weight on the foot has been tough ... so the heels are staying backstage.

Aaliyah's uncle claims his son is partly to blame for the late singer's death ... lobbing the bombshell allegation as the two fight over money in court.

TMZ obtained a lawsuit filed by Jomo Hankerson against Barry Hankerson and his record label Blackground Records. Barry is Aaliyah's uncle and longtime manager. Jomo is Barry's son and Aaliyah's cousin.

In the docs, Barry claims Aaliyah's cousin was paid to coordinate travel for her music video shoot in the Bahamas ... referring to the fateful August 2001 trip where she died in a plane crash.

Aaliyah's uncle says his son "failed in his responsibility" to handle travel plans ... and she instead took a private jet that crashed and killed everyone onboard.

08/31/2026 5:22 PM PT -- Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been found guilty of murder in the first degree in the death of Tupac Shakur.

Closing arguments have ended in the Tupac Shakur murder trial ... and now the jury have began deliberating.

As you know, Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been charged with first-degree murder for the iconic artist's 1996 killing ... making him the only person to ever be criminally charged in Tupac's death.

Prosecutors aren't accusing Keffe D of firing any shots himself, but argue that he was the one calling them.

They say that -- based on his own police interviews and memoir anecdotes -- KD orchestrated the Las Vegas shooting as retaliation for a fight Tupac and his crew got in with his nephew earlier that night.

Dolly Parton's niece says one of the things she'll miss most about the country legend is getting calls from her at 4 AM.

Lainey Parton shared an emotional tribute to Instagram after Dolly was laid to rest ... saying it still doesn't feel real she's gone and she'd give anything to see her name pop up on her phone again.

Lainey wrote ... "I'm even going to miss those 4 AM calls."

Josh Sanders has been arrested again ... this time, over outstanding warrants tied to traffic violations and a charge alleging he obstructed a police officer ... TMZ has learned.

Officials tell TMZ Sanders was taken into custody Saturday by Kannapolis PD and booked into the Cabarrus County Jail in North Carolina.

We're told the warrants stem from traffic-related violations, along with an allegations stating Sanders obstructed or delayed a law enforcement officer.

The arrest comes as Sanders is already embroiled in a contentious custody battle with his estranged wife, Kendra, over their three children.

It's National Beach Day ... and when it comes to the sun, the sand, and the surf ... these sexy celebs can't seem to get enough beach.

Halle Bailey, Darianka, and Bella Thorne all love redefining what it actually means to be a beach bum -- emphasis on bum -- because just look at them! They're definitely in their element.

Camila Cabello's also solidified her beach babe status ... getting wet and wild in this teeny bikini!

Finneas O’Connell and Claudia Sulewski are officially married -- and his superstar sister Billie Eilish had one very important job on their big day.

The Grammy-winning musician and producer and the actress/creator tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the luxe San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, Calif. … surrounded by family, famous friends and even a couple of their four-legged favorites.

Billie officiated the ceremony, while Finneas and Claudia’s dogs, Peaches and Moose, also got in on the celebration. Their parents, Maggie Baird and Patrick O’Connell, were there to watch their son exchange vows.

Ella Langley appears to be taking Doja Cat's apparent brush-off in stride ... turning the pop star's own words into a cheeky joke in her latest social media post.

Langley shared a batch of new photos and videos this week and seemingly couldn't resist referencing Doja's recent comments about her ... writing "Ella Langley? What is that?" in the caption.

The line appears to be a direct nod to Doja's recent appearance on the "Sundae Conversation" podcast, where she was asked whether she knew Langley. Doja responded that she didn't know what that was ... prompting the hosts to encourage her to check out the country singer's music.

The Grand Ole Opry paid tribute to Dolly Parton Saturday night ... bringing together country stars for an emotional celebration of the late icon's life and legacy.

The Opry dedicated its regularly scheduled Saturday night show to Parton, honoring her decades-long connection to the legendary Nashville institution and her enormous impact on country music.

According to a press release, a portion of every ticket sold for the show will be donated to Parton's Imagination Library, the literacy program that has become one of her most enduring philanthropic legacies.

In the name of love ... would ya' take a look at these Bebe Rexha birthday hot shots!!!

The "In The Name of Love" singer is celebrating another scorchin' year around the sun, so let's dive into some sultry fun.

Leave it up to Bebe to sport stringy bikinis and animal print 'suits -- just the cherry on top of this sweet Sunday!

And of course, a booty-ful selfie to get you stoked for all the goodies ... No one rocks blue, cheeky swimwear like this blonde bombshell.