Cardi B 'She's an Angel!!!' Fire Victim's Family Praises Her Donation

Published | Updated

Cardi B's announcement she's covering funeral costs for all the victims of the historically deadly Bronx apartment fire has one man -- who lost 5 relatives -- calling Cardi an "angel."

Haji Dukuray's niece was killed in the blaze, along with her husband and 3 children ... and Cardi is making sure he doesn't have to worry about finding the money to bury 5 family members.

Haji, who used to drive 200 miles from his Delaware home to see his niece and her family in the Bronx, tells TMZ ... Cardi is an angel and his family can't thank her enough for what she's done.

He says it's a huge help to his family to not bear the financial burden ... and he's sending Cardi blessings for stepping up to help so many people she's never met.

As we reported, the inferno engulfed a 19-story apartment building in the Bronx earlier this month, killing 9 adults and 8 children -- the city's deadliest fire in more than 3 decades.

Cardi, a Bronx native, vowed to cover funeral expenses and worked with NYC Mayor Eric Adams' office to make it happen.

Haji says he got word of Cardi's gift from Mayor Adams' people -- and had no idea, initially, the rapper was their benefactor.

011922-cardi-b-kal
MORE WORK TO BE DONE

Remember, Fat Joe is helping rally celebs for relief efforts, and he told us most of the people living in the building were immigrants who lost everything in the blaze.

We got Jim Jones at Impact Zone Gym in New Jersey and asked him about Cardi's gesture ... and he praised her too, saying he would expect nothing less.

Cardi's also highlighting others who've stepped up to help the victims' families ... shouting out Joe and several NYC radio stations.

Chris Daughtry's Daughter Hannah, Died From Suicide ... Methamphetamine, Fentanyl Found in System

Published | Updated
UPDATE

5:09 AM PT -- 1/20 -- We just received Hannah's autopsy report from the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. According to the report ... Hannah's toxicology results reveal that she had methamphetamine and fentanyl in her system at the time of her death.

UPDATE

Her boyfriend had left the house to buy methamphetamine while Hannah had been texting the same dealer asking for “something” to help her. Hannah was found hanging by her boyfriend, with whom she had been embroiled in an "abusive" relationship.

UPDATE

No note was found on the scene.

Chris Daughtry's daughter Hannah Price died from suicide by hanging, while under the influence of narcotics... this according to her family.

TMZ broke the story ... Hannah was found dead in her home back in November, although the cause of death was uncertain at the time. The Daughtry family now says Hannah took her own life.

Deanna and Chris said Hannah struggled with mental illness and later turned to drugs and found herself in abusive relationships, adding, "We did everything we could to support her and get her the help she needed to recover from these tragedies and get her life back on track."

Law enforcement told us Hannah's boyfriend Bobby was arrested the same day her body was found... at the time, police didn't reveal the reason behind his arrest.

Chris and Deanna now say the morning of her death, she contacted her parents in fear for her life... claiming her boyfriend had physically abused her. When officers arrived, they concluded she was fine. After her death, Bobby was arrested on an unrelated matter.

Chris Daughtry said he was absolutely devastated and heartbroken, in an emotional Instagram post... and canceled his concert tour.

Chris and his wife Deanna met back in 2000... Deanna had two children-- Hannah and her brother Griffin -- from a previous relationship. Chris and Deanna later had twins Adalynn Rose and Noah James.

Hannah was 25.

Originally Published -- 1/19 4:19 PM PT

Travis Scott I Had a Crappy Time at the Rams Game!!! Sewage Spill Near Suite

Published | Updated

Travis Scott got a stinky surprise as he made a rare public appearance at the L.A. Rams' game ... all thanks to a sewage pipe that burst within smelling distance of the rapper.

We got photos of Travis Monday night at SoFi Stadium in one of his first outings since the Astroworld tragedy. Travis hung out in one of the field-level suites but kept a low profile, mostly standing near the back of the room with a few friends.

However, it was during the second half of the game when all hell broke loose -- a sewage pipe burst -- causing the suite next to Trav to evacuate, and sending a putrid smell throughout the lower boxes.

You can see a mix of cleaning staff and equipment do their best to clean up the mess as quickly as possible, but our sources say it was almost enough to get some people to leave.

Eventually, we're told Travis left with about 2 minutes left in the first-round playoff game, but he didn't miss much -- the Rams blew out the Cardinals 34-11 -- besides the stench.

As we said, Travis has rarely been seen in public since the Nov. 5 incident which killed 10 fans. He's been hit with billions in litigation, but has maintained he was unaware of the severity of what was happening in the crowd as he performed.

Travis has since launched an initiative with music and government honchos across the country to work to make sure nothing like the tragedy at Astroworld happens again.

Eazy-E Kanye Diss Song Lives Up to My Dad ... Says Daughter Ebie

Published | Updated

Kanye West did Eazy-E proud with his new diss song aimed at Pete Davidson -- so says the late MC's own flesh and blood, who hears the "gangsta" coming through on the record.

We got Eazy's daughter, Ebie, in L.A., who told us Ye and Game's new track, 'Eazy,' gets two big thumbs up from her ... and a cosign on behalf of the EE family at large, it seems. The reason ... she thinks her dad's street vibes and spirit are reflected in the song -- thus, living up to his legacy.

If you didn't know, 'Eazy' samples Eazy-E's famous single "Eazy-Duz-It," which isn't necessarily a song aimed at anyone in particular ... but definitely dabbles in G things.

With that in mind, Ebie says Kanye paid proper homage to her pops ... 'cause she thinks the single is pretty damn vicious -- which seems to be the overall consensus. Ebie has a lot of love for Ye here ... telling us he can't do any wrong in her eyes, and that her father would've absolutely loved contributing to this if he was still around.

As you've probably heard by now ... Ye announced, through the new track, he wants to beat Pete's ass, but the bigger takeaway seems to be what he said about Kim and their kids. If anything, it's more of a Kardashian diss than a PD diss -- 'cause KW got a lot off his chest about his estranged in-laws.

He claimed the Kardashians take too much credit in raising their respective broods, claiming the kids are mostly being brought up by cameras and nannies ... instead of "real family."

Kanye also took some shots at his kids ... who, he suggests, are spoiled and raised to get everything they want. Whereas the Kardashians prefer to pamper their little ones, Ye raps about preferring an old-school parenting approach (Top Ramen reference FTW) ... and Ebie digs it!

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Ebie was young when her dad passed, but it sounds like she can see the value in Ye wanting his children to come correct as they grow ... even if it means a little tough love.

Lil Durk Ladies and Gentlemen ... Morgan Wallen!!! Performs at MLK Festival in Nashville

Published | Updated

Morgan Wallen made an unsurprising appearance Saturday night in Nashville, hopping on stage with Lil Durk ... and the crowd loved it.

Durk and Wallen performed their song, "Broadway Girls," and it was all part of the Martin Luther King Freedom Fest ... a concert celebrating MLK Day.

Before Wallen came out, Durk told fans at Bridgestone Arena that his singing buddy was "genuine at heart." He went on ... “Can’t nobody cancel shit without me saying it, you know what I’m saying?”

With that intro, Wallen came out, asked the crowd what's up, and they began singing.

The festival lineup includes Moneybagg Yo, Rod Wave, and Latto.

Wallen appeared in Nashville last weekend at the Grand Ole Opry and sang "Flower Shops" with Ernest. Some artists, including Jason Isbell, Rissi Palmer and Joy Oladokun, were critical, this after video surfaced of Wallen using the n-word a year ago.

Durk's been solidly in Wallen's corner, telling us earlier this month he wants other rappers, including Kendrick Lamar, to work with Wallen. He said he had a long talk with Wallen as they worked on "Broadway Girls" and says he has no doubt Wallen is not a racist.

Bob Saget 'Rollin' with Saget' is Hysterical!!!

Published | Updated

We thought you'd like to see this homage to Bob Saget -- because it's awesome!!!

It's a video from way back -- 2006 -- in which Jamie Kennedy and Stuart Stone are rapping that Bob is the king of Hollywood, and it's hysterical. It's called "Rollin' With Saget."

Bob is front and center in the music vid, as he muscles his way into a club with his pals, even showing security at the door who's boss.

A Paris Hilton lookalike joins in, and, get this, George Lucas is there! We're told George just happened to be shooting something in an adjacent sound stage, came over to see what's up and ended up appearing in the video.

Bob draws a gaggle of beautiful women in the club, before he and his buds jump in their SUV for a trip back to Malibu.

It's just another example of how beloved Bob was in life and in death. As we reported, hundreds of people showed up for his funeral, including Dave Chappelle, John Stamos, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and many others from "Full House."

The pallbearers were John Mayer, John Stamos, Norman Lear, Dave Coulier, Jeff Ross, Judd Apatow, Ted Sarandos and Steve Hale.

Others who turned out ... Jodie Sweetin, Candace Cameron Bure, Kathy Griffin, Chris Rock, Seth Green, among many more.

TMZ broke the story ... Bob died Sunday, and we're told the operating theory is that he died of either a heart attack or a stroke.

Kodak Black Hockey Game Twerk Sesh ... No Sex, Just How People Dance!!!

Published | Updated

Kodak Black's twerking partner is setting the record straight on their raunchy moment in a luxury suite at an NHL game, saying it wasn't sexual in the slightest -- despite what your eyes were telling you.

The woman from the viral video is actually an up-and-coming rapper who goes by the stage name VVsnce, and she tells us her relationship with Kodak is NOT sexual, it's all biz.

VVsnce says she and Kodak are laughing at the people calling them out for having sex in the suite. Interestingly, she told us exactly where they would've done the deed ... IF that was the plan, and it wouldn't have been out in the open.

Fact is, VVscne is signing to Kodak's Sniper Game label and they'd hit up the Florida Panthers game after a long day in the studio ... simply looking to cut loose and have some fun.

011221_kodak_black_game_kal
AMONG THE PEOPLE

Some folks say the twerk sesh was too much for a public event with lots of kids nearby ... but VVsnce is clapping back and schooling critics on today's youth.

As for rumors the Panthers banned Kodak from future games -- his lawyer, Bradford Cohen, says he hasn't heard that, but 2 other NHL teams have sent invites after seeing VVsnce and Kodak's, ummm ... enthusiasm for the sport.

Kanye West Takes Shot at Pete Davidson in Song ... I'll Beat Your Ass!!!

Published | Updated

Kanye West doesn't sound too cool with Pete Davidson dating his estranged wife -- and on the heels of him allegedly punching a fan, he's got a pretty heated message for the 'SNL' star.

Ye takes the jab at Pete on his new track with The Game called "My Life Was Never Eazy"  ... a snippet leaked on the Internet ... and in it, Kanye goes right at Kim Kardashian's new bae.

Kanye raps ... "God saved me from the crash, just so I can beat Pete Davidson's ass."

The leaked clip sounds kinda rough -- it's supposed to drop Friday night at 9 PM PT -- so, it's possible Kanye removes the line from the final edit ... he's known to make last-minute changes. Fans are speculating the single will be featured on "Donda 2" and Game's "Drillmatic" album ... as both rappers posted the clip.

Now, even if Ye cuts the line ... the fact he even recorded it says a lot about his feelings about Kim, and each of them moving on after their marriage.

It's not hard to figure out why Kanye might have beef with Pete. As you know, Kim and Pete have been out and about -- most recently grabbing pizza in L.A. this week -- and seem to be getting much closer.

Of course, Ye's also been very public about his relationship with Julia Fox ... they were out Wednesday night in Hollywood, and even kissed in front of a swarm of paparazzi.

011322_kanye_incident_kal_v2 1/13/22
YE LOSES IT

But, as we reported ... a few hours later something or someone put him on edge, and he allegedly punched an autograph seeker outside his hotel in DTLA.

LAPD is now investigating Ye for misdemeanor battery.

Kanye West Getting the Hell Outta L.A.!!! After Alleged Punching

Published | Updated

Kanye West is under the microscope of the LAPD for allegedly punching a fan, but that's not slowing him down professionally -- we've learned he's getting out of L.A. and shifting his focus to a new album and Coachella.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ Ye's leaving the city ASAP, heading for the SoCal desert ... where he intends to focus on nothing but work. We're told he and his creative team already scheduled meetings weeks ago with Coachella production to map out his staging, and he's sticking to that plan.

However, Coachella won't be the only project on Ye's mind -- 'Donda 2' is well underway, and Kanye will use the time outside L.A. to get with artists and producers to finish it up.

Meanwhile, back in L.A., we're told the investigation continues into allegations Kanye pushed, punched and knocked an autograph-seeking fan to the ground. Our law enforcement sources say it's still too early for cops to get in touch with Kanye and his team, but that will be coming in the near future.

011322_kanye_incident_kal_v2 1/13/22
YE LOSES IT

TMZ broke the story, Kanye was in a rage outside Soho Warehouse early Thursday morning as his cousin tried to calm him down. A witness tells us Kanye erupted on the fan after asking not to be photographed and complaining he was going through a lot with his divorce.

Cops took a misdemeanor battery report, and witnesses claim the alleged victim hit his head pretty hard on the concrete. He left the scene under his own power, but got checked out at urgent care later on Thursday.

042119_kanye_jesus_walks_kal 4/21/19
SUNDAY PERFORMANCE

As for Coachella, our production sources tell us Kanye plans to do some sort of Sunday Service on both weekends of Coachella, Easter falls on Weekend 1 of the festival, and we're told there will be special guests involved outside of the Sunday Service choir.

Ye performed Sunday Service for more than 50,000 people at Coachella 2019 -- aka the pre-Covid days, and the last time the festival was held. It's seen as one of the most unforgettable sets in the event's history, so the bar's set pretty high.

Britney Spears So Sick I Think I Might Die ... And My Sister's Using Me!!!

Published
UPDATE

4:49 PM PT -- She didn't mention it before, but for whatever reason, Britney just clarified her fiancé Sam Asghari helped her score some medicine, tweeting, "Pssss my fiancé got my medicine ... I survived !!!!"

Britney Spears says she's got a fever so bad, it feels like it could be the end ... and, yet, she's still taking shots at her sister Jamie Lynn over her book and recent interview.

Brit just posted a long rant, detailing her symptoms ... saying she had a 104-degree fever Wednesday night and complained her security wouldn't leave to get her Aleve. She admits she's being a drama queen by saying she's possibly dying, but says she never gets sick.

While Britney makes her illness sound very unpleasant -- drama queen or not -- she says it actually made it easier to stomach Jamie Lynn's interview with "Nightline" ... even though Britney's got some big issues with what was said.

Britney's got 2 bones to pick with Jamie Lynn ... saying it's ridiculous she said Britney was out of control 15 years ago. Britney says her sister was not around her enough to speak on the topic and chalks it up to Jamie Lynn trying to pump up book sales.

The other issue Britney has involves Jamie Lynn remixing some songs ... and you can read her full rant about everything.

Britney's also railing on her security for not getting her some pain meds, comparing it to the way she feels she's been treated by her family

Bottom line ... she says her relatives just love to bring her down, and that's why she prefers cats and dogs. That's ruff.

Originally Published -- 4:36 PM PT

Jamie Lynn Spears Britney Was 'Erratic, Paranoid, Spiraling' ... But I'm Not Going to Judge Her Mental State

Published | Updated

Jamie Lynn Spears says she's in no position to evaluate Britney Spears' mental state, but that's exactly what she did in her book, clearly suggesting her big sister had mental issues.

In an interview that aired Wednesday night on "Nightline," Jamie acknowledged she wrote in her memoir that over the years Britney's conduct was "erratic," "paranoid" and "spiraling."

She described an incident in the book where she says Britney took a knife, and locked herself and Jamie Lynn in a room, saying she was scared. As for why she included the story ... Jamie Lynn essentially said the book was a memoir and she was recounting stories that had an impact on her life ... namely, she says she suffers panic attacks from past trauma.

Up to now, it seemed Jamie Lynn was trying to extend an olive branch to Britney, but based on what we now know she's saying in the book, she's clearly trying to make a case that Britney has serious mental issues.

She also says her relationship with Britney fell apart during the pandemic, recounting a story where she says Britney was holding her toddler, Ivey and got in Jamie Lynn's face, cursing at her. Jamie Lynn says her 12-year-old daughter tried to mediate the situation. As for their parents' reaction ... Jamie Lynn says it was simple ... Don't Upset Britney -- and that angered Jamie Lynn.

Britney is at war with her family, and that includes Jamie Lynn, whom Britney says has tried to profit off her during the conservatorship.

Kevin Hart, Meek Mill, Michael Rubin Team Up For $15 Million Donation ... Aid to Thousands of Philly Kids

Published | Updated

Kevin Hart's now on a Philly dream team -- joining Meek Mill and Michael Rubin to give back to their community with a $15 million donation to benefit students in the greater Philadelphia area.

The "Championships" rapper and 76ers partner added Kevin to the mix for another big charitable push -- pooling their funds to support 5,000 students from underserved communities who are attending private and parochial schools.

We're told the $15 mil donation will back the students at 110 schools for the 2022-23 school year.

122320_meek_mill_kal December 2020
CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY

As we've reported ... Meek's made a tradition out of playing Santa for Philly kids each Christmas -- but he's also put forth a year-round effort to support education in his hometown.

He and Michael launched a $2 million scholarship fund for Philly students back in December 2020, providing youth with critical resources during the pandemic.

The duo partnered with REFORM Alliance just last month, hosting a special VIP experience for more than 25 children negatively impacted by the criminal justice system -- the kids went to a 76ers game, and even got to shoot around on the court.

Now, Kevin -- another born and raised Philly guy -- is in on the charitable efforts, and together they're upping the ante ... big time.

Ronnie Spector of The Ronettes Dead at 78

Published | Updated

Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of the famed, girl group, The Ronettes -- famous for songs like "Be My Baby," has died.

Ronnie's family said she died Wednesday after a brief battle with cancer, in the arms of her husband.

The Ronettes were trailblazers ... the group formed in 1957 with Ronnie, her sister, Estelle and her cousin, Nedra.

Here's how big the Ronettes were ... in 1965, they were voted the third top singing group in England, trailing only The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

The group's trajectory soared when they hooked up with legendary music producer, Phil Spector, who created the famous "Wall of Sound."

Among their hits, in addition to the 1963 smash, "Be My Baby," they scored with "Walking in the Rain," "Baby, I Love You," and "Chapel of Love." They also did a number of hit XMAS songs, including, "Frosty the Snowman," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."

The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ronnie married Phil Spector in 1968, but it was short-lived ... they separated in 1972. The way the story goes ... she fled their home barefoot because Phil had hidden all of her shoes to prevent her from leaving. He also put barbed wire around the perimeter of their home to keep her from escaping.

Ronnie, along with the other members of the group, sued Phil Spector in 1988 for unpaid royalties.

Ronnie had a resurgence of popularity in the mid-'80s... she sang on Eddie Money's hit song, "Take Me Home Tonight."

And, get this ... The Ronettes scored their second, top 10 hit just 2 weeks ago, when "Sleigh Ride" reached #10 on the Billboard Charts.

Ronnie remarried in 1982 to her manager, Jonathan Greenfield. They have 2 sons.

Ronnie was 78. RIP

Fat Joe Celeb Pals Help Bronx Fire Victims ... Much More Aid Needed

Published

Fat Joe says his famous friends are chipping in to make sure victims of that historically deadly Bronx apartment fire aren't left out in the cold -- but adds it's gonna take more than celebrities to get the job done.

Joey Crack joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" and told us what inspired him to team up with NYC Mayor Eric Adams to help survivors and those who lost loved ones and property in the deadly blaze.

As we reported ... the inferno engulfed a 19-story apartment building in the Bronx, killing 17 people -- including 8 children -- the city's deadliest fire in more than 30 years.

Fat Joe says most of the people living in the building are immigrants, and they're now homeless amid freezing cold winter temps. He's used his contacts to help jumpstart fundraising, shouting out donations they've already received from Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, LL Cool J, Nas and former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey ... among others.

It's the first big crisis for Adams, who took office on Jan. 1, and Fat Joe tells us why the new mayor can cut through political red tape to make a difference here.

He also explains how regular folks can help out too -- fatjoe.me/donatebronx -- and says 100 percent of donations go toward hotel rooms, new homes and funerals.

Kanye's Manager Bu "That’s King Ye, Why not?”... All For Kanye Meeting with Putin

Published | Updated

Kanye West is plotting on Putin -- he wants to have a sit-down meeting with the Russian leader, that is ... and his team is rooting for the ultimate link up.

We caught up with Ye's manager Bu Thiam, and he's definitely here for a Vladimir Putin meets West sit down ... despite many folks who are side-eyeing the whole situation.

Bu says he looooves the idea of the two men sitting down and having a conversation... “That’s King Ye, Why not?” he asked. Well, depends on who he's asking ...

While many people have suspicions about the Russian leader's alleged brutal tactics ... when it comes to Putin, Bu says that he loves him and backed him up by saying most leaders have to make tough decisions.

He dusted off any backlash saying, in America "we hate" everybody that’s not American ... he even doubled down on that by claiming Putin is loved by his own people.

As we previously told you ... Kanye reportedly wants to have a meeting with the Russian leader. He also is planning to start doing his Sunday Service shows in the country starting in the spring or summer.

Ye's team is divided on the topic, with some saying none of this is happening. His business associate told Billboard about the plans, but then his PR rep shot down the story, saying it was "entirely fabricated."

While Bu didn't give us any insight on WHY Ye is adamant about a meeting with Vladimir ... the Billboard story claims Kanye plans to make the country his "second home".

Trey Songz Denies Rape Allegation Made by Dylan Gonzalez

Published

Trey Songz is denying allegations he raped a woman in a Sin City hotel ... with his team telling us he will be exonerated after the legal process plays out.

Here's the deal ... artist Dylan Gonzalez is accusing Trey of raping her in what she calls a "well known" Las Vegas hotel and says she's weighing her legal options. A source close to Dylan tells us the incident happened several years ago.

But a rep for Trey tells TMZ ... "Trey and his team are confident in the legal process and that there will be an abundance of exonerating information to come over the next few weeks."

Dylan's legal team, attorneys Ariel Mitchell and George Vrabeck, tell TMZ ... they will consider pursuing any and all legal avenues and will take action in the next few weeks, with plans for filing a civil suit. They do not mention anything about filing a police report or criminal charges.

Dylan has a few singles out and got into music after starring on the UNLV women's basketball team.

Trey is already being investigated for a separate alleged sexual assault in Vegas ... as we first told you, that alleged incident went down at The Cosmopolitan.