Kanye West Here's Guidelines ... For What Record Deals Should Be!!!
Kanye West has a new vision for what record deals oughta look like in the music industry -- and his guidelines are heavily in favor of the artist and making them money.
Ye tweeted several pillars that we guess would be in his own terms and conditions as a record label exec -- except, this is what he believes the biz as a whole should adopt STAT ... so artists can stop getting screwed and have an equitable share in the product they put out.
For starters, Kanye says the artists would automatically own the copyright to the songs and recordings they churn out for a label in his ideal world, and that they'd lease them to companies for a maximum period of time of just one year.
He also says the record label/publisher would NOT get the lion's share of any profits during that one year ... Ye thinks it should be split 80/20 in the artist's favor.
There's more. Kanye also thinks artists shouldn't need anyone repping them as they navigate their own deals -- as he feels if you're working in music, you should understand it from top to bottom, with no help. He also wants contracts to be written in plain English, not lawyer talk. He says lawyers are supposed to make things easier ... not convolute the process.
It sounds basic and logical but t does NOT exist. They focus on top earners and ZERO look at the 440 stores…. Only the top few. Artists are global. That’s why their contract territory says GLOBAL
— ye (@kanyewest) September 20, 2020 @kanyewest
Royalty department in EVERY label. No more separating finance teams from the music
He goes on to say that artists deserve equity in the companies they partner with, and their songs and licenses should serve as stock in a way. Kanye also wants portals for artists to become a one-stop shop for all things royalties, deals, assets, songs, etc.
Ye ends with this thought ... while what he's saying might sound like common sense, it's not implemented that way. He also makes clear artists have the power here, as they should.
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AJ McLean Kanye Peeing on Grammy is Disrespectful
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AJ McLean would never bust a Kanye West and pee on a Grammy ... not because he doesn't have one to pee on, but because it's just downright wrong.
We got the Backstreet Boys member leaving 'DWTS' practice this week and wanted to get his take on Ye taking a leak all over one of his Grammys stuffed inside a toilet. No matter the message Kanye was trying to send ... pretty clear AJ wasn't a fan of the move.
Check out the video ... AJ says even though the Boys don't have a Grammy -- YET!!! -- he thinks what Kanye did was way outta line.
As we reported ... Kanye whizzed all over his own Grammy statuette to underscore his message about Black people needing a seat at the table. Remember, Kanye had been ranting about African-Americans not getting their fair share of the pie and instead are being exploited by companies run by Whites. He pointed the finger at the NBA and the music biz as prime examples. He also talked about ownership of his master recordings, blasting Universal Music Group and alleging they won't even give him a chance to buy them outright.
Our photog asks AJ if artists should own their own master recordings ... and the Backstreet Boy seems to somewhat agree with Kanye.
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Justin Bieber Surprises Fans Dancing to 'Holy' ... Better Belieb It's Me!!!
Justin Bieber had the surprise of a lifetime for a bunch of beliebers dancing to his new hit song ... sneaking up on them before making the big reveal.
Justin made jaws drop Friday afternoon outside a fire station in West Hollywood, where this group of youngsters was working on a dance routine to "Holy," Justin's new collab with Chance The Rapper.
We're told Justin caught wind the local youth gospel group was gonna be rehearsing a performance based on his track ... so he headed over to the firehouse to surprise them and show support.
It's pretty cool ... you can see Justin emerge from inside the fire station as the boys and girls dance and sing with their backs to him, then he posts up on the side and watches for a while behind his face mask.
Justin finally revealed himself, taking off his mask and saying a few words ... and ya gotta see everyone's reaction.
The Biebs and the kids gathered around for a cool photo too. About as good a Friday as these young fans can get!
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Justin Bieber Yellow There ... Yeezys On My Vespa!!!
Justin Bieber is no Hells Angel, but he's tooling around the City of Angels on a hot new ride ... a bright yellow Vespa and Kanye West's latest kicks!!!
The singer took to the streets Thursday on his slick Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon, zipping around Los Angeles ahead of his new music video release for "Holy."
Justin wore a white hoodie and yellow shorts, keeping it safe with a black helmet and keeping it fresh with a pair of Adidas Yeezy Foam RNNR 'Ararats' ... the latest in Kanye's futuristic footwear.
As we reported, the Biebs and Hailey paid Kanye a visit on his Wyoming ranch towards the end of July, when the couple was cruising the countryside in an RV, and now Justin's repping Ye on his feet.
Gotta love fine Italian motor scooters. Vroom vroom!!!
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Kanye West Whizzing On His Own Grammy ... Gets Twitter Time-Out
6:15 PM PT -- Honchos at Twitter tell TMZ ... the platform removed Kanye's Forbes Tweet because it revealed private information and Ye's account has since been temporarily locked.
5:42 PM PT -- Kanye says Twitter put him in time-out after his Tweet storm ... and he's using Rick Fox to get the word out.
Rick just told the world Ye's claiming Twitter kicked him off the social media platform for 12 hours ... and the timing is interesting.
The ban comes on the heels of Kanye doxing Forbes editor and chief content officer Randall Lane. In a since-deleted Tweet, Ye shared Randall's contact info, listing him in his contacts as "Randall Forbes" and calling him a "white supremacist."
10:23 AM PT -- Ye just took his thoughts on Black people needing a seat at the table to a WHOLE new level -- and that level is in the toilet ... where his Grammy is currently being rained upon.
Yes, Kanye just posted a video of himself apparently urinating on his own Grammy statuette, which is chillin' in one of his toilets at home and being subjected to a golden shower. Hard to say for sure if this is real or not, but the imagery is striking ... and gross too, we might add.
He captioned his post too and makes it clear he ain't sorry for this, writing ... "Trust me ... I WONT STOP." Presumably, this is one of the 21 Grammys Kanye has to his name -- awards he's boasted about in the past, but which clearly don't mean all that much to him these days.
Kanye West isn't easing up off his push for Black ownership in enterprise, or his gripes about not getting a chance to own the masters to his songs.
Ye was going off again early Wednesday about African-Americans, by and large, not getting their fair share of the pie -- instead, he says they're mostly used by companies run by whites. He again points to the NBA and the music biz as examples.
In his new Twitter rant, he says, "We sat back and watched Nick Cannon get canceled and we go to play ball in a bubble with black lives matter on our backs ... brothers let’s stand together for real ... there is no NBA or music industry without black people ... fair contracts matter ... ownership matters."
Insisting he's made "multi billions," Kanye says he's one of the few who can openly speak on this issue without repercussion -- the implication being he's rich enough to where he doesn't have to worry about a record label trying to muzzle him.
Speaking of that ... Ye brings the convo back to himself and his own fight for ownership of his master recordings, blasting Universal Music Group and alleging they won't even give him a chance to buy them outright -- because he feels they know he can probably afford them.
Of course, this is the same argument his nemesis, Taylor Swift, made not too long ago ... as one of Kanye's associates pointed out to him on Tuesday morning.
Ye and Taylor on the same page??? 2020 strikes again.
Originally Published -- 6:30 AM PT
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YFN Lucci Fires Gun During Music Video Shoot ... Seems Accidental
YFN Lucci came in guns blazing to a music video shoot, but didn't seem to know he had a loaded gun in his hand until it was too late.
The rapper was recently on set when someone handed him a semi-automatic weapon of some sort to use as a prop ... except it wasn't fake, this thing was very much real.
Lucci didn't seem to realize that until he pulled the trigger and fired off a round as 3 other people were gathered around him. The shot scared the crap out of everyone -- some screamed and everyone scattered. The ammo appeared to leave a hole in the studio floor.
What that could mean ... the gun was loaded with actual bullets, instead of just blanks. Obviously, super dangerous. Fortunately, it doesn't look like anyone was hurt ... at least from what we can see here.
This isn't the first run-in with clips Lucci has had lately -- you'll recall his Mercedes SUV was riddled with bullet holes in a drive-by shooting out in Atlanta, which he luckily survived. Someone else did get hit in the shoot-out though.
It's unclear where Lucci's music video was being recorded, but there are very strict rules about prop weapons in the entertainment industry. Bottom line ... someone screwed up, and it might cost 'em.
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Notorious B.I.G OG Plastic Crown Sells for Half a Mil ... Originally Cost $6!!!
The Notorious B.I.G.'s famed King of NY crown just got passed on to another for an absurd price -- over half a million bucks, which is juuust a bit north of the OG street value.
It's true, the headpiece Biggie wore in his iconic final photoshoot from 1997 -- that's been duplicated in prints thousands of times over -- just got sold off in a Sotheby's auction ... ultimately going to a bidder who was willing to spend a whopping $594,750 for the thing.
Pretty badass, right?!? Well, maybe ... keep in mind, the crown is actually made of plastic -- and ended up costing the photog who first used it with Biggie a mere $6 off the street.
Do the math ... and that's just about a 10,000,000% markup in value. And, all because the crown was worn by B.I.G. -- plus, the fact it's gone on to become a fixture in pop culture.
And, get this -- the photog, Barron Claiborne, says the crown concept almost didn't happen ... and it's apparently because Diddy wasn't feeling it at the time, allegedly saying it was gonna make Biggie look like "Burger King." Big Poppa didn't care though ... he wore it anyway.
As they say, heavy is the head that wears the crown. And, even heavier is the price tag.
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Ex-Temptations Lead Bruce Williamson Jr. OG Temps Singer Attending Funeral ... Other Motown Alums Too
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Funeral plans are underway for ex-Temptations lead singer Bruce Williamson Jr. ... and TMZ's learned the event will include the last surviving original member of the legendary group.
A source close to the family tells TMZ ... Bruce's family plans to hold the funeral in Las Vegas on September 26. We're told exact details are still in the works but here's what we do know -- Temptations founder Otis Williams will attend ... as will current member Ron Tyson and other former singers with the group.
Our sources say longtime friend Bubba Knight -- the brother of Gladys Knight and one of the Pips -- will also be there. The funeral will be small and have an exclusive invite-only list. It'll also largely be limited to family and close friends due to Nevada's COVID-19 restrictions.
Fans who want to watch the funeral will be able to do so because we're told it'll be live streamed. But, on September 25th, a day before the funeral, there will be a public viewing at Giddens Memorial Chapel where fans can pay their respects. The public viewing -- which will adhere to social distancing guidelines and a mask mandate -- begins at 4 PM PT.
Our source also says they're putting together a tribute concert gala in Vegas as well ... which will be announced once they nail down a date.
TMZ broke the story ... Bruce died earlier this month following complications with COVID-19. He was the Temptations' lead singer from 2006 until 2015.
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Rapper Lil Mosey Not Sweating Gun Case ... Surfing in Malibu!!!
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Rapper Lil Mosey has learned his lesson ... at least when it comes to surfing.
The "Pull Up" rapper doesn't seem to have a single ounce of worry as he took surfing lessons while in the middle of a very serious gun case. Surfing instructor Alex Hoffman tells TMZ ... the rapper and some friends took lessons in Malibu earlier this week.
We're told his lesson lasted nearly 2 hours ... first a tutorial on the sand where Alex taught him how to position himself on the board, paddle and then pop up on his feet. Armed with the basics, he hit the waves -- and even though he ate it, we're told Mosey did pretty well during the training sesh.
This, of course, is one helluva juxtaposition considering he's in the middle of a serious gun case. TMZ broke the story ... the 18-year-old was busted in Burbank last month after cops found 3 loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistols in the Escalade he was riding in with 3 other people.
They were all booked for felony concealed weapons, and Mosey's due back in court later this month. Until then ... catch him shredding.
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Travis Scott Can't Get Enough McDonald's
Travis Scott's latest food delivery can be summed up with one simple phrase -- he's lovin' it.
The rapper's still riding a McDonald's high after the launch of his very own meal at the fast-food chain, making him the first celeb to have one of those since a guy named Michael Jordan back in 1992.
Travis had bags of the grub and sodas delivered to his West Hollywood office Tuesday, and ya gotta think there's more than one Travis Scott Meal in there ... a $6 deal that comes with a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, lettuce, pickles, ketchup and mustard, medium fries with BBQ sauce and a Sprite.
Scott was also sporting his own Cactus Jack-themed Mickey D's shirt as he hopped in his red, $3 million LaFerrari sports car and took off.
As we reported ... the rapper got mobbed by fans at a McDonald's in Downey, CA Tuesday when he showed up to show them some love for waiting in line to try his new meal.
Like his revised McDonald's slogan says ... it's definitely lit in Trav's world.
Travis Scott McBUMRUSH ... Mayhem at Mickey D's
Travis Scott made a McDonald's look like one of his concerts ... he got mobbed by a huge throng of fans waiting in line to get his new fast food combo meal.
The rapper stopped by a Mickey D's in Downey, CA Tuesday to celebrate the release of the Travis Scott Meal, and ya gotta see the video -- people went absolutely bonkers.
Travis left his red sports car and grabbed a McDonald's employee's shirt on his way over to the huge line of people, but folks broke past the barricades and swarmed ... sending TS running for cover.
In a split second, social distancing and mask-wearing went out the window ... and all Travis did was show up and show love.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Maybe Cactus Jack's combo meal can calm these folks down ... it comes with a Quarter Pounder with cheese topped with bacon and lettuce, plus medium fries with barbecue dipping sauce and a Sprite.
BTW ... Travis is the first celeb to get his name on a McDonald's meal since Michael Jordan and the McJordan burger way back in 1992 ... no wonder fans are making such a big fuss.
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Mac Miller 2 Years After Death ... Friends & Fans Honor Late Rapper
Labor Day has a certain sadness to it this year for those still feeling the sting of the tragic loss of Mac Miller ... who died 2 years ago today.
Miller's receiving an outpouring of love as friends, fans and peers in the music biz remember the late rapper with tributes on social media, including Mustard, Wale, Juicy J, Souly Had and many more.
Mac died at just 26 on September 7, 2018 at his home in Studio City, CA. The rising hip hop star's death was ruled an accidental overdose due to mixed drug toxicity.
The news of Miller's passing hit hard for his fans and loved ones, including his ex-girlfriend, Ariana Grande ... whose relationship with the rapper was highly publicized.
The months following Mac's death were loaded with tributes from celebs in the entertainment industry and culminated with his 'Celebration of Life' concert in October 2018.
He'd also go on to be nominated for Grammy posthumously for his "Swimming" album, and later release "Circles" in 2020.
As Souly Had said -- Mac left the world with a catalog full of inspiration ... and people all over the world are feeling it today. RIP.
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Kanye West Watch Us Walk on Water ... During Sunday Service
Kanye West held what could be his most ambitious Sunday Service yet, when the whole gang walked on water during the event.
As for notable guests ... Kim Kardashian showed up. Hard to read the tea leaves, but it seems relevant, because of his self-described marital issues. But, there she was ... flying to Atlanta for the service.
Pastor Joel Osteen delivered the sermon and spoke about Jesus walking on water and how he gave Peter permission to follow suit. They all took it to heart, because after the sermon Ye, Joel and the choir all walked on H20, although not exactly.
The service was held on a lake near Pinewood Studios in ATL.
FYI ... looks like they all played it safe with social distancing.
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Village People Super Annoyed at Trump Supporters ... How Dare You Denigrate 'Y.M.C.A.'
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The Village People, with the exception of the cop, are outraged Donald Trump supporters have jacked their most-famous song and changed the words as an homage to their candidate.
Members of the group tell TMZ, they hate the idea the song is being used to promote Trump's re-election. They say, "Other than to antagonize Biden supporters, we really don't get Trump supporters fascination with 'Y.M.C.A.'" They go on to say ... "To say that we are annoyed by this type of use of 'Y.M.C.A.' is an understatement."
Problem for the group ... Victor Willis, a founding member, lead singer and songwriter, controls the copyright and he's not going to block it.
Victor has previously said, "I will continue to criticize the President when he says or does something I disagree with. And I disagree with most of his politics. But I am not a Trump hater. Therefore, I will not take the next step of bringing suit against the President simply because he loves 'Y.M.C.A.' and won't stop playing it at his rallies."
It looks like the same applies when Trump supporters jack the song.
After Trump's alleged comments about veterans, it's unlikely he'll use another Village People song ... "In the Navy."
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Pop Smoke House Where He Was Killed Sells for Millions
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Someone wants the home where Pop Smoke was gunned down ... because we found out it's about to be sold, just six months after the rapper was killed on the property.
The Hollywood Hills home was listed for $2,950,000 in July, and the house is now in escrow ... meaning the seller has accepted an offer from a prospective buyer.
We broke the story ... Pop Smoke was shot and killed by 4 masked gunmen back in February, in what looked like a home invasion robbery at the rental pad.
Bloody history aside, the 4-bedroom home is pretty awesome ... it's 2,918 square feet with views of Laurel Canyon, the L.A. skyline and the Pacific. The place is outfitted with an infinity pool, spa, fire pit lounge, koi pond and zen garden, plus some cool sundecks.
The master bedroom has a soaking tub and its own private terrace ... and the home comes with smart tech, surround sound and a 3-car garage.
Teddi Mellencamp and her husband, Edwin Arroyave used to own the home and rent it out ... and now it's on the verge of changing hands despite being the scene of Pop's grisly death.
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Tekashi6ix9ine Drops First Album Since Prison Release ... All About 'Tattletales'
Tekashi 6ix9ine dropped first album since being released from prison, and he's definitely leaning into the whole snitch thing.
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The album's called "TattleTales," and there's a special cameo in the music video, "TUTU," by none other than Blac Chyna. BC makes her presence known with pink boots and sprinkles.
The album has big stars, including Nicki Minaj, Smilez and Akon.
As we reported, Tekashi is a free man, with strings attached. He completed home confinement last month, but he has to keep his nose clean for 5 years while he's on probation.
Tekashi faced 47 years in prison but copped a deal, agreeing to testify against his former gang members. He was sentenced to 24 months back in December and had already served 13. He was released early to home confinement because of coronavirus.
Lots of folks thought Tekashi was done in the music biz because it was just too dangerous for him. Clearly, Tekashi begs to differ.