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T-Pain says Usher summoned him some years back just to casually let him know he had torpedoed the music biz by popularizing autotune ... which T says sent him into depression.

The 'Buy U a Drank' singer recently told the tale on Netflix's new docuseries 'This Is Pop' -- detailing what he claims was a seriously cold-ass encounter in 2013. Watch how T-Pain describes the alleged put-down ... apparently, they were both flying in the same airplane on the way to an award show, when T says he was called to Mr. Raymond's seat. They exchanged pleasantries, and then T-Pain says Usher laid in.

According to T, Usher believed T-Pain had tainted professional singing for guys (like Usher) who use their natural voice, and he supposedly said it with a straight face.

T-Pain says he was shocked and that, before he knew it, he realized he'd fallen into a depression, which he says lasted 4 years -- something he seems to be attributing to the Usher moment itself. It's a wild story.

Of course, people are jumping to T-Pain's defense in light of this, assuring him he not only did NOT ruin music, but might've actually revolutionized it ... considering every other famous rapper/singer these days uses some form of autotune.

And, for argument's sake ... even if you agree with Usher's sentiment, why break it to someone in that manner, and so randomly??? Seems like a jerk move -- on its face, anyway. We'll see if Usher offers a different version of the story.

Billie Eilish is both apologizing for and clarifying a recent video that surfaced of the singer using an Asian slur and seemingly mocking Asian accents ... saying the clip isn't entirely as it appears.

Eilish came under fire last week after a TikTok showed her mouthing the Asian slur "c***k" as she sang along to Tyler, the Creator's song, "Fish." The song's entire verse is, "Slip it in her drink and in the blink, of an eye, I can make a white girl look c***k."

The mashed-up video then shows Eilish speaking gibberish, which many believed to be her mocking an Asian accent.

In an apology Monday, Billie said the video was from when she was 13 or 14, "I mouthed a word from a song that at the time I didn't know was a derogatory term used against members of the Asian community. I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word."

She says the song was the only time she had ever heard that word, and it was never used by a member of her family or anyone else around her.

As for the second part of the clip, Billie says she was absolutely in no way mocking Asian accents, and it was simply a language she made up -- using it with pets, friends and family -- she says, "Regardless of how it was interpreted, I did not mean for any of my actions to have caused hurt to others and it absolutely breaks my heart that it is being labeled now in a way that might cause pain to people hearing it."

Wolfgang Puck loves seeing famous faces sitting down at tables in his restaurants, but he can't always put a face with a name ... Ariana Grande had him thinking she was in school.

The celeb chef joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday and we asked him about hosting tons of celebs at his famous restaurants in Los Angeles, usually for special occasions.

Wolfgang usually goes up to the table for a few kind words, but even he admits he doesn't always know who he's talking to off the bat -- as it played out, hilariously, with Ariana recently.

Ya gotta hear the way Wolfgang broke the ice with Ariana at Hotel Bel-Air, where she was dining with new hubby Dalton Gomez. It's a hilarious bit of mistaken identity, with a happy ending.

Wolfgang's getting a pass with Ariana ... and it sounds like there were no surprises when another famous couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, dined out at his spot at the Pendry Hotel in WeHo.

The restaurant mogul is the subject of a new documentary, appropriately called "Wolfgang," coming out Friday on Disney+ ... and he shared some details about his challenging upbringing in Austria, and those circumstances made him determined to make it in America.

After DMX gave it to us for the better part of 3 decades, the late rapper's label returned the favor and covered his funeral expenses.

According to X's probate docs, obtained by TMZ, Def Jam Recordings paid the bill Brooks Memorial Home Inc. in Yonkers, NY sent to the family. The receipt, dated May 5, 2021, covered the services of Earl Simmons ... X's full government name.

According to the document, those costs included the transfer of remains to the funeral home, embalming ... plus the hearse and flowers.

There's no specific mention of the awesome monster truck that carried DMX's casket to Barclays Center celebration of life in Brooklyn.

Speaking of which, that customized red casket went for $7,450, according to the docs. The total tab Def Jam paid came to $35,228.13.

As we reported ... DMX died at the age of 50, following an overdose back in April.

His kids and famous friends like Nas, Eve and the original Ruff Ryders delivered powerful words at his service.

Bobby Shmurda might not have any kids of his own -- but still wanted to make someone's dad feel special on Father's Day ... rolling out the proverbial red carpet for those in his own backyard who needed it most.

The NYC-based rapper -- who's fresh out of prison after a long six years -- gave back to the community Sunday ... namely, by helping out struggling dads from different men's shelters in his home borough of Brooklyn with free grub, haircuts by pro barbers (pro bono) and even toys for their own kiddos.

We're told Bobby made at least a couple stops on his Father's Day tour -- first hitting the Win Shelter ... and then moving on over to the CAMBA Men's Shelter after that, while serving up hot meals from a Caribbean-inspired brunch menu ... which had some sweet dishes to choose from.

Some of the food available included jerk salmon, curried chickpeas, stew chicken, mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, mixed veggies, fried chicken wings and even waffles. Good eatin', no doubt. BTW, Bobby's godchildren were on hand to assist with the hot food handouts.

Speaking of kids ... our sources say Bobby made sure to hook up the kids who were on-site as well, handing out gaming consoles, Hot Wheels sets, board games, action figures, footballs, jump ropes, princess-themed costumes ... and a whole Santa bag of other goodies.

DMX's fiancee posted a Father's Day message that is both incredibly sweet and heartbreaking.

Desiree Lindstrom shared a video of an incredibly touching moment between X and their son, Exodus, where dad was teaching the child his ABCs in song. The delight on Exodus' face is palpable.

Exodus was born in 2016 and captured the heart of his devoted dad.

Desiree also posted a message to her man ... "SCREAMING HAPPY FATHERS DAY ALL THE WAY TO THE HEAVENS ABOVE…! Earl you were such an amazing, protective, loving, inspiring, hands on, incredible father! I thank God that @exodus_simmons1 had a father like you! I appreciate every moment you had spent with Exodus… In my eyes you are the best father, a mother could of asked for when it comes to her child! Thanking God and you for all these memories of you being a wonderful father! I love and miss you so much… I know in my heart you are our guardian angel 👼 🙏! Please continue to watch over us!"

DMX, who is survived by his 15 children, died in April.

He was 50 years old.

Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker do not seem to be afraid of heights -- because they went waaay up for an impromptu performance ... and then, MGK went a little bit higher.

The two rockers strutted their stuff Saturday afternoon for a rooftop concert at Venice Beach ... which they told their fans about last minute, in what turned into a flash mob type event that tons of people came out for, or simply caught live if they happened to be in the area.

Kelly was on lead vocals and guitar, while Trav handled the drums (obvs). The duo -- who are also dating some of the hottest female stars in Hollywood, Megan Fox and Kourtney Kardashian -- appeared to be promoting a new song of theirs, "A Girl Like You," which is on the season 1 soundtrack for Amazon's "Paradise City."

Their show seemed to go off without a hitch -- with MGK shouting out Travis and also giving a nod to what appears to be the tail end of the pandemic here in the States ... something the crowd certainly agreed with, as mostly everyone is dealing with COVID fatigue.

However, there were moments during the concert where Kelly got up onto the speakers near him -- balancing while also rocking out. It was cool and all, but also ... high-key freaky. One misstep, and the dude could've taken a nasty tumble and hurt himself -- maybe worse.

All's well that ends well, though -- MGK ended up fine ... and not just, he was met with a crush of people waiting to greet him on his way out -- which we caught on video as well.

There's no question -- he's a rock star ... and got the appropriate treatment upon his exit.

A Foo Fighters concert was swarming with more than just fans, with a protest against the show's vaccine rules raging on outside the venue while the band raged on inside.

Anti-vaxxers showed up Tuesday night to the Canyon Club in the San Fernando Valley where they protested the Foo Fighters requiring vaccine proof in order to attend their show.

Several dozen protesters showed up, carrying signs that read "Foo Fighters fight to bring segregation back" as well as "event for vaccinated only, unvaccinated not allowed." Ricky Schroder -- who helped the Kenosha shooter post bail -- was also there, he's been very public in his stance against vaccines.

One protester reportedly said, "And what they’re doing is saying only vax people, separating humans is not OK. Those of us who have healthy immune systems should be able to enjoy these freedoms just like everybody else."

Concertgoers were not thrilled to see the protesters. One person took to Twitter and said, "Some real low-quality humans at the @foofighters show in agoura hills CA tonight." Someone else wrote, "This is what happens when you just want to attend a @foofighters concert at a small local concert hall and the next thing out know you’re a ‘Vaccine Segregationist.'"

The concert -- considered to be California's first full-capacity show since the lockdown -- went on without a hitch ... FF played some of their biggest hits in the 20+ song set.

Jessie J's condition with Ménière’s disease has been compounded exponentially ... now she's also suffering from major acid reflux that's causing nodules in her throat.

The singer revealed the new medical drama while explaining why she posted video of herself quietly singing her new single, "I Want Love." Jessie, who choked back tears during the  video, said her speech therapist asked her to record herself singing quietly so they could hear her voice and mark any progress.

Problem is ... Jessie said back in February she started feeling a constant burn in her throat. She said she ignored it and presumed it was fatigue from the studio -- but a doctor eventually told her she has major acid reflux and nodules in her throat.

She said the acid reflux was presumably caused, at least partially, by steroids she had taken to treat her Ménière’s disease, but the root cause is still not clear.

Jessie immediately went on anti-acids and a 2-week run of no talking -- but she says it didn't stop the nodules from forming. It's been an incredible ordeal ... she says 6 different doctors have had 8 cameras down her nose, had to adjust her diet to eat the same 6 foods for 3 months, plus blood work, acupuncture and massages.

All of that seemed to work because the nodules went away ... but she says doctors have told her if she continues singing, they'll come right back.

Jessie's trying to fight through it, though, saying, “I am doing all I can to mend whatever it is that is broken to be able to sing these songs live. I will not mime. I refuse."

Big Boi is opening the doors to "The Dungeon" ... he's hosting a few lucky folks for sleepovers in the iconic home where he recorded some of his biggest hits with Andre 3000!!!

TMZ has learned Big Boi's hosting 3 overnight stays at the Atlanta home in June and July for only $25 a night via Airbnb, but ya gotta be quick on the trigger ... once the listing goes live next week, it's first come first serve.

For those lucky few who snag a spot, it'll be like a hip hop fantasy come true -- including guided access to the home's legendary basement where Outkast and Goodie Mob recorded some of their breakout hits, and where signatures from the artists still remain on the walls.

Guests are also invited to kick back and play records in rooms styled to pay homage to important Atlanta locations that inspired The Dungeon Family's music ... oh and feel free to check out a new state-of-the-art studio decked out with Yamaha audio equipment.

Yes, they've made some upgrades over their 2 decades of mega-success.

Anyone in the U.S. can cross their fingers and hope to score a booking when the application goes live on June 25 at 1 PM ET. Winners who live within 30 miles of Atlanta will get a bonus -- transport to and from the house in an Escalade. Otherwise, the travel part's on your tab.

Big Boi, who purchased the home 2 years ago, is partnering with Airbnb for the overnight stays ... and Airbnb's making a donation to the Atlanta Public Schools Music Department to expand resources and increase access to music education for K-12 students.

The $25 price tag sounds too good to be true, but it's legit ... we're told it's in honor of the 25th anniversary of Outkast's 1996 album "ATLiens."

The whole experience sounds cool as hell -- Big Boi remembers spending hours back in the day hanging out in the basement, writing rhymes and making beats at all hours of the night with Andre and other ATL hip hop pioneers.

Lil Pump's not just throwing his support behind naming Migos to rap's Mt. Rushmore ... he's anointing them the G.O.A.T.!!!

The "Gucci Gang" rapper and his entourage were in the middle of a serious L.A. shopping spree at A Bathing Ape, and we asked him about the whole "Mt. Rushmore" debate that went down last week.

ICYMI ... the prominent hip-hop outlet, My Mixtapez, tweeted its Mt. Rushmore of Atlanta's best. Shockingly, Migos was NOT on the list. Jeezy, Future, Rich Homie Quan and Lil Baby took the honors.

Since then ... the omission has gotten attention from a lot of culture writers, including The New Yorker ... which recently penned an article headlined, "Migos Would Like to Be on Rap's Mt. Rushmore."

So, why the diss from My Mixtapez? Takeoff reportedly said he thinks they're being counted out because they're a group, with Offset suggesting a quick fix -- "It should be a little circle with all three heads like boom, boom, boom on that Mt. Rushmore, 'cause we done birthed a lot of this."

FWIW ... Migos thinks T.I., Gucci Mane, OutKast and Lil Jon also belong on the Mt. Rushmore of Atlanta's greatest. But, Lil Pump is certain Migos should be right up there with them ... regardless of being a group.

Meg Thee Stallion's new music video ridicules, harasses and runs over a politician -- and it also has GOP politician DeAnna Lorraine feeling like there's a target on her back.

Lorraine, a former California candidate for the U.S. House, tells TMZ ... she thinks MTS is potentially referring to her in the new "Thot S**t" music video, which Meg dropped last week.

Lorraine says she feels that way given their past beef -- and because the video is all about Meg getting revenge on a conservative politician who trashes her and her music.

That sounds really familiar to Lorraine, who you'll recall slammed MTS and Cardi B by tweeting they had "set the entire female gender back by 100 years with their disgusting & vile ‘WAP’ song."

Lorraine says MTS fans came after her, flooding her phone with thousands of texts, calls, emails and IG messages ... some even threatening to kill her.

She provided some of the messages, which include alleged threats to roll up to her house, and reference the "Thot S**t" video taking aim at a politician. Other messages call out Lorraine's hypocrisy for saying zilch when white artists -- like Miley Cyrus -- sexualize their songs ... without any conservative backlash.

Lorraine -- who praised the Kenosha shooter last September and was indefinitely suspended from Twitter for continually spreading misinformation -- says it's a shame MTS fans are blowing her up because she's just "trying to help these people see that they can be more than just their 'WAP.'"

Gunna's gonna need a neck brace and darker shades after his star-studded birthday bash ... 'cause that's a lot of shiny bling around his neck and wrists.

The Georgia rapper turned 28 on Monday and went all out for his birthday event, which kicked off with dinner at an Aston Martin dealership -- his guests dined inside a freakin' vault!

That makes sense ... since there were stacks on stacks on stacks of cash sitting right on the dinner table. Gotta eat your greens.

The crew later hit up the Highlight Room in Hollywood where some heavy hitmakers rolled through ... including Drake, Future and Young Thug. Doja Cat, Tristan Thompson, Wale and Nav also showed face at the bash.

The party was presented by Noir Blanc Champaign, owned by Cash of XO Records, so the bottles were flowing. You can see Gunna's friends showered him with even more cash ... including music producer Wheezy, who shelled out a cool $20k "for the years we didn't know each other."

Then there's the bling. So. Much. Bling. Gunna's pretty stoked about his massive diamond-encrusted pinky ring. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

One thing is crystal clear ... it pays to be Gunna 'cause he's an incredibly well-liked dude. As we reported ... Lil Baby gifted Gunna $100k for his bday. Hell, even strangers love Gunna.

It's rare when a conversation about how to spend half a million bucks gets highjacked, but that's exactly what happened to Gunna when a hyped-up fan hilariously rolled by ... armed with compliments and a megaphone.

We got the "Dollaz On My Head" rapper leaving Dior in Bev Hills on Monday celebrating his 28th birthday. Dude did a ton of shopping ... as one might expect after Lil Baby gifted him a cool $100k.

Gunna was telling us how he was going to top Lil Baby's gift when it comes time to return the favor -- and just as Gunna was dishing deets on how much he was going to drop for his own bday weekend a car rolls up and steals the show.

Watch the clip ... the dude in the car paid Gunna tons of compliments. And, when our photog told the fan it was Gunna's bday -- well, ya gotta see how the fan leveled up.

ICYMI ... Gunna said Lil Baby, who he refers to as his twin, gifted him $100k for his birthday.

Gladys Knight is doing something she probably hasn't done a lot of during her career -- and that's taking the backseat on a ditty ... which is exactly what she did for her hubby.

Check out this music video that Gladys helped produce for her husband of 20 years, William McDowell, who's apparently diving into the country music scene ... and making a splash with his first offering called "Country Water" -- which is all about homegrown moonshine!

Watch it for yourself ... it's pretty damn catchy, as Will takes lead singing duties -- and his iconic wife actually backs him up. Sounds like she makes a cameo on the chorus.

We're hearing from people close to GK that this video was actually shot on her and Will's property in North Carolina -- and that it was created during the pandemic. We're told Gladys surprised Will by getting it made ... and we gotta say, it looks (and sounds) great.

Will -- who married Gladys in 2001, and is a whopping 14 years younger than her too -- might seriously have a potential recording career on his hands if he wants to pursue this any further. And, who better to guide him than the one and only?!?