Kanye West Living In MB Stadium To Finish 'DONDA' Album!!!
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Kanye West's listening party might be over and done with -- but the man hasn't left the venue where he held it ... he's made the stadium a home until he finishes his album.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Mr. West will miss his weekend performance at Rolling Loud in Miami because he has literally moved into Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
MBS was the location of Kanye's massive album party Thursday -- where scores of people came together to jam out to his new offering, "DONDA," and watch Ye perform.
So apparently Kanye West is still walking around Mercedes-Benz Stadium in his #DONDA release party fit. 💀😂 pic.twitter.com/JTwCpKXKzr
— 𝐕𝐢𝐜. (@victoriamcbryde) July 24, 2021 @victoriamcbryde
We're told Ye is STILL IN THE BUIDLING ... and Kanye and team have created a studio space, living quarters and even have a chef to prepare his meals inside MBS.
Kanye was spotted at the Atlanta United soccer game Saturday wearing the exact same outfit he wore at the Donda event ... and had fans wondering -- what are you doing here, bro??? Well, we have the answer -- to put it simply, the guy is still working.
.@KanyeWest at the Atlanta United game today at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7.24.21) pic.twitter.com/Wso1uURqXF
— Photos Of Kanye West (@PhotosOfKanye) July 24, 2021 @PhotosOfKanye
We're told Kanye was so inspired by the "Donda" crowd, he wanted to stay in Atlanta and finish things up ... with a new August 6 release date as the goal.
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It's unclear if any totally new tracks will come from Kanye's stadium visit -- or if he's just mixing and mastering -- but it's certainly a unique way to get things done.
Soooo ... if you're a night shift worker there and you hear some eerie sounds emanating from the lower deck somewhere -- don't stress, it's not the Phantom of the Opera. It's just Ye!
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Britney Spears BFF/Agent Cade Hudson Speaks Out ... Time to #FreeBritney!!!
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Cade Hudson -- one of Britney Spears' best friends and longtime agent -- is finally breaking his silence on her conservatorship sitch ... agreeing with what many have already demanded -- and that would be, #FreeBritney.
The career talent agent just posted a message on social media that is sure to give the #FreeBritney crowd a vote of confidence -- because he says it is, indeed, time to release her from the clutches of the conservatorship ... which he suggests has been a long time coming.
Cade writes, "I've kept my mouth shut for 12 + years on Britney. Enough is enough. After getting thousands of death threats, getting water bottles thrown at my head in bars from bystanders telling me I'm brainwashing her - Britney I'm now speaking up."
He goes on to detail what led up to Britney's breakdown back in '07 ... saying, "Britney who was accused of some errors as a new mom at 26 with 100 cameras in her face daily waiting to document any wrong move she did gets placed under a never-ending conservatorship?"
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To that he says ... "Sexism at its best."
CH goes all in, writing ... "This is a violation of someone's basic human rights that were taken away. I've kept my mouth shut out of the fear of losing my job as her agent and losing the career I worked my ass off for 15 years to build, out of threats from the man we all know who, but I won't even dignify mentioning his name. I’m officially done being quiet."
Britney Spears celebrating her birthday with her boyfriend Sam Asghari and her best friend, Cade Hudson. pic.twitter.com/Ym4SMHvOS2
— World Britney 🌎 (@Britney96192745) December 2, 2020 @Britney96192745
He says he knows the real Britney Spears -- the one who's spent Xmas with him, who's volunteered at dance classes for underprivileged kids, and adds ... "The system and the public failed her. Her new attorney is the best of the best and knows that the work has just begun but it’s progress & hope and that’s all we can ask for now until action can be taken."
Cade finishes his thoughts this way ... "I'll end with a few things, one person who was in her life (again legally can't name names) was also silenced by the people around her. You silencers know who you are. This person has her best interest at heart."
It's unclear who exactly Cade is referring to here, but our best guess ... it may well be her longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, who has since resigned from his post.
Brit's BFF adds one more warning shot to people he considered against Britney. He says, "Even if people don't see it now, it will come out. To the ones who should be worried, you know who you are too. The nonsense needs to end, and the healing process needs to begin. The lord tends to pay those people back in his own ways. So for the first time I'm publicly saying #FREEBRITNEY."
He also says it's "Time to get my girl and best friend back" and caps it off with a plea to his old pal, writing ... "@Britneyspears it's your time - the world is listening and is on your side. The world NEEDS you freed and back."
This is mega, BTW ... Cade is someone who's in Britney's inner circle -- and if he feels this way, it seems like the dynamic in the conservatorship is shifting -- at least in the court of public opinion, anyway.
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Blueface Attacked By Fan ... After Beating TikToker in MMA Match
2:54 PM PT -- The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office tells TMZ they arrested Jonathan Parra, 25, last night at the Florida State Fairgrounds. He is charged with Trespass of an Occupied Structure.
We've also obtained Parra's mugshot from his arrest.
Rapper Blueface won his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship exhibition match Friday night against TikToker Kane Trujillo, but it was anything but a total crowd-pleaser, because one disgruntled fan jumped in the ring swinging ... and all hell broke loose.
WE GOT AN EVEN BIGGER FIGHT AFTER THE #BOXING EXHIBITION ENDS!@bluefacebleedem throwing BOMBS!
— FITE (@FiteTV) July 24, 2021 @FiteTV
See #BKFC19 on #FITE
Order HERE: https://t.co/htnOiICcNA pic.twitter.com/3pxMW7kqdC
In what was billed as a battle of the influencers, Blueface crushed Trujillo ... winning a lopsided victory by decision. As he celebrated -- hand up in the air -- the fan jumped the ropes and, it looks like one swing made contact with the rapper.
Blueface went ballistic as security swarmed the ring, tackling the jerk, but that didn't end the craziness. The rapper continued swinging and was held back as cops appeared in an attempt to control the situation.
The attacker was dragged out of the ring and eventually things calmed down and the fights continued as fans watched on FITE TV.
Blueface won his fight tonight (before getting in another fight with a fan) pic.twitter.com/NOplh3U5kB
— adam22 (@adam22) July 24, 2021 @adam22
As for who got the worst of it ... it's still Trujillo. Blueface barraged him with punches ... his right hand was definitely on point.
As for the other influencers on the exhibition card ... YouTuber and TikTok star DK Money vs. Nick Ireland, and a TikTok battle between Evil Hero and Dakota Olave.
Originally published -- 5:54 AM PT
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Morgan Wallen 'GMA' Talk Over N-Word Rings Hollow Nashville NAACP Prez Says
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Morgan Wallen explaining on 'GMA' his rationale behind using the n-word is gibberish ... so says the NAACP Nashville chapter president.
Sheryl Guinn tells TMZ ... she believes Morgan's sit-down with Michael Strahan is the result of Morgan being sorry not for what he said but for getting caught using the racial slur. She says it's a travesty Morgan never thought about the meaning behind the hateful word.
What's more ... Sheryl says his white privilege was on full display for never caring to learn the hurt that word causes. And, she's is dismayed by Morgan trying to contextualize the word ... saying he used it in a "playful" way.
Sheryl does believe Morgan can turn things around ... and she has a punch list.
According to Sheryl ... Morgan can make amends by addressing serious issues, like inequality. Morgan broached the subject a bit when he told Strahan "it would seem" country music has a race problem ... though he hasn't thought about it too much.
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Sheryl says he can start in his hometown of Nashville ... where Morgan is hugely influential.
The NAACP honcho says while Morgan's at it, he should encourage his community to get vaccinated. Less than 40% of Nashville got the shot ... and it's devastating marginalized communities.
She says he can also take up other issues ... like speaking out against voter suppression.
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Travis Scott Mayhem in Miami!!! Pimping His Spiked Seltzer
Word to the wise ... whenever Travis Scott gets behind the wheel expect a large crowd of devoted fans, and expect 'em to go wild.
The rapper had Miami in sicko mode Friday as he promoted his spiked seltzer, CACTI Agave. Travis is primarily in the 305 for his headlining performance at the Rolling Loud Music Festival, but clearly decided to put some beverage biz on his agenda too.
Travis handed out a bunch of adult beverages at a pop-up and cruised around downtown Miami in the CACTI truck doing what he does best ... struttin' his stuff.
Travis Scott Cacti pic.twitter.com/swp7hVKuqE
— SAD NETS FAN (@nickm_619) July 23, 2021 @nickm_619
Trav co-founded the drink brand, so he reps for it whenever possible ... but fans were still taken aback by his appearance. They should've seen it coming ... after all, CACTI is the official seltzer sponsor for Rolling Loud. Duh.
Cactus Jack's becoming as well known for his marketing skills as his music. You might recall, back in March, he pulled a similar stunt in La La land ... causing a chaotic scene at several grocery stores.
Travis and a poor cashier were engulfed by a massive crowd while he signed autographs ... all while he tried to pay for his gum.
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Kanye West Gets His Own Day in Atlanta ... Along with Award for Mom
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Kanye West treated his fans to a one-of-a-kind experience at his "Donda" listening event, but he also received a couple gifts after the show ... including one honoring his late mother.
According to our sources ... the City of Atlanta presented the rapper a plaque backstage after his performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kanye was born in ATL, and the city officially proclaimed July 22 Kanye West Day.
On top of that, and perhaps more importantly to Kanye ... Kevin James -- President of ATL's HBCU, Morris Brown College -- was also on hand to give Ye a token of appreciation on behalf of his mom, Donda West, who taught at the school for nearly 2 decades and was Chair of the English Department.
The award presented to Kanye is called the Dr. Donda West Meritorious Service to Morris Brown College. Donda started her career at Morris Brown, which was founded in 1881 and is the only HBCU in Georgia founded by Black people.
As we reported ... Kanye revealed his new album, named after his mother, Thursday night in front of a huge crowd that included Kim Kardashian and their kids, along with Khloe.
Our sources say his family was with him when he received the awards backstage, and he got super emotional about it.
The listening event also included one major surprise at the very end -- a collab with Jay-Z.
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Morgan Wallen I Meant to Use N-Word Playfully ... It's Ignorant and Wrong
Morgan Wallen says when he used the n-word after partying with his friends, he thought it was "playful" ... but he admits that's ignorant, and he now knows it's wrong.
The country music star gave his first interview about the scandal, the result of a video shot by a neighbor on January 31 in Nashville and obtained by TMZ ... showing Wallen casually dropping the slur while making fun of one of his friends.
Morgan tells Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" ... he wasn't using the racial epithet in a derogatory manner, because he insists up until that point in his life he had never thought about it being wrong.
JANUARY 2021
He repeats he was simply ignorant about what it meant, but says he knows now ... after conversations with Black leaders.
Wallen admits he can't fully understand why it makes Black people so upset because he's not in their shoes ... but says he's done a lot of thinking and soul-searching about it, along with a 30-day stint in rehab.
Morgan may have stirred up one more controversy before he was done answering questions, too. He told Strahan "it would seem" that country music has a race problem ... but he hasn't thought about it too much.
As we've reported ... the country singer has mostly remained out of the public eye since the video came out, but has gotten back to performing a little in recent weeks.
The scandal has also not hurt his popularity much, and he's even won some awards despite it.
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Kim Kardashian Attends Kanye's 'Donda' Album Event ... Family Support Stays Strong
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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are going through a divorce, but they're still celebrating each other's milestones as a family ... including the release of his 10th studio album.
Kim and all 4 of their kids -- North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm -- are part of the large crowd Thursday night at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to enjoy a listening event for Kanye's highly anticipated "Donda" album ... named after his late mother.
One thing is very clear, even though they're not together anymore, the former couple believes it's important to continue supporting one another in their lives and careers.
Along with Kim and the kiddos, Khloe's also in tow to show her support for Ye ... who she recently called her "brother for life."
.@itskerrii doesn't need you to let her do anything.
— Beats by Dre (@beatsbydre) July 21, 2021 @beatsbydre
Scored and edited by @kanyewest
Featured track is “No Child Left Behind”
DONDA is officially out in 48 hours! ⏲ pic.twitter.com/9eZN6XJM41
As we reported ... the first sample we got from "Donda" came via a Beats by Dre commercial this week, featuring his track "No Child Left Behind" and track star Sha'Carri Richardson.
Kanye's 10th album is his first since going gospel in 2019 with "Jesus Is King" ... but it's expected to continue to have a religious theme. For his listening party, he gifted 5,000 tickets to faculty, staff and students from some Atlanta HBCUs.
As for him and Kim ... we broke the story in February that she filed for divorce after 7 years of marriage, but things have remained amicable. Kanye's since been linked to supermodel, Irina Shayk.
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Keyshia Cole Breaks Silence on Mom's Death ... 'Can't Really Even Find The Words'
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Keyshia Cole is speaking out for the first time since her mother's tragic death ... sharing what she loved about her mom and what she will miss the most now that she's gone.
Cole posted a series of photos with Frankie Lons Thursday with a lengthy caption to honor her late mother. She opens with, "This is so hard man. Can’t really even find the words. SMH. I honestly don’t even know how to feel. You can never prepare for something like this... Ever!!! but you will be missed."
While Keisha and Frankie weren't close while the singer was growing up -- she was raised by friends and relatives -- the two connected later in life, and their relationship was profiled on "Keyshia Cole: My New Life."
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In Keisha's tribute to Frankie, she says, "I created this post to show my love and appreciation for your life and I would like to thank my fans + supporters, shooot your supporters and fans, for being here with us during these hard times, and the love that you all have for us.....the love for all your children was definitely felt."
It appears the family is organizing to have a service for Frankie in the near future with all of her kids in attendance, Keisha says, "When u said all you want is to have ALL OF YOUR CHILDREN IN ONE PLACE, AT ONE TIME meant the most to you, And I’m completely down to do that for you."
TMZ broke the story ... Frankie died at home in Oakland on Sunday, her birthday. Her son, Sam, told us she died of an overdose after a decades-long struggle with addiction.
Frankie was just 61.
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Kanye West HOV & Ye Reunite!!! ... For Song on 'DONDA'
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The seemingly impossible just happened at the end of Kanye's album release event in Atlanta ... Jay-Z hopped on a track, when many believed the two were still enemies.
Kanye played "DONDA" for tens of thousands of fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Thursday. West wore all red -- a look he made famous back in 2010 -- and danced, paced and at times stood totally still while the tracks blasted through stadium speakers.
The album had audio snippets from Kanye's late mother, Donda West, throughout and featured a ton of features -- including Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Don Toliver, Vory and Playboi Carti.
However, it wasn't until the final track where the biggest stunner of the night came ... a song with Jay-Z. What's more, Jay's producer and engineer, Young Guru, tweeted, "HOV did the verse today!!!! At 4pm" ... a possible reason the event's start was delayed almost 2 hours.
If you haven't followed along over the years, the feud between Kanye and HOV came to light in 2014 when Jay and Beyonce didn't attend Kim and Kanye's wedding. Things seemed to spiral after that, including public comments Kanye made during a show in 2016 when he lashed out at Jay-Z for not checking in on his family after Kim was robbed at gunpoint in Paris.
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From there ... Jay-Z dissed Kanye on his "4:44" album and Kanye eventually split from Jay's streaming service, Tidal. The two hadn't collabed or been publicly cordial up until Thursday.
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Kanye and Jay-Z's collab album "Watch the Throne" will celebrate its 10-year anniversary next month ... and the new track Kanye released already has fans begging for a sequel.
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Nile Rodgers Come for Madonna ... Stay for the Roller Disco Vibes, Baby!!!
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Music legend Nile Rodgers is giddy talking about his roller disco event, which is truly on a roll 'cause Madonna's playing host for his grand opening event.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee joined "TMZ Live" Wednesday and told us about the awesome vibes going down at his new roller skating palace just outside L.A., dubbed the DiscOasis. Nile's described it as a theatrical journey, uniting "art, light, disco, dance, live performance, roller skating and good times."
So, yeah ... the experience has something for everyone, and it's a beautiful outdoor setting in the South Coast Botanic Garden of Palos Verdes Estates.
Nile, co-founder of the iconic band Chic, will serve as a "Groovemaster" ... and he says Madonna -- along with music mogul Jimmy Iovine and his wife, actress Liberty Ross -- will host the shindig tonight.
Don't roller skate? No problem! Nile says the 10,000-square-foot, outdoor space also offers a dance floor.
Now, he wouldn't spill the beans on whether Madge is gonna slip on a pair of skates, but whoever shows up will also be helping Nile's We Are Family Foundation ... a charity he founded in 2001 to empower youth who are changing the world with innovation.
DiscoOasis is gonna be open at least through Labor Day weekend ... and the Sunday shows include a "Sunset Series" -- with legendary DJs.
First up is Grandmaster Flash on August 1!!! Get the message? IYKYK
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Dillon Francis For the Love of Artists, Bartenders & Servers ... GO. GET. THE. JAB!!!
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Dillon Francis is imploring everyone to follow in his footsteps and get vaccinated. Yes, it can be a matter of life or death, but also ... it can save his and other people's jobs.
We got the famous DJ leaving Erewhon Tuesday in L.A. and wondered if he had any trepidation about the rising COVID-19 cases -- largely due to the Delta variant -- and how it could affect his upcoming tour dates.
For starters ... the "GO OFF (Nuthin' 2 It)" hitmaker tells us most of his scheduled gigs are outdoors. So, all good there. But, that being said, Dillon also didn't waste time urging anyone and everyone to get vaccinated because, as he put it ... "I'm trying to have a job."
He's not just looking out for numero uno, either -- Dillon says vaccination especially helps those in the service industry like servers and bartenders, whose livelihoods almost completely disappeared during pandemic shutdowns.
He tells us he got the shot as soon as he could -- and it's that kinda effort that undoubtedly helped reopen America and allow for packed concerts and restaurants to be a thing again.
We asked him if anti-vaxxers are to blame for the resurgence in cases. Dillon wouldn't go that far, but his message is crystal clear. Get the jab.
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Dolly Parton Back in Playboy Bunny Mode ... Just for Hubby's Bday!!!
You can bet Dolly Parton's getting a big O-vation tonight for the surprise she put together for her husband's 79th birthday.
The legendary country singer got dolled up in an iconic Playboy Bunny suit Tuesday to give Carl -- her husband of 57 years -- a special 79th birthday gift ... recreating her original Playboy cover from 1978.
Carl's a lucky dude, because the fact is ... DP's plan was to share this gift with the whole world. You might recall, she told "60 Minutes Australia" back in March 2020 she'd be down to pose again when she's 75.
Fast forward to now ... Dolly is 75, but, as she explained, Playboy's not in any condition to make it happen. No matter, she's holding up her end of the bargain.
Goes without saying ... Dolly's still got it, and she ain't afraid to toot her own horn as you see in the video. She asks -- rhetorically, we think -- if Playboy should pay her anyway for a photoshoot.
Put us down for a "yes," Dolly ... and happy birthday, Carl!!!
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Fat Joe Called Biz Markie's wife every week ... For Year Before Death
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Biz Markie had a partner in rhyme pulling for him and his family up to the very end -- it was none other than Fat Joe, who provided emotional support like you wouldn't believe ... TMZ has learned.
The recently deceased MC's wife, Tara Hall, tells us that out of all the scores of people who reached out while Biz was ill ... Joe was the one who was always there, from the moment Biz entered the hospital last June due to complications from diabetes.
Tara says as soon as Joe heard the news, he was on the phone every single week with her -- checking in on Biz, on Tara and the rest of their loved ones to see if they needed anything, and to let them know he was there for them ... financially or otherwise.
She tells us Joe was literally willing to open his own wallet to whatever Biz's family needed during his hospital stay -- one which was fairly isolated due to COVID-19 regulations that really only allowed Tara to be by her husband's side, day in and day out.
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Even now, after his death, Tara says Joe has offered to cover memorial or funeral costs -- however, she's politely turned him down each time, saying they don't need the dough ... but that she appreciates the gesture.
Joe's admiration for and dedication to Biz and his family are a sign of how beloved and respected he was in NYC's hip-hop community -- and while he's one of the few who went above and beyond, we're told several others were keeping tabs on the sitch.
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Tara says other icons like Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane and Treach similarly checked in on their friend.
As we first reported ... Biz Markie died last week at the age of 57, and it's clear his family's eternally grateful for the love and support so many showed.
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Aaliyah Normani's Alleged Sample Has Uncle's Blessing ... She Would Be 'Supportive'
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Normani's "Wild Side" has delighted and surprised fans with its homage to Aaliyah ... and the late singer's uncle says she would have been totally cool with it too.
If ya missed it, Normani released her first new track in a couple years, and along with featuring Cardi B ... many music folks believe it contains a sample of Aaliyah's "One in a Million."
That raised some eyebrows, because Aaliyah's music is rarely sampled and isn't even available on streaming services, but according to a very close member of her family ... it's all good.
Barry Hankerson -- Aaliyah's uncle and manager of her catalog -- tells TMZ ... his niece "always encouraged young women pursuing their musical and entertainment careers, to achieve their dreams."
Hankerson is the founder of Blackground Records and says he owns all of Aaliyah's masters, and he says it's clear Normani has been inspired by her music. He adds ... "I believe that Aaliyah would be very supportive of a young Black woman that chose to emulate her music and style."
Barry did add that it would have been "more honorable" if the singer sought approval to sample "One in a Million" first, but ultimately, he does seem to give his seal of approval.
He says ... "I will not stand in the way of something that brings to light the incredible staying power of Aaliyah. So in that light, wishing Normani well with the song and overall career. God bless. I think Aaliyah would be pleased."
An attorney for Blackground confirmed with us that the Aaliyah sample was never officially cleared for use, HOWEVER ... Normani's team insists that "Wild Side" doesn't actually use a direct sample.
I must’ve died when I seen this https://t.co/grFtWwI0Yy
— Normani (@Normani) July 17, 2021 @Normani
That might be up for debate, but Normani herself seemingly confirmed a sample was used when she replied to a tweet about Timbaland -- the producer of "One in a Million" -- vibing to her new track, saying, "I must've died when I seen this."
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Nicki Minaj Connects with Zara Security Guard ... He's Loving the Vibes!!!
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Nicki Minaj is hooking up the mall cop who let one of her fans rap in a Zara, and it sounds like his 15 minutes of fame comes with an added bonus ... some social media clout with the Barbz!!!
We got the security guard, Michael, out Monday in NYC after he'd gone viral for letting one of Nicki's barbz, Zha Chanel, perform a cover of the new track, "Whole Lotta Money" ... on which Minaj features.
Michael was actually with Zha when he told us what went down when Nicki let her followers know she was looking for him to give him a gift for looking the other way during Zha's impromptu gig.
Sounds like Zha -- along with Michael's store manager -- went out of their way to get him connected to Nicki, and he says he couldn't believe it.
After Nicki got proof it was really him, she told Michael she was going to like one of his Instagram pics to get the likes rolling in ... and he says his phone's been blowing up ever since.
Even better -- she also tagged him in one of her IG stories ... so now his follower count's skyrocketing too!
Michael says he's enjoying the ride, and he's not sure if he's going to get in any trouble for letting Zha do her thing, but he doesn't care if he does -- he's just happy to support Black artists, and get some positive vibes in return.
Michael adds that Nicki's supposed to send him another gift, and while he's not sure what it is ... he's already feeling blessed.