Drake Treating Myself for Bday ... With Totally Unique $5.5 Mil Watch!!!

Published | Updated

Drake just earned himself a new nickname ... Certified Watch Lover, and not just any watch -- he went all out, dropping 7-figures to hook himself up on his birthday.

As you know by now, Drake turned 35 last Sunday, and while we've seen him throw himself a few parties to mark the occasion, we just got deets on the biggest (or most expensive) gift he got himself. It's a $5,500,000 watch that even the richest man in the world, Elon Musk can't buy!!!

That's because Drizzy threw down for an ultra-rare, 1-of-1 Richard Mille ... which the iconic watch designer dropped in 2019. Our Drake sources tell us the rapper went to NYC diamond district kings Pristine Jewelers, and tasked them with securing the piece.

He and Pristine founder and owner Ofir Ben Shimon posed with the loot.

You'll notice ... no flashy diamonds caked on this watch, but it is encased in sapphire crystal, and employs the incredibly complex tourbillon movement (watch people know that's a big deal).

This isn't just lavish spending on Drake's part ... it's a big-time investment. We're told when the watch was originally released it was worth $2.8 million -- now, just 2 years later, it's nearly doubled in value.

So basically, Drake's rocking the Mona Lisa of watches. Beats the hell outta ice cream cake!!! Happy freakin' birthday.

Fetty Wap Arrested by FBI in NYC Allegedly Helped Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl & Cocaine

Published | Updated
UPDATE

8:27 AM PT -- According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Fetty and others distributed more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine across Long Island and New Jersey. The feds claim the drugs were first obtained on the West Coast and used USPS vehicles with secret compartments to smuggle them East.

UPDATE

The docs say during their investigation, they obtained $1.5 million in cash, 16 kilograms of cocaine, 2 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl pills, pistols, handguns and a rifle.

UPDATE

If convicted, the defendants could face life in prison.

UPDATE

7:57 AM PT -- Fetty's attorney, Navarro Gray, tells us, "We pray that this is all a big misunderstanding. He sees the judge today. Hoping he gets released so we can clear things up expeditiously." A rep for Rolling Loud tells us they had no prior knowledge of Fetty's legal issues.

Fetty Wap was supposed to perform at Rolling Loud, but his set never happened ... and it's all because the feds grabbed him before he hit the stage.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Fetty was taken into custody by the FBI at Citi Field in New York Thursday. We're told he was arrested on federal drug charges, though the specifics aren't yet known.

Fetty has mostly stayed outside of the spotlight in the last few years, so the Rolling Loud set would have been a big deal for him and his fans.

As for the rest of the festival, it wasn't without big moments on its first night. Thursday's headliner, 50 Cent, brought out DaBaby for a surprise appearance ... DaBaby's first return to the RL stage since the homophobic remarks he made at the festival in Miami.

We've reached out to a rep for Fetty Wap for comment on the arrest ... but so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 6:17 AM PT

Shawn Stockman AMAs SHOULD LET MORGAN WALLEN LIVE ... I'll Bet Other Country Stars Use N-Word

Published | Updated
102821-shawn-stockman-kal
LEARN TO FORGIVE, PEOPLE

Morgan Wallen deserves the opportunity to prove he's a changed man ... at least according to Shawn Stockman, who says the country star's probably not the only one guilty of casually using racial slurs.

That might come off as a very backhanded compliment, but the Boyz II Men singer was genuinely calling for the music biz to let up off Morgan ... when we talked to him Thursday at LAX.

As we reported, the American Music Awards banned Morgan from attending their ceremony next month, even though he's nominated in 2 categories. Shawn thinks the move is purely about optics, but adds ... at some point they gotta "let the man live" and show he's grown up and learned from his mistakes.

Speaking of mistakes ... Shawn says the industry needs to stop pretending Morgan is the only country star who's used the n-word the way he did earlier this year. Watch the clip ... Shawn was laughing as he broached the delicate subject, but only half-joking.

The Country Music Association has also yanked Morgan from the guestlist for its award show next month, but Shawn's calling for more forgiveness in the world.

As he put it, "People f**k up."

DaBaby Back on Rolling Loud Stage ... Thanks to 50 Cent

Published | Updated

DaBaby just made his return to the Rolling Loud stage for the first time since he made homophobic remarks during the festival's Miami stop ... and it's all thanks to his buddy 50 Cent.

50 was on stage at Rolling Loud New York, and brought out DaBaby as a special guest ... we’re told Rolling Loud organizers approved DaBaby’s appearance.

072621-dababy-kal 7/25/21
THE HOMOPHOBIC COMMENTS

Rolling Loud is a significant location for DaBaby's return considering it was during his festival set in Miami back in July when he told audience members to only put their hands up to party, "If you didn't show up today with HIV/AIDS or other STDs that'll make you die in 2-3 weeks" and "Fellas, if you didn't suck a n**** d*** in the parking lot."

He later attempted to apologize, but only made things worse when he said the comments weren't aimed at his actual fans because his fans aren't, "nasty gay n****s" or "junkies." He later deleted the apology.

The fallout for the rapper was massive ... he was dropped from multiple festivals and slammed by Dua Lipa, who he had a huge single with called "Levitating."

The rapper's comments were also the focus during a segment of Dave Chappelle's "The Closer" special on Netflix, where the comedian compared the outrage of DaBaby shooting and killing a man in a parking lot to the outrage from the LGBTQ+ community stemming from the RL comments.

Todd Rundgren Rock & Roll Doesn't Need Hall of Fame!!! Skipping His Own Induction

Published

Rock icon Todd Rundgren is about to get what some call the ultimate honor in the music biz -- induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame -- and he couldn't care less, because he says the institution's a total crock.

Todd won't be saying (or singing) "Hello It's Me" to his fellow inductees -- who include Jay-Z, Tina Turner, Carole King and the Foo Fighters -- this weekend in Cleveland. He joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" to explain why he'll be a no-show and ripped the Hall for even existing.

The way Todd sees it, halls of fame make way more sense in the sports world ... where it's all about competition, but that's just not how he views the music industry. The legendary performer and producer says, for him, music's not about being #1 -- it's just about making tunes his fans can enjoy.

Todd also echoed some of The Weeknd's complaints about the Grammys -- telling us the Rock & Roll HOF needs to be more transparent about how its "fan vote" really works. Check out the interview ... he says he, and his fans, got burned badly the first time he was up for induction.

That being said, now that TR's finally made it into the HOF, he doesn't wanna hobnob with millionaires at the induction ceremony. Instead, he wants to celebrate with real fans -- he feels the HOF honor is more for them, anyway -- which is why he'll be onstage, performing in Cincinnati.

What can he say? Dude wants to bang on his drum all day ... just not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!!!

Morgan Wallen Banned by American Music Awards ... Can't Attend, But Nominated Twice

Published | Updated

Not everyone's ready to forgive Morgan Wallen ... the country music superstar is being blocked from the American Music Awards, even though he'll likely win a couple of the trophies.

The award show announced Thursday it's barring Morgan from attending this year's show due to that video showing him using the n-word. Reps for the show said, "As his conduct does not align with our core values, we will not be including him on the show in any capacity."

020221_morgan_wallen_main_kal JANUARY 2021
PROFANE GOODBYE

Here's the thing, though ... AMA nominees are determined purely by Billboard Chart performance, and despite the backlash against him most of the year, Morgan's album has dominated sales. That's why he's still nominated for 2 AMAs -- favorite country album and favorite male country artist.

It's unclear how producers of the award show will handle it in the likely event Morgan wins one or both categories. Remember, the winners are determined purely by fan votes ... and we know Morgan's fans have stood firm behind him all year.

Morgan has issued an apology, and did an interview with GMA back in July saying he'd been working on himself. The AMA reps say they'll "evaluate his progress in doing meaningful work as an ally to the Black community and will consider his participation in future shows."

The Country Music Association has also disinvited Morgan. Both award shows go down next month.

Prince Jackson Michael Would Have Supported #FreeBritney

Published | Updated
102821_prince_jackson_kal
HE'D STAND WITH BRITNEY

Britney Spears has a new ally ... a Prince -- son of the late King of Pop.

Prince Jackson says he knows his dad Michael would have "wholeheartedly" supported Britney's move to end her 13-year-long conservatorship.

Prince appeared on Good Morning Britain Thursday and made it clear ... he believes his dad would have advocated freedom for his fellow pop star, saying he would want Britney to maintain control over her life.

As you may know -- but maybe not -- Michael and Britney were buds. They also had a professional intersection as well ... the 2 appeared together in a Madison Square Garden concert back in 2001 and sang "The Way You Make Me Feel."

And Brit introed MJ at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, saying, "So, he's my idol, the best guy in the whole world. I'm really kind of excited. I'm really nervous."

Prince hedged a bit on the #FreeBritney movement, saying, "That is a very tough question just because I don't like to put words in my father's mouth. But, knowing my father and the compassion that he had for individuals who wanted to remain in control of their own life - as it was his goal to be in control of his own life - I would think that he would be very supportive of her cause."

Britney also supported Michael during the child molestation trial, saying he was innocent.

Gene Simmons Check Out My Spectacular Modern Mansion ... Plunks Down $10.5 Million

Published | Updated

Gene Simmons is out with the old, and in with the VERY new after plunking down $10.5 million on a stunning modern mansion in the Hills of Beverly.

We've learned the KISS star actually got something of a deal for the 4-bed, 5-bath crib with close to 8,000 square feet of living space. The deal closed today, so Gene's personal belongings probably haven't even made it through the front door yet.

As for the home ... it's about as modern-looking as they come, with a pool complete with LED lighting, a home theater, built-in art installation and wine cellar fit to hold enough booze to get a small village wasted.

Simmons has been quite the real estate aficionado as of late ... he recently sold his long-time Beverly Hills home for $16 million and just listed his Vegas crib for $15 million.

Gene scored big on his most recent purchase, the home was first listed at $11.5 million ... so the $10.5 million Simmons paid to the former owner -- a billionaire Swiss steel magnate -- ain't too bad.

Celeb real estate agent Tomer Fridman -- who reps the Kardashians on almost every real estate transaction they make -- repped the seller. He's with Compass. Gene was represented by Lisa Young ... also at Compass.

Kodak Black Failed Drug Test Due to MDMA ... Asks Judge for Hall Pass

Published | Updated

Kodak Black's failed drug tests came back positive for pot and ecstasy ... and yet he's now asking a judge for permission to hit up a big concert where drug use might be rampant.

As we first told you, the rapper violated the terms of his supervised release in his federal gun case by failing drug tests earlier this year. According to new legal docs, he tested positive for marijuana in February and then MDMA in August.

The judge ordered Kodak to complete a 90-day treatment program ... and he recently got permission to spend 30 of those days outside of Florida, after claiming it would give him a better chance at success.

Now, Kodak has his eye on a multiday music festival in New York.

According to the docs, KB asked the court to let him attend the Rolling Loud NYC music fest this weekend, and says it's strictly for business.

The judge signed off on it and gave him permission to perform at the festival -- he'll be on stage Friday in Queens -- as long as he keeps in touch with his Supervised Release Officer.

We reached out to Kodak's lawyer ... so far, no word back.

Young Thug I Had to Go Crazy for 21 Savage's Bday ... $150k Custom Truck!!!

Published | Updated

Young Thug is about that big spender lifestyle -- especially when it comes to his pal 21 Savage ... who just hit 29, and YT went all out for his very pricey gift ... some very expensive wheels.

21's birthday was on Friday, and he celebrated with a major Freaknik-themed bash in the ATL. You might've seen the awesome fire red pickup truck Thug gifted to his homey -- but what you didn't know, until now, is the whip cost $150k!!!

The price gets up there quick when it's a completely customized ride.

102521-young-thug-21-savage-truck-kal
DOIN' IT BIG

Roadshow International -- a luxury car dealership in Atlanta -- tells TMZ ... the truck itself is a Dodge Hellcat TRX, new models of which can range anywhere from $60k to $72k right off the lot. But, watch this video showing all the truck's features and you'll see why Thug paid way more than that.

The truck is plastered with dagger logos ... which lines up with Sav's signature face tat, which is an ode to his younger brother who was slain years ago. It also has a "21" emblazoned across the door.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Not just that, but the interior bears 21 Savage's face too ... a rendering of himself is stitched right into the upholstery of some of the seats -- so there's no question whose ride this is.

Herm, who owns Roadshow Int'l, says he had 3 days to work on the truck, and sure enough ... he got it done in time for the big birthday party. Talk about a good friend, huh?

E-40 I'm Slinging Gourmet Meats!!! Building My Food Empire

Published | Updated
102221_e40_kal
FOOD FOR FUN

E-40's giving new meaning to his classic track "Yay Area" ... which now could refer to the gourmet meats and burritos he's serving up as he enters the food biz.

That's right, E's got a new handle now -- the Goon With the Spoon -- to go along with his new line of work ... and the rap icon tells us he's not just putting his name on the product, he's taking a totally hands-on approach.

He says he was inspired by attending lots of gourmet food events -- including some Bay Area tailgating at sporting events -- and decided it was time to expand. As you probably know, E-40 jumped into the liquor biz last year with his own tequila and sparkling wines.

He's kicking off his meat game with several different sausages -- mild beef, spicy beef, chicken teriyaki pineapple and chicken Philly cheesesteak.

Oh, and you might wanna put 5 on E's burritos too!!! He told us they're a homage to a local spot he used to hit up as a teenager. Clearly, he hasn't forgotten the experience, and now he wants to share it with everyone outside the Bay.

J Balvin Apologizes for 'Perra' Vid ... Where Black Women Were on Leashes

Published
102421_j_balvin_kal_1
INSULTING IMAGERY

J Balvin is issuing a mea culpa for a music video of his that portrayed Black people -- especially women -- as animals ... namely, dogs ... who were literally on all fours.

The Colombian reggaetón star took to IG to apologize for the controversial visual offering of his track "Perra" with Dominican rapper, Tokischa, who's of African descent herself. The track's all about how she (Tokischa) is a dog in heat ... and looking for a male to bang.

Naturally, the video would be provocative ... but it seems Balvin and co. went all in on the canine theme -- getting a lot of their dancers/background actors in animal-style makeup, in which many of these folks of color were made to look like actual pooches.

Not just that, but some of the Black people are in cages at certain points, Tokischa is depicted in a dog house throughout the video and eating from a bowl ... and the most striking image is when J Balvin himself is walking a couple of Black ladies on leashes.

The project was slammed by several critics, but the biggest may have been Colombia's very own Vice President and Chancellor Marta Lucia Ramirez ... who deemed it sexist, misogynistic and flat-out racist. After all the backlash -- it was taken down by Balvin.

In his video, Balvin says he's sorry to anyone who was offended ... especially women, and especially Black women. He says he didn't mean for it to be interpreted as degrading -- noting he was simply trying to help give some shine to an up-and-coming artist in the Dominican Republic.

Balvin says his work has always been about tolerance, love and inclusivity -- and after hearing how it affected people ... he felt the need to come on and address it on camera.

The guy even apologizes to his own mother at one point ... so you can tell he's taking it seriously. While the video was removed from YouTube ... the official audio is still up.

Duplicates of the video are also floating around online ... where some of these stills can be viewed in full.

Ed Sheeran I'm Positive for COVID-19 ... Shows/Interviews on Pause

Published

Ed Sheeran is hitting the pause button, because he says he's tested positive for COVID-19 ... which disrupts a few things in his immediate future.

The singer made the announcement Sunday on Instagram, writing ... "Hey guys. Quick note to tell you that I’ve sadly tested positive for Covid, so I’m now self-isolating and following government guidelines."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

He adds, "It means that I’m now unable to plough ahead with any in person commitments for now, so I’ll be doing as many of my planned interviews/performances I can from my house. Apologies to anyone I’ve let down. Be safe everyone x"

It sounds like the guy will be well enough to carry on with some scheduled responsibilities -- of which we're sure there's quite a few, seeing how Ed's new album is due out next week.

Speaking of one of those commitments, 'SNL' just announced yesterday that Ed would be the musical guest alongside host Kieran Culkin for Nov. 6's episode -- but it's unclear if he'll be able to make that or not ... it's 13 days away, and he could presumably be well by then.

Ed is also supposed to be appearing on "The Voice" this week as a musical mentor -- but they seem to have taped his segment well before this diagnosis. No word if he was planning on making an in-person visit as well -- but if so, that's almost certainly off now.

It's interesting though ... ES seems down to Zoom it up if push comes to shove, so perhaps his gigs won't scrapped entirely. Time will tell, we suppose.

Kane Brown Twists Ankle On Stage in TN ... Finishes Out Show Anyway

Published

Kane Brown hurt himself while performing live in Tennessee, but he carried on anyway and finished his show like a trooper ... because, hey, sometimes it be like that, right?

The country star was in Memphis Saturday night, belting out songs at the FedEx Forum -- when, at some point, he hopped down to the lower front stage area ... and appears to have twisted his ankle pretty badly, to the point that he had to hop down completely.

You can see he's in serious pain as security attends to him ... this while the band continued playing for a solid 30 seconds or so. Eventually, they stopped -- as it was clear Kane wasn't coming back on stage anytime soon.

The guy had to be helped up and escorted around -- but he didn't pull the plug on the concert ... quite the opposite, KB got himself together and went back up there anew.

It sounds like the rest of his set was a little choppy at times -- some folks claim the guy was stumbling a bit up there after deciding to push forward, and was even tearing up at one point ... so say some eyewitnesses. Still, despite that, Kane did indeed tough it out to the end.

The ankle injury was about as bad as it sounded and looked to spectators, because Kane took to IG afterward and filmed his foot ... which was swollen like a balloon.

There's another tour stop that he's supposed to be at tonight, and some fans were wondering if the event was canceled over this -- which is reasonable ... the dude's legit crippled, it seems.

Not the case ... Kane says he's gonna be there, and that the show will go on.

Drake Offers 2fer for Party Guests Celebrate My Birthday ... with Narcos!!!

Published | Updated

Drake's birthday comes just before Halloween, so he combined the 2 Saturday night for a big costumed-themed bash that was all about the cartel!!!

The party went down on a gigantic sound stage at Goya Studios, and all sorts of folks showed up in costume. Now 35-year-old Drake dressed up as a cowboy/kingpin ... complete with a leather fringe jacket and the obligatory hat.

As for who showed up ... Offset, Jack Harlow, Larsa Pippen, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Sabbat, Future, 24kGoldn and many more of his famous pals.

Oh, and of course ... Drake's dad, Dennis Graham.

Drake was joyful as his friends and fam belted out "Happy Birthday" at the Chico Amante-themed bash. FYI ... the translation of Chico Amante is lover boy. A nod to his latest album, "Certified Lover Boy."

102421_drake_kal_1
DRAKE'S DAPPER BIRTHDAY

BTW ... some folks decided not to dress up ... maybe it's a thing that it's too early, or they're saving their special duds for the following weekend.

Jay and the Americans Jay Black Dead at 82

Published

Jay Black, who fronted the '60s hit group Jay and the Americans, has died.

Jay sang some big hits for the group ... the biggest of which was "This Magic Moment."

The band posted the death notice on its Facebook page ... “Today, we mourn the passing of David Blatt a/k/a Jay Black and we acknowledge the great successes we had with him both as a partner and as a lead singer,” a spokesperson wrote. “We shared both wonderful and very contentious times, and much like an ex-wife, we are so proud of the beautiful children we created. We’ll always remember The Voice.”

Waiting for your permission to load the Facebook Post.

The group was big when England took over American music ... in case you didn't catch it, Jay and the Americans are Americans.

They were big enough to open for The Beatles in 1964 at their Washington D.C. concert.

Among the other hits ... "Come a Little Bit Closer," "Blockbusters," "Cara Mia," and "Walkin' in the Rain."

The Facebook reference to "The Voice" is his nickname coined by his bandmates.

Jay and the Americans was at the height of its output in the 1960s, officially disbanding in 1973.

Jay continued to perform long after the band broke up ... all the way up 'till 2017.

He is survived by 4 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Jay was 82.

RIP