Travis Scott Goes After “UTOPIA” Tour Production Company For $100 Million

Travis Scott might have had an incredibly successful tour for his 2023 album UTOPIA, but one particular aspect left him fuming. He launched a $100 million lawsuit against Wyoming-based production company Show Motion Engineering (SME) for allegedly damaging his brand and causing significant financial losses. Specifically, La Flame and his legal team allege that SME did not deliver on their promise to make the rapper a custom stage set for his 2023 tour for the aforementioned album, and also claimed that they exploited his image and name without his permission. His company XX Global backed up his claims that SME breached their stage contract based on a $1.5 million commission.

According to court documents reportedly obtained by AllHipHop, the Nike collaborator accused SME of failing to build the stage for an inspection, which the contract apparently ordered before the transfer of any final payment. As such, Travis Scott’s team did not send future payments through, which led SME to hold the set hostage and lead to its inability of use for the 2023 UTOPIA tour. Not only that, but the lawsuit also alleges that SME added insult to injury by failing to deliver the stage and using the Houston MC’s brand for profit.

Read More: Travis Scott Sends Fans Into Frenzy By Teasing New Music: “I’m Coming”

Travis Scott At The 2024 Olympics

Travis Scott Lawsuit Tour Company Stage Design Exploitation Hip Hop News
Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; American artist Travis Scott looks on before the game between United States and Serbia in a men’s basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

Furthermore, this includes SME’s allegedly unauthorized use of Travis Scott’s likeness, name, and past concerts as promo material for the company’s website, including designs copyrighted by XX Global. As such, the “CIRCUS MAXIMUS” multi-hyphenate alleges that SME tried to improve their reputation and seek out prospective clients by using this material without permission.

“The aforementioned acts, among others…were done intentionally or with a conscious disregard of [Travis Scott’s] rights, and with the intent to vex, injure or annoy [Scott] such as to constitute oppression, fraud, or malice, thus entitling [Scott] to exemplary and punitive damages in an amount appropriate to punish or set an example of Defendants, and each of them, and to deter such conduct in the future,” Scott’s attorney Edwin F. McPherson reportedly stated. As for damages, the 2025 Coachella designer wants $5 million in direct copyright infringement losses and approximately $10 million that represent profits that SME allegedly benefitted from their marketing with the copyrighted designs. Finally, for the alleged violation of his publicity rights and the misuse of his image and name, he wants SME to cough up $100 million.

Read More: Young Thug Reunites With Travis Scott, Future And Lil Baby In Studio

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Ari Lennox Calls Rod Wave Out For Not Defending Her Amid Their Tour Audience’s Attacks To Her

For those unaware, Ari Lennox faced a lot of negativity from audiences on Rod Wave’s Nostalgia tour, whether it was a bottle thrown at her and displaying mean messages to her. She had previously spoke on her experiences, but following a similar incident that happened to Flo Milli on Gunna’s tour recently, she’s speaking out against her trek mate this time. “Flo Milli I’m sorry this happened to you,” the Dreamville artist wrote. “You are a beautiful and incredibly talented woman. Some of these people can be so damn cruel.

“Maybe I could’ve gotten over some of Rod Wave’s evil, racist and demonic fans. But what made it even worse is Rod saying nothing in my defense,” Ari Lennox continued. “Privately or publicly. The only reason we met was because we ran into each other in a Hotel Lobby after constant efforts of me trying to share my gratefulness for the opportunity. I never had issues with fans being violent or evil towards me while opening up for legendary singers and legendary hip hop acts. Those were some of the best tours of my life and really taught me how to sing better.

Read More: Rod Wave Released From Jail, Officials Confirm Gun Charges Weren’t “Accurate”

Ari Lennox Claims Rod Wave Never Addressed Poor Treatment On Tour

“I’m use to men rarely defending me publicly, but it was a triggering experience nonetheless,” Ari Lennox went on. “I thought I was accepting an opportunity to network, connect and make a friend. But I’ve learned this industry is heartless. Rarely will you find real friends and lifelong connections in it. Life is also like that lol. I am extremely aware that I am not entitled to any friendship or connection or greeting or protection or anything from anybody. Im aware that my abandonment issues and wanting to be loved and accepted cause me to take rejection a lot harder than the usual person.

“I was so blessed to be protected and spoiled by Dreamville on those tours,” Ari Lennox concluded. “I didn’t know how easy I had it. And I’m also aware that half of the mess I end up in I’m solely responsible for. Doesn’t make the disrespect feel good or valid. To protect my peace I will never open up for a soul again. STOP disrespecting openers. STOP creating excuses as to why these openers get violated on stage ‘maybe she shouldn’t have been on that tour?’ This makes the disrespect and violence to black women valid? Headliners, protect your openers.”

Read More: Ari Lennox Shades Joe Budden Following J Cole Apology: Why Do The Singer & Podcast Host Have Beef?

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Lizzo Flexes Her 2023 Tour Stats In Spite Of Ongoing Controversy

If there was one story most music fans remember from Lizzo in 2023, it’s the controversial lawsuit filed against her by her former dancers. Fans were shocked last year to find that backup dancers who had worked with the popstar had filed a lawsuit against her and another one of her creative collaborators. The lawsuit leveled some pretty serious allegations of workplace misconduct which even included accusations of sexual abuse. While she was quiet for a while, the “About Damn Time Singer” has begun to return to both public events and social media.

But one particular social media post is dividing her fans. Lizzo has never been a stranger to flexing her accomplishments, though it’s normally in an attempt to motivate her fans. But in a new Instagram post, she flexes the impressive touring numbers she achieved in 2023 despite the controversy. “2024: $85,000,000 tour gross, 883,500 tickets sold, 68 dates, 14 countries, 3 continents. IM REALLY THAT GWORL” the caption of her new post reads. It’s attached to a trio of recent pictures and videos of the pop superstar. But in the comment section, there are plenty of fans expressing hesitation with her bragging. Check out the full post and fan reactions to it below.

Read More: Lizzo’s Best Bars About Self-Acceptance

Lizzo’s Massive Touring Numbers

In the comments there are plenty of fans uncomfortable with her flexing. “I mean, congratulations but Jesus,” one of the top comments on the post reads. And they aren’t alone. “This is so out of touch and tone deaf” and “Taylor and Beyonce don’t have to brag about their income. Please don’t be that girl. Be humble” two other comments read.

Lizzo hasn’t released much new material recently and much of the news surrounding her has been lawsuit developments. Last month she asked the court to seal the documents related to her sexual harassment lawsuit. News on the various suits filed against her has slowed in the weeks since. What do you think of Lizzo bragging about her touring numbers despite her outstanding harassment lawsuit? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: What Is Lizzo’s Best-Selling Album?

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Ari Lennox Reflects On Rod Wave Tour Treatment: “This Is Not My Crowd”

Ari Lennox recently reflected on her experience opening on the Rod Wave Nostalgia Tour, admitting that she could never find her groove. While discussing the tour on social media, over the weekend, she explained that it was not the right crowd for her. Most notably, an angry fan threw a bottle at Lennox during a concert in Los Angeles in November.

“I was never comfortable,” she began, “I just remember every show, just racing to get off stage, racing to get through my set. I started trying to communicate with the audience and then I realized they were getting angry at me affirming them. You’re getting angry that I’m affirming you? This is not my crowd. And it’ll never be. And that’s alright. It was tough and it was heavy on my soul, especially the day when the bottle happened because that side of the stage, like, I felt the energy … It was just all darkness — that was literally the energy that was coming from the left side.”

Read More: Ari Lennox Goes Off On Disruptive Fan Who Threw Something At Her Mid-Show At Rod Wave’s Concert

Ari Lennox Performs On Tour With Rod Wave

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 12: Ari Lennox performs during the Rod Wave Nostalgia Tour at Smoothie King Center on December 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

Lennox continued: “I was on that stage and would people would have sh*t on their screens saying ‘next,’ and I can’t deal with sh*t like that. I’ll curse you out … What is this aggression? You’re that pissed? It was a lot for two and a half months, like, getting my wardrobe stolen. It was just a very hard two and a half f*cking months. Very lonely too. But I thought it would be a good idea.” Check out her full comments on the tour below, as noted by Complex.

Ari Lennox Reflects On Rod Wave Tour

During the November incident, Lennox went on a fiery rant on stage in response to the bottle thrower. “I will f*ck y’all sh*t all the way the f*ck up! Don’t you ever disrespect a beautiful Black woman on the stage like that!” she yelled at the time. Eventually, her mic cut out and a security guard escorted her backstage. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ari Lennox on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Ari Lennox: Her 7 Best R&B Grooves

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Tamar Braxton’s Ex-Friend LeTroy Accuses Her Of Only Caring About Fame

After chaos unfolded at Tamar Braxton’s Baltimore performance last month, her former friend LeTroy took to social media to talk about it. He revealed that Braxton’s backup singer, James Wright Chanel, allegedly saw the wrath of none other than Chrisean Rock. He accused the Baddies star of getting frustrated when she wasn’t allowed to perform, and punching James as a result.

According to LeTroy, Braxton wasn’t happy that he spoke about the situation publicly. Now, he’s taken to Twitter to vent about the performer using his footage of the tour on social media, despite him asking her not to. “Since this is YOUR tour, you need to pay your own camera people and editors to shoot and edit footage of you. You were sent notices to not use this footage, yet you did. You have no respect for anyone. Take this down please,” he wrote.

Read More: Chrisean Rock Fans Pulled Up On LeTroy After Tamar Braxton Concert Drama, He Claims

LeTroy Puts Tamar Braxton On Blast On Twitter

“I sent you and your team this edit being nice offering you the rights to acquire this footage you refused and said ‘this girl has gone wild’ in reference to me. So wild my footage off your page,” he said in a subsequent Tweet. “Dog I have had enough. I’m not protecting her anymore. I wish I never ever planned that tour. I just want my footage taken down.” In other Tweets, he claimed that she only got upset with him bringing the Chrisean Rock incident to light publicly because attention was “taken off of her.”

“She care about being famous more than anything,” he added. “I planned this entire tour because NOBODY wanted to do it and called her washed up. I booked EVERY show for this tour. EVERY.” What do you think of LeTroy calling Tamar Braxton out for allegedly using his footage without permission? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: James Wright Chanel Confirms Assault At Tamar Braxton Show, LeTroy Drops Chrisean Rock Receipts

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Sexyy Red Previews Questionable Lyrics, Does The Splits On Tour

Sexyy Red has been having a tremendous year so far. Overall, she has been able to cultivate a huge fanbase while also delivering some big hits. Her solo tour has proven to be a huge draw, and it will continue to do so. Moreover, with Hood Hottest Princess becoming a massive album, fans are hoping that she can deliver some new music, very soon. As it turns out, that is exactly what is going to be happening. She has been all over social media, previewing some new tracks for her supporters.

In the latest snippet which was shown off last night, Sexyy Red certainly pushed boundaries, although in a politically incorrect sense. As you can see below in the video from The Neighborhood Talk, some of the lyrics here are pretty questionable. There is one word in particular that many will take offense to, and she may just have to go back to the drawing board. As you can see, she simply says “keep a d*ck on me, they think I’m a tr*nny.”

Read More: Sexyy Red Posts Hilarious Tweet Comparing Herself To A Bug

Sexyy Red Has New Music

The use of the last word is largely frowned upon, and the commentators made sure to point that out. However, in other Sexyy Red news, she seems to be making the most of her tour despite currently being pregnant. In another video, which can be seen below, Sexyy Red is doing the splits, despite her condition. Overall, it was pretty impressive to watch. There is no doubt that she is pulling out all of the stops for her fans.

The Tour Continues

As the tour goes on, we’re sure these clips will continue to be plentiful. Let us know what you think of all of this, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Welcomes Sexyy Red’s Comparison To Him: “I Feel Like She Giving Me My Flowers”

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Doja Cat’s New Tour Photo Dump Shows Off Her Spider Energy: See Pictures

Doja Cat’s Scarlet tour is in full effect, and it’s certainly proving itself to be a notable, eventful, and stimulating experience. Of course, it got bogged down by technical difficulties just like any other show, but she hilariously played it off to cater to the crowd. That just proves the showmanship, talent, and good sense of humor that the Los Angeles artist is keeping up no matter what comes her way. However, she also wants to show everyone who skipped out on this trek that they will regret doing so. Moreover, with the “Agora Hills” MC’s latest Instagram photo dump, she showcased the amazing fits, visual set designs, and hazy atmosphere that Scarlet is taking across the U.S.

Furthermore, having set posts from her on social media might actually be for the best. That’s because, whenever Doja Cat goes on Instagram Live and goes for more unfiltered engagement, there’s always some big concern and worry on behalf of her fans. It’s hard to tell how much of these are just shocked reactions and how many are genuinely worried for her. Regardless, it definitely won’t slow the 28-year-old down, and all we can hope for is that she’s just playing things up for social media clicks and isn’t actually in need of a check-in.

Read More: Doja Cat Teams Up With Amazon For Exclusive “Scarlet” Merch Line

Doja Cat’s Tour Photo Dump: Scroll Through The Pics Below

Aside from that contentious fan relationship, which escalated a lot this year due to her comments on her “Kittenz” and on fandom as a whole, they still have a lot to look forward to from her. For example, Doja Cat recently previewed her upcoming collaboration with Doechii, who’s also on the Scarlet tour. Hopefully that traveling chemistry manifests in a great way for some more amazing music. After all, she impressed many doubters with Scarlet, and the project shows that any antics she’s in don’t hamper her potential for great material.

Still, her aloof and often sassy attitude can result in just as many grievances as they can in funny moments. When Doja flipped off the camera in a pic with fans, she inspired as many laughs as criticisms. Either way you slice it, it’s hard to glue your eyes off the screen when all the colors you see become Scarlet on this tour. For more news and the latest updates on Doja Cat, stay posted on HNHH.

Read More: What Is Doja Cat’s Best-Selling Album?

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Lauryn Hill Fires Back At Criticism For Being Late To Shows

Lauryn Hill has addressed critics who have complained about her being late to live performances on her tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. On stage at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Hill remarked that fans are “lucky” she makes it to the shows at all.

“They say, ‘Oh, she’s late’ and ‘She’s late tonight.’ Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this … stage every night,” she told the audience. “I leave my soul on this stage. And I don’t do it because they let me. I do it because I stand here in the name of God. And I know it. God is the one who allows me to do it, who surrounded me with family and community when there was no support when the album sold so many records and no one showed up and said, ‘Hey, would you like to make another one?’”

Read More: Lauryn Hill Announces 25th Anniversary Tour For “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”

Lauryn Hill Performs In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 04: (L-R) Singers Pras Michel, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean perform onstage with The Fugees at Crypto.com Arena on November 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

“I went around the world and I played the same album over and over and over and over and over and over again. Because we’re the survivors, and we’re not just the survivors; we’re the thrivers,” Hill added. She released Miseducation in 1998, marking her only solo album release. A year later, it became the first hip-hop project to win Album of the Year at the Grammys.

Lauryn Hill Speaks About Her Tardiness

Hill’s tour is also serving as a reunion for The Fugees with Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michael joining her. Be on the lookout for further updates on Hill’s ongoing tour on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill” Turns 25: A Hip Hop Classic

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Rubi Rose Hops On Sexyy Red’s “Hood Hottest Princess” Tour

Today, Rubi Rose took to social media to announce that she’ll be joining Sexyy Red as a special guest on her tour. “Mommy back on tour,” she wrote alongside a poster of their upcoming dates. “Thanks Sexyy,” Rubi also added. The “Pound Town” performer is currently making her way around the U.S. on her Hood Hottest Princess tour in support of the mixtape she dropped earlier this year. Recently, she’s made stops in Chicago, NYC, and even her hometown of St. Louis. The 26-year-old’s already been joined by a slew of other notable performers as of late. She invited Chingy onstage to perform his early-2000s hit “Right Thurr” earlier this week. Sexyy also welcomed DaBaby to the stage to perform their iconic “Shake Sumn Remix.”

Based on Rubi’s comments section, fans can’t wait to see her perform alongside Sexyy Red. Later this month, they’re scheduled to make notable stops in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and more. Countless commenters are now calling them the duo they’ve been waiting for, demanding that they perform in their respective cities. “THE COLLAB WE NEEDED,” one enthusiastic Instagram user writes.

Read More: Ice Spice Gets Bible From Fan After Betty Boop Show, Rubi Rose Thirsts For Her

Rubi Rose Thanks Sexyy Red

Many social media users also note that the tour is sure to boost Rubi’s career, as the “SkeeYee” rapper is one of the most talked about in the game right now. She’s also worked alongside major players like Nicki Minaj, Lil Durk, Summer Walker, and more. Sexyy even recently opened for Drake on his It’s All A Blur tour, eventually landing a feature on his new album For All The Dogs.

Clearly, Rubi Rose is leaning into her “Hood B**** Aesthetic” these days, and making moves that continue to propel her to the top. What do you think of Rubi Rose joining Sexyy Red on her Hood Hottest Princess tour? Will you be going to see Sexyy Red and Rubi Rose live in your city? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Rubi Rose’s Top 5 Artists Of All Time List Sparks Discussion

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Travis Scott Sings To Gorilla Mascot Onstage At Phoenix Concert: Watch

Travis Scott is currently bringing UTOPIA to life on his CIRCUS MAXIMUS tour, which has been a wildly successful affair so far. While it hasn’t removed all the conversation around his live performances and the context of past tragedies, it’s at least given hungry fans a spectacle to enjoy in this new album phase. Moreover, the Houston MC is also bringing out a couple of special guests during this trek, including one Rob49, who was an unexpected but welcome feature on the album. They recently debuted their collab “TOPIA TWINS” in a concert setting, with both performing through it with a lot of energy. However, La Flame is also prone to bring out some even more unconventional guests.

Furthermore, he brought out a gorilla during his recent show in Phoenix- no, not the Memphis MC who made “F.N.F.”: a gorilla. Well, it was someone dressed in a full gorilla suit, who just stood in the center of the stage as Travis Scott performed his Swae Lee and The Weeknd-assisted song “CIRCUS MAXIMUS.” It’s quite the comical clip; not only is it so bizarrely out of context and random, but it looks like he’s almost trying to serenade the mascot. Maybe the 32-year-old just needed someone close to him to sing to, or perhaps he spotted them in the crowd and couldn’t resist the chance to bring them up.

Read More: Travis Scott Postpones North Carolina Concert Without Warning

Travis Scott & A Gorilla Mascot Rock The Stage: Watch

Regardless, it’s also quite probable for Travis Scott to chastise people at his concerts just as much as he shows fans love. That’s under the assumption that this gorilla is a crowd member, because if it’s a planned part of the show… again, it’s a bit odd to explain. Despite that, at least the gorilla had more luck than a security guard did at a recent incident. The “MODERN JAM” rapper called them out mid-show and told the guard they “got to go” after they scuffled with a fan.

Meanwhile, do you think this was an integral part of the CIRCUS MAXIMUS tour? On the other hand, was it just a lucky fan who got the chance to be onstage? However you may feel, let us know in the comments down below. In addition, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Travis Scott.

Read More: Travis Scott Cutting Sexyy Red’s Music At Wireless Fest Afterparty Goes Viral

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