Dr. Dre Closing In On Music Deal Worth Over $200 Million ... Selling Some Of His Assets

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Dr. Dre has his sights set on a lucrative music deal, one that would sell the rights to some of his royalties and master recordings ... and we're told the price tag is well over $200 million -- WAY MORE than is being reported.

The music mogul is close to selling off some of his music assets in two separate deals ... one with Shamrock Holdings, and another with Universal Music Group ... according to Billboard.

The possible Shamrock deal looks like this ... Dre sells his artist royalties from two of his solo albums -- his share of N.W.A artist royalties, plus his producer royalties and the writer's share of the music where he doesn't own publishing rights.

The potential deal with UMG is a little different ... Dre sells the master recording of his first solo album, "The Chronic," plus his share of some Kendrick Lamar music.

Dre's not selling all of his music ... Billboard characterizes these transactions as mostly "passive income streams" that generate about $10 million annually ... and he's NOT selling his ownership stake in his record label, Aftermath.

Sources close to Dr. Dre tell TMZ ... the actual selling price is actually tens of millions of dollars higher than the $200 million figure Billboard is reporting.

Congrats, Dre. 💸

'RHOA' Phaedra Parks Ex-Hubby Apollo Ties The Knot

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'RHOA' star Phaedra Parks' ex-husband Apollo Nida has started a new chapter of his life ... getting married nearly 7 years after finalizing his divorce from the housewife.

Apollo and his new wife, Sherien Almufti, tell TMZ ... they got hitched October 14, 2022, during an intimate ceremony with close family and friends at a church in the Atlanta area.

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THE HAPPY COUPLE

The couple has kept their nuptials under wraps from the public until now. We're told Apollo's kids and ex-wife Phaedra all knew about the wedding, though they didn't attend.

Apollo says he and his ex-wife turned a leaf ... they're co-parenting much better now and there's no more bickering. In case you didn't know, there was a ton of drama surrounding their drawn-out divorce ... after they officially pulled the plug on their marriage in 2016.

As for Apollo and his new wife, they tell us they've reached a point in their lives where they wanted to take the next step and move on after first meeting about 10 years ago. Apollo got engaged to Sherien back in 2016 ... while serving time behind bars for cashing stolen checks and laundering more than $2 million.

While it may seem like an unconventional love story ... they say they've known each other for a decade, and their ups and downs have made them stronger.

Congrats!!!

Clipper Darrell Clippers Go All Out For Superfan ... In Return From KO Punch

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Clipper Darrell was welcomed back to Crypto.com Arena with open arms on Tuesday ... as the L.A. Clippers and AEG showered their iconic superfan with gifts, champagne and some awesome tickets!

CD -- real name Darrell Bailey -- got the red carpet treatment in his second game back since he was knocked out by an arena security guard during an L.A. game on Dec. 12 ... and you can see in pics and videos, obtained by TMZ Sports, he had a blast in his return.

Darrell got to hang out with ex-NFL star Terrell Owens and actor Joe Torry -- after being hooked up with a bunch of goodies in the bowels of the arena.

Darrell, who also attended Sunday's Clippers game against the Atlanta Hawks, had a big smile on his face, appearing to have some courtside seats for the contest too!

And, as icing on the cake, the Clippers even treated Clipper Darrel to a big win ... as they rolled over the Dallas Mavericks, 113-101.

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THE BRUTAL KNOCKOUT

Of course, the scene was very different at the Clippers vs. Celtics game last month ... when a Crypto.com Arena staffer knocked out the superfan with a big punch following a dispute.

Darrell says he suffered a concussion in the altercation -- but, he's clearly doing much better ... and, thankfully, back to enjoying his favorite team with a few extra perks these days.

Guess Who This Itty-Bitty Biker Turned Into!

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Before this adorable gal on her dad's bike turned into a singer and TV personality, she was just strapping into her helmet, sipping on some juice and hitting the road in Nantucket, Massachusetts ... on her way to fame!

After the release of her 2014 single, it was clear this musician loves to empower her listeners and is "All About That Bass." She has appeared on numerous competition shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "The Voice."

Need one more hint? One of her most recent songs has trended on TikTok and will make you look!

Can you guess who she is?

Odell Beckham Jr. Yelled At Annoyed Passenger During Plane Incident ... Police Video Shows

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Odell Beckham Jr. got snippy with a passenger who was annoyed by the NFL star's actions during his infamous plane incident back in November -- calling the person on the airline both "fat" and "ugly."

The interaction was all captured on Nov. 27 on police body camera video, which the Miami-Dade Police Dept. released this week, just moments before the 30-year-old former Rams receiver was booted off the plane.

In the footage, you can see cops approached the American Airlines ride at Miami International Airport and spoke with flight attendants, who told them Beckham was unresponsive despite them instructing him multiple times to put his seatbelt on. They eventually said they wanted him off the ride.

When officers made contact with Beckham, he downplayed the incident to them.

"I've never had this happen to me," Beckham can be heard telling the officers in the video.

Cops eventually told him in the clip, "We're going to have to deplane everybody on this plane, and then you're still going to get off." Beckham responded, "That's fine."

As passengers got off the plane, one of them told the Super Bowl champ to just get off ... and that enraged OBJ.

"You're everything wrong with the world," Beckham can be heard saying in the video. "Looking at me to get off a plane, for you. I would never. Ever in my life get off the plane for you. Specifically you. Maybe everybody else, I would get off the plane."

Beckham continued, "You gon' wait 40 minutes and I'm going to be on a private plane home. Yeah, with your fat ass. Get your ass off the plane for a second."

"Enjoy the cheese board on the way home with your ugly ass."

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NO CAUSE FOR CONCERN

As we reported, Beckham was eventually escorted off the plane by authorities. His attorney said of the incident that Beckham had simply fallen asleep, and a flight attendant just blew the situation out of proportion.

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SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Beckham -- who's still a free agent -- later said he learned a lesson from the whole incident ... "Put my seatbelt on before you fall asleep."

Jeff Beck Dead at 78

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Jeff Beck, a guitar legend who first made a name for himself back in the '60s, has died.

In an announcement Wednesday, his family said, "On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."

Of course, the death comes as a surprise to many, especially given the fact Beck just did a series of shows with his longtime friend, Johnny Depp.

Beck and Depp took the stage around the world following Johnny's trial with Amber Heard -- where crowds flocked to shows to not only watch the musicians in action, but to voice their support for Depp, too.

Johnny and Beck released a cover of John Lennon's "Isolation" in 2020.

Born in England, Beck first gained momentum with the Yardbirds and then became the frontman for the Jeff Beck Group as well as Beck, Bogert & Appice. He's won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance 6 times and once for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.

He was also inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice ... as a solo artist in 2009, and with the Yardbirds in 1992.

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JOHNNY AND JEFF JAM OUT

Beck was 78.

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LAST TIME WE SAW HIM ...

RIP

Dakota Johnson Gucci Handbag Campaign Bites Her ... PETA PO'd Over Real Skins

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Dakota Johnson has a new ad campaign with Gucci -- where she's rocking a ton of their gear, including animal skin handbags -- and PETA isn't happy about it ... not at all.

The actress just came out as an official ambassador for the luxury fashion brand, and appeared in a new commercial where she's showing off a ton of their products -- and, of course, there's photoshoots galore where DJ is in all Gucci. So, she's all in.

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The problem, according to PETA, is that a couple of these Gucci handbags Dakota's advertising here are made with authentic reptile skins ... specifically, python and crocodile. Gucci isn't hiding it either, as its website touts the fact the hides are the real deal.

That doesn't sit right with the animal rights org -- and it let Dakota know all about it in an informative, yet somewhat scathing, letter to her team.

In the correspondence, obtained by TMZ, PETA takes issue with Gucci's python and crocodile handbags -- ranging from $3,100 to $31k -- being so unabashedly flaunted by Dakota ... which they say is odd, since she's outspoken on a lot of social issues.

They're right, her IG is full of advocacy posts for everything from BLM to women's rights and a lot more.

So, PETA's asking if she cares about the animals that were slaughtered for the bags -- and reminds her poachers and hunters go to extreme lengths to obtain the skins ... including torturing and ripping them to pieces while still alive.

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PETA also mentions this tidbit ... "The killing of these snakes is so cruel that in California, it would be illegal to buy the very goods you’re promoting, because their sale is banned."

Gucci even acknowledges that fact on its web pages for a couple of these handbags.

Bottom line ... PETA is asking Dakota to strongly reconsider her association with Gucci and to denounce its use of exotic animal skins, especially with vegan alternatives available.

We tried looking to see if Dakota has spoken out on animal rights issues, specifically, and it sounds like she considers it a righteous cause -- seeing how her famous grandmother, Tippi Hedren, was a huge advocate of animal protection ... and DJ has spoken fondly of her work.

We've reached out to Dakota's reps for comment ... so far, no word back.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Folds Like a Cheap Suit!!! Over Dr. Dre Song

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Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene talked a big game after Dr. Dre went after her for using his song, "Still D.R.E.," as a music bed for her entrance to the House chamber, but after Dre. delivered a legal threat -- stop using my music, or else -- she backed down.

A Greene staffer just sent a letter to Dre's lawyer, Howard King -- obtained by TMZ -- which reads in part, "On behalf of Congresswoman Greene, please be advised that no further use of Mr. Young's copyright will be made by a political committee or via social media outlet she controls."

It's really something ... Greene responded well before the 5 PM deadline imposed by King.

It had gotten really nasty. King initially fired off a letter to Greene in which he made clear, his client would not allow Greene "to promote your divisive and hateful political agenda."

Greene fired back with a statement of her own, saying, "While I appreciate the creative chord progression, I would never play your words of violence against women and police officers, and your glorification of the thug life and drugs."

So now Greene will have to find another artist if she wants a music bed to accompany her videos. Thoughts?

Whitney Houston Golden Globes Death Joke Was 'In Poor Taste' ... Says Singer's Estate

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This year's Golden Globes host, Jerrod Carmichael, garnered gasps when he mentioned Whitney Houston's death during the show -- something the estate was equally shocked by.

Pat Houston -- Whitney's longtime manager and sister-in-law -- tells TMZ through a rep ... "The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste." Pat is the sole executor of the estate, BTW ... so she controls all things Whitney-related.

As for whether Carmichael's joke was alerted to anyone connected to Whitney prior to Tuesday's broadcast -- sources with direct knowledge tell us nobody was given a heads-up.

It's unclear if anyone at NBC knew JC was going to mention Whitney during his hosting gig -- in the moment, his remark seemed off the cuff ... and it very well may have been.

In case you missed it ... after the Globes came back from commercial break at one point, Carmichael said he had been asked to shout out the venue, after which he quipped ... "So, we are here, live, from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton."

Of course, he's referring to the fact Whitney overdosed in one of the hotel rooms back in 2012. Some folks laughed, but a lot more seemed taken aback and others even groaned.

It was just one of the controversial moments from Jerrod -- another came when he mentioned Shelly Miscavige ... a high-ranking Scientologist who's been out of public view for years.

50 Cent Apologizes to Megan for Siding with Tory ... Soulja Wants Others to Follow Suit

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50 Cent is taking the high road ... despite all his social media posts to the contrary, he's apologizing to Megan Thee Stallion for not believing her testimony about Tory Lanez shooting her.

The G-Unit legend switched from promoting season 2 of "BMF" to reflecting on his wild Instagram posts where he compared the embattled hottie to Jussie Smollett's lying ways via a meme that went viral.

50 explains he was taken aback by Megan's infamous interview with CBS' Gayle King where she denied having a sexual relationship with Tory -- which we now know was a lie -- but 50 says that fib prompted him to disbelieve everything else she said for nearly a year!!!

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Like many people following the case details, 50 says once the mountain of evidence came out, it began to sway his opinion ... with Tory's jailhouse phone call with Kelsey Harris sealing the deal for him.

50's probably one of the least likely rappers to swallow his pride and offer Megan a mea culpa -- trolling is his thing, after all -- but Soulja Boy is calling for the entire hip hop community to do just that ... apologize!!!

SB recently went on the warpath during an Instagram Live session where he threatened to beat up Tory (if) he's ever released from prison, and wished gang rape on him throughout his stint behind bars.

Tory's sentencing is now scheduled for February 28. We're sure Soulja will be keeping an apology scorecard until then!!!

'Rust' Investigation Baldwin and Crew Still in D.A.'s Sights ... Decision Coming This Month

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Alec Baldwin might've settled things on the civil side of the 'Rust' tragedy, but he's not out of the woods criminally ... as there's still a decision that has to be made, and we've learned it will come down by month's end.

Santa Fe's First Judicial District Attorney's Office tells TMZ ... the D.A. is set to make an announcement about whether she'll pursue criminal charges against anyone that was directly or indirectly involved in the death of DP Halyna Hutchins.

We're told everyone involved -- including Baldwin -- is under the D.A.'s microscope, and any filing decisions will be made by the end of January.

Baldwin could face charges for his role in Hutchins' death -- although the actor has repeatedly denied any responsibility ... insisting he didn't pull the trigger, and other parties were to blame.

It's been more than a year since Hutchins died ... and in light of her widowed husband settling his wrongful death suit entirely late last year in dramatic fashion -- which entailed him stepping in as an EP of the revived film -- everyone assumed the saga was over.

We'd already reported the civil settlement does not affect the criminal investigation -- which has already wrapped, with the findings sent over to the D.A.'s office a while ago at this point. So, the question ... what's the holdup?

The answer is unclear, but the end of the tunnel is in sight. The D.A. hasn't said what charges are being considered, but until she says otherwise -- it's all fair game.

Baldwin, for his part, has already turned the page ... or at least he's tried to, anyway.

Jorge Ballesteros World Shooting Champion Dead At 39 ... After Gunshot Wound

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World shooting champion Jorge Ballesteros has tragically passed away after reportedly suffering a gunshot wound to the head. He was only 39.

According to the Spanish news outlet ABC Deportes, Ballesteros was found inside his car at the La Vaguada shopping center in Madrid on Monday.

He was transferred to the local hospital ... but sadly, passed away on Tuesday.

The Spanish athlete's former sponsor, Double Alpha Academy, confirmed the terrible news ... saying he was dedicated to the sport of the International Practical Shooting Confederation.

"His achievements in IPSC were many, but his crowning achievement was his IPSC World Champion title, which he won at the peak of his career," the academy said in a statement.

"Jorge's friendly personality, kindness and helpfulness in the shooting community will be greatly missed."

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RUNNIN' THE COURSE

The Royal Spanish Olympic Shooting Federation also released a statement ... calling Ballesteros "the country's most representative and award-winning shooter" in IPSC history.

Ballesteros -- who was also a national police officer -- was a true winner ... he was a 17-time Spanish champ, 6-time Extreme Euro Open champ, and a 3-time IPSC European champ.

He also won the IPSC World Championship and the World Police Games title.

Ballesteros's last Instagram post was on Dec. 3rd after he was beaten by Christian Sailer in the World Championship ... saying he was passing the torch to the new winner.

"Sometimes things come this way and I must accept that life sometimes has different things prepared for us from what we expected or planned," Ballesteros said in the caption.

He leaves behind a wife and two children.

R.I.P.

Michael Flatley Fighting 'Aggressive' Cancer

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Michael Flatley's battling cancer again ... but this time he says it's an "aggressive form" and he's already gone under the knife.

The "Lord of the Dance" creator revealed his diagnosis Wednesday, saying he's "been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer."

Michael also says he's "undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors" ... and now he's asking for prayers and well-wishes.

The "Riverdance" legend has already beaten cancer once ... just last year Michael revealed how he fought skin cancer way back in 2003, crediting a fan for spotting the early signs of malignant melanoma on his body.

Michael's on the record saying his first bout with cancer changed his outlook on life ... he says it made him want to live every moment, gave him more focus on his career, and taught him to value friends and loved ones more than material possessions.

It's unclear what type of cancer Michael is battling this time around ... but here's hoping he beats the disease again.

Frankie Muniz I'm A Full-Time Driver Now!!! ... Set To Race In NASCAR's ARCA Series

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Frankie Muniz is going from "Malcolm in the Middle" to the middle of a racing pack ... revealing Wednesday he's set to drive full time in the NASCAR-owned ARCA Series this season!!!

The actor-turned-driver will be behind the wheel for Rette Jones Racing's #30 Ford Mustang ... starting next month, when the series hits Daytona International Speedway.

Muniz said this week he's pumped for the career change, revealing it's been a lifelong goal of his to eventually trade paint on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit.

"I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious how I am in progressing in my racing career," the 37-year-old said of the move to ARCA, "but also showing my son and family what it is to chase your dreams and re-invent yourself."

Muniz has been a lifelong fan of professional driving ... and has even posted pics and vids of him behind the wheel several times throughout the past few years.

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MUNIZ ON THE TRACK

Ford Performance Motorsports official Mark Rushbrook called Muniz "a skilled and enthusiastic racer" ... while Rette Jones Racing co-owner Terry Jones said he's thrilled to see Agent Cody Banks commanding one of his rides this year.

"Without a doubt, we believe in Frankie’s ability and commitment," Jones said, "and with Mark's leadership, we believe that he will quickly adapt on track and contend for a championship in his rookie season."

Muniz's first race is expected to go down on Feb. 18 -- getcha popcorn ready!

Damar Hamlin Released From Buffalo Hospital ... I'm Going Home!!!

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Damar Hamlin has been released from the hospital and is going home ... 10 days after going into cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football, the Bills announced Wednesday morning!

24-year-old Hamlin made incredible strides during his recovery ... and was transported by air from UC Medical Center in Cincinnati on Monday to Buffalo General Medical Center.

But, Hamlin was still in the hospital ... eating hospital food, and sleeping in a hospital bed.

That is until Wednesday morning, when doctors say they made the determination Hamlin was healthy enough to continue treatment at home.

Damar's critical care physician, Jamie Nadler, MD, provided an update on Hamlin's condition, saying, "We have completed a series of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with the team physicians, we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills."

Of course, Hamlin collapsed after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins during last week's MNF matchup ... and required CPR and defibrillation in the stadium.

Hamlin was resuscitated and taken to a local Intensive Care Unit for treatment. The outlook appeared bleak in the beginning ... however, Damar recovered at an astounding pace.

The country rallied around Damar ... hundreds of thousands of people donated millions of dollars to the young player's charity fundraiser.

Welcome home, Damar!!

Golden Globes 2023 Hollywood's Young & Restless ... Hit the Town Post-Show!!!

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Hollywood partying seems to be a young man's (and woman's) game in 2023 -- which is exactly why you mostly saw a bunch of 20-somethings out on the town post-Golden Globes.

There were a few after-parties Tuesday following the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton ... but it doesn't look like too many of the old-timers were in tow for those -- on the contrary, it was a bunch of whippersnappers who ended up attending, including some winners for the night.

First, we had the shindig at the Chateau Marmont ... where Austin Butler, Addison Rae, Dixie D'Amelio, Dakota Fanning, Darren Criss, Lil Nas X, Milly Alcock, Kara Del Toro, Tyler, the Creator, Kaia Gerber and others came flocking to continue the Globes celebration.

Elsewhere in Bev Hills, we had a somewhat rare Salma Hayek sighting at Tommy's -- and it looks like Steven Spielberg was out and about as well. But, that's just really all there was in the over-40 group ... seems like everyone else turned in early for the evening.

New parents A$AP Rocky and Rihanna were spotted painting the town red ... but they kept things relatively low-key, going to Giorgio Baldi -- without a lot of the Globes crowd in tow.

It could be the crappy weather that's to blame for keeping folks off the streets ... frankly, it was cold and damp, so not exactly the greatest conditions to rage. Not to mention the fact that a lot of last night's winners were seasoned OGs, who've been there and done that. 😄