Browns Lineman Greg Robinson Busted For 157 Lbs. Of Weed Facing Up to 20 Yrs In Prison

UPDATE

9:24 AM PT -- 2/20 The Montreal Alouettes -- Quan Bray's CFL team -- released a statement saying they're aware of his arrest.

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"We are in the process of gathering as much information as possible as we take this matter very seriously," the statement says. "We plan to make a definitive decision as soon as possible."

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"The organization will issue no further comment."

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4:45 PM PT -- TMZ Sports has learned that Greg Robinson was busted with 156.9 pounds of marijuana, according to law enforcement docs.

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Robinson -- who was also with 26-year-old ex-NFL player Quan Bray -- was stopped around 7:15 PM on Monday evening after a Border Patrol drug-sniffing dog alerted to the rear cargo door of their 2020 Chevy Tahoe.

UPDATE

According to the docs, Robinson and Bray were NOT reentering the country from Mexico -- rather they were trying to get from Los Angeles to Louisiana and hit the checkpoint on the way.

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The agents performed a follow-up search and located several vacuum-sealed black bags full of a green leafy substance.

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Border Patrol tested the substance and it came back positive for marijuana.

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BP says they also found 23 mason jars, a can sealing machine, an electronic scale, and $3,100 in cash in Bray's jeans.

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There was a third person in the SUV -- who was not charged. During the stop, Robinson and Bray allegedly tried to get that person to take the fall for the weed.

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BP says while in custody, agents observed a text notification on Robinson's cell phone from a contact listed as "Grow House Indoor."

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Robinson and Bray are facing up to 20 years in prison, if convicted.

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Robinson and Bray were teammates at Auburn. Bray -- a wide receiver -- played a few seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, but never really caught on in the NFL. He was most recently playing with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes.

Cleveland Browns lineman Greg Robinson -- the #2 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft -- is in custody after officials say he was found with A LOT of marijuana at a border patrol checkpoint.

We're told Robinson was stopped on Monday at the Sierra Blanca border checkpoint near the U.S., Mexico border. We're still working on the details surrounding the arrest.

Jail records show Robinson is still in custody and we're told he's facing a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute.

27-year-old Robinson was an absolute stud back in his college days -- making 1st Team All-SEC during his 2013 season at Auburn.

The NFL scouts drooled over Robinson -- he's 6'5", 332 pounds -- and when the Rams took him with the #2 pick in 2014, they signed him to a fully guaranteed 4-year $21 million contract.

The bad news for the Rams ... he didn't live up to the hype so they traded him to the Detroit Lions for a 6th round pick in 2017. The Browns signed Robinson in 2018 and re-signed him in 2019.

Sources tell us the Browns recently informed Robinson they would not be bringing him back for the 2020 season.

Robinson has reportedly made more than $29 million in contract money during his NFL career.

We reached out to Robinson's rep and the Cleveland Browns -- so far, no comment from either.

Originally published -- 2/19 7:32 AM PT

Donald Trump L.A. Fundraiser's Delish Hors D'oeuvres Ended Up by a Toilet!!!

ORDER UP
TMZ.com

President Trump's Beverly Hills fundraiser featured a fire menu as far as appetizers are concerned, but hopefully they weren't prepped in a bathroom ... 'cause that's where they ended up!

TMZ's obtained video of the aftermath of some of the hors d'oeuvres served at the Montage hotel Tuesday night, and for some reason ... they were stashed in a small bathroom -- between the bathtub and the toilet.

The appetizers and drinks menu for the pro-Trump event is posted on the catering food warming cabinet -- which is also in the bathroom -- and along with the leftover lamb meatballs and mint yogurt sauce seen in the vid ... looks like there were delicious options.

The hors d'oeuvres list also includes burrata with roasted tomatoes and garlic croutons, poached prawns, chicken empanadas, miniature crab cakes and truffle mushroom risotto balls.

Seems like they must have been quite a hit, because there's not much leftover ... unless more food was stored away in another bathroom. But ... check out the trays of food that do not appear to have been passed around yet. What we don't know ... was the bathroom used as a staging area before serving guests?

We broke the story ... Trump not only raised a bunch of money at the fundraiser, but he used it as an opportunity to mock Bernie Sanders, the current front-runner to challenge him for the presidency.

We contacted a rep for the Montage and sent her the video. She said she would get back to us, but did not.

Rugby Player Rowan Baxter Stalked Wife, Tracked Phone Before Murder-Suicide

UPDATE

8:31 AM PT -- 2/20 The parents of Baxter's estranged wife say the rugby player was in a "downward spiral" prior to the murder-suicide ... claiming it all started when Hannah left Baxter after 11 years of marriage.

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The parents detail Hannah's relationship with Baxter, saying he was controlling and abusive ... and believe he hacked Hannah's phone so he could track her every move.

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The parents question how Baxter was able to get so close to Hannah during the attack ... explaining he wasn't allowed within 65 feet of her following a recent assault, and there's no way she would have allowed him to come close.

A former pro-Australian rugby player murdered his wife and 3 young children in an apparent murder-suicide ... according to law enforcement officials in Australia.

42-year-old Rowan Baxter -- who played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL) -- was found in his car early Wednesday morning along with his wife, 2 young daughters and his son. The kids were aged 6, 4 and 3.

Officials believe Baxter doused the car with gasoline and set it on fire. Witnesses say they saw Baxter's wife trying to escape the car while yelling, "He's poured petrol on me."

Emergency responders raced to the scene -- and Baxter's wife was transported to a nearby hospital ... but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Emergency responders also reportedly tried to revive Rowan, but he was declared dead.

Police say Rowan's wife had been driving the car and he was sitting in the front passenger seat.

A Good Samaritan who tried to help the family was also hospitalized with facial burns, according to local media.

Scott Morrison -- the Prime Minister of Australia -- has issued a statement about the situation saying, "My heart goes out to the families and community going through this tragic time and the emergency responders confronting what would be a shattering scene."

Rowan and his wife had been running a fitness company called Integr8 in Brisbane. They reportedly separated late last year and were trying to hammer out custody arrangements.

Baxter stayed around the game after his playing career was over, working as a fitness coach for teams in NRL, Super Rugby and the Australian Football League.

Originally published -- 2/19 6:54 AM PT

Ben Affleck Reflects on Alcoholism ... 'I'd Sit There and Drink Until I Passed Out on the Couch'

2/20/2020
FIGHTING FAMILY HISTORY
Good Morning America

Ben Affleck wrestled with the thought of being an alcoholic ... but looking back he vows not to let it trigger another downward spiral for the sake of his kids.

The movie star looked better than ever during his interview with Diane Sawyer on "Good Morning America" ... acknowledging alcoholism took over his life to the point he'd come home after work and drink until he passed out. He also opened up about his family history -- his grandmother took her life as a result of alcoholism. His father and aunt were also addicts.

Now that he's sober, Ben says he wants to stay on the straight and narrow for his kids. He said, "I really don't want my children to pay for my sins. Or to be afraid for me, which is one of the hard parts of being a child of an alcoholic."

Ben -- who had an intervention back in 2018 -- says he first got sober in 2001 for a couple of years but his moderate drinking ultimately turned for the worse. He briefly talked about his setback on Halloween ... when he stumbled walking out of a WeHo party.

10/26/19
SHAKY EVENING
TMZ.com

After that incident, Ben told paps he vowed to get sober again. And, his 3 kids with Jennifer Garner -- 14-year-old Violet, 11-year-old Seraphina Rose and 7-year-old Samuel -- is a motivating factor. It's why he took the last half of last year off ... just to be Dad.

As for his divorce to Jennifer ... Ben says it was one of the hardest things to come to terms with because he had vowed not to repeat his father's mistakes.

Ja'Net DuBois Looked Healthy at 'Good Times' Event Weeks Before Sudden Death

"Good Times" star Ja'Net DuBois appeared in good spirits -- and more importantly, healthy -- just a couple weeks before suddenly dying.

We got this photo of Ja'Net posing with "Good Times" costars Jimmie Walker, Johnny Brown, Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter -- all 5 of whom showed up together on Feb. 1 at the Los Angeles Marriott at the Burbank Airport for a scheduled meet and greet with fans.

The group talked with longtime viewers, took photos and signed autographs. As you can see, Ja'Net seemed perfectly fine with the rest of the TV stars. In good enough health, anyway, to walk around and pose for at least a couple shots -- if not more.

Just a little more than 2 weeks later, she was found unresponsive at her Glendale, CA home -- where her family says she died in her sleep unexpectedly. We're told there were no known ailments or illnesses she was battling prior to her passing ... it just happened.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Ja'Net died of natural causes, plain and simple. The fact she was up and smiling just days earlier makes her loss all the more tragic.  It's interesting ... we're told there will be NO autopsy, despite the puzzling nature of her death.

As you might know, she had a hand in some iconic shows besides "Good Times" -- serving as the gorgeous voice that greeted viewers in the opening song, "Movin' On Up," on "The Jeffersons," as well as voicing Mrs. Avery on "The PJs" for all 43 episodes.

She was 74.

RIP

Antonio Brown Cracked In The Head In Gym Equipment Accident

THAT'S GONNA LEAVE (AB)RUISE
UPDATE

9:35 AM PT -- Brown just commented on the gym gaffe ... taking a shot at his former rival, Vontaze Burfict!

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"This sh*t hit harder than Vontaze Burfict......... #MrBigChest #315Easy"

Antonio Brown's got lightning-fast reflexes ... but even that wasn't enough to keep him from getting hit in the head by an errant piece of gym equipment.

The out-of-work NFL star appeared to be working out at his 84/7 training facility in Florida -- pushing big weight on the bench press -- when another piece of gym equipment got loose and crashed down on his head.

It's unclear why the workout machine got loose -- but don't worry, AB didn't appear to be injured.

Just a reminder ... be careful in the gym!!

As for his career, Brown has been training like a maniac and recently told TMZ Sports he plans on meeting with team reps at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis when that event kicks off this weekend.

YOU GOTTA PAY UP!
TMZSports.com

Of course, Brown has a LOT going on off the field that could prevent teams from pulling the trigger -- including an ongoing battery case, allegations of sexual assault, baby mama issues and a very nasty beef with the Hollywood Police Dept.

We know he can play ... but will a team look past everything else to get him on the field?

Originally published -- 6:42 AM PT

Macklemore Surprise, Dutch Bros. ... I'm Joining Your Coffee Team!!!

COFFEE SHOP
TMZ.com

Macklemore's had something brewing with a West Coast coffee chain, and he made the surprise reveal himself ... he's taking his talents to the creative directing team!!!

The rapper's partnering up with Dutch Bros. Coffee to help develop new products and flavors with the brand ... and he made the announcement Wednesday in pretty glorious fashion at the company's annual business summit in Scottsdale, AZ.

Macklemore first appears on-screen in a prerecorded message to let employees know he's the new Executive Creative Director of Cold Brew. He says he'd love to be there with them to celebrate ... but he's got golfing to do.

It's all a fake out though ... because he rides in on a golf cart to the delight of the Dutch Bros. crew.

Though this is a new short-term contract for the rapper -- we're told it will wrap up this summer when he performs at their major company event -- Macklemore's love for their coffee goes way back.

He's a huge fan, especially of cold brew, and has been an unofficial brand ambassador for a few years. Macklemore partnered with Dutch Bros. last year for a campaign to fight ALS ... and he's even included the coffee in a couple of his music videos.

We're told the rapper -- who hails from the Pacific Northwest, where the coffee chain is prevalent -- will be in charge of a few new cold brew product launches and more upcoming promotional events.

Cheers!

NFL's Darren McFadden Gets Jail Time ... In Drunken Whataburger Case

Ex-Dallas Cowboys star Darren McFadden will be spending time behind bars ... TMZ Sports has learned the former running back just pled guilty in his drunken Whataburger case.

We broke the story ... back in January 2019, cops say McFadden was asleep at the wheel of his 2019 GMC Yukon in the drive-thru of a Whataburger in Texas.

Officials say after officers confronted him, McFadden resisted ... and in the scuffle, Darren's driver's side and passenger windows were smashed in.

Authorities eventually hit McFadden with charges of resisting arrest and DWI with a BAC of greater than or equal to .15 ... but we've learned the 32-year-old reached a plea deal last week to close out the case.

According to court records, McFadden pled guilty to drunk driving ... and in exchange, his resisting arrest charge was dismissed.

As for his punishment in the deal with prosecutors ... court docs show he's been ordered to spend 4 days in jail, although he did receive credit for 1 day of time served.

McFadden was also forced to pay fines and fees as part of the agreement ... and his driver's license will be suspended for 90 days.

We reached out to McFadden's attorney, who confirmed the case's disposition ... but declined to comment otherwise.

McFadden was a superstar at Arkansas before he was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Darren went on to play 7 seasons with the Raiders and 3 more with the Cowboys, before retiring in 2017.

Melissa in ''The Longest Yard'' 'Memba Her?!

American actress and model Anitra Ford is best known for playing the super-sexy love interest in lace, Melissa -- who calls the cops after getting roughed up ... which leads to Paul doing hard time -- in the 1974 cinematic sports classic, "The Longest Yard."

Anitra Ford was cast alongside some classic actors including, Eddie Albert as the team-driven Warden Hazen, Ed Lauter as the hardball Captain Knauer ... and of course, Burt Reynolds as the pro player turned con player, Paul Crewe.

Anitra Ford was also widely recognized as one of the first models on "The Price Is Right."

Guess what she looks like now!

Drew Carey's Ex-Fiancee Ex Boyfriend Charged With Murder

Gareth Pursehouse -- the man accused of murdering Drew Carey's ex fiancee, Dr. Amie Harwick -- has been arrested again and charged with her murder.

Pursehouse was re-arrested Wednesday on a no bail warrant and was charged with one count each of murder and first-degree residential burglary with the special circumstance allegation of lying in wait ... according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

Gareth is facing the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole, if convicted. The D.A. says no decision has been made on whether to seek capital punishment.

We broke the story ... Amie was murdered this weekend after cops say Pursehouse attacked her, causing her to fall from a third-story balcony in the Hollywood Hills.

Amie and Gareth dated years ago and as we reported ... Harwick filed for 2 restraining orders against him in 2011 and 2012, claiming he attacked her multiple times and even threw her out of a vehicle on the side of the freeway.

Pursehouse was initially arrested for murder Saturday afternoon, but he bonded out of jail Tuesday night after being held on a $2 million bail.

Now, Pursehouse is back in custody and the D.A. says on Thursday he will be arraigned.

Angela Stanton I'm Shocked Trump Pardoned Me!!!

2/19/20
Thanks, President TRump!!!
TMZ.com

Angela Stanton is still in shock after getting a presidential pardon from Donald Trump ... and she's already on her way to try and thank him in person.

Angela, an author and TV personality, joined us on "TMZ Live" Wednesday and was over the moon after getting one helluva birthday present from the Prez.

As you know ... Trump pardoned 7 people Tuesday, including Angela and former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr., and commuted the sentences of disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and three others.

Angela says she had no idea a pardon was coming -- she says she filed her petition a while back -- and doesn't know why she was chosen ... but she's gonna try like hell to thank Trump at Wednesday night's campaign rally in Phoenix.

FYI ... Angela has talked publicly about her rough childhood and has spent some time behind bars -- ultimately serving 6 months of home confinement back in 2007 for her role in a stolen-vehicle ring ... but now her federal crime is forever forgiven.

She's been big on prison reform ever since getting released -- speaking openly about giving birth while in custody, and the trauma of being cuffed to a prison bed during delivery. She has since worked on some of the initiatives favored by the White House and written a book about her experiences.

Angela tells us the pardon changed her views on Trump ... and she's got a bone to pick with Barack Obama.

Ninja Blasts Video Game Haters Imagine Telling LeBron James to Chill

Ninja -- the most famous pro gamer in the world -- is sick and tired of people treating his sport like it's a joke ... and he's invoking the names of LeBron and Tom Brady to make his point.

The 28-year-old Fortnite legend went on a passionate rant while streaming on Wednesday -- saying he's fed up with people telling him to tone down his competitiveness with comments like, "It's just a video game."

Ninja HATES that phrase -- explaining how EVERY top competitor in any field should HATE to lose no matter what sport they're in.

In his words ... "If anyone ever uses the excuse 'It's just a game' I'm gonna lose my mind."

"Imagine telling LeBron James, Tom Brady that when they're pissed off after losing a game that it's just a game. Like I'm gonna lose it. Are you kidding me?! You're so stupid!!!"

"It’s the competitive nature, bro. It’s about respect, bro. It’s about pride. It’s so much bigger than a f**king video game. Anybody that ever uses the excuse 'It’s just a game' is a horrible human being and is lazy. You’re a lazy human being."

Earlier in the week, Ninja had tweeted about his mindset -- saying, "The phrase 'it’s just a game' is such a weak mindset. You are ok with what happened, losing, imperfection of a craft. When you stop getting angry after losing, you’ve lost twice."

"There’s always something to learn, and always room for improvement, never settle."

People went after him HARD on social media -- but Ninja ain't backing down ... which is why he went on the rant during his stream on Wednesday.

Also, with Fortnite Season 2 about to drop this week, he's clearly getting his mind right to destroy everyone.

For the record, Ninja's intense mentality has earned him MILLIONS in prize money and sponsorships ... so even if you disagree, the numbers don't lie.

AOC Cool Climate Change Story, Jeff Now Clean Up Amazon, Plz

CAN HE WALK THE WALK?
TMZ.com

Jeff Bezos pouring tons of money toward fighting climate change is all fine and good in AOC's eyes -- but he's still got a hot mess on his hands when it comes to his own company.

We got the freshman congresswoman Wednesday in NYC and asked her about Bezos' big announcement this week -- that he's dumping $10 billion of his own fortune toward a new fund to pay for scientists, activists and NGOs working to manage the climate.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez says it's a nice gesture, but in reality ... the guy's company, Amazon, leaves a major carbon footprint -- which he needs to address first and foremost before becoming a champion of the cause. There's other issues too, BTW.

AOC points out Bezos' Amazon workers have complained about wages for a long time, so she thinks he needs to get his house in order here domestically before taking on the world.

Interesting insight from the Congresswoman -- she's been very outspoken about climate change and is trying to push through the Green New Deal. Doesn't sound like she believes Bezos is on the front lines of this fight -- regardless of his funding powers.

Oh, and check out the insane number of posters and pics she signs here for a bunch of fans (and constituents?). AOC even gives a little girl an exclusive interview on the spot.

Awesome.

Nascar's Ryan Newman Released from Hospital ... Walks Out with 2 Daughters!!!

STRONGER TOGETHER
UPDATE

10:47 AM PT -- EVEN MORE GREAT NEWS!!! Newman was just officially released from the hospital and walked out of the building with his 2 daughters by his side! Amazing!!!

UPDATE
UPDATE

2/19 -- MORE GREAT NEWS -- here's a pic of Ryan Newman SMILING with his daughters in his hospital room ... proof he continues to make great progress in his recovery after that scary Daytona 500 crash.

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Also worth noting ... Newman appears to be STANDING in the photo -- which is another great sign.

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"Ryan Newman continues to show great improvement after Monday night's last-lap accident at Daytona International Speedway," Roush Fenway Racing says.

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"The veteran driver is fully alert and walking around Halifax Medical Center. True to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends and family while spending time playing with his two daughters."

UPDATE

12:55 PM PT -- 2/18 -- Great news about the health of Ryan Newman -- he's awake and talking, his racing team confirms.

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Roush Fenway Racing says, "Ryan Newman remains under the care of doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is awake and speaking with family and doctors."

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"Ryan and his family have expressed their appreciation for the concern and heartfelt messages from across the country."

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"They are grateful for the unwavering support of the NASCAR community and beyond."

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7:15 PM PT -- President Trump -- who was at the Daytona 500 on Sunday -- just tweeted support for the NASCAR driver, saying ... "Praying for Ryan Newman, a great driver and a brave @NASCAR driver! #PrayingForRyan"

UPDATE

7:06 PM PT -- NASCAR just announced Newman is in "serious condition" ... but noted doctors say his injuries are "non-life threatening."

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman is in a Florida hospital after his car wrecked in a super-scary crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 ... and video from the crash is INSANE.

As you can see ... Newman's car flips several times as it hurtles through the air, eventually catching fire, spinning onto the infield and crossing the finish line on its roof. Somewhat surprisingly, no other drivers were injured in the crash.

Newman was rushed to a local hospital ... but his current condition remains unclear.

It's pretty crazy ... Ryan was trying to hold on to the lead when his car was nudged by Ryan Blaney and hit the wall on the final lap of the weather-delayed race

Denny Hamlin ended up winning the first race of the NASCAR season, while Newman was credited with a fourth-place finish.

Originally Published -- 2/17 5:38 PM PT

Rapper Pop Smoke Murdered in Home Invasion ... By 4 Masked Gunmen

UPDATE

1:20 PM PT -- The friend who was hanging with Pop Smoke and photographed with him hours before he was killed, Mike Dee, has spoken out about the tragedy ... saying nothing can express the pain he's feeling, and addressing unfounded speculation about what happened.

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Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

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Mike says ... "I just lost my f***ing brother, my heart my dawgz. You guys have no type of sense or sympathy! Yall don't kno whats going on yall come on here playing investigator and bashing me on the internet, I would never in my life set my brother up."

UPDATE

He concludes with a message for Pop, saying ... "Just kno I got you forever brother the truth will come to light until then sleep in peace."

UPDATE

9:41 AM PT -- Sources familiar with the surveillance video tell TMZ ... the video shows at least 4 masked men with hoodies making their way into the house just 10 minutes after people inside the house deadbolted the front doors shut. We're told they did not turn the house alarm on, which made it easier for the home invaders to get inside.

UPDATE
UPDATE

And, there's this ... Pop Smoke posted the address of the home earlier in the day. He was showing off gift bags he had received and one had the home's address. As for why he was getting gift bags ... his mix tape hit #7 on the Billboard 200 chart Tuesday.

UPDATE

8:03 AM PT -- Just hours before he was gunned down, Pop Smoke mugged with a pal in a car -- the friend holding a fortune in bills -- in the driveway of the home where he was shot.

UPDATE
UPDATE

7:32 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us there was a party or gathering at the house prior to the shooting.  It's unclear what motive the shooters had in showing up at the house.

UPDATE

7:08 AM PT -- Nicki Minaj just posted a message about his death ... "The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as the grave. Unbelievable. Rest in Peace, Pop."

UPDATE

6:56 AM PT -- The home is owned by 'RHOBH' star Teddi Mellencamp and her husband, Edwin Arroyave, who owns several homes in Los Angeles. It's possible Pop Smoke was renting the property.

Pop Smoke, an up-and-coming rapper, was shot and killed Wednesday morning in what appears to be a home invasion robbery ... TMZ has learned.

The rapper was at a home in the Hollywood Hills at around 4:30 AM when 2 men wearing hoodies and masks broke into a house ... this according to law enforcement sources. We're told the 2 men fired multiple shots, striking and critically wounding Pop Smoke. The men were seen fleeing on foot.

ATTEMPTING CPR
BACKGRID

Pop Smoke was rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood where he was pronounced dead.

The suspects have not been caught and as far as we know they have not been identified.  It's unclear if Pop Smoke knew the shooters. One man was placed in handcuffs but cops determined he was not involved and was released.

Pop Smoke released an album back in July and one of the songs, "Welcome to the Party," blew up ... it was considered by many the song of the summer. Nicki Minaj did a remix of the song a few months later. He also did a song, "Gatti," with Travis Scott.

7/23/19
LAST TIME WE SAW HIM ...
TMZ.com

We got Pop Smoke out at LAX back in July, and he told us about a hoop dream that came true.

Pop Smoke was 20.

RIP

Originally Published -- 6:25 AM PT

'Sonic the Hedgehog' Star Teeth Redesign Was Well Worth It We Made Bank in Week 1!!!

FANS KNOW BEST
TMZ.com

'Sonic the Hedgehog' took a cue from the fan base -- and rightly so, because the movie's rolling in the dough as a result ... so says one of the film's stars.

Actress Tika Sumpter was leaving Craig's in WeHo Tuesday night, and she weighed in on the massive box office haul her new flick pulled in over the weekend -- upwards of $70 million here at home, and projected to make a lot more than its estimated $85 mil budget.

According to her, the secret formula for success here was the fact Paramount Studios listened to the feedback from potential viewers on social media earlier last year ... when everyone ripped Sonic's original look, and his eery human-like teeth that nobody seemed to like.

Tika says the proof is in the pudding in terms of Paramount's reward for taking note -- and it sounds like she thinks other studios may follow suit with future projects.

Funny enough, Tika invokes another animated classic with teeth issues of its own. She says we've advanced beyond the one-block denture depiction, but aren't quite ready to see cavities, it seems.

Ain't that the truth!

Old news is old news!
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