Kanye West 'No One Wanted to Tell Me I was DEAD' Claims in Poem He was Murdered

Kanye West penned a super ominous poem about his death -- an event he says has already occurred -- and the foundation of his premise is murder.

The poem is pretty incredible, and it appears to be a case of art imitating life. If we can be so bold to interpret ... it seems he's telegraphing that all of his recent struggles -- notably his divorce from Kim Kardashian -- has left him lifeless, but he didn't realize it until now.

The poem -- which begins with "No one wanted to tell me I was DEAD" -- is a sad and lonely account of his demise ... people coming to his grave sprinkling bread on the ground so the birds could be fed.

There seems to be references to the divorce ... "My kids would dance for me in a home I once led" -- seemingly referring to the fact Kim now owns the family house.

He also airs some grievances ... "Everything was wrong in the press that I read."

He then reveals in poetic fashion how he met his demise ... I found out one day at the newsstand in purgatory there was a front page article of my murderer's story." He does not identify the murderer.

As for what Kanye says he meant ... he's mum, saying, "I will not explain this new piece for the explanation destroys the mystery and magic of true love and puts it in a box that can be counted."

Ukraine Russian Tank Blows Up Civilian Car ... Kills Elderly Couple Inside

BLOWN UP

A Russian tank absolutely obliterated a civilian vehicle by opening fire -- killing an elderly couple inside who appeared to be trying to flee.

This went down Tuesday in the town of Makariv, just outside of Kyiv. As you know, that area has been under siege for days ... and people are attempting to get out any way they can, but many are still being targeted by Putin.

DEADLY AFTERMATH

Tragically, that happened here ... the tank unleashing a blast from a good distance on an open road, with nothing but the car in sight. There was no threat posed, and nothing to indicate Ukrainian soldiers were afoot ... and yet, the tank operator fired on the vehicle.

The man and woman inside died -- a slaughtering that appears to have been captured by a nearby surveillance camera. In the aftermath, somebody filmed the destruction up close ... and you can see the couple's bodies leaning on each other.

It's incredibly graphic, but also crucial ... to witness the sheer brutality that's being inflicted on the Ukrainian people. There are multiple videos like this ... and reports that ordinary folks are being indiscriminately fired upon by Russian forces.

We saw something similar this past weekend in Irpin, where Ukrainians were also doing their best to get out of the war-torn area via evacuation points ... with Russians raining mortar shells on that entire section.

Ukraine Troops Play Checkers ... With Molotov Cocktails

Ukraine is in a chess match with Putin's army -- but some of the brave men on the ground are playing a different game ... and they have some interesting board pieces.

Check out these photos of Ukrainian soldiers locked in on a round of checkers -- but instead of red and black chips like you might normally see ... they got Molotov cocktails out! Unclear how they're distinguishing between bottles -- but if you look closely, it seems some of the caps might be different colors.

Kinda surreal to see, especially knowing that they're putting these weapons to use beyond just a game.

Of course ... we've seen ordinary citizens using these puppies to fight back against Russian forces, with local businesses (like breweries and whatnot) creating these on the fly and getting them out to the public for defense.

Indeed, the government has given folks there the greenlight to chuck the cocktails as they see fit -- and after the way the Russian army has been targeting civilians lately ... you can understand why they'd let 'em fly.

Looks like the Ukrainian soldiers have a fair amount themselves ... and until they're needed for flinging in battle, would appear they're putting them to good use elsewhere.

King me!

Aaron Rodgers Back With The Pack!!! ... Not Retiring After All

UPDATE

11:50 AM PT -- Aaron Rodgers is breaking his silence on his return to Green Bay ... saying he's "very excited to be back" ... but shutting down several details surround the deal.

UPDATE

"Hey everyone, just wanted to clear some things up," Rodgers tweeted. "YES I will be playing with the @packers next year, however, reports about me signing a contract are inaccurate, as are the supposed terms of the contract I 'signed.'"

UPDATE

Rodgers didn't specify the correct numbers ... but it's only a matter of time until we find out.

Breathe easy, Green Bay ... Aaron Rodgers is coming back.

The star quarterback's BFF Pat McAfee just announced the news ... saying, according to sources, Rodgers is slated to return to the Packers for at least the 2022 season.

McAfee said the 38-year-old seriously considered retirement -- but ultimately chose to return to Wisconsin after all.

McAfee added that reports of a new, mega, 4-year, $200 MILLION contract for the QB were "not accurate" -- though the ex-NFL player did not elaborate on what Rodgers' new deal (if there is one) will be.

As we reported, Rodgers had been feuding with Green Bay brass prior to the 2021 season -- upset over a variety of personnel moves -- and many felt it would ultimately be his final one in the green and yellow.

But, the two sides appeared to build a bridge throughout the 17-game season ... and Rodgers seemed much happier with the org. in recent months.

Rodgers is coming off his second straight MVP award -- and his recommitment to the team is expected to sway star receiver Davante Adams to return as well.

Story developing ...

Disney World Tourists Go Under the Sea ... Caught in Flash Flood!!!

MOIST MAGIC
Twitter/@SaraThornton1

There is not a new 'Little Mermaid' ride at Disney World, but guests might feel like it as major flash flooding left parts of the theme park underwater.

Disney's Hollywood Studios -- one of the 4 Disney parks in Orlando -- was inundated Monday night, but the unprepared tourists seemed to take in stride ... albeit, very wet strides.

As "When You Wish Upon a Star" blared some people were pushing strollers through knee-deep (for little kids) water.

FLASH FLOOD
TikTok/PagingMrMorrow

You can imagine ... the younger park-goers were eating this up, having an absolute blast playing, skipping or just flopping down in the flooding. Not ideal for parents, but hey -- ya came all that way, might as well soak up the Disney magic.

The National Weather Service says an estimated 4 to 5 inches of rain ended up falling in the area. Gotta love Florida, baby!!!

One Disney World cast member says he hasn't seen anything like it in 17 years. As they say,  when it rains, it pours ... especially on Mickey and co.

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Hash Oil Claim 'Highly Skeptical' To Family of Marine Jailed in Russia

Brittney Griner's detainment in Russia is drawing a strong reaction from the family of a U.S. Marine who's also imprisoned there ... and they're not buying what the Russians are selling.

The family of Trevor Reed, a retired Marine from Texas who's been locked up in Russia since 2019, is "highly skeptical" of the allegations surrounding Brittney, because they've seen the Russians fabricate criminal cases.

That's why Reed's family rep, Jonathan Franks, tells us the family believes the claim Brittney was traveling with hashish oil could be totally bogus ... and they're accusing the Russians of manufacturing criminal charges against other Americans, including Trevor.

As we reported, Russian officials have opened up a drug trafficking investigation after customs officials at an airport near Moscow claimed to have found vape cartridges in Brittney's carry-on.

DETAINED IN RUSSIA
customs.gov.ru

Franks says he'd bet his car Griner was NOT in possession of cannabis, and the facts surrounding Trevor's case might explain why.

For those who don't know, Trevor was convicted in July 2020 and sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison for allegedly endangering the life and health of Russian police officers during an altercation in Moscow.

The U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, says the alleged crime never happened and has even described Trevor's case as "theater of the absurd."

The Reeds deny the allegations against Trevor, and recognize Brittney's situation as tragic. We're told they hope her circumstances, and Trevor's, will wake up folks to the danger of being an American in Russia.

We're told Trevor's loved ones are reaching out to Brittney's family ... offering to provide any support and insight from their dealings with Russia.

DOUBLING DOWN
TMZ.com

Sen. Lindsey Graham told us the State Dept. is working on securing Brittney's release ... and the Reeds say Trevor could use help too, because he might have been exposed to tuberculosis in prison.

His family's hoping all the international attention will lead to better treatment for Americans detained in Russia.

Justin Bieber Rocks L.A. on Justice Tour Stop ... With Famous Friends

3/7/22
BIEBER ROCKS L.A.
TMZ.com

Justin Bieber's Justice Tour is back in full swing after the singer's bout with COVID-19 ... and his L.A. stop was full of surprises.

JB fans packed into Crypto.com Arena Monday night where the singer played all his hits. He also brought out some of his famous friends to share the stage -- including Leon Bridges, who played "River," Don Toliver for "Don't Go" and Quavo for "Intentions."

The show was nearly two hours -- with a 24 song setlist -- which included some of his newer stuff like "Peaches," "Ghost" and "Anyone" along with his classics like "Sorry," "Baby" and "Boyfriend."

SUPERSTAR GUESTS
TMZ.com

Bieber also took some time to address the crowd, sharing a message that sometimes it's okay to not be okay ... and that even the world's biggest stars have their struggles.

Of course, Justin was referencing his struggles during his teenage years, including a DUI arrest back in 2014, and his more recent battle with Lyme Disease.

3/8/22
SEEING THE LARGER PICTURE
TMZ.com

JB told the crowd, "What this tour is about is about unity, it's about collectively coming together and saying I love you no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from ... and I just think there's so much power in that. So, I just want to say thank you guys so much for coming to this Justice tour."

Kelly Clarkson Moving Tribute To Dolly Parton ... At 2022 ACM Awards

Kelly Clarkson stole the show at Monday night's 2022 ACM Awards ... giving a stirring performance to honor Dolly Parton.

The "American Idol" alum sent chills around the room when she sang Dolly's enormous hit, "I Will Always Love You" (famously covered by Whitney Houston too).

Dolly was clearly moved by Kelly's performance, coming on stage and saying, "I was backstage trying not to cry my false eyelashes off — slinging snot in every direction and tears."

And, giving her blessing to Kelly's rendition, Dolly added, "I know that Whitney is smiling down on us tonight, so thank you very much — she would be proud of that."

And, DP wasn't the only one moved ... people in the crowd rose to their feet to sing and dance along. Clarkson got a standing O.

The 57th Country Academy of Country Music Awards went down at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas and was hosted by Dolly, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett.

Dolly performed a song from her upcoming album -- "Big Dreams and Faded Jeans" -- alongside Kelsea Ballerini.

There were other awesome performances from Brittney Spencer, Carrie Underwood, Walker Hayes, Chris Young, Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Kane Brown.

'Party Down South' Joshua Tharpe Dead at 42

Joshua Tharpe -- a guest star on "Party Down South" -- has died ... TMZ confirms.

His brother, Billy, tells us ... Josh was found dead Monday by his mother on the kitchen floor of his home in Baton Rouge, LA. Billy says Josh's death comes as a surprise, as everything seemed fine just a day or so prior.

We're told Josh had gone to church with his mother on Sunday and then hung out at her house afterward. Later that day, he swung by a friend's place where he had plans to spend the night -- but had to stop by at his own place first to grab some clothes ... and Billy says he never returned.

The friend grew concerned when she didn't hear from him the next day, and contacted his mom ... who went to his house where she found him collapsed. Billy says the coroner has notified them that Josh died as a result of a heart attack. Apparently, he'd experienced something similar a year prior, but much more mild and he'd recovered.

Joshua wasn't a full-time cast member on the CMT reality show, but he was featured in multiple episodes.

He was just 42.

RIP

Drake Buy My Hidden Hills Estate ... You Only Live Once!!!

Drake is looking to unload his "Yolo Estate" -- TMZ has learned he just listed the Hidden Hills mansion, and the place looks like a luxury resort.

Champagne Papi actually owns 3 homes right next to each other in the exclusive neighborhood, and they are all for sale ... if the buyer wants more than just the 12,500 square foot main home, for which he's asking $14.8 million.

The main residence is an English Tudor, and it comes with all the bells and whistles ... like 6 fireplaces, a wine cellar, tasting room and a theater that seats 25.

The primary bedroom suite is fit for a king ... that alone is nearly 2,000 square feet, and it features a partner's spa with marble soaking tubs.

The property is decked out with a huge swimming pool, swim-up bar, 80-foot long rock waterslide, spa grotto and waterfalls. Yeah, waterfalls.

Oh, and there are also courts to play tennis, basketball and sand volleyball ... plus a horse stable and an equestrian ring. Scared of riding real animals? Drizzy's got ya covered because the place comes with a mechanical bull.

For anyone who is all about the YOLO life, Drake is also selling the 2 estates next door, making for a 6.7 acre compound at the end of a cul-de-sac. You can have all 3 properties for a sweet $22.2 million package deal.

Rayni Williams and Branden Williams from The Beverly Hills Estates hold the listings.

While Drake's unloading his properties in Hidden Hills, he isn't moving out of L.A. altogether ... he recently bought a huge pad in Beverly Hills.

Morgan Wallen RETURNS TO ACM AWARDS AFTER BAN ... All Smiles and Hugs!!!

Morgan Wallen is back in the house for a big country music award show ... getting a big warm welcome for his return following last year's ban.

Morgan was all smiles Monday night at the Academy of Country Music Awards, sitting right in the thick of the ceremony at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, looking dapper and getting a ton of hugs.

There's a big reason for Morgan to smile ... remember, he was banned from a ton of award shows, including these same ACMs last year, in the wake of video surfacing of Wallen using the n-word ... but now he's back on the rise.

10/10/21
WALLEN'S WARM WELCOME
TMZ.com

It's got to feel good for Morgan, being welcomed back to country radio and the award circuit. He also got a ton of love back in October when he was a surprise guest at an Eric Church concert in Philadelphia.

IT'S ALL LOVE
TMZ.com

Morgan's also got Lil Durk in his corner now ... the two collaborated on a song together, "Broadway Girls," and Durk says Morgan is no racist.

Bottom line ... Morgan is back like he never left.

'FBOY ISLAND' STAR GARRETT MOROSKY My Russian Roots Got Me Detained ... Scared I Wouldn't Get Home

SCARY SIGN OF THE TIMES
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"FBOY Island" star Garrett Morosky says his passport showing Russia as his birthplace just got his butt detained in a Mexican airport ... while trying to return to the United States.

We got the Netflix reality show star at Tocaya in WeHo and he told us he had all sorts of problems crossing the border ... an ordeal he's chalking up to his quirky passport and the Ukraine-Russia war.

Garrett says he was all set to board a flight from Mexico to Los Angeles this month when he was suddenly yanked out of line and detained ... with Mexican officials asking him all sorts of questions and even taking off his pants during a search.

Garrett has a U.S. passport, but he was actually born in Russia ... which is on his travel documents. "FBOY Island" fans will recall, Garrett was on a date with Sarah Emig when he told her he was adopted from Russia.

Given the increased tension between the U.S. and Russia -- due to the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent U.S. sanctions -- Garrett says he was scared he might not be allowed back into the U.S.

Ultimately, he was released and allowed to board a flight to L.A., but he says it was an eye-opening experience.

Garrett says it's made him wary about future travel -- you can tell he's nervous just talking about it -- but he does have plans to be near the U.S.-Mexico border in the near future. He's just sure he'll stay put on this side.

Fred Durst Hit in $3,000 Backyard Heist!!! But Cops Get Back His Stuff

Fred Durst almost lost thousands of dollars worth of stuff to a thief who got into his yard, but thanks in part to security cameras ... all that gear is back in his possession, and alleged crook's in custody.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a 30-year-old man walked through a gate onto Fred's L.A. area property Friday and made his way to the backyard, where he stumbled across a Tesla charger, a violin and a few other things. Apparently, he thought the Limp Bizkit frontman was running some kinda 5-finger discount program, because cops say he jacked all of it.

We're told the stuff was valued at about $3,000.

Our sources say the guy also tried to break into the house, but wasn't able to because everything was locked. Cops say Fred wasn't home at the time, but his family was.

Cops were eventually called, and although the suspect had left by then ... he wasn't out of the woods. Cops say he was spotted later that same night, and arrested by cops thanks to video FD had of the incident.

The man was booked for felony grand theft, and we're told Fred's stuff was returned safe and sound. Cops don't believe Durst was specifically targeted, and he tells TMZ he's just grateful nobody was hurt.

Antonio Brown Kanye West And I ... 'Extremely Serious' About Buying Denver Broncos

MARCH 2022
GUNNIN' FOR A GRAMMY
TMZSports.com

Antonio Brown says he and Kanye West are dead serious about their efforts to buy the Denver Broncos ... telling TMZ Sports they're working hard to get a real deal done.

Brown and Ye have become best buds ever since the NFL star was booted from the Buccaneers in January -- and in their newfound bromance, Ye named Brown the president of one of his biggest ventures, Donda Sports.

And, as one of Brown's first actions in the exec role, he said back in February he wanted to purchase the Broncos.

When we got the free agent receiver out in Los Angeles just days ago, he told us the goal is still on their minds, and it's a legitimate one, explaining he and Ye are "extremely serious" about making it all happen.

"Tell Roger [Goodell] to call me," Brown said. "We're working on it ... We're working towards getting it done."

The Broncos just recently went up for sale, and many believe the price tag to ultimately land the team could be around $4 BILLION. If somehow the two are able to get that change together, a sale to Ye and Brown would also have to be approved by the rest of the owners in the league.

In the meantime, while they work on getting a deal in Denver done, Brown and Ye have more immediate goals of rockin' the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami in July.

Brown promised the two would put on a show at Hard Rock Stadium -- and added that he's hopeful his connection with Ye someday leads to a Grammy.

Guess Who This Brown-Eyed Cutie Turned Into!

Before this little starlet sang her way to our screens, she was just a young gal from Rhinebeck, New York. Although she comes from a famous last name, her pretty aunt has always deemed her niece as ‘maintaining her sense of self.’

This little gal's slicked-back hairdo foreshadows an almost identical look to her recent A-list appearances ... and posing while wearing a necklace as a little girl is also a trend that can be seen in her Hollywood looks.

If you need more clues on who this little girl just might be, just think of her time on “American Horror Story.”

Can you you guess who this brunette beauty is?

UFC's Maryna Moroz Ukrainian Fighter Scared For Family ... I Know Someone Who Died In War

TRYING TO BE STRONG
TMZSports.com

UFC fighter Maryna Moroz has been on a roller coaster of emotions -- the Ukrainian fighter got a huge win at UFC 272, but tells TMZ Sports she's terrified for her family's safety as war rages in her home country.

"A lot of emotions because after 24 hours, I didn't sleep. I tried to answer everybody for my fans, for my family, for my friends. So back in Florida, a little bit of rest, try to stay more calm but still have emotions like crazy, but happy," Moroz says.

But, despite feeling good about the hard-earned 2nd round submission win over Mariya Agapova, Maryna's still very worried about her relatives in Ukraine.

"My family is okay but I know many of my friends, like, I know this guy died. It was so sad, but for me, it's very important to save my family right now. I don't want somebody to come touch my family. It's still nervous, still scary to me, I'm scared right now, but I try to be strong."

Even though Moroz was on the undercard, her post-fight interview with Joe Rogan got a lot of attention after Maryna talked about the emotions she dealt with leading up to fight night.

FOR MY FAMILY
UFC

In spite of the terrible situation facing her loved ones on the ground in Ukraine, she says her family is thrilled for her success.

"Of course, my family is very proud of me."

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