Kanye West Invested Millions into Ice Cube's Big3

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Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has plenty of money to spread around, and he recently did just that ... pouring millions into Ice Cube's growing Big3 basketball league.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ, Ye was brought in as a new league investor during the 2021 season. Our sources say Ye invested somewhere in the mid to high seven-figure mark, and league cofounders Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz also invested additional money into Big3.

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KEEPIN' THINGS SIMPLE

As for what sparked the news ... Kanye let the cat out of the bag on his league involvement during a lengthy sit-down interview on Revolt TV's "Drink Champs." Ye mentioned his negotiations with Cube, saying he'll only sign a contract that's one page or less.

Big3 -- a league featuring former NBA superstars as well as international players -- was first announced in 2017 and has grown in popularity ever since. The league features 12 teams, playing throughout the United States, and a 3-on-3 competition style.

Kanye was actually spotted at a 3-on-3 game back in July in Vegas chatting Cube up courtside ... gotta imagine they were talking business.

Ronnie Wilson The Gap Band Founder Dead at 73

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R&B legend Ronnie Wilson, a founding member of The Gap Band and "Uncle" Charlie Wilson's older brother, is dead ... TMZ has confirmed.

Ronnie's wife, Linda Boulware-Wilson, tells TMZ ... he died at 10:01 AM Tuesday at his home in Tulsa, OK. We're told he died peacefully and Linda was holding his hand as he took his last breath.

Linda says Ronnie suffered a stroke last week, and it put him into a semi-coma and he never recovered. We're told he suffered several strokes throughout the years.

In a Facebook post, Linda remembered her late husband as a "genius with creating, producing and playing the flugelhorn, trumpet, keyboards and singing music."

Ronnie and his brothers, Charlie and Robert Wilson, formed The Gap Band back in the 1970s in Tulsa, OK ... and their music picked up the baton from huge acts like Stevie Wonder, George Clinton and Earth Wind & Fire.

The Gap Band was huge in the 1980s and they are most famous for their hit song, "You Dropped a Bomb on Me."

Ronnie was 73.

RIP

'RHOBH' Star Dorit Kemsley Speaks on Home Invasion 24-Hour Security Now, Might Move

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"I NEED TO SAVE MY BABIES"

Dorit Kemsley says she and her family have stepped up security at their home since the scary home invasion that nearly cost her life -- but that home may be in their rearview soon.

We got the 'RHOBH' star Friday night with her husband, Paul, and some friends ... and she actually opened up a bit about the ordeal. Check out what she has to say -- it sounds like her family is taking immediate measures to make sure this never happens again.

Watch ... Dorit says they have since gotten a 24-hour security detail at their house, and that appears to be new -- because she tells us she was alone when this break-in occurred.

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UNFORTUNATE DECISION

She also tells us that their children -- who were also in the house at the time -- were her top priority and the only thing on her mind. As for whether they'll move or not, she doesn't reveal her cards here, but later on ... her husband did.

PK says they, indeed, are considering getting the hell outta Dodge -- but wouldn't disclose where exactly they might be looking to move next. Probably safer that way, frankly. He also says there's no leads on the cops' side as for who might've pulled this heist off.

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There's also this ... we asked Dorit if she felt posting online may have possibly contributed to her being targeted, and she says possibly. It seems like she'll be taking that into consideration going forward.

On Saturday, she expressed thanks to everyone who's reached out with support ... noting her kids slept through the whole thing. Dorit adds she's thrown herself back into work, and will navigate through the trauma privately ... this as the LAPD continues to investigate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'RHOBH' Dorit Kemsley Victim of Home Invasion ... 'Housewives' Show Up for Support

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9:57 AM PT -- It appears the intruders got in Dorit's home after smashing through a back window, images from FOX11 in L.A. show the damage.

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UPDATE

9:29 AM PT -- Several of Dorit's 'Housewives' costars just showed up to her house to offer support. Erika Jayne, Lisa Rinna and Teddi Mellencamp were all spotted walking inside Dorit's L.A. home Thursday morning.

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UPDATE

As we reported, 'RHOBH' is currently in production, but we've not yet seen camera crews on scene.

Dorit Kemsley was the victim of a terrifying home invasion, after 3 men stormed her bedroom, threatened her life and fled with a ton of very expensive possessions.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star was asleep around 11 PM Wednesday when the men broke into her L.A. area home. We're told Dorit begged for her life, shouting, "Don't Kill Me!"

Our sources say Dorit gave up everything, including expensive purses and jewelry -- once the men took off, she called the police.

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As for the value of the things taken, our sources say it was at least $100k.

At this time, there have not been any arrests and there are no suspects ... it's unknown if the men were captured on camera. Daily Mail was the first to publish the story.

A source close to Dorit says she and her kids are all safe. Her husband, Paul, was out of town on a business trip, but he's traveling home now. We're told "RHOBH" is currently in production, so the incident will likely play out, to some degree, on the show.

The LAPD Robbery Homicide division is now handling the investigation.

Originally Published -- 8:16 AM PT

NFL Official Carl Madsen Dies After Working Titans-Chiefs Game ... 71 Years Old

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3:24 PM PT -- A spokesperson for the Nashville Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports ... initial indications are Madsen suffered "a medical emergency" while driving on I-65 North.

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The spokesperson said officers received calls about a motorist blocking a lane on the interstate and when they arrived on scene, they found Madsen unconscious in the driver's seat of the car.

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Police say they broke into the vehicle via the passenger side window and removed Madsen and immediately started chest compressions.

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Sadly, after transporting Madsen to a nearby hospital, he died.

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A cause of death is still unknown at this time.

Sad news in the NFL ... replay official Carl Madsen died on Sunday shortly after working the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans game in Tennessee.

He was 71 years old.

The NFL announced the tragic passing on Monday -- with league reporter Tom Pelissero saying Madsen died "while en route home" from the Week 7 matchup at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

No other information surrounding his death has been given.

Madsen -- a veteran of the U.S. Air Force -- was an on-field official for the NFL from 1997 to 2008 ... before he became a replay official for the league in '09.

"Carl Madsen was an NFL officiating fixture for more than two decades, first as a highly respected on-field official before transitioning to a replay role beginning in 2009," NFL senior VP of officiating training and development Walt Anderson said.

"A terrific friend and colleague, Carl's love of football and dedication to officiating was ever-present, as he generously shared his time to mentor young officials at clinics across the country. A veteran of the Air Force, Carl had a tremendous spirit and will be greatly missed."

#RIP

Originally Published -- 2:47 PM PT

Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young We Tied the Knot!!!

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Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young are now husband and wife ... after tying the knot Saturday in a ritzy ceremony.

Eyewitnesses tell TMZ ... they got hitched at The Rosewood Miramar hotel in Montecito ... the same place Travis popped the question to Kourtney Kardashian a week earlier.

Tarek walked his mom down the aisle first and then went back for his daughter Taylor, as Lady Gaga's "Shallow" played in the background. Heather walked down the aisle to some kind of pop music ... unclear which.

The nuptials lasted about half an hour, and it was followed by a fancy cocktail party where guests downed drinks as the wedding party mugged for photos. That was all followed by dinner and night of dancing.

There was a wall with the inscription, "He finally FLIPPED her last name." Kinda clever -- "Flipping 101" meets "Selling Sunset."

The "Selling Sunset" crew was on hand, including both Oppenheimer bros, Mary and her hubby, and Chrishell.

BTW ... Young wore a fitted corset dress with French lace. That's all we know about fashion.

Tarek and his bride will be flying to the Maldives and Dubai for their honeymoon.

It's the first wedding for Young and the second for El Moussa, who divorced his "Flip or Flop" costar, Christina Haack, after 7 years of marriage.

Alec Baldwin Breaks Silence After Gun Accident ... 'No Words to Convey My Shock & Sadness'

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9:52 AM PT -- 10/22 -- Both the district attorney and the New Mexico Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) are investigating the incident.

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8:44 AM PT -- 10/22 -- Alec Baldwin is speaking for the first time since the tragic accident, saying, "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred."

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He continues, "I am in touch with with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna."

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7:26 PM PT -- The Sheriff's Department has confirmed it was Baldwin who pulled the trigger during the gun accident. 42-year-old director of photography Halyna Hutchins tragically died from her injuries, and director Joel Souza is currently at a hospital getting treatment for his.

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UPDATE

Cops say no charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation remains active.

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5:22 PM PT -- The 42-year-old director of photography died from her injuries ... according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

Alec Baldwin was filming a scene for a movie that required someone to fire a gun loaded with blanks, but when the gun discharged either shrapnel or a bullet hit 2 people on set ... one of whom had to be airlifted to a hospital.

Our sources tell us the incident happened Thursday on location in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Alec is filming a new western he's starring in called "Rust" at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, a movie ranch.

We're told Alec was filming the scene when someone pulled the prop gun's trigger. It's unclear if the person who loaded the gun mistakenly placed bullets inside, or if something was lodged in the barrel that hit the director as well as the director of photography.

Our sources say the director was hit in the clavicle, but the DP wasn't so lucky ... she was airlifted and rushed to a hospital. As for Alec, we're told he was not injured.

Earlier Thursday, he posted a pic of himself in character on the set. After the accident, we're told production shut down for the day.

Local sheriff's deputies are on the scene already and they've launched an investigation.

Originally Published -- 10/21 4:41 PM PT

Elvis Presley's Drummer Ronnie Tutt Dead at 83

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Elvis Presley's drummer, Ronnie Tutt, has died.

Ronnie Tutt's wife, Donna, tells TMZ, he died Saturday of natural causes at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. He was surrounded by family and went peacefully. He did not want to be hospitalized. Donna says Ronnie had a longtime heart condition and there was nothing more doctors could do. She says his body had just had enough, adding, "He couldn't play another drum lick."

Ronnie played with The King from 1969 until Elvis' death in 1977. Ronnie was a member of TCB -- short for Takin' Care of Business -- which backed up Presley during his Vegas runs and other performances.

Elvis Presley Enterprises said of Tutt's death ... "All of us with Elvis Presley Enterprises were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie Tutt. In addition to being a legendary drummer, he was a good friend to many of us here at Graceland."

Tutt made the rounds with some of the most famous musicians of his day, including The Carpenters, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, and Jerry Garcia.

Ronnie recorded with Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, Elvis Costello, Stevie Nicks and Michael McDonald.

After Elvis died, Ronnie became Neil Diamond's drummer for recording sessions and concerts.

Ronnie is survived by Donna, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donna says Ronnie will be cremated and there will be a celebration of his life.

He was 83.

RIP

Vince Neil Rushed to Hospital After Falling Offstage During Concert

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SLIPPING OFFSTAGE

Vince Neil was on his game Friday night during a concert ... UNTIL he tumbled off the stage and ended up in an ambulance.

Vince was performing at the Monster on the Mountain festival in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with his band -- not Mötley Crüe, which he hasn't performed with since 2015.

He was a few songs into his set when he stepped to the edge of the stage, and then suddenly tumbled 4 feet onto the cement. Turns out there was a small gap between the speaker and the stage that Vince didn't see and he fell through the crevice onto the floor.

He was clearly in pain ... his crew thought he had broken some ribs. His roadie and a security guy helped him get to his feet, and Vince limped away.

The 60-year-old was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Doctors took X-rays, but we don't know the results. The good news -- he's alert and should be ok.

BTW ... in classic rock fashion, the band kept playing after the fall, with guitarist, Jeff Blando, taking over lead vocal duties.

We're told Vince, who has battled with alcohol addiction, had not been drinking. It was just an accident.

He's struggled on stage in recent years ... in May he pulled the plug on a show after his voice gave out. He's also been criticized for underwhelming solo performances, but he was doing well Friday night until the accident.

Boosie Badazz Arrested For Concert Brawl

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Boosie Badazz was arrested, spent a night in an Atlanta jail and is already a free man after an incident that resulted in a fight at one of his shows … TMZ has learned.

A spokesperson at the Fulton County Jail tells TMZ ... Boosie was taken into custody Monday and charged with criminal damage to property, inciting a riot, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.

We're told the rapper was released Tuesday afternoon after signing his own bond.

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BOOSIE BREAKS IT UP

TMZ broke the story ... a Boosie performance earlier this month in Atlanta came to a screeching halt when a fight broke out on stage, and cops were called.

As we told you, the Atlanta Police Department responded to a vandalism call ... and cops said Boosie and his entourage had dashed on stage during the show, damaging items belonging to a production company and allegedly destroying property owned by the arena.

Boosie's still waiting to hear about his next court date ... so stay tuned.

Cops: Philadelphia Eagles Fans Not Arrested For Alleged Bathroom Sex ... At Panthers' Stadium

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The Philadelphia Eagles fans initially believed to be banging in a bathroom stall at the Carolina Panthers' stadium Sunday were NOT arrested over the incident ... TMZ Sports has learned.

A rep for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department tells us officers were dispatched to a men's bathroom during the Eagles vs. Panthers game at Bank Of America Stadium ... but they could not confirm if the couple was, in fact, engaging in intercourse.

Instead, we're told the cops simply arrived due to reports of a woman in the men's bathroom -- which, they say, is a violation of stadium policies.

The CMPD spokesperson says the couple was taken out of the stall and escorted out of the venue ... but they were not ultimately arrested.

Still, video from the scene showed the whole incident created quite the spectacle regardless.

In clips filmed by witnesses in the bathroom, you can see several males crowded around the stall while the two were in it.

Unclear exactly what was going down behind the closed door -- cops only said the two were fully clothed when they arrived on scene.

As for the game, the couple ended up missing quite a performance from their Eagles, who beat Carolina, 21-18.

Bitcoin Physical Version Now Worth $54M ... Owner Comes Forward!!!

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Bitcoin prices are jumping again -- and amid all the crypto craze for normies ... one guy's come out to say he's uber-rich, 'cause he's got a physical copy that's now worth tens of millions.

Great Collections -- a renowned coin auction house -- says they have a client in possession of one of only 6 physical BTC gold coins issued years ago, and each is worth 1,000 bitcoins. Do the math, and this dude's lone shekel is worth around $54 million!!!

Here's the story on how this fella -- who's staying anonymous for now -- stumbled across this coin way back in 2011 ... when bitcoin was in its infancy, and he took a major gamble.

Word is, this dude was considering buying either this one gold 1,000 BTC coin ... or two actual gold bars -- with each purchase running nearly the same in price at the time, around $4,000 to $5,000. He opted for the former -- throwing down $4,905 for the mysterious BTC coin ... which has come to be known as the "Gold Cas" in crypto circles.

Great Collections' client then threw the Cas into a desk drawer at home and literally forgot about it ... that is, until a couple years later, when he heard bitcoin was valued at $1,000 a pop and on the rise.

He raced back to said desk, whipped out that 1,000 BTC coin ... realizing he was holding a literal million-dollar item in his hand. It was then he realized what he'd bought, and laid low for all these years as bitcoin's price continued to rise to its current price of about $54k.

Now, that it's reaching astonishing levels ... the guy figured he'd come out to rub it in our faces -- while also noting he's got this puppy well-guarded in an overseas bank vault. We're told he has NO plans to sell it anytime soon -- as he believes bitcoin's going to the moon.

BTW, GC is auctioning off another one of these physical BTC coins, but it's not worth 1,000 bitcoins ... just 25. Still, we're told they expect it to fetch at least a mil in November.

Ray J Hospitalized with Non-COVID Pneumonia ... But Placed in COVID Wing

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Ray J is in bad shape, struggling to breathe as he battles pneumonia in a Miami hospital ... it was so bad he thought he was going to die.

Ray J's manager, David Weintraub, tells TMZ Ray went into the hospital 4 days ago and doctors learned from the jump he was battling pneumonia. David looped Ray in on the call and we spoke to him for several minutes, and it was apparent he wasn't out of the woods.

Ray told us ... when he was admitted doctors assumed he had COVID, so they placed him in the COVID wing of the hospital, which he said was frightening, telling us, "I thought it was over. I started praying and knew God is good so I just kept praying."

He says he was given 5 COVID tests, all of which came back negative, and after 2 days he was moved out of the COVID wing.

He's currently getting oxygen but he still has difficulty breathing and talking. He says when he wakes up at 6 AM he feels like he could go home, but by 6:30 things deteriorate and he fears the worst.

Ray says all he thinks about is getting better so he can see his 2 kids. Weintraub says Ray will hopefully be out by week's end.

As for Ray ... he's asking people to pray for him.

Tory Lanez Heads to Texas Border ... For Haitian Immigrant Relief

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Tory Lanez bared witness to the Haitian immigrant crisis for himself this weekend ... and he brought a ton of supplies with him to hand out -- tens of thousands worth of it, no less.

The rapper went down to the southern Texas border Saturday -- near the town of Del Rio, where thousands of Haitian immigrants, among others, are being housed as the U.S. attempts to sort through who's seeking what, and who qualifies to possibly stay temporarily.

As you can see in Tory's IG Story ... it's a bit of a chaotic situation down there, which is why he jetted down with what we're told amounted to upwards of $50,000 worth of essentials -- such as blankets, clothes, towels and other items for the folks horded in these camps.

Looks like all the stuff he brought with him were very much needed (and appreciated) ... as scores of Haitians gathered around the table where TL was handing everything out, which came delivered in a ton of boxes that were unwrapped and organized before he went out.

The reason he's doing all this ... 'cause Tory feels for these folks, many of whom have come a long way in seek of refuge and asylum -- this in the wake of devastating calamites in their home country. We're told Tory feels blessed with his platform and means ... and wanted to spread some of the wealth to these immigrants, who truly need it right now.

Tory even got around to joking around/singing with some of the Haitians ... which lifted their spirits, we're sure. Tough times, no doubt -- but Mr. Lanez's visit probably went a long way.

Dog the Bounty Hunter Joins Manhunt to Find Brian Laundrie ... Shows Up at His House

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A new force has entered the fold in the ongoing search for Gabby Petito's fiance, Brian Laundrie -- and that's Dog the Bounty Hunter ... who's already knocking at his front door.

The famed TV personality and real-life human tracker has thrown his hat into the ring to help try and locate Laundrie -- who's vanished and been missing for almost a couple weeks now ... and is currently the subject of a massive manhunt, as he's suspect #1 in this whole case.

Reporter Brian Entin got footage of Dog dropping into the Laundrie family home in North Port, FL ... but it doesn't look like they were willing to chat with DTBH.

He seems to poke his head around the side of the house -- where there are a few parked cars in the driveway -- and finally makes his way to the main entrance, where he knocks and lingers a bit. Nobody answers ... and eventually Dog heads back to his truck with his wife, Francie, right behind him. Entin asks what he's doing there -- and Dog tells him, "you know."

As for why Dog's doing this (and how), we have some answers. His rep tells TMZ ... Dog wants to help bring justice to the Petito family, and feels compelled to get out there and do what he does best -- capturing people and bringing them to the authorities.

We're told Dog is simply volunteering his services at this point, and has not yet made contact with the investigative powers overseeing this case -- namely, the FBI. But, we're told Dog will touch base with them eventually ... and turn over anything he finds along the way.

Right now, the guy's just out in the areas where Laundrie was seen last and gathering intel. Anyone who has good info is encouraged to call 833-TELLDOG -- all tips are confidential.