Money

Ray J is making a major investment in his new legal marijuana biz ... and he's kicking off his very own weed venture by hawking joints named after -- who else -- himself!!!

Our Ray J sources tell TMZ ... he's already poured in $5,000,000 to fire up a cannabis company in Cali, and the first rollout will feature pre-rolled joints, dubbed, "Ray Jay's."

As you see in the video, Ray J ain't playing around when it comes to his plants ... he's already got a greenhouse stocked with rows and rows of dank, and the flowers look like the stickiest of the icky!!!

The company is called William Ray LA, and Ray J's assembling a top-notch gang of ganja experts specializing in growing, branding and marketing herb ... and he's going to put his stamp on the biz with his own personal knowledge and expertise. See, smoking pot has tons of benefits!!!!

Ray's manager, David Weintraub, tells us the company's aim will focus on non-traditional marketing strategies in media, music and entertainment.

Sativas and indicas aren't the only things Ray J is hawking ... his enterprise will also offer services to other growing companies looking to expand their reach. Ray J has big plans to expand throughout the country.

Ray J and Mary J ... now that's a vibe.

Tina Knowles hosted, Beyonce and Jay-Z danced and Tyler Perry came thiiiis close to dropping six-figures for a portrait of Nipsey Hussle. Yeah, it was that kinda party!

Tina and her husband, Richard Lawson, held their annual Wearable Art Gala Saturday night in Santa Monica -- and their guests came ready to shop, especially Tyler. You gotta see the bidding war that erupted over a Nipsey portrait done by Tiffanie Anderson.

Tyler, who received a Trailblazer Award at the gala ... went back and forth with another honoree, Felicia Horowitz -- from less than $50k all the way up to the winning bid. Watch the clip, Tyler had to think it was in the bag when he raised his paddle at $100k. He was wrong.

Meanwhile, Bey, Jay and Blue Ivy were nearby soaking up the 'Lion King' themed event.

"America's Got Talent" is not going to get in the way of Kodi Lee entertaining folks in his hometown, because producers know that's what helped make him a star ... and he's still gotta make a living.

Production sources at 'AGT' tell TMZ ... there's nothing in his contract keeping the 22-year-old from performing local shows in Southern California, even though he was awarded the "golden buzzer" pass from Gabrielle Union to ensure his spot in the competition's live shows.

We're told as long as Kodi shows up for his scheduled 'AGT' events and filming dates -- and isn't intentionally seeking press for an unfair advantage -- he's free to perform any previously scheduled live concerts and gigs.

As one source put it ... many 'AGT' contestants make a living off their art, so it wouldn't be right for the show to keep them from that.

We broke the story ... Kodi's breakout 'AGT' moment has created a huge buzz for his upcoming shows with the cover band Midnight Satellites, with whom he's been playing for a while.

Owners of 2 separate venues in Riverside County tell us Kodi's scheduled performances have fans in a frenzy, and fortunately, the Old Town Blues Club will have doubled its seating capacity for its July 6 show featuring Lee.

As for 'AGT' ... since Kodi's already advanced past the auditions stage, he won't be back on stage until the live shows kick off in August.

Some of Elton John's extravagant costumes from his rock 'n' roll heyday -- and a unique gift from John Lennon and Yoko Ono -- are hitting the auction block, and expected to fetch over $100k.

Sir Elton's custom-made gold jumpsuit from his "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" tour in 1973 is among the showy items up for bid. That alone is expected to go for around $30k. It comes with a sown-in label reading, "Elton John -- 5-22-73."

Another costume expected to get bids in the $20-30k range is the Rocket Man's "Jockey" outfit from a 1980 U.S. tour. It's a Bob Mackie original that was previously displayed at the Venice Biennale and Barney's New York -- so, y'know it's valuable.

There's also a signed photo from Elton to boxing legend Evander Holyfield with handwritten lyrics to "Madman Across the Water."

That all pales in comparison to the standout attraction of GottaHaveRockandRoll.com's Elton auction -- namely a handmade collage that John Lennon and Yoko Ono gifted him for his birthday in 1975.

It's a strange sight to behold -- magazine and newspaper clippings pasted around provocative images and apparent inside jokes, with a headline reading "Who was Mother Goose?" The second piece of the collage includes an Elton John Tour guest pass and a handwritten "happy birthday" note.

It comes with a letter of authenticity from Elton himself, confirming he received it from the iconic couple on his bday, March 25, 1975.

The auction house estimates the collage to haul in $40-60k. All the items are up for bid online beginning July 17.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his TV star GF, Sandra Lee, are bidding adieu to their luxurious Colonial mansion ... for a pretty penny.

The longtime couple put their quintessential 1950s Colonial mansion in the Northern Westchester enclave of New Castle, NY on the market for $2 million. The couple of nearly 2 decades says they're gonna continue living in the mansion until it's sold. Sandra bought the crib for $1.22 million back in 2001.

Check out the pics ... the 4,129 square foot home's a beaut featuring 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. It was restored and personally decorated by Sandra, the Emmy-winning TV host and best-selling author.

There were rumors the couple was splitting up and the reason why they were selling the exquisite home ... but Sandra put those rumors to rest saying they're selling because they simply don't need a large space now that Cuomo's 3 daughters are adults.

9:23 AM PT -- Drake took the jet North Thursday night to cheer the Toronto Raptors onto victory against the Golden State Warriors. He talked plenty of smack ... and clearly got into Draymond Green's head.

Drake should have plenty of cash available to stock his massive new jet with the finest champagne ... because he didn't pay a dime for it.

TMZ's learned the rapper got his custom OVO jet dubbed "Air Drake" for FREE ... because the Canada-based airline that made it, Cargojet, believes it'll more than pay for itself in publicity as a high-profile traveling billboard with one of the biggest rappers in the world.

The 767 jet retails for up to $200 MILLION, and all Champagne Papi has to do is use it to travel around the world and take photographs flaunting it. Fortunately for Drake ... that's right up his alley.

Cargojet's investment's already paying dividends -- Drizzy gave a tour of the jet as the final touches were being added to it earlier this month, and he was spotted in the Bahamas this week putting other private jets to shame with his luxury behemoth plane.

Yep, there's some of that free advertising the airline's looking for.

As for Drake's Caribbean trip ... he was there celebrating his beloved Toronto Raptors making the NBA Finals, and drew attention -- and catcalls -- wherever he went.

He should be rested up now, though, because like he raps on "Sicko Mode" ... the 767's got a double bedroom, man.

Did Nike just win the Zion Williamson shoe wars!?? Judging by this video we just got of the projected #1 overall pick ... it seems they Just Did It.

Check out this footage of Zion working out at a Los Angeles gym on Thursday. Pay attention to his feet.

ZW's wearing the Nike Kyrie 4s. VERY interesting ... considering EVERY major shoe company is looking to sign the ex-Duke superstar to the biggest rookie shoe endorsement deal since LeBron James.

In fact, ex-NBA star Jay Williams and shoe legend Sonny Vaccaro told us they wouldn't be surprised if a company shelled out $100 MILLION for Zion!

Now, Zion rocked Nikes in college -- but only because Duke had an endorsement deal with the Swoosh.

But, there was speculation he could switch to another company after his NCAA career was jeopardized because of that February incident when his Nike PG 2.5s busted open during the first minute of the UNC game.

Zion suffered a right knee strain during the shoe explosion ... and many wondered if he would bail for Adidas, Puma or even New Balance (hey, Kawhi Leonard did it).

However, Nike clearly has the advantage since Zion wore the Kyrie 4s multiple times in college ... and obviously likes them enough to wear them when he doesn't have to.

50 Cent may be cooling his jets a little after "Power" costar Rotimi agreed to fork over $100k toward repayment of what 50 is calling an unpaid loan.

Rotimi hopped on "TMZ Live" Thursday to explain what triggered 50 Cent to put him on blast for owing Fiddy a cool $300k. ICYMI ... 50 called out Rotimi after the singer bragged that his album, "Walk With Me," shot up to the top of the R&B Albums chart on iTunes.

Rotimi initially denied he owed 50 a cent but the rapper shot back with a video captioned, "My man you owe me a[n] outstanding $300,000 now WALK WITH ME to the bank." This apparently hit too close to home for Snoop Dogg, who offered to pay Rotimi's debt if it meant 50 wouldn't kill off Rotimi's character on "Power." Snoop clearly loves him some "Power."

When Rotimi joined us ... we straight-up asked him if 50's rant is true. Ya gotta check out Rotimi's explanation. Short story ... Rotimi chalked it up to a misunderstanding and says he paid the rapper $100k and will pay him the balance when the royalty checks start rolling in.

As for 50 ... he's straight with Rotimi now because moments after our interview Fiddy posted another video and captioned it, "I have no problem with @Rotimi in fact I wish him and his family the best God bless. POSITIVE VIBES."

Buffalo Bills rookie LB Tyrel Dodson was pulled out of a nightclub and arrested Sunday after his GF told cops he roughed her up during a violent altercation hours earlier ... TMZ Sports has learned.

For the record, Dodson (an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M) DENIES the allegations -- and insinuated to police that HE was the real victim by showing cops a red mark on his face.

Here's the deal according to police docs ... 20-year-old Dodson and his GF got into an argument on May 25 in Scottsdale, AZ after he allegedly vomited on the carpet inside her bedroom after drinking too much.

Tyrel's GF alleges the 6' 2", 240-lb football player got physical with her when she confronted him about the vomit ... allegedly grabbing her "forcefully" and "shoving her against the wall."

Tyrel's GF says she slapped him in the face ... and says Dodson responded by slapping her back.

She says she fled from the scene ... but when she returned, Tyrel was still there -- so she locked herself inside her bathroom and told him to leave the premises.

That's when she says Tyrel busted through the door ... causing the door to smack her in the head, leaving her with a small welt.

She says the argument then spilled out into the kitchen, where things escalated further ... with Dodson shoving her to the ground after a scuffle over her cell phone.

Dodson's GF eventually left the apartment ... but when she returned -- she says Tyrel had taken her keys, $500 from her purse and an additional $8,000 to $15,000 in cash from a safe under her bed.

When cops reached Tyrel by phone ... he denied ever getting physical with his GF -- stating the argument "was verbal only" -- and added he only took about $1,000 from her because it was "money they both shared."

Cops didn't appear to believe him -- 'cause they say they found probable cause to arrest him on several charges including domestic violence -- and when they found out later in the evening he was at Mint Nightclub, they went in to get him.

After Dodson was removed from the club, he again denied attacking his GF and showed cops a red mark on his face ... though he never outright accused her of assault.

Tyrel was booked on three charges -- 1 domestic violence count, 1 charge of disorderly conduct and one charge of damage to property -- all misdemeanors.

Tyrel -- who played in 33 games for the Aggies in his three years at College Station -- was signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent just a few weeks ago.

We reached out to the Bills and a team spokesperson tells us, "We are aware of the incident involving Tyrel Dodson last weekend. We have been looking further into the matter and will continue to gather information as the legal process continues."

A 110-year-old Honus Wagner baseball card -- the Holy Grail for card collectors -- just sold for $1.2 MILLION!!!

Craziest part? The card ain't in great shape ... the physical quality was only rated a 2 out of 10 (10's perfect mint condition)

So, why'd it sell for a freakin' fortune?

Wagner -- an 8x NL batting champion who's considered one of the greatest baseball players of all-time -- reportedly hated the card because it was made by a cigarette company ... American Tobacco Company.

'Cause of that, ATC only made a handful of the cards between 1909 and 1911 ... making it arguably the most desirable baseball card of all-time.

The private sale was brokered by SCP Auctions in SoCal.

Wagner -- who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936 -- made $138k over his 21-year professional baseball career, according to Baseball Reference.

His picture on a piece of paper just sold for $1,200,000.

Just hours after announcing he's skipping college to play pro ball in Australia, 18-year-old hoops phenom RJ Hampton was already spending cash like a boss in New York City!

TMZ Sports spotted Hampton taking his family to dinner at Catch NYC -- one of the hottest restaurants in town ... where he told us paid for the entire meal himself! And, this place ain't cheap!

Earlier in the day, Hampton -- one of the top-rated high school stars in the country -- announced he turned down scholarship offers from schools like Kansas and Kentucky to play overseas for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League.

"It's a big deal," Hampton told us Tuesday night ... "I think it's the best route for me and I'm so excited I did it."

So, why this particular team?

"They got a lot of ex-NBA guys that own the team," Hampton said ... "The coaching staff's really good. The team is actually a really good team. They're all bought in and invested in me getting to the league as quickly as possible."

Hampton says the plan is to spend 5 or 6 months overseas before coming back to the U.S. in March to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft.

And, get this ... now that Hampton can start negotiating endorsement deals without worrying about losing college eligibility, he told us he's looking at his options for a possible shoe deal.

"I'll probably figure that stuff out in the next couple of weeks."

Hampton says his biggest message that he hopes to send to young players is simple ...

"You need to have your own brand. You need to be yourself. You don't need to let others dictate who you are and how you play. Just take control of your future."

Hampton is expected to make his debut with the New Zealand Breakers in October ... and you can bet your ass there will be A LOT of people watching!

John Lennon and Yoko Ono had some serious swag back in the day, and now a piece of their stylish relationship can be yours ... if you've got an eye for 5-figure tracksuits.

John's tracksuit, worn during a 1970 trip to Denmark with Yoko, is going up for sale through the memorabilia company, Moments in Time -- and they're hawking this vintage getup for a cool $35,000.

John's tracksuit actually has a pretty interesting story ... it comes from the collection of Yoko's ex-husband, Tony Cox, and John wore it when he and Yoko traveled together to Denmark to visit her ex and their daughter, Kyoko.

Not only did John and Yoko wear matching tracksuits on their European adventure ... they also chopped off their hair in the name of peace!!!

As you know ... John and Yoko married in March of 1969, and that sparked a legal battle with Cox over custody of their daughter. The trip to Denmark was a shot at reconciliation, and John and Yoko were as chill as could be in their comfy tracksuits.

Now John's tracksuit can be yours ... sans the drama of ex-husbands and child custody battles.

Yo Gotti just got slapped with a whopping $6.6 MILLION default judgment in a North Carolina court ... and it's all because the rapper blew off a recording session with another artist after pocketing $20,000.

According to a judge's order, obtained by TMZ, Gotti got $20k to sing on a Young Fletcher track back in 2016, but then refused to release the song, and instead recorded a similar one on his own. He then went so far as to try going behind Fletcher's manager, attempting to poach the artist for his own label with a $150k deal.

Yo Gotti was served with a lawsuit last year while onstage, but he never answered the suit. Fast-forward to Tuesday ... and the judge issues a $2.2 million judgment, but the figure was immediately tripled, because the judge found "willful, unfair, and deceptive acts."

It's not over yet ... attorneys for Young Fletcher's manager, Michael Terry, say they'll go after Gotti's cars and his Bel-Air mansion, if need be to collect the money.

One of the shops featured on "Storage Wars" was broken into over Memorial Day weekend -- costing its reality TV star owners a few thousand dollars and a crappy day of cleanup.

Rene Nezhoda -- who runs the Bargain Hunters Thrift Store with his wife, Casey -- tells TMZ ... a thief, or group of thieves, smashed through the front glass doors of his San Diego-area business early Saturday morning around 4 AM ... and made off with some of their goods.

We're told the culprits jacked around $2,000 worth of rare coins Rene and Casey had in their possession, and ended up doing about another $2,000 of damage to the store in total.

All in all ... the Nezhodas are looking at a minimum set back of $4,000.

Rene and Casey posted a video of the aftermath later in the day, and it's clear they were pissed about the break-in. Rene goes so far as to call the culprit "the lowest scumbag out there." Check out his tour of how the burglars got in and out ... it's a pretty entertaining breakdown, even if it's a crappy financial situation for them.

9:17 AM PT -- Jeff is apparently very supportive of MacKenzie's pledge, saying, "MacKenzie is going to be amazing and thoughtful and effective at philanthropy, and I'm proud of her. Her letter is so beautiful. Go get 'em MacKenzie."

MacKenzie Bezos is taking her half of her nearly $37 billion divorce settlement with Jeff Bezos, and giving it all away ... to charity.

MacKenzie announced on Tuesday morning she was signing The Giving Pledge ... vowing to donate at least $17 billion. She became the 3rd richest woman in the world when she and the Amazon founder made their divorce official less than 2 months ago -- so she wasted almost no time deciding what to do with her fortune.

Her decision to join the likes of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett in signing The Giving Pledge -- aside from being incredibly generous -- also puts her ex-husband in a conspicuous position.

Jeff had been widely criticized, as recently as last year, for not signing the Pledge. He's the only billionaire among the top 5 richest Americans to NOT sign it. MacKenzie signing so quickly after the divorce makes it seem like, she wanted to all along.

BTW, Buffet has already pledged more than $45 billion, and Melinda and Bill are forking over $46 bil.

As you know, MacKenzie and Jeff announced their split back in January, when Jeff went public about his relationship with TV host Lauren Sanchez. The divorce was hammered out in record time -- considering they were divvying up the world's largest fortune -- and in April they reached the settlement.

In her letter, MacKenzie wrote, "My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.”

The "I won't wait" ... sure seems like a message to someone whose name might rhyme with Schmeff Schmezos.

Unless DaBaby's willing to fork over $22k, he's got a show to make up in New England ... this according to the promoter that feels it got left holding the bag when the rapper bailed.

We broke the story ... DaBaby's security's accused of violently punching a man's face and head outside the Centro Night Club in Lawrence, MA last Friday night after the fan allegedly got aggressive when he was declined a photo with the rapper.

Interesting thing is, the guy who got pummeled is a fellow rapper named Don Trag ... who opened for DaBaby at the concert. DaBaby never took the stage -- he bounced after his crew's altercation with Trag. But, NTS Entertainment says he took the $22k he was paid for the show anyway.

NTS tells TMZ that's all fine and good ... as long as he reschedules and comes back to do a show at a later date. The company says it's in the early stages of negotiating with DaBaby, but would be willing to book the gig at a different venue in Boston or Connecticut.

We're told NTS expects to work it out with the rapper and hopes to avoid getting lawyers involved ... but we've learned Traq has already lawyered up and he's going after DaBaby for the vicious attack.

Sources close to DaBaby tell us his contract specifically states ... if his safety becomes a concern he has every right to leave. We're told his side feels the venue failed to provide adequate security to keep overzealous fans like Trag at bay ... which is why his crew had to handle it.

NTS confirms the contract mentions DaBaby could leave if he felt security was inadequate ... but not that he could take the money and run without performing. It also denies there was any security risk.

If both sides fail to come to an agreement, NTS tells us it would have no choice but to take legal action for breach of contract, but it really just wants DaBaby to do the show down the road.

As for the beatdown outside the club ... Trag's family says he's still dealing with his injuries. His mother originally told us he was in a coma and in seriously bad shape ... and they've been in touch with lawyers about the incident.