Cedric The Entertainer Will Smith Joke At Oscars After-Party ... 'I'm Smacking Back!!!'

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SLAP OF A CLAPBACK

Cedric the Entertainer made Will Smith the butt of a joke at an Oscars after-party ... keeping Jada Pinkett Smith's name out of his mouth, and warning Will impersonators.

The joke is all on video, and it's great ... just watch Cedric do his thing. Maybe Chris Rock could take a few pointers.

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TAKIN' NO DISRESPECT

While Cedric doesn't mention Will, Jada or Chris by name ... it's obvious what he's referencing here ... everyone saw what happened at the Academy Awards, and this is an after-party.

Cedric was hosting the Griot Gala Oscars After-Party when he cracked the joke ... meanwhile, Will was dancing to his own tunes at the Vanity Fair shindig and Chris went to Guy Oseary's Oscars After-Party to try and salvage the night.

Drake Pulls Multiple Michael Jordan Rookie Cards ... Could Be Worth $1 Mil

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Drake pulled a rare, 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card -- and 5 other valuable MJ's -- live on Instagram, and they're worth hundreds of thousands of dollars!!

The hip-hop superstar -- who's been heavy into card collecting lately -- busted open a bunch of boxes of top-of-the-line cards, including Flawless and 1986 Fleer boxes with Ken Goldin of Goldin Auctions.

FYI, a box of Flawless alone goes for $46K ... and Drizzy had 10 boxes.

Goldin was opening cards while Drake sat alongside watching. Then, it was Drake's time to take over cracking the packs.

First pack ... a 1986 Fleer MJ rookie that could be worth well in excess of $200K! Depending on the grade, the card has sold for anywhere between mid-50K to over 700K.

Talk about good luck. But, there was more.

Drake ultimately hit on 6 Jordan's ... 3 rookie cards and 3 stickers, before he and Goldin shut down the IG Live.

All told, if the cards grade out to Mint 10s, they could be worth over $1 million! Not bad for a night's work.

Will Smith Getting Jiggy With It At After-Party ... Following Chris Rock Slap

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Big Willie Style was in full effect after Will Smith won an Oscar and slapped Chris Rock on live TV ... Will was dancing to his famous hit and holding his award at an after-party.

Ya gotta see this video of Will on Oscar Sunday ... no, not the one where he slaps Chris for joking about Jada Pinkett Smith ... this one, where he's dancing to his song, "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It," at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party in Hollywood.

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TAKIN' NO DISRESPECT

There's a huge circle around Will, and a ton of cameras in his face ... and it certainly doesn't look like he's bothered by what went down on stage with Chris ... cutting loose on the dance floor, singing his own lyrics and showing off his Oscar for his work in "King Richard."

It's quite a mood swing for Will, who only hours before was taking major issue with Chris for making fun of his wife. Guess winning an Oscar will do that for ya.

Jay-Z Oscars After-Party Brings Out Celebs ... And Dozens of Protesters

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Jay-Z's after-party for the Oscars was definitely one to remember ... 'cause some of Hollywood's biggest names had to make their way through angry protesters to get inside.

The mogul threw his Gold Party at the famed Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, where folks like Rihanna, Saweetie, Kim Kardashian and Diddy were greeted by frustrated former employees of the hotel ... who claim they were mistreated by management.

Other guests included Winnie Harlow, Jon Hamm, Khloe Kardashian, French Montana, Zoe Kravitz and Troy Kotsur -- the first deaf man to win an acting Oscar.

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CHATEAU CHAOS

Check out the video ... angry protesters raised their voices and signs, claiming they worked in a toxic work environment with racial discrimination and the owner, André Balazs, abandoned more than 200 fired employees during the coronavirus pandemic.

Leading up to the soiree, Jay-Z received backlash for the venue and was urged to move the party. Clearly, that didn't happen and the party went on as planned.

Travis & Kylie Baby's Name Change Ain't Quick

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Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott were quick to decide baby Wolf's name wasn't right for their newborn son ... but to legally change a name ain't as easy as you'd think.

As we reported, Kylie announced earlier this week she and Travis were changing Wolf's name because, "We just really didn't feel like it was him." However, the process to actually get it done can take weeks, if not months from start to finish.

Here's the process ...

- First, Kylie and Travis will need to file a petition for a name change, and something like this is routinely approved by a judge -- in this case, an L.A. County Superior Court judge. The only real basis to deny a name change is if the new name was designed to be used to defraud or deceive, and that's clearly not the case here.

- Once the judge puts his/her John Hancock on the petition, it's sent up to Sacramento and processed by the state. It usually takes 6-8 weeks. Looks like lots of people are unhappy with their name.

- The state will then amend the birth certificate to reflect the new name.

Of course, there was recently another significant name change in the family -- when (former) baby Wolf's uncle Kanye West changed his name to Ye. That process took almost 2 months to complete ... so with patience comes great change.

As for Wolf ... no word on what he'll be answering to ... at least not yet.

Kodak Black Allowed to Perform in Dubai ... I'll Donate To Charity!!!

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Kodak Black is headed overseas to make bank, but in asking permission to do so ... he told the judge he plans to donate a big chunk of his earnings to charity.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Kodak says he needs to travel to Dubai to perform a concert next month and make some paid appearances as well.

In the docs, which the court approved, Kodak says he'd be in Dubai from March 28 to April 3 ... adding he'd be traveling with his security team and music producer.

In his motion to travel for work purposes, Kodak points out he's been allowed to travel domestically for work and claims he's been keeping his nose clean lately.

Kodak stated if he were given permission, he plans to donate 10% of his earnings in Dubai to charity.

The rapper's attorney, Bradford Cohen, tells TMZ ... a prominent businessman invited Kodak to Dubai for paid appearances at jewelers, nightclubs and exotic car dealerships, plus a concert.

Kodak's attorney says his client already picked out where he wants to donate at least some of his Dubai earnings ... the college funds of the children of 2 Pennsylvania State Troopers who were recently killed by a suspected drunk driver. Cohen says he's reached out to the PA State Police Association to try and set up a donation.

Kodak was sentenced to 36 months probation in January 2021 -- all stemming from the same gun case in which former President Trump commuted his sentence -- leaving his supervised release intact.

Lil Xan Released from Psych Ward, Now in Rehab ... In Good Spirits

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Lil Xan seems to be doing a whole lot better ... cause TMZ has learned he is out of a psych ward and working on his mental health at a rehab center.

Sources close to Xan tell TMZ, he initially checked himself into a hospital and was 51/50'd after experiencing a mixture of exhaustion, dehydration and depression from things he was seeing online ... all of which, he says, began to take a toll on him and his mental health and well-being.

We're told, overall, he felt like he needed a break, and he wanted to go somewhere to help with his mental health and help him disconnect from social media.

He even let folks know about his frustration Wednesday, when he posted a photo from what appears to be a hospital bed. He wrote, "please stop speaking about me if you don't know me, I'm a human being just like you."

Were told, he spent 3 days in the psych ward, before he was moved to a part of the facility focused on mental health. He was given the green light to leave the psych ward after being deemed harmless to himself or others.

Lil Xan said he relapsed but what really scared him straight were the seizures he suffered ... the effects of quitting cold turkey in his attempt to beat his drug habit. 11/18/19
WE GOT ME STRAIGHT

As you may know, the rapper's been struggling with drug addiction for quite some time. We spoke to him at the start of the pandemic ... when he started on his journey to sobriety. He told us, quarantine really helped him turn things around for the better.

No word yet as to when he may be leaving the current facility, but it's good to see him getting the help he needs.

Phil Collins Last Show Ever with Band Genesis No Solo Songs Though???

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Phil Collins appears to have performed live for the final time in his career -- alongside his band Genesis, no less -- but if true ... his solo career wasn't really acknowledged at all.

The legendary rocker/drummer took to the stage Saturday night in London at the O2 Arena, where he and his bandmates did it big for what they say was their last concert together ever ... this after a highly successful worldwide tour, which they dubbed 'The Last Domino?'

The place was packed and people were rocking out as Genesis ran through a 24-song setlist of all their greatest hits and fan favorites ... dating back to when they first formed in the late '60s. Indeed, it was awesome ... and Phil led things on the mic as lead singer.

As you can see, he was seated throughout -- as his health has declined in recent years ... and he gets around with a cane these days. He's also not able to drum anymore, but he still put on a helluva show with Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and his own son, Nic, who filled in on drums for his pops. Even former bandmate and rock god Peter Gabriel was on hand.

Toward the end of the set, Phil let it be known that this marked their final chapter as a live band -- and it made for a very emotional moment ... a funny one too, with some quips from PC about how they'll all have to find jobs going forward.

The announcement was met with sadness at first by the crowd, but eventually, they gave the group a roaring extended applause ... realizing they were watching something special.

And, of course, as you can imagine, when Genesis walked off the stage for the final time ... there, too, people gave it up -- clapping and cheering as Phil and co. departed the stage.

Like we said, it was quite a performance and quite a spectacle for all who witnessed it ... but if this is, in fact, Phil's last time gracing the stage with his talent -- ya gotta wonder, why not let the guy have a few solo songs to himself with the band backing him?

All of the songs played on Saturday were Genesis songs, which is fine ... this was their tour together, after all. But, Phil's obviously got quite a prolific career on his own, with iconic songs that we're sure the audience would've absolutely LOVED to have heard -- especially if this is actually his last go-around, and it's assumed at this point that it is.

Perhaps that's the way he wanted things, but man ... going out without at least a refrain of 'In the Air Tonight' feels a little incomplete, no??? In any case, thanks for the music, guys!

Dave Grohl Emotional return to L.A. with Foo Fighters ... After Death of Drummer Taylor Hawkins

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COMING TOGETHER FOR TAYLOR

Dave Grohl and his band returned to L.A. from Bogota ... after the sudden death of their drummer and beloved friend, Taylor Hawkins.

Dave, along with Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, Samantha Sidley and crew were visibly emotional after touching down. Dave hugged a man who looks like their manager, John Silva.

As we reported, Taylor was found dead in a hotel room Friday ... the group was in San Paulo to play Lollapalooza Sunday. Based on preliminary findings, it appears Taylor may have OD'd on 10 different drugs, including opioids.

Among the drugs in his system .... Tricyclic, antidepressants and benzodiazepines. An official cause of death has not been determined.

Less than a week before he died, Grohl told a massive crowd at Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires how incredible Taylor was ... best drummer in the biz, Dave bragged. He then had Taylor come center stage to both sing and show off his fly outfit.

Taylor was 50.

Travis Scott Performs First Time Since Astroworld ... At Oscars Shindig

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Travis Scott did what he hasn't done in months ... taking the stage for a short set.

Travis hit up Richie Akiva and Darren Dzienciol's pre-Oscars party Saturday night at a private home in Bel-Air. His performance didn't last long ... a combo of rapping and DJ'ing. But, it was a moment, because it's the first time he's taken the stage since the Astroworld tragedy back in November.

It was a pretty ritzy event ... Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Venus and Serena Williams, Tyga, YG, Kaia Gerber and a bunch of other celebs took it all in.

As for Travis, who by the way went solo -- Kylie Jenner didn't show -- he was clearly having a great time, laughing, socializing, drinkin' some ...

Travis is walking a narrow line ... on the one hand, he wants to live his life, and on the other, he can't look like he's just shrugging off what happened in Houston, especially the multiple lawsuits that have been filed against him and others involved in the festival. One lawsuit alone asks for $750 million, and another is going for $2 billion.

Rapper Chika Updates Fans, I'm Okay ... After Suicide Threats

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UPDATE

11:06 AM PT -- 3/27/22 -- Chika seems to be okay after all, writing ... "alive. wanna go home." She adds, "leaving the hospital. not that i should care about updating anyone besides family. i just wanna be left alone, if that’s okay. i appreciate the prayers and stuff. thanks."

UPDATE

4:28 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police responded to Chika's North Hollywood apartment today to conduct a welfare check, only to discover she wasn't home when directed to her unit by an onsite manager.

A one-time up-and-coming rapper who was nominated for a Grammy not too long ago is now making a terrifying revelation -- saying she's likely to end her life at any given moment.

The artist is Chika -- who was named in XXL's 2020 freshman class, and was actually up for a Grammy last year in the Best New Artist category. She posted a lengthy statement on her social media page that implied she was on the verge of suicide ... to the shock of many.

She writes, in part, "i went to the top of the intercontinental, but could not jump. not because i don't want to, but because the metal stairs were scary." Chika adds, "it looks like crying wolf, but it's not. it's just difficult to find the right way. the quickest way. the painless way. i am tired of myself too."

Chika goes on to say how she believes she'll serve as a cautionary tale, in leaving a broken person to their own devices, and how she won't be sorry for those she might leave behind ... saying she refuses to carry the burden of others who refused to share her own.

It's a gut-wrenching note, and she ends it by writing ... "no more typing. i'm going to finish my drink and find a way that works. thanks for the ride, i hated it."

She's also been posting extra photos and text notes on her IG story, saying people can find her body and that she doesn't care. She actually appears to give certain street names, but it's unclear what city she might be in at the moment. She's from Montgomery, Alabama.

Of course, people have fired off with a ton of concern ... sending prayers her way, and openly hoping someone on her team or in her inner circle can reach her before something tragic happens. She hasn't posted any new notes in at least an hour or so.

Originally Published -- 3/26 1:30 PM PT

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.

Taylor Hawkins Dave Grohl Introduces Drummer in Last Video Before Death

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The death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins is a huge loss in the music industry, but it's personal for Dave Grohl and the other band members, and that was more than evident by this video shot less than a week before Taylor died.

The vid was shot March 20, at Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires. The scene is incredible ... thousands of fans -- as far as the eye can see -- packed into the Hipodromo de San Isidro to watch the Foo Fighters' 2-hour performance.

Dave spends some time telling the crowd how awesome Taylor is ... right down to his fancy pants.  He then invites his drummer -- whom Dave calls the best in the music biz -- front and center to sing. But, before he does, Taylor clearly shows his affection for Grohl.

As we reported, the Foo Fighters were supposed to wrap up the South American leg of their tour Sunday in Sao Paulo, but on Friday Taylor was found dead in a hotel room.

The early evidence, according to authorities in Colombia, is that Taylor may have OD'd ... they say 10 different substances were found in his system, including opioids, tricyclic, antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

The investigation is ongoing, but it appears drugs were a factor.

Taylor was only 50.

Lady Gaga Dog Walker Testifies He Hit Attackers with Champagne Bottle ... In Life or Death Struggle

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Lady Gaga's dog walker gave graphic testimony in the case of the dognappers who attacked and shot him, saying he's still having significant medical struggles months after the incident.

Ryan Fischer testified before an L.A. County Grand Jury about the 3 men who attacked him as he was walking Gaga's 3 dogs. According to the transcript, obtained by Rolling Stone, Ryan was thrown to the concrete as one of the attackers began choking him, and he hit the guy with a bottle of champagne he had just purchased at a nearby liquor store.

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VIOLENT ABDUCTION

He described what he did after being shot in the chest ... "I immediately tried to call for help but realized I was bleeding out of my lung and that I was losing more and more air quickly."

Five people have been charged with attempted murder and robbery. They have pled not guilty. Three of the men are alleged gang members who were driving around Hollywood specifically looking for French bulldogs ... which go for a lot of money. They were not targeting the dogs because they were owned by Gaga.

Ryan says his lung collapsed, he was rushed to the hospital but 2 days after his release the lung collapsed again, requiring major surgery.

He says he still has breathing issues, numbness in his chest and serious mobility issues. He told the Grand Jury, "When I go from the ground up to stand, I have to, I still get very close to passing out."

Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins Investigators Find Drugs in System ... Death Investigation Continues

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Some early clues have surfaced in the death investigation into what killed Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins ... investigators say tests show drugs were in his system.

In a release from the Attorney General's Office in Bogotá, Colombia, officials say a toxicology test taken from Hawkin's urine revealed 10 different substances -- including opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Investigators say they will continue to work on Hawkins' case ... but obviously, the drug test is telling.

As we reported, Hawkins -- who first found fame as the drummer for Alanis Morissette -- before joining Foo and even starting his own band, was found dead Friday in a hotel room.

A post from the Foo Fighters read, "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever."

Hawkins, Dave Grohl and other members of the band were in Colombia for several shows at the time of his death.

Taylor was open about his previous struggles with substance abuse, surviving a heroin OD back in 2001.

He was 50.

Karrueche Tran Denies Dating Quavo ... 'We're Just friends!!!'

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FRIENDLY AFFAIR

Karrueche Tran says she's not just living her best life ... she's living her best single life, and shutting down the rumors she and Quavo are a thing.

We caught up with Karreuche outside Hollywood's iconic eatery Musso and Frank's and asked about the alleged romantic relationship. Sorry folks, she says nothing is that serious.

The actress -- who was attending Vanity Fair's "A Night for Young Hollywood" party -- told us she's simply enjoying her life, but she did admit the Migos rapper is a friend ... and just a friend.

Lots of fans aren't gonna buy that ol' chestnut, though, thanks to some visual receipts.

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ICYMI ... Karrueche and Quavo reportedly took a joint vacay together to St. Martin in January.

They were also spotted out earlier this month having a dinner for two at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood ... so, ya know, the rumor didn't come outta thin air.

Folks have been linking the pair since 2017 when they were seen leaving a party in ATL together, but shortly afterward they each started dating other people.

Quavo hooked up with Saweetie, and Karrueche got together with retired NFL star Victor Cruz. Well now, both of those relationships are over, and they're both back on the market ... if they aren't already a thing, of course.

BTW, our photog asked her about a possible double date with Cardi B and Quavo's bandmate, Offset ... and Karrueche said, she would love that. Sooo ... you be the judge! 😏

Taylor Hawkins Foo Fighters Drummer Dead at 50

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Taylor Hawkins, the drummer for the Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette and his own band, is dead.

The Foo Fighters announced his death with a post that reads, in part, "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever."

The band is in Bogota, Colombia where they were scheduled to play Friday ... and that is reportedly where Taylor died. So far, there are no further details about where or how he passed away.

Taylor's last performance was at Lalapalooza in Argentina this month. He did not appear to have any health issues while rocking the set.

Taylor had substance abuse issues in the past, and actually survived a 2001 heroin overdose.

Along with Dave Grohl, Taylor was the most recognizable face of the Foo Fighters, which he joined in 1997. Just last year, he and the group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Prior to joining FF, he'd been the touring drummer for Alanis and also for Sass Jordan.

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LAST TIME WE SAW HIM ...

As the band noted, Taylor was such a cool outgoing guy -- with fans, and even the media. The last time we got him out was last September in NYC, where he was having some fun with autograph seekers and his bandmates.

While he's remained with FF, Taylor also started his own side project ... a band called Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders.

Taylor and his wife Alison have 3 children -- son Oliver Shane and daughters Annabelle and Everleigh. The band's statement adds, "Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family."

Taylor and his Foo Fighter bandmates were supposed to headline Lollapalooza Brazil on Sunday night. Obviously, that gig is now up in the air.

Taylor was 50.

RIP

Originally Published -- 3/25/22 8:39 PM PT