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The Met Gala's the time of the year when celebrities dress up like royalty and whisk past their subjects to party the night together in elite fashion ... and this year did not disappoint.

Kim Kardashian showed up to the Balenciaga bash in a superhero-looking outfit Monday night at Cathedrale Restaurant in NYC. It's a Balenciaga getup that seems inspired by Kanye. We got her stepping out of her SUV looking like the lead in Marvel's next blockbuster.

Justin and Hailey Bieber followed. The Biebs is the poster boy for Balenciaga, so it kinda makes sense he hosted the party.

Machine Gun Kelly showed up in a black jacket with roses on his shoulders, and GF Megan Fox looked her typical amazing self in a red dress.

Kid Cudi boldly went where no man has gone before at the 2021 Met Gala ... with damn near a couple million in bling hanging from his neck!!!

The "Man On the Moon" artist was decked out in a vibrant Louis Vitton getup for the event, but the centerpiece of the look was his not-so-little man on the moon ... an opulent, one-of-a-kind piece designed by Ben Baller and KAWS.

We're told the chain and pendant -- museum quality diamond work titled "SPACE" -- is a whopping $1,600,000 piece ... featuring more than 24,000 clarity E color diamonds, and more than a kilo in 18k rose gold.

The celeb jeweler says, "This is the most detailed and intricate piece of jewelry I’ve ever created in my entire career," adding that he had to shut down his entire factory for 3 months to focus on completing it.

The piece is a miniature take on Kaws' famous "Holiday Space" astronaut figure, and Baller says the pendant's backpack has a secret compartment where Cudi can keep weed -- or other small stuff -- in it.

Flavor Flav says Chuck D is actually the one stalling any sort of reunion for Public Enemy -- as Chuck's saying -- but now Flav is laying out a solution to their standoff.

We got him Monday at LAX, and asked for an update on where things stood with his partner in rhyme. Remember, we spoke to Chuck earlier this year, and at the time, he made it seem like FF was blocking the iconic group from rekindling things and touring.

That's not the case at all ... or so claims Flav, who tells us Chuck's the one stonewalling things -- and it sounds like it's all over business, and good old-fashioned dollars and cents.

Watch Flav break down the drama here ... he says there's a partnership agreement he wants CD to sign, but it doesn't seem that's happened yet -- which Flav says is preventing them from working together again. He seems totally transparent about their issues, but Chuck might view this as Flav airing the family biz in public.

Remember, we asked Chuck about this exact issue during a hip-hop celebration in the Bronx (sans Flav) ... and he was pretty vague about what their specific issues were. Flav isn't holding back at all.

Of course, all this drama stems from their years-long falling out -- and Flav's effective firing from the group last year.

Britney Spears won't be walking down the aisle anytime soon -- but in the meantime, her giant diamond ring is all the rage for others looking to say "I do."

A rep for Forever Diamonds NY -- where Brit's fiance, Sam Asghari, had this puppy commissioned -- tells TMZ ... they received 500 inquiries Sunday following news of the proposal, with 95% of those inquiries being from people looking to purchase a version of the "Britney Ring."

You'll recall ... Forever Diamonds NY said they'd be naming this ring setting after the pop star herself, commemorating the thought they say Sam put in while making the purchase.

Despite everyone clamoring for a Britney ring of their own ... Forever Diamonds says no one will get the exact one she's got on her finger right now -- because that one was specially made for her, and they won't replicate it precisely.

That said, the jeweler tells us they're considering a version of the ring on display at a store they're opening soon -- so customers can see it up close. The fanfare makes sense ... Sam himself just spilled the beans on how unique it actually is, and what he had to do to keep it under wraps for so long.

As for the nuptials... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... BS and SA are in no rush to get hitched. We're told they're going to take their time and enjoy the engagement, and they're not even throwing around the word "wedding" among friends.

Frank Ocean might be thinking 'bout you -- but all anyone can think about is that weird-ass baby doll he brought with him to the Met Gala ... which looked more alien than human.

You probably saw this Monday as A-listers made their way into the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the high-fashion event -- FO touched down with what appeared to be an infant cradled in his arms. As it turns out, though, it wasn't a kid ... it wasn't even alive either.

Frank had some sort of a robot with him -- which moved and blinked (and maybe even cooed?) like it was the real deal, but very much so wasn't ... on account of its slime green skin tone, among other tell-tale AI signs. It was weird -- but very on-brand for Mr. Ocean.

Dude's pretty enigmatic as an artist -- so him walking out with this machine in hand isn't all that nuts if you think about it. It was actually more of a shock just to see him there at all.

He hardly ever goes out ... but when he does, it's always a scene. As for what he himself was wearing, Frank had on a black Prada suit, accompanied by a custom cap, jewelry he reportedly had designed by his own line, Homer ... and, of course, his highlighter hairdo.

Blueface is accused of viciously attacking a doorman at a club, and video of the incident shows 3 other men jumped the guy too ... and it's incredibly brutal and disturbing.

TMZ's obtained security footage from late Sunday night at Skinny's Lounge in the San Fernando Valley, where the rapper and his crew are accused of pummeling the club's bouncer for not letting Blueface in without his ID.

As you can see, the altercation started in the entryway to the club, and a member of Blueface's group throws the first punch ... then Blueface and the other 2 men proceed to attack, unloading a flurry of punches and kicks.

It appears a woman in the group is recording the attack on her phone, before Blueface seemingly stomps the bouncer. Then, another guy tries to lift him up by his feet while the attack continued.

Blueface is the last person seen on the video, and appears to give the bouncer a couple of taps to see if he's conscious before leaving.

As we reported ... the bouncer had to be transported to a hospital by ambulance where he got stitches, and photos of his injuries look pretty bad.

Britney Spears has already taken steps to get a prenup drafted ... just a day after she and Sam announced their engagement ... sources tell TMZ.

Sources with direct knowledge who are close to Britney tell TMZ ... her camp is already mobilizing to get a prenup drafted. Britney's net worth reportedly hovers at around $60 million ... this money is hers, but although she's not making nearly what she raked in when she was performing, she's still making considerable coin.

Sam joked HE was the one who wanted a prenup, to protect his jeep and his shoes, but the reality is ... a prenup is not only in the cards -- it's necessary.

As we reported, Britney had a prenup with Kevin Federline, and that was before the conservatorship. It may be even more important now ... not because it's an omen -- it's just smart.

Britney announced the engagement Sunday, but did not say when they were getting married. This would be her third marriage, and it's unclear when they would tie the knot. But, her team isn't wasting any time getting the document signed, sealed and delivered ahead of the nuptials.

The Met Gala is back after a year off due to COVID, and it looks like the stars were chomping at the bit to put on their best suits and dresses in a return to normalcy.

This year's hosts include Keke Palmer, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman, Timothee Chalamet and Naomi Osaka -- and they've already arrived in with their own getups ... which were eye-popping and extravagant.

Some of the stars expected to show include Rihanna, J Lo, Kim K, Emily Ratajkowski, Camila Cabello, Lupita N'yongo, Beyonce, Addison Rae and more. This year's theme is "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" -- so we'll see wears to rep that.

We know what you're thinking ... what about the Delta variant? There are strict protocols in place to help mitigate that -- including requirements for proof of vaccination prior to showing up, not to mention a negative COVID test as well. Masks indoors are also required.

Remember -- last year's Met Gala got scrapped altogether due to the pandemic ... so, it's been a year-plus since folks have been able to flex their fashion muscles anew.

Britney Spears' fiance is wearing his emotions on his sleeve face after their engagement ... and the bag over his head might be a metaphor for how he kept his proposal plan hidden.

Sam Asghari had a pep in his step Monday as he made a pit stop at a 7-Eleven ... grabbing a Gatorade inside before hopping in his Jeep with his bride to be ... and wearing a Trader Joe's bag over his head with the words, "She said yes!"

Britney's fiance was rolling solo later in the day when a photog caught up with him going inside a gym for a workout, with Sam saying the road to their engagement wasn't easy.

It's interesting ... Sam says he had to keep the custom engagement ring secret for 3 months ... but he's not giving out any free game on how to woo a pop star.

As we reported ... Sam popped the question Sunday at Britney's home and she said yes, and he gave her a huge rock with "lioness" inscribed on the band.

Britney Spears' newly-minted fiance, Sam Asghari, says he and Britney will sign a prenup, alright ... a prenup designed to protect HIM.

Sam was responding to fans who urged Britney to get a prenup ... his response -- yep, they'll sign an "iron clad prenup," adding, "to protect my jeep and shoe collection in case she dumps me one day."

Now, Sam added a few crying laughing emojis, but it's actually a real issue.

As we reported, she broke the news on Instagram, posting a video of her showing off the huge rock on her finger, with the caption ... "I can't f***ing believe it 💍💍💍💍💍💍❣️!!!!!!"

It's worth noting ... Britney signed a prenup with Kevin Federline, so it's something she's clearly inclined to do ... at least in the past. Although these stories on net worth are often wildly inaccurate, Brit's reported estimate worth hovers at around $60 million. So, Sam's clearly joking about a prenup that protects him, but that doesn't mean a prenup is not in their future.

BTW ... since the judge in Brit's conservatorship case already said she's capable of hiring a lawyer, it seems the coast is clear for her to hire another lawyer to handle prenup business. Here's the wild card -- the conservator of her estate -- as long as the conservatorship exists -- could demand a prenup be signed to protect her assets, and right now that person is Jamie Spears.

Justin Bieber used his VMA acceptance speech to give a huge shoutout to his buddy, Conor McGregor ... saying the UFC superstar will be back better than ever after his devastating leg injury.

33-year-old Conor was at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards to present the "Artist of the Year" award Sunday night ... rocking a bright, pink suit, his walking cane and a massive smile.

While McGregor got into an intense scuffle with Machine Gun Kelly before his appearance, he was all calmed down once it was time for him to announce the category's big winner.

"New York is back and so is the Mac," Conor said. "2022 will be our greatest year yet."

And when it was time to reveal the winner ... McGregor couldn't be happier.

Of course, Conor and Bieber have gotten pretty close recently -- from catching rays poolside to being guests at each other's concerts and fights -- so it was only right The Notorious was able to share the awesome moment with the "Peaches" singer.

Bieber name-dropped his wife, Hailey, and rapper Travis Scott after grabbing the Moonperson ... and then guaranteed Conor will make a big comeback after snapping his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

"Conor, we're gonna get 'em next time, my boy," Bieber said. "Let's go."

Blueface allegedly attacked a club bouncer with the help of his 2 pals, leaving the dude in stitches ... and now, cops are on the case.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Blueface tried rolling up to Skinny's Lounge late Sunday night in the San Fernando Valley, but got stopped at the door by a security guard who asked to see his ID.

We're told Blueface noted he didn't have one, and asked the guard if he knew who he was ... apparently, whipping out his phone to Google himself and show he was famous. The guard didn't care though, we're told, and wouldn't let him in without proper identification.

That's when things allegedly turned physical ... our sources tell us Blue, and a couple buddies with him jumped the bouncer and then left. The guy had to be transported to a hospital by ambulance -- where we're told he was treated for bruises and scratches that required sutures.

We also got a hold of photos showing the alleged injuries, and they look pretty gnarly. You can see the bouncer was left bloodied.

If an awards show isn't followed up by a slew of celebs hitting up afterparties all over town ... is it even an awards show at all???

Attendees at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards made the night official by celebrating around NYC afterward ... with events hosted by the likes of Travis Scott, Dave Chappelle and Doja Cat.

Other celebs spotted toasting to success included Justin and Hailey Bieber, Madonna, Pete Davidson and the night's big winner -- Lil Nas X, who won Video of the Year for "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)."

There was also a couple's dinner sighting, as MGK and Megan Fox shared a "future baby daddies" meal at Cipriani with Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian ... before MGK and company made it over to Chappelle's party at Lure.

As you'd expect, Dave's event had major star appeal with Colin Jost, Dave Grohl and Jon Hamm joining the festivities.

Chris Brown's home got another visit from cops ... but this time, he wasn't the one causing the problems.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police were called to CB's San Fernando Valley home around 10 PM this week for an alleged battery involving his security team.

We're told a man came riding up to the property on a motorbike, and Chris' hired muscle lit the guy up with a flashlight to figure out whether he was a guest or just a dude cruising the neighborhood. They stopped him and asked why he rode up to the house.

The man apparently didn't like being questioned ... we're told he spit in the guard's face and rode off into the night.

Our sources tell us LAPD took a battery report, but so far no arrests have been made.

It's at least the 3rd time in 5 months cops have been called to Chris' home. As we reported, LAPD broke up his massive birthday party in May and in June they responded to another battery call at the home after a woman claimed Breezy smacked her weave off.

Ja Rule's clapping back after Fat Joe said he's going to drag him for their "Verzuz" battle ... essentially saying Joey Crack's threat is music to his ears.

The "Put It On Me" rapper tells us he's practically salivating at the idea Fat Joe's been talking (friendly?) smack ahead of their highly-anticipated "Verzuz" battle on Tuesday at the Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden.

Ja's not running scared. Far from it -- he's like a fighter in the ring ready for the bell to ring ... this after Joey Crack called Ja saying, "Everybody know you got all the hits, but I'mma have to drag you. I'm about to bring you into the projects, Trinity Ave."

He added this shot ... "You my brother. I love you, but I'mma have to get you up out that cardigan sweater." You know it's on when you diss a man's sweater. Real street s***.

But, Ja told us he's got no problem taking it to the streets. We really set him off, though, when we brought up the rumor 50 Cent might make a surprise appearance during the "Verzuz" battle.

He warned it would be the dumbest thing Fiddy -- with whom he's had beef for decades -- ever did, IF he shows up at MSG Tuesday night.

Either way, Ja insists he's ready to take down Joe AND 50 Cent, if necessary. #DingDing.

Britney Spears' boyfriend was, indeed, ring shopping to pop the question -- at least that's what she's saying ... because Brit is announcing to the world THAT THEY'RE ENGAGED!

BS just broke the news on Instagram, posting a video of her showing off the huge rock on THAT finger, with Sam Asghari by her side. Her caption says it all ... "I can't f***ing believe it 💍💍💍💍💍💍❣️!!!!!!"

In the video, Sam's asking if she likes it ... and Britney approves, screaming "YES!!!" and giving him a peck on the cheek. It's strange though ... the ring jumps from the left ring finger to the right in the same mash-up she threw together -- maybe it's just a weird camera thing.

In any case ... all the jewelry perusing we've seen Sam doing lately was obviously for this moment -- and even though he claimed his IG had been hacked when the supposed diamond popped up on his Story ... it seems there was some truth to it after all.

Sam posted a shot of his own to seemingly prove that, yes, they are indeed planning to get hitched -- and Britney had a little message of her own for his IG announcement.

This is something the longtime couple has said they've wanted for a good while now -- but Britney alleged the constraints of the conservatorship hasn't allowed her to marry her BF of several years ... just one of many reasons she's asked for it to be dissolved.

Unclear if this is just ceremonial in nature or the real deal -- she still hasn't been released from the conservatorship, despite Jamie formally asking it get the kibosh, so time will tell what this actually means.

Still, congratulations are in order. To the happy couple!!!