Music

LL Cool J isn't just receiving his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he's also giving back to the org by donating something special ... with horsepower to spare.

You might've seen clips of the Queens-born rapper doing his thing on stage when he got the huge honor this past weekend, but what you didn't see is LL hooking up the HOF with a red Audi that's near and dear to his heart.

The whip was featured on the cover of his second album, "BAD" -- which came out in 1987 -- and LL sought out the help of custom auto body shop Unique Rides in NYC to restore it for the Hall.

The shop's owner, Will Castro, tells TMZ ... LL approached him about this last year during the pandemic, asking if the UR crew could help him out.

Little back story on the ride -- it was one of LL's first big purchases after signing his initial Def Jam record deal ... which explains why he held on to it after all these years. Castro says it was being stored at LL's grandma's house in NYC for nearly 3 decades!!!

He says it was in pretty bad shape -- it's an '87 Audi 5000, after all, and as you can see, it was pretty torn up from the inside out.

We're told the tweaks made include ... new bodywork, a fresh paint job, installing a custom 2-tone black leather interior with red piping, a full stereo system with Blaupunkt cassette deck (truly old school), amps and subs, red lighting, putting in OG BBS wheels and a full engine rebuild.

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.

Jamie Spears is throwing in the towel on all things related to Britney Spears' conservatorship -- making it crystal clear to the judge in the case that he's tired of fighting ... and is all good with ending the conservatorship STAT.

Brit's father filed new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, in which he lays out his position as clearly as possible. Attorneys for Jamie write, "Jamie unconditionally loves and supports his daughter. Full stop. As he has done for her entire life, Jamie will do everything he can to protect and care for her. For the last 13 years, that included serving as her Conservator. Now, it means ending her Conservatorship."

The filing goes on to explain Jamie is not seeking any further compensation or a release for what went down during the conservatorship, adding that he's willing to be fully transparent in handing over all of his files on the conservatorship in order to officially close the book on this chapter.

With that said, he does insist the way in which he's administered Britney's estate has always been in her best interest -- which is obviously in debate right now -- but in any case ... he's fully on board with getting his daughter out of the legal apparatus now.

One last note from Jamie's side here, which is pretty astounding ... "This conservatorship should end. Now. There is no reason for another second of delay. Jamie is willing to stipulate to the immediate termination of the Conservatorship without reservation or exception."

Britney Spears' lawyer says Jamie Spears has done an about-face -- now urging the judge to end the conservatorship -- to save his own hide from what might come out in a deposition.

Mathew Rosengart filed legal docs essentially calling out Jamie, arguing he's done a reversal over the conservatorship for selfish reasons. He suggests Jamie is trying to immediately end the 13-year-running conservatorship to avoid answering questions under oath ... in particular allegations he bugged his daughter's bedroom.

In the docs, Rosengart is demanding "all documents and communications relating to any recording or listening device in the home or bedroom of Britney Jean Spears, including all documents and communications relating to the decision to place any such recording or listening device and the records of any such recording."

Rosengart is also demanding "all documents and communications relating to the electronic surveillance, monitoring, cloning, or recording of the activity of Britney Jean Spears' personal telephone, including but not limited to the surveillance, monitoring, cloning, icloud mirroring, or recording of calls, emails, text messages, internet browser use or history, and social media use or direct messages on social media."

As for Jamie's deposition, Rosengart cites an email dated October 22 from Jamie's new lawyer, which says, "As far as Jamie is concerned, the conservatorship is done and can be terminated immediately ... So it is said in no uncertain terms my client has no interest in continuing the conservatorship and I will join in any effort to terminate immediately ..."

Britney Spears wants to get married, buy a house and have kids ... but those plans are all on hold until the judge in her conservatorship case decides if it should end ... TMZ has learned.

Britney and Sam Asghari are engaged, but sources with direct knowledge tell us they have not made any wedding plans because of the impending court hearing. Ditto the prenup ... there's been no movement. And, TMZ broke the story ... they want to buy a house together, but that's on ice as well.

All signs point to the 13-year-long conservatorship coming to an end, but it's not guaranteed. The wild card -- whether the judge orders a mental evaluation. Britney, Jamie and others have urged the judge to end it without such an evaluation ... in fact, so far no one involved in the conservatorship has suggested otherwise.

Nevertheless, with 13 years of mental evaluations on file with the court, it's up to the judge whether to cut Britney free without another one. The judge has an easy out given the parties don't want it, but given the various diagnoses over the years, the judge may want to hear from psychiatrists and other doctors before making the decision.

As for all her plans, Britney is living her life ... hanging with Sam, going on vacation and posting stories about her life on social media.

The Gabby Petito saga has raised questions about who the media focuses on in cases like these, and it seems disproportionally white ... so says a member of the Black Eyed Peas.

We talked to Taboo (Jaime Luis Gomez) -- who is of Mexican descent and identifies as an indigenous person -- and he broke down the phenomenon of "Missing White Girl Syndrome" ... something news networks/society has been accused of doing during this entire ordeal.

Put plainly ... the guy says it is, indeed, a real thing -- and the proof is in the pudding on wall-to-wall coverage of Gabby's story for weeks on end.

As Taboo eloquently puts it, there are scores of Black and indigenous women who go missing every single day ... but don't get even a drop of the same mainstream attention as Petito did -- or any number of missing caucasian girls/women over the years.

That's not to say this is criticizing Gabby or her family or anyone affected by the tragedy -- quite the opposite ... Taboo says he has all the empathy in the world for them.

However, he does feel an underlying issue exists and doesn't wanna shy away from hard talks like these out of fear of propriety. Check out this chat -- you can tell he's passionate about speaking up for his people and other marginalized groups, so this hits home for him.

Kanye West is continuing his friendship with Marilyn Manson -- going so far as to invite the guy to his newest Sunday Service ... and even going in on a prayer together.

Ye kicked off a new round of worship and gospel singing Sunday -- and he invited the embattled rocker, who's been accused of sexual misconduct by several women, to join in on the gathering. Manson was standing front and center alongside the rest of the choir.

Everyone was wearing white ... and some even had hoods and face coverings over their heads. At one point, Ye and MM bowed toward each other ... touching foreheads and closing their eyes. Speaking of eyes ... looks like Mr. West has lost his brows, and his hair.

BTW, Manson wasn't the only famous person there ... one Justin Bieber was also on hand, and he too appeared to be joining them for the spiritual moment. He also got on the mic at one point ... and said a few words. He mostly kept his hood on, seemingly trying to lay low.

There's no question though ... he was there, and standing shoulder to shoulder wtih Ye and Manson.

So many reactions to this -- including a lot of indignation that Ye would actually invite somebody like Manson to something like this ... presumably, a sanctified meeting on Christians. Beyond Manson's mere public image as the exact opposite of that ... folks can't help but point to the allegations against him as a major reason he shouldn't be there.

Fact is ... Marilyn stands accused of sexually assaulting and/or abusing multiple women, dating back years -- all of which he had vehemently denied, and is fighting in court.

He has insisted that all of these liaisons were completely consensual, and a lot of them were straight-up relationships he was in ... but the women have characterized it in much different terms, especially Evan Rachel Wood ... who's been the most outspoken about this.

This probably shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone -- Kanye has already indicated he's cool with Manson ... evident in the fact that he featured him in his latest album.

He also invited the man to one of his "Donda" listening events ... ditto for DaBaby, who's been getting public heat of late. Unclear if his cozying up to Manson means he believes him (and not the women) ... or if he's bringing him in as a gesture of forgiveness or something.

Dave Chappelle is still being cheeky about his Netflix controversy -- taking his act to the Rock & Roll HOF this weekend, and getting facetime with none other than Ted Sarandos.

The comedian helped induct Jay-Z into the Hall Saturday down in Cleveland, where he was one of the few who kicked off the introduction -- alongside folks like Barack Obama, who also delivered remarks -- and DC opened with a line that directly touched on "The Closer."

He started by whipping out a piece of paper and reading from it, saying ... "I would like to apologize," cut himself off and then said, "nah, I'm just f***ing with ya." Everyone laughed.

Dave didn't discuss it much beyond that -- but he did sing HOV's praises ... talking about the impressive ascension he's made in life, going from drug dealer to rapper to bona fide mogul. Of course, there were jokes sprinkled in along the way -- and Dave was very well-received.

That's not all, though. Netflix's CEO was also on hand for the festivities -- for his father-in-law Clarence Avant's own induction into the Hall -- and he actually bumped into Dave backstage ... where they shook hands and shared a few words. Some reports say Dave and Ted were even seen laughing together at one point as well.

They also posed for a photo together -- and Mr. Dave Grohl himself joined in on the fun ... squeezing his way in and cheesin'. It's quite obvious ... Dave is nowhere near "canceled" as he incredulously alluded to last weekend over his comments on the LGBT community.

Obviously, he's still got many, many friends in Hollywood -- and he's considered in high enough regard to get booked for something like this ... where an ex-Prez (a Democratic one, no less) was among them too, albeit via video -- BO beamed in with a video message.

Harry Styles killed -- not Freddy Krugger style, but still -- Saturday night in NYC, as he chose a throwback both in costume and in song.

Harry performed at a jam-packed Madison Square Garden and hopped on stage as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz." He got it right ... right down to the ruby-red slippers. He called the night, "Harryween!"

And, then he sang the staple, "Over the Rainbow," and it was kinda awesome. Too bad Judy Garland's not alive ... she could've sung "Watermelon Sugar!" Speaking of ... does that song work as performed by Dorothy from 'TWOO?' We'll go with YES.

It's part of Harry's Love On Tour, and he has one more night at the Garden.

Drake was feeling it Saturday night, with a little help from a beverage.

Drake hosted a rap battle Saturday night in Long Beach, and he may not have been 3 sheets, but surely at least 2!

He was at the "Til Death Do Us Part" show, and as he chit-chatted with Nunu Nellz, it doesn't take an alcohol expert to see ... Drake was under the influence and having a blast. He wasn't in costume, but Drake's famous enough to be himself. Yeah, that doesn't really make sense.

There were tons of parties Saturday night in Hollywood and parts surrounding .... including one hosted by Alessandra Ambrosia which attacked a gaggle of celebs, including Meagan Good, Doja Cat, Tyga, Ryan Phillippe, Victoria Justice and Jeff Ross.

After the rap battle, Drake left for parts or parties unknown, but it's clear ... he had a better time than most.

Happy Halloween!!!

Jon Bon Jovi was supposed to spend Saturday night on stage, but instead, he spent it in bed ... because of COVID.

Bon Jovi was supposed to perform at the Loews South Beach in Miami Beach, but before the concert began Jon's brother took the stage and told the crowd Jon would not be performing because he tested positive for COVID.

Turns out everyone in the band took a rapid test before the concert and Jon's turned up positive.

A Bon Jovi rep said Jon was fully vaccinated ... unclear, however, if the 59-year-old got a booster.

The rep says he's feeling good, but planned on spending the night in bed. He left Bon Jovi style ... in a yellow Maserati.

As for the concert, the other band members -- all of whom tested negative -- stuck around and played for the crowd.

BTW ... last year Jon's 18-year-old son tested positive for COVID, along with his keyboard player and percussionist.

Shots rang out in Hollywood Saturday night outside a Halloween bash hosted by Teyana Taylor.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... as folks were having a great time at the Sunset Room, when 3 armed men approached 3 women standing on the curb outside the club and tried robbing them.  They pistol-whipped one woman and as the men tried robbing them a security guard jumped into action in an attempt to thwart the robbery.

The guard exchanged gunfire with one of the armed suspects but both missed. The bullets were lodged in several parked cars.

The 3 men fled in a car. It's unclear if they ended up stealing anything from the women.

An ambulance arrived but the woman who was pistol-whipped refused medical attention.

All Yung Bleu wanted was a baby monkey ... instead, he mistakenly ended up with a baby baboon -- which grows quite a bit bigger -- but he's crossing his fingers and trying to make it work.

We got the "You're Mines Still" rapper at SIXTY LES Hotel in NYC and our guy asked him about his little monkey mix-up.

Bleu says the guy he got the pet from told him it was a monkey, but when he started showing the critter off on social media, folks turned him on to what was really going on ... and a quick Google search confirmed he'd been misled.

But, YB tells us he's not mad about what he considers false advertising ... and it's pretty clear in the video he's got a special connection with the baboon, which he's named Moon Vandross.

Sounds like he could have been in a worse spot -- Bleu tells us why this specific type of baboon won't grow up to be a big problem. He hopes.

Indianapolis Colts' Isaiah Rodgers went with one of the G.O.A.T.s of all music videos for his Halloween cleats -- Michael Jackson's "Thriller!"

TMZ Sports has learned the Colts DB wanted to celebrate the scary holiday with some custom cleats and hit up his main man, artist Rodney Jackson.

Jackson tells us they went over several options ... from the mummy to Charlie Brown's Halloween and then boom -- Jackson's 1983 music video "Thriller" was it!

It took three days for Jackson to put the insane cleats together --- and they came out amazing!

You can see the King of Pop with the infamous red jacket as the zombie featured on one side and the classic ending of the music video with Ola Ray as his GF on the other.

There's also a QR code painted on the Nike cleats -- Jackson telling us the code leads you to the video of the custom spikes.

Jackson -- who also made Rodgers' Terminator shoes -- says the 23-year-old will wear 'em during pregame warmups before taking on the Tennessee Titans on Halloween.

FYI, "Thriller" has been considered the best music video of all time by several publications and has over 798 million views on YouTube.

This is Thriller!!!

Quincy Jones once claimed the Beatles were sucky musicians -- but that must've been aimed at everyone besides Ringo Starr ... because the dude was clearly ahead of his time.

Check out this viral TikTok video from @grahamethedrummer, who breaks down what the band's drummer could've done on famous tunes of theirs ... and what he actually did on the final product. It's pretty obvious -- RS was going above and beyond for their songs.

Graham argues it would've been easy for Ringo to phone it in on the drums if he wanted to -- showing he could've played along to their melodies with simple drum beats that kept pace, but instead ... opted for ingenious patterns that elevated the arrangements.

He showcases what one might see a basic drummer do for tracks like "I Feel Fine," "Ticket to Ride," "Getting Better All the Time" and "Come Together" ... and then contrasts that with what Ringo actually did in real-life ... unique drumming that made the songs stand out.

The TikToker likens this level of drum playing to a "superpower" ... and each time he notes, "What Ringo did was way cooler." The internet seems to agree, BTW -- singing RS's praises ... with some saying he's grossly underrated in the pantheon of drummer greats.

Big Halloween night Friday in Hollywood ... big stars, fun costumes and lots of parties.

Leonardo DiCaprio showed up to Nicolas Berggruen's Bev Hills bash at "The Beverly Estate" lookin' like Andy Warhol. Drake, on the other hand, just came as himself.

And, this is interesting ... with all the Facebook drama, guess who also showed up -- the Winklevoss bros!!! They're dressed as outta-this-world astronauts. And, Olivia Jade and sis, Isabella, showed up in "Black Swan" costumes, although they sure missed an opportunity, right? Rowers would have been awesome!!!

Beck showed up as a cowboy, and Simon Rex got into a "Top Gun" getup at another party deep in the Hollywood Hills. "13 Reasons Why" actor, Ross Butler, kept things honest as the sheriff.