Gonzoe the rapper -- a friend of Tupac and Ice Cube -- has been murdered.

Police say Gonzoe was shot 3 times in the chest near a gas station in Seattle, Washington. The gunman is still at large and cops are on the hunt.

The 45-year-old rapper -- real name Ronald Moore -- was from Los Angeles. He was a member of the Outlawz and got his nickname from Tupac himself. His albums include "If I Live & Nothing Happens," and he contributed on "Kuruption" and "Godzilla."

After Gonzoe was shot he ran to a Shell gas station that was close by and then collapsed. He was rushed to a hospital where he died overnight.

It appears he was shot while driving ... cops found a vehicle riddled with bullets in the area.

Gonzoe was a member of Kausion ... a '90s group supported by Ice Cube. The group's album, "South Central Los Skanless," rose to #37 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Rapper C-Bo paid his respects to Gonzoe on social media, posting a throwback video of the two of them out together

Gonzoe was reportedly "working on numerous business deals after the high-profile fight with Boskoe, with whom he started a boxing league with after squashing their beef," All Hip Hop explained.

Gonzoe had started a boxing league with fellow-rapper Boskoe100. The 2 of them got in the ring and fought it out to a draw back in April.

Gonzoe was 45.

Here's the tragic 911 audio from former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison's death, and while it starts off fairly matter-of-fact ... his ex-girlfriend ends up getting very emotional about what she's discovered.

In the audio, obtained by TMZ, the caller is a woman who says she's Joey's ex, and she tells the 911 dispatcher there are lots of signs making her think Joey's dead.

She says Joey's family hadn't heard from him in days, so she went to check on him at his home ... and she feared he was dead even before stepping inside.

As we reported ... Joey's family says the famous drummer died in his sleep and law enforcement sources told us no foul play is suspected and there were no illegal drugs found at the scene.

Joey's ex held it together at the start of the call, but once the operator asked for his full name and date of birth ... her emotions started pouring out, as she choked up and sobbed.

The rock star's sudden death shocked the music world, with Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer telling us he couldn't believe Joey was gone.

ZZ Top's longtime bassist, Dusty Hill, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Dusty passed away at his home in Houston, TX -- this according to his bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard.

They write, "We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the 'Top'. We will forever be connected to that "Blues Shuffle in C." The boys add, "You will be missed greatly, amigo."

Unclear if Dusty's death is in any way related to another health scare he recently suffered -- namely, a hip injury that the band said he had to address in the past week or so, forcing him to bow out of a string of shows across the U.S. with his bandmates.

ZZT addressed the setback on Facebook not too long ago, writing ... "The members of ZZ Top, Billy, and Frank, would like to share that Dusty, their fearless Bass player, is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue. They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto." They replaced Dusty with Elwood Francis ... who's been playing in his stead.

The group has yet to speak on Dusty's passing. They have a show scheduled for Wednesday night in Simpsonville, SC -- but something tells us that'll be canceled in light of this tragic news.

Dusty is one of the original founding members of ZZ Top -- serving as their lead bass player and secondary lead vocalist since they launched the rock band in 1969. He's also one half of the two famous bearded, sunglass-wearing men who help make up the trio ... with Billy obviously being the other.

They initially started as a blues-y act, but they eventually adopted a traditional rock sound ... which they stuck with and helped them launch into the mainstream in the '70s and well into the '80s as well. ZZ Top has churned out a whopping 15 albums over their storied career ... and are well-decorated for it, too -- serving as pillars of the genre for decades.

On top of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ZZ Top has been honored and recognized by different music organizations, especially in their home state of Texas. They've had wild success commercially too ... with several of their records having gone gold, platinum, multi-platinum and even one diamond offering in 1983's iconic "Eliminator."

That one produced perhaps their biggest hit to date, "Gimme All Your Lovin'," as well as others like "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," "Got Me Under Pressure" and more.

Despite not having made a new album since 2012, ZZ Top -- including Dusty himself, who's taken to the stage countless times over the years -- has continued to tour and entertain audiences around the world.

We last talked to Dusty and Billy on 'TMZ Live' back in 2019, when they were fresh off of a press run promoting a documentary covering their lives and careers. Ever the humorists, the fellas were cracking jokes about what they had (or hadn't, rather) seen just yet as far as cuts.

Dusty's finals words in our clip are quite timely right now -- he told us he'd "lived it" as far as what the doc covered, so seeing an early version didn't make much of a difference for them.

Lived he did, indeed. Dusty was 72.

RIP

The New York Jets will honor Gregg Knapp with helmet decals this season ... after the former assistant coach tragically died following a bike crash earlier this month.

The Jets made the announcement Wednesday -- revealing every one of their players' helmets will feature "GK" stickers on the back.

"You'll always be with us, Coach Knapp," the Jets said in the announcement.

As we previously reported, Knapp -- who was just hired to be the Jets' passing game coordinator this offseason -- was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in San Ramon, CA. on July 17 and was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.

The 58-year-old later died on July 22 ... with his family saying, "Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven, where he will be reunited with his Dad."

His death rocked coaches and players across the league, including Jets' rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, who said after the tragedy, "Man this is hard. Huge impact on my life in only a few months."

"Love you Coach Knapper."

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan -- who was coached by Knapp from 2018 to 2020 -- was also heartbroken ... saying, "He was one of the most positive, consistent and caring coaches I have ever been around"

"I’m so thankful for the time we were able to spend together."

Knapp had coached in the NFL since 1995 ... and won a Super Bowl ring as an assistant with the Denver Broncos in 2016.

Chrissy Teigen is welcoming a new family member into the fold ... and it's an adorable Basset Hound puppy named Pearl ... this after the death of her bulldog.

Chrissy says Pearl recently joined the family and is already taking a liking to her husband, John Legend.

As you can see, Pearl's quickly getting acquainted with her new home ... running around the house with her tail wagging, and napping on some furniture.

Chrissy says she grew up with Basset Hounds and she can't wait for John to see Pearl grow up right before their eyes, morphing from a "bouncy, no-bones, jello mold of skin" into "the stubborn logs of love I love so much."

As we reported ... the family's French bulldog, Pippa, died earlier this month ... so it looks like Chrissy and co. aren't wasting too much time bringing in a new pup.

Joey Jordison, one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Slipknot, has died.

Joey died in his sleep Monday, according to his family. The cause of death is unclear, but a statement from his loved ones says he passed away peacefully.

The family says Joey's death "has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow" ... and they're remembering him as a prolific drummer, musician and artist with a quick wit, gentle personality and giant heart.

Joey's loved ones tell us they will hold a private funeral service for him, but it's unclear when that will happen.

As you know ... Joey's famous for starting Slipknot way back in 1995, playing drums for the super popular band. With Slipknot, JJ played drums on 5 studio albums and performed on the live album, "9.0: Live."

Joey played in other bands as well ... he left Slipknot in 2013 and formed the band Scar The Martyr, also playing drums. He played guitar for the metal band Murderdolls and most recently was rocking out with the band Sinsaenum.

Over his career, Joey played with tons of heavy metal bands, like Rob Zombie, Korn, Metallica, Otep, Satyricon and Ministry.

Joey was 46.

RIP

Neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to be factors in the sudden death of Metal Church frontman Mike Howe ... according to cops.

A spokesperson for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Dept. tells TMZ ... cops got a call Monday morning just after 10 AM in Eureka, CA reporting an unexpected death at a home. We're told when deputies arrived they found Mike dead at the scene.

Cops say drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the death and no controlled substances or paraphernalia were located at the scene. At the time of this post ... the cause of death is unknown.

The band released a statement on Facebook shortly after Mike's passing and said, "It is with our deepest regrets that we must announce the passing of our brother, our friend and true legend of heavy metal music."

The statement continued, "We are devastated and at a loss for words. Please respect our privacy and the Howe family’s privacy during this most difficult time."

Metal Church, universally credited with influencing the thrash metal genre, was formed in the 1980s and released 2 albums before Mike joined the group later that decade. He'd ultimately help pump out the band's third album ... "Blessing in Disguise," which churned out one of the group's most popular tracks, "Badlands."

The group would go on to release 2 more studio albums before the band broke up in the mid-1990s. The band ultimately got back together and Mike rejoined them in 2015.

Mike was 55.

Dieter Brummer -- an Australian soap opera star famous for "Home and Away" -- has died.

The Aussie actor's body was reportedly found by police Sunday after a welfare check was requested in a suburb of Sydney. His cause of death hasn't been announced, but cops say foul play isn't suspected.

Brummer's family released a statement, saying ... "We lost our handsome, talented, funny, complicated and beloved Dieter on Saturday morning." They add, "He has left a massive hole in our lives and our world will never be the same. Our thoughts go out to all of you who knew him, loved him, or worked with him over the years." They also asked for privacy.

Dieter's mostly known for his role as Shane Parrish on the Australian soap, on which he starred for several years in the '90s ... more than 500 episodes.

He'd done some other work since -- including roles on shows like "Underbelly," "Neighbours" and "Winners & Losers," among other small, one-time appearances -- but "Home and Away" is by and far his biggest claim to fame. It doesn't appear he'd acted much since about 2014.

Brummer was 45.

Jackie Mason, the crusty, self-doubting, enduring comedian who was anointed into pop culture by "The Simpsons," has died.

Jackie passed Saturday at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. His longtime friend Raoul Felder, tells TMZ ... Jackie had been hospitalized for more than 3 weeks ... admitted with inflammation of the lungs. He had been experiencing a number of health issues over the last few years.

Mason's comedy career spans 60 years, with some huge successes along with some pretty big bumps along the way.

His big break came in 1960, when he appeared on "The Steve Allen Show" and killed. That led to huge bookings at various clubs and regular TV appearances, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" where he appeared 12 times ... and then, disaster struck. In 1964, Mason was on Sullivan's live show but it was partially preempted by a speech by then-President Lyndon Johnson. When regular programming resumed, Mason was mid-way through his act and Sullivan was already counting him down with his finger "1 minute to go." Mason responded by looking at audience members, saying "Here's a finger for you, here's a finger for you" ... and so on.

He was damaged goods after that for years ... club owners felt he was "crude and unpredictable." Mason said, "It took 20 years to overcome what happened in that 1 minute."

And, there was more ... in a 1966 Vegas show, Mason mocked Frank Sinatra's marriage to young Mia Farrow -- "Frank soaks his dentures and Mia brushes her braces." As the story goes ... a gunman pumped a bullet into Mason's hotel room.

Mason's comedy was sometimes hilarious ... especially when he groused about his self-doubt.  He joked, "When I attended a football game, every time the players went into a huddle, I thought they were talking about me."

His biggest success came in 1986, with his one-man show "The World According to Me!" ... which ran on Broadway for 2 years and earned him a Tony and an Emmy for HBO's take on the show.

The title of his autobiography underscores his Jewish humor -- "Jackie, Oy!"

Mason was the voice of Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, Krusty the Clown's dad, on "The Simpsons."

At the time of his death, Mason was surrounded by his wife, Jyll, and friend, Felder.

He was 93.

Actor Mike Mitchell, who appeared in "Gladiator" and "Braveheart," has died ... TMZ has learned.

Mitchell's rep tells TMZ the actor/bodybuilder died Friday on a boat in Turkey. The family says they believe he suffered a death from natural causes, although they weren't more specific.

The rep says, "It was very hard to believe ... The sudden death of an international actor we managed, an honest person, a real actor, a true friend, my dear friend, has saddened us deeply. I've always been honored to be your manager. I wish patience to you wife, dear Denise Mitchell, and your children. Getting to know you and gaining your friendship is invaluable. Sleep in the lights. RIP."

Mitchell started out as a bodybuilder and rose to the top ... he won Mr. Universe along with numerous World Fitness Federation's Fitness World Championships.

Mitchell competed for a bunch of titles, including Britain's Strongest Man.  He won 5 Masters Mr. World titles along the way. In 2010, he was given the WWF's highest honor ... the Living Legend Award.

As for acting, he got a big break in 1994 that has shades of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He got cast in "Braveheart" because of his imposing physical presence. He went on to appear in "Gladiator," "The Planet," "One Day Removals," "City of Hell," "Life on the Line" and "Emmerdale."

Mike suffered a serious setback in 2006 after winning his 5th World Fitness title -- he was stricken with a serious heart attack.

He lived on a boat in Turkey with his wife. Mike was 65.

RIP

Here's the first look at Derek Chauvin behind bars since he was sentenced for murdering George Floyd, and he looks ... well, sleepy with a measure of defiance.

TMZ's obtained Chauvin's first mug shot in prison ... a place he'll call home as he serves his 22.5-year sentence. He kept a stiff upper lip as he mugged for the camera in his orange standard issue. He also looks like he's struggling to keep his eyes open ... he looks out of it.

We're told the Minnesota Department of Corrections snapped the new mug shot June 28 ... just 5 days after his sentencing.

As you know ... Chauvin was found guilty of 2nd-degree unintentional murder, 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter ... but the 2nd-degree conviction is what sticks.

Matt Ryan says he's devastated over the death of his former coach, Greg Knapp ... writing in an emotional note Friday that the guy was "one of the most positive, consistent, and caring coaches I have ever been around."

Knapp -- who tragically died Thursday from injuries he suffered in a horrific bike crash in California last weekend -- was Ryan's QB coach in Atlanta from 2018 through 2020 ... and he clearly had a huge impact on the Falcons star.

"He made it a point to know our families and for us to know his," Ryan said on his social media page. "My heart goes out to his family."

In each of his three seasons playing for Knapp, Ryan threw for more than 4,400 yards and 25 TDs.

"Greg made a significant impact on everyone he came into contact with and while he will be missed by so many he will never be forgotten," Ryan said.

"I'm so thankful for the time we were able to spend together."

Knapp was just 58 years old.

Frank Varey -- a boxing prodigy who had won multiple national titles -- died on Thursday at just 16 years old ... and the news devastated Tyson Fury, who called the fighter a "future world champ."

Varey was out swimming with friends in the River Dee in the UK on Thursday when he went missing ... and law enforcement says after hours of searching, they found his body in the water.

It's believed the young pugilist accidentally drowned.

The tragedy absolutely rocked the boxing world ... with Fury writing on his social media page, "RIP Frank. Was a future world champ."

Fury added, "may God be with your family."

Olympic gold medalist boxer Luke Campbell also sent his condolences, saying on Twitter, "RIP Frank Varey. Rest well champ, thoughts with all your friends and family."

While just a teenager, Varey had wildly impressed in his matches ... and in 2019, he fought for England in the European Junior Championships.

"England Boxing has been devastated to hear the news of Frank’s death, with our coaches, in particular, having got to know him very well during his boxing development," England Boxing CEO Gethin Jenkins said.

"He was a very talented boxer, multiple National Champion and a member of our England set-up and Talent Pathway, proudly representing his country in the 2019 Euros. Although young, he had clearly demonstrated much promise."

Jenkins continued, "He was also a very popular character with his fellow boxers and those who coached him, bringing a sense of fun to everything he did. He will leave a huge gap in people’s lives."

NFL coach Greg Knapp -- who was struck by a car while riding his bike over the weekend -- succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, his family announced. He was 58 years old.

As we previously reported, Knapp and a vehicle collided on a road in San Ramon, CA. at around 2:49 PM on Saturday ... and coach was rushed to a nearby hospital with "major injuries."

Knapp tragically did not survive the accident ... with the Knapp family sharing the devastating news in a statement.

"Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven, where he will be reunited with his Dad."

Knapp was immediately rendered unconscious after the accident ... and never regained consciousness.

"Those of us who were so blessed to have known him, know that he would have wanted even this moment to be a teachable one," the family continued. "So this is it ... 'Live every day as if it's your last, and love those around you like it won't last!'"

Knapp was beloved in the league -- he coached superstars like Steve Young, Carson Palmer, Mike Vick, Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan since joining the league in 1995 ... and had been working with rookie QB Zach Wilson this offseason after joining Robert Saleh's staff as the passing game coordinator.

He won a Super Bowl as the QB coach with the Denver Broncos in 2016.

Clancy Barone -- who coached alongside Knapp with the Atlanta Falcons and Broncos -- shared an emotional tribute to his friend of 40 years ... saying, "College teammate. Best friend in the coaching profession."

"We always made sure our lockers were next to each other during out coaching journey ... including 2 Super Bowls!!!"

"Knapper ... one of a kind in more ways than we can count."

Jets head coach Robert Saleh added ... "Greg had such an inner peace about him that people always seemed to gravitate towards."

"He lived life in a loving way that helped him connect with people from all walks of life in a unique way. In his short time here, I believe the people in this organization had a chance to experience that connection."

Knapp was surrounded by his mother, wife, brother and 3 daughters in the hospital.

Devastating news from Shannon Sharpe ... the Hall of Famer just revealed his beloved dog, Tarzan, tragically passed away this week.

The FS1 host posted an incredibly emotional tribute to his 4-legged friend on Monday ... saying, "It's with tremendous sadness that I share with you my Tarzan (Tuggs, Tuggman) Sharpe has crossed over."

"What would I give, spend to have 1 more hour, day let alone a yr with the sweetest little boy ever?"

Sharpe adds his other pup, Taz, is going to miss his "big bro" ... but promises to take good care of him.

Just a few months ago, Sharpe experienced similar heartbreak -- his dog, Tonkaman, died in April after getting sick.

Sharpe reflects on all the other dogs he's lost over the years ... telling Tarzan to share his treats in doggy heaven with them.

"I will see you and all my boys again and when I do, I'll shower you all with love for the lost time."

"No more pain, suffering now go play and enjoy your new home."

Of course, Sharpe is a HUGE dog lover ... sharing moments with his pups non-stop on his social media -- from playing dress-up to taking selfies.

He also used his vacation time to cover the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2018.