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James Brown was NOT murdered, regardless of what a woman who knew him is now suggesting ... so says the doctor who signed the legendary singer's death certificate.

Dr. Marvin Crawford tells TMZ ... the Fulton County D.A.'s Office is wasting its time in looking into so-called evidence from Jacque Hollander because he claims there was no evidence of foul play when he examined Brown right after he died.

Crawford says Brown suffered a heart attack on December 23, 2006, and was hospitalized. He suffered a second heart attack not long afterward ... and that's what killed him on Christmas Day.

The doctor tells us Brown had a long history of diabetes and hypertension, which contributed to his death ... and that's it.

Crawford admits he's never met Hollander and doesn't know how she's come to believe The Godfather of Soul might have been murdered.

As we reported ... Jacque presented Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard with a bin full of items and investigators have been directed to interview her. If her evidence holds up, Howard says he's open to launching a full-scale death investigation.

Crawford clearly believes that would be useless, and there's something else ... he denies he ever hinted otherwise.

As we told you, in a 2017 CNN interview Crawford did raise questions about Brown's death because the doctor reportedly wondered if James' heart attack was triggered by a toxic substance or an OD.

However, Crawford tells us ... "CNN said I said that but I didn't say that about the drugs."

Brown was 73 when he died.

Rebecca Black poured her heart out for the anniversary of her song, "Friday," and says the honesty paid off ... and might even unlock some doors in the near future.

We spoke to the singer Wednesday in L.A. after she posted an emotional reflection on her viral hit 9 years to the day that it went up on YouTube ... which she tells us has been reciprocated with folks opening up to her right back, and being just as vulnerable.

ICYMI, Rebecca said she wishes she could go back in time and talk to younger versions of herself, whom she says were going through it in the wake of the earworm ... and all the hate that followed. RB says she went through depression, rejection and food feathering.

She found the light at the end of the tunnel though ... adding that despite all that, she now knows no one thing has to define a person -- and each day is an opportunity to start fresh.

As it turns out, the message resonated with a ton of people, who've been blowing Rebecca up with support and stories of their own. Check it out ... she tells us she'd never been quite that honest about her experience, and it clearly struck a chord in a good way.

When it comes to regrets ... Rebecca says she doesn't have any and actually doesn't think she would have stopped herself from doing the song/video if she knew what was to come.

We'll let her explain why for herself. But, get this ... a super-famous music producer has apparently been in touch with Rebecca. For new tunes??? Maybe ... a "Friday" remix might be in the cards, folks.

Akon's plan to bring a futuristic city to his childhood country of Senegal is getting closer to coming to fruition, and he's going to show it off soon ... a 3D rendering anyway.

The singer was at LAX Wednesday when he gave us an update on "Akon City" ... which he says is 7 years in the making so far, and he's still cutting through the red tape.

Akon confirms what he announced last month -- he's finalized an agreement for the city and secured the land ... but adds he's now working on a partnership with the government to implement tax-free policies and incentives he wants to attract business.

He says he's dead serious about his city resembling Wakanda from "Black Panther" -- with all the latest and most progressive technology -- and believes it's in the perfect geographical location to make it happen.

Akon drops some more facts about West Africa to paint a picture of what Akon City's going to look like ... and says he'll drop a YouTube video soon to share his vision.

Aerosmith is ready to bring their original drummer back into the fold -- Joey Kramer's set to take the stage with his bandmates, and even crazier ... NO AUDITION NECESSARY!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Joey's being brought on to play drums Monday night with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and the rest of the fellas for a performance at the Park Theater in Vegas, which is where their residency shows are currently being held.

We're told the band didn't wanna jerk Joey around -- they're bringing him back without holding another audition, and it's because they feel he's probably up to snuff and in good health again. Plus, our sources tell us it's an act of good faith between old pals.

You'll recall ... things were getting pretty ugly between Joey and the guys just a few short weeks ago ahead of their Grammys performance, which Joey was fighting tooth and nail to be a part of -- even taking the issue to court in a last-ditch effort, but was unsuccessful.

Hell, they even turned him away at the door when Joey showed up unannounced for a rehearsal ... so yeah, the tension's been high between these guys.

Part of the reason Aerosmith didn't feel comfortable reuniting ... Joey hadn't played in at least 6 months, and they didn't wanna risk a shaky gig with a guy who was rusty/lacked energy. They put him through the wringer with a live audition but felt he wasn't ready.

Now, it seems they've had a change of heart and are prepared to embrace an OG. Should make for a great show ... stay tuned.

Justin Bieber went to a dark place as he grew dependent on drugs and dealt with various health issues, but he's committed to getting better and brightening up his days ahead ... he says so himself.

Justin opened up about his long run of health struggles -- both physically and mentally -- on the latest episode of his YouTube 'Seasons' docuseries titled, "The Dark Season." He says it culminated in a series of tests last year that finally revealed the problem -- Lyme disease.

Bieber, who's undergoing a round of NAD IV therapy in the video, explains how the diagnosis helped him finally make sense of why he was feeling so terrible ... and what he can do to handle it going forward.

A couple of Justin's doctors, along with his wife, Hailey, also talk about how the discovery of his Lyme disease and chronic mono has been life-changing ... for the better.

Bieber's now laser-focused on improving his health, and not just for himself. He says ... "Being the best me is gonna help me be the best husband, the best father, the best friend that I can possibly be. And, for all the fans that want to enjoy the music that I make. I can't do it if I'm not healthy."

Justin Bieber and Quavo are helping shine a light on a good cause ... and their new music video is helping a shelter for homeless women.

Here's the deal ... the music vid for Justin and Quavo's collab, "Intentions," tells the story of a group of women in search of a better life in Los Angeles. The women are all living out of Alexandria House, a shelter for homeless women and homeless women with kids.

The video wraps with a special shout-out to Alexandria House ... Justin and Quavo say they donated $200,000 to the non-profit... and viewers are directed to a link where they can lend a helping hand.

The response has been pretty amazing ... since the video dropped at midnight Thursday, we're told the shelter has received more than $10,000 in donations.

It's pretty cool ... the money is flowing in from all over the world -- Italy, Romania and China, etc. -- and many of the donations are small, as in the $1 and $5 denominations. There've been a few large donations of $1,000 and $5,000, but it's mostly people chipping in what they can afford.

Alexandria House tells us its website is also seeing a huge influx of traffic ... as in, an 800 percent increase in traffic compared to the day before the video dropped.

Justin and Quavo spotlighted 3 women in the video, and we're told some of the funds are going towards their tuition and after-school programs for their kids, plus a one-woman show for the lady who does poetry.

The rest of the money, we're told, will aid the 30 current residents and some 200 former residents ... so they can buy textbooks, furniture for their new homes and even car repairs.

Ah, the power of Bieber and Quavo.

The Doors snagged a ton of big-time talent, including Miley Cyrus, to help them celebrate a milestone in music -- and it seems they rocked too hard ... 'cause sirens had to respond.

The iconic rock band held a little shindig Saturday night at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, where designer John Varvatos and photog Timothy White co-hosted with Jack Daniels sponsoring. It was all to honor the 50th anniversary of 'Morrison Hotel.'

It's The Doors' 5th album, and it was a game-changer in music -- further cementing the band's legacy in rock. 'Morrison' was also considered a return to form for them.

BTW, this legendary photo that was used for the 'Morrison Hotel' album cover was shot by the great Henry Diltz. Just a fun fact -- he did an entire shoot of the boys back then.

Anyway, it would appear the album left a major impact on some Hollywood's biggest stars, including Dennis Quaid, Jonathan Galecki and Michael Bolton ... all of whom showed up to play a tune in tribute to TD. Some of them even played with The Doors themselves -- especially Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, who jammed with everyone.

All acts were accompanied by the house band, the Tangiers Blues Band. Then came Miley's closeout performance, which we're told was awesome ... but also a bad omen.

Justin and Hailey Bieber hit up 1OAK in New York City Saturday night, after a solid performance on 'SNL.'

Bieber is back in full force with new music and an upcoming tour, and 'SNL' was the first big stage to showcase his stuff, and he did not disappoint.

The Biebs sang his hit song, "Yummy," and then a little later followed it up with "Intentions," along with Quavo.

Before hitting up 1OAK Justin and Hailey went to STK restaurant in New York for an SNL after-party. They were joined by Quavo, Saweetie, RuPaul along with other 'SNL' cast members.

The show was hysterical. RuPaul killed it, especially with a hilarious skit at a library where he gave his hot take on some children's books. You gotta see it.  You'll laugh out loud.

Tank says some good old-fashioned bedroom lovin' is more than an acceptable gift from a woman come Valentine's Day -- but there's a catch ... it's gotta have a kick to it.

We got the R&B singer heading to Delilah in WeHo Friday night for Michael B. Jordan's birthday party, and as he was walking by with his wife, Zena Foster, our photo asked if sex counts as a solid V-Day present to reciprocate a man shelling out for his gal.

In other words ... is sex just as thoughtful as flowers, chocolates or any other item a guy might buy his significant other for the holiday? According to Tank, hell to the yes.

Check out his answer ... he says "cookie" is pretty much always the ultimate pay-off for a man -- and sure, he's probably right there. BUT, he says a big gesture from a man's gotta be met with just as much ... um, let's just say vigor and passion on the other side.

Former 112 singer Quinnes "Q" Parker is rocking with old label mate Mase when it comes to challenging Diddy over unfair contracts, and says their old boss should do more and talk less.

Q was out in Washington, D.C. when he gave us his take on Mase putting Diddy on blast -- calling him a hypocrite for his Grammys speech about demanding the record industry treat black artists better.

Of course, Q's group 112 got its big break on Diddy's Bad Boy Records in the late '90s -- and he told us he signed an identical contract like the one that has Mase so heated.

On the one hand, Q -- who left 112 in 2018 -- warns all artists about putting pen to paper on all contracts. He even admits, legally speaking, Puffy (he still uses the '90s nickname) did nothing wrong to 112 or Mase in getting them to sign deals that were pretty standard back then.

Buuut, check out why he also sees Mase's argument. As we reported ... Diddy called on black artists to take back control of their art. Mase fired back, claiming Diddy keeps his own artists "enslaved."

Aerosmith's hoping to get back in the saddle with its original drummer after a couple weeks of awkward tension and not-so-sweet emotions ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the rock band tell us ... Joey Kramer has been working with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford the past several days to help him return to his spot on the drums, but he's not quite there yet.

We're told Joey's been practicing to get his skills back to where they were before his absence, and once Kramer proves he's up to the task ... the fellas will let him back in to start beating the skins again.

Our sources say the other 4 band members never intended to push Kramer out, and never wanted him to feel that way -- they're all trying to make amends after the recent drama.

We broke the story ... Joey sued Aerosmith for making him audition in order to come back for a couple once-in-a-lifetime 50th-anniversary events over Grammy weekend -- something he claims no other member ever had to do.

He says the band blocked him from returning because he lacked the proper energy, and things got even more awkward when Joey was turned away from a rehearsal by security -- and the judge rejected his request to rejoin the group for the Grammy performances.

Still, Joey kept his head up and was with the other guys when they accepted an award last week ... and we're told they're all getting along great. Kramer's even been with them at their recent Vegas shows -- just not playing yet -- and he has dismissed his suit against the band.

Our sources say he could be back on stage soon too -- the band just wants Joey to nail one final audition ... and he'll no longer have to miss a thing.

Post Malone found some more real estate on his face to add some fresh ink ... and this tat celebrates one of his biggest albums.

Posty is showing off a new face tattoo of a slightly-bloodied buzz saw, and we're told the singer got the piece Wednesday night following his concert in Kansas City. Check out the pics, it's pretty sick!!!

If the symbol looks familiar, that's because it's from the artwork for PM's "Beerbongs and Bentleys."

Post had a night to remember in KC. As we reported, he raged his face off with the Super Bowl champion Chiefs backstage, and there was an epic dance party and, of course, beer pong!!!

Hanging with NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce is pretty cool ... and Post also met Paul Rudd!

But, the cherry on top's gotta be that face tat ... a pretty painful cherry though.

Tekashi 6ix9ine plans to get the hell outta dodge once he's released from prison and bolster his security detail like no rapper ever before ... but it's going to be easier said than done.

The rapper's still months away from becoming a free man, but he's already looking toward his exit strategy ... according to sources close to him. We're told once he's out of lockup, he's bailing on Brooklyn, where he was born and raised, and hopes to live far away from NYC.

This decision is primarily based on his safety, but every move 69 makes will have to be approved by the federal probation department ... part of his sentence includes being monitored after his release.

Regardless, our sources say Tekashi will be putting security measures in place right away to keep people from knowing his location, but even if they find him ... he'll be protected by multiple bodyguards.

As for where his security team will come from, we're told the rapper only wants legit former law enforcement officers or ex-military who are licensed to carry firearms ... absolutely nobody with any sort of gang affiliation.

Ideally, we're told 6ix9ine would like to leave New York and live with family out of state ... in a home with "Fort Knox-like security."

It's unclear how he plans to bring this all together, especially since some of his former bodyguards have said no amount of money is worth it to protect Tekashi.

One more thing ... our sources say the rapper is committed to getting in the studio to complete the records in his music deal as soon as possible once he's out, but he's not planning on live performances.

The reasoning -- it wouldn't be safe for a snitch to try something like that for a long time.

We broke the story ... Tekashi's legal team thinks he could be released from prison as soon as August, so it's really not too soon to start planning his new life.

And, as we told you, that new life does not involve witness protection ... 69 doesn't want to go that route.

We reached out to his lawyer, Dawn Florio, about his post-prison plans ... she declined to comment.

Got the itch for some old school hip-hop vibes? Ya better be rich 'cause that's what it'll take to land this Vibe poster ... signed by The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy on the night Biggie was tragically gunned down.

The folks over at Moments in Time are brokering the sale of this 2-foot by 3-foot poster of the iconic September 1996 Vibe magazine cover ... featuring Biggie and Puffy. It was signed at an industry party hosted by Quincy Jones' Vibe magazine on March 8, 1997, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A.

We're told a record executive brought the poster with him that night and had Biggie and Puffy sign it. But, just hours later -- after the party was shut down at 12:35 AM by fire marshals citing overcrowding -- Biggie was shot 4 times in a drive-by while at a red light on Fairfax and Wilshire Blvds. He was pronounced dead at 1:15 A.M.

Fast-forward to the present ... the son of the record executive is unloading the poster and the asking price is a cool $54k. The memorabilia also includes Biggie's itinerary for his west coast trip as well as the party's invitation.