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Killer Mike's had some awesome run-ins with DMX over the years, and says his fellow rapper taught him, and others, great lessons about love and vulnerability ... while making great music.

We got the ATL rapper and activist Wednesday in Bev Hills and he made it clear ... he's still pulling for a miracle that keeps DMX with his 15 children and other loved ones. That being said, Mike recalled his first run-in with X ... a gambling showdown that ended up costing one of them a few racks.

He also remembered the last time he saw DMX, and told us he was spreading happiness in a Waffle House by singing Christmas carols. We gotta imagine X was doing his classic version of 'Rudolph' for some late-night customers.

We covered one other topic with Mike ... and that was Cher's apology for saying she could have saved George Floyd if she were in Minneapolis on that fateful day.

Mike says he's not the one to hand out "forgiveness passes" for Cher, but he did say it's obvious to him she has a level of "care and concern" that he wants to encourage in all Americans ... especially "white, powerful women."

Master P is keeping DMX in his prayers, and he can't help but think X's drug overdose could have been prevented -- and his idea is for rappers to do a better job looking after their own.

We got Master P in Los Angeles Thursday and our photog asked him about DMX's legacy ... as he remains on life support in a New York hospital.

Master P says he hates how the hip-hop industry waits until something bad happens to one of their peers before offering love and support. He thinks the industry needs to form some type of union to help artists going through tough times, especially when drugs are involved.

TMZ broke the story ... DMX suffered a drug overdose Friday night, leaving his brain deprived of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes, and now he's in a coma and we're told the prognosis does not look good.

While Master P wants hip-hop to unionize much like the NBA Players Association, he says the best thing the industry could do to prevent the next tragedy is educating the next generation.

Demi Lovato was jolted when she learned of DMX's overdose ... a reminder of how lucky she is to still be alive.

Demi will be on "TMZ Live" Wednesday ... talking about her incredible documentary, 'Dancing With the Devil,' and her new album, "Dancing With The Devil...The Art of Starting Over."

She covered a lot of ground for the show, and one of the highlights was her very honest reaction to X's current state -- he's on life support and it does not look good. She sees the parallels in her own life and says she suffers from survivor's guilt. She knows she could have been in DMX's state or even worse.

Demi's "Dancing With the Devil" album is autobiographical and, dare we say, spectacular. One thing clearly was NOT affected by the OD -- Demi's voice is better than ever.

Demi also talks about the way she's handling recovery, and it's not with abstinence ... she smokes weed and drinks alcohol in moderation. It's something her pal Elton John thinks is a big mistake, but Demi explains abstinence doesn't work for everyone, and she goes on to explain why "California Sober" works for her.

DMX remains on life support in a New York hospital, and Wednesday will be an extremely critical day that could determine his outcome.

X remains in a coma and his condition has not materially changed ... his manager, Steve Rifkind, tells TMZ.

Members of DMX's family visited him Tuesday night ... leaving at around 10 PM.

Rifkind says doctors will perform a battery of tests Wednesday to determine the level of brain function. As we reported, when DMX OD'd Friday night, his brain was deprived of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes. Multiple sources told us ... he had "little brain activity."

Although we're told the prognosis does not look good, Wednesday's tests will determine decisions the family may have to make.

One thing's for sure, millions of fans are pulling for him. The vigil outside the hospital where DMX lays in ICU was extremely moving. DMX's fiancee, mom and some of his kids have been at the hospital visiting him.

There's been a lot of inaccurate information floating around about X's condition, and Rifkind wanted to make it clear ... "DMX is currently on life support and in a coma. There are multiple people with inaccurate information about his well-being and it is not helpful and productive. Tomorrow he will undergo further tests on his brain function and his family will determine what's best from there. We appreciate your prayers and support."

Travis Scott is joining the millions across the world in hoping the best for DMX as the rapper remains on life support in a New York hospital for what will be day 4.

We got Travis and a friend in his Bugatti Chiron Monday night, and he shared his favorite DMX song and left us with a parting, "Love DMX, X for life!!!" before peeling out in his ride.

As we reported, hundreds -- including X's fiancee, kids and ex-wife -- attended a prayer vigil outside White Plains Hospital Monday night ... it was an emotional event, with some attendees breaking down in tears during prayer.

The hospital has enforced a strict visiting policy because of COVID-19, and only X's fiancee, Desiree, mom, Arnett, and some of his kids -- who arrived Sunday and Monday -- have been able to see him on a limited basis.

As for DMX's condition, we're told not much has changed since Saturday. TMZ broke the story, the rapper was rushed to the hospital after suffering an overdose.

DMX's family, friends, fiancee, kids and fans have turned out big time to send him prayers and positive vibes at the hospital where he's still fighting for his life.

The rapper's family announced there would be a prayer vigil outside White Plains Hospital in New York, and hundreds showed up Monday for X.

Among those in the crowd are his fiancee, Desiree, his ex-wife Tashera Simmons, who he has 4 kids with, Yadira Borrego, who he has children with as well as some of his kids, including his sons, Xavier and Exodus. Along with all the support outside the hospital ... workers on the inside have also joined in on the spirit of the event by standing in the windows holding up an "X" sign.

Monday night's prayer vigil is just the latest showing of love for the rapper. Members of the "Ruff Ryders" motorcycle crew rolled up to the hospital Sunday to pay tribute, and several hospital staff members held their own little vigil Sunday evening.

As we've told you ... X's kids began arriving Monday to visit their father one at a time in the ICU, where he's on life support and his outlook remains grim. Desiree and X's mother have been with him since the weekend.

TMZ broke the story ... DMX overdosed Friday night, which triggered a heart attack. Though resuscitation efforts kept him alive, we've been told X was left without oxygen to his brain for nearly 30 minutes, resulting in very little brain activity.

Some of DMX's children have flown to New York to visit their dad in the ICU -- a visit that could be a final goodbye -- but it's been complicated by COVID.

Family sources tell TMZ ... a number of DMX's kids have touched down in White Plains, NY, and are now on the ground at the hospital to get time with their father -- this as we're hearing his condition remains unchanged and dire.

Our sources tell us his children will only be allowed to see X one at a time -- per COVID regulations. His fiancee, Desiree, and his mom have already been there with him. We don't know if the hospital has begun allowing some of the kids into the ICU, but that's the plan.

Unclear just how many of X's kids have arrived at this point -- remember, he has 15 children ... but it'd be safe to assume a good majority will get the chance to see him, especially those who are older and understand the situation.

As we reported over the weekend, X's chances of recovery are not looking good -- he's still on life support and there is little brain activity.

TMZ broke the story ... X overdosed Friday night, which triggered a heart attack. Despite resuscitation efforts, we've heard X was simply left without needed oxygen to his brain for nearly 30 minutes.

Rihanna's rallying behind the Asian-American community ... lending her voice -- not to mention her fashion and dancing skills -- at the #StopAsianHate march.

Riri hit up the march Sunday with her assistant, Tina Truong, and joined forces with a throng of supporters holding signs ... as drivers passing by honked in support. One of the signs Rihanna carried read, "Hate = Racism Against God' and another read, "#StopAsianHate."

Rihanna didn't just show up. She was hands-on ... making the sign herself and holding it proudly. As she walked the street ... she vibed with fellow marchers and danced along the way.

Fact is ... It's pretty hard to tell it's Rihanna. She's wearing braids, a hat, sunglasses and a mask. One of the marchers asked for her Instagram ... not realizing he was talking to the Caribbean Queen!

All in all ... a great event to stem violence against the Asian community.

R. Kelly was present during the Isley Brothers' musical showdown with Earth, Wind & Fire -- or he was in spirit anyway, because the disgraced singer's music was part of the IB's set.

Ron and Ernie Isley faced off against three members of EW&F Sunday night in a highly anticipated "Verzuz" battle -- with none other than Steve Harvey hosting in an extravagant Easter getup.

Everything was moving along smoothly, with each group taking turns back and forth to perform some of their greatest hits. It was great ... that is, until Ron and Ernie decided to start crooning some of their later tracks from the 2000s, including some R. Kelly tracks he either produced/wrote or was featured in, like "Contagious" and "Busted."

They did "Contagious" first ... which a lot of folks watching from home were NOT happy about. Thankfully, the duo had the wisdom not to include R. Kelly's featured verse, which is sprinkled in toward the end. Still, the guy wrote and produced the whole thing.

Ditto for "Busted," which didn't feature R. Kelly's vocals directly ... but was also written and produced by the guy. Fans felt it wasn't a good look ... for obvious reasons.

Remember, R. Kelly is currently in prison awaiting trial on several different criminal charges -- both federal and state ... which involve sexual assault, sexual trafficking, abuse of a minor, racketeering, obstruction of justice and more. He's pled not guilty to all of the charges.

It's clear he doesn't have much goodwill left among music lovers, past or present -- the only question ... do the Isleys care??? They seemed pretty comfy up there with the Kels tracks.

Shawn Mendes is reunited with his baby, and we don't mean Camila Cabello -- his luxury SUV is back at home, but cops are still searching for whoever jacked it.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the singer's stolen G-Wagon was recovered earlier this week in Bev Hills, and was returned to him in surprisingly good condition considering the circumstances.

We're told the vehicle was found parked on a residential street -- neither trashed nor thrashed -- and once cops ran the plates, they confirmed it was Shawn's.

We broke the story ... Shawn and Camila were at home last week in L.A. when suspects broke a window and entered the place. They took off quickly when they realized the couple was there, but not before snagging Shawn's keys and fleeing in his SUV.

DMX is clinging to life in an ICU unit with little brain function, but a few family members who have visited the rap icon are not giving up.

Family sources tell TMZ, X's fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, and mom, Arnett Simmons, have been allowed into the ICU to visit DMX, though he is not responsive. As we reported, family sources tell us some of his kids are coming to visit as well and are hopeful they will be allowed in.

TMZ first reported the OD and the fact he has limited brain function ... the result of oxygen deprivation after his OD late Friday night. One source with direct knowledge told TMZ the prognosis does not look good.

Nevertheless, the rapper's family is not giving up. DMX suffered a heart attack during the OD, and family members are holding out hope when the inflammation subsides his heart will restore itself. Of course, that does not have an impact on brain function.

B.B. Dickerson -- one of the founding members of the funk band War -- has reportedly died.

A rep confirmed his passing to Billboard, citing a battle with a long, undisclosed illness. He said B.B. -- whose real name was Morris -- died peacefully at his home in Long Beach.

Dickerson was one of the OG band members who helped put War on the map in the late '60s and '70s -- this after being discovered by record producer Jerry Goldstein and paired with lead singer Eric Burdon ... who served as the face of the group thereafter.

He served as the primary bassist for War, and often contributed vocals as well -- including heading up lead singer duties for their 10-minute-plus opus "The World is a Ghetto" -- which was reimagined and covered countless times over the years.

B.B. was also there for War's biggest hit single to date, "Why Can't We Be Friends?" plus a long string of other well-known tracks, like "Spill the Wine," "Gypsy Man," "Low Rider," "Me and Baby Brother," "The Cisco Kid," "All Day Music," "Slippin' Into Darkness," "Summer" and countless others.

He was also there performing with War when they notably shared the stage with Jimi Hendrix in London back in 1970 -- which became the latter's last public performance before he died.

B.B. toured and performed with War until 1979 -- when he departed, only to reunite with other founding members in the '90s under a new stage name, the Lowrider Band, as they attempted to get out from under the thumb of Goldstein, who had the rights to "War."

B.B. is said to be survived by his mother, uncle and children. He was 71.

A group of motorcycle heads who associate themselves with DMX's famous rap collective have rolled up to pay tribute to the man himself ... which made for an awesome scene.

A FOX5 reporter was on the ground Sunday outside of the White Plains hospital where X is currently being treated following his OD/heart attack -- and she captured a massive group of bikers pulling up across the street and gathering for what appeared to be a flash mob event.

Unclear what exactly they got planned, but what is clear is that they were there for X -- several were rocking the 'RR' brand, which is tied to X's pride and joy, the Ruff Ryders.

Ruff Ryders appears to encompass a wide-reaching community of members -- and they seem to have a biker community too, which would explain all the revving we hear going on here. The crowd was blasting DMX music too ... seems they're hoping he and his loved ones can hear them from inside.

It made for a super sweet moment, and it sounds like more of a demonstration is forthcoming. What this also speaks to is DMX's massive crossover appeal among different audiences ... he's a hip-hop legend, but his fan base is incredibly diverse, as you can see.

The Ruff Ryders first came onto the scene back in the late '90s, when X put out an anthem dedicated just to them. In the official music video, X employed a lot of motorcycles and motorcycle stunts, so he was definitely about that subculture even back then.

The Weeknd is getting involved with the military conflict in Ethiopia -- donating a million dollars, which will provide food for people who need it there.

The singer, who is of Ethiopian descent himself, partnered with World Food Program USA -- a UN World Food Programme affiliate -- to send over a million bucks toward relief efforts in the North African country ... which has been mired with bloodshed and chaos for months.

Specifically, Abel's money will provide the equivalent of 2 million meals for citizens there who have been caught in the middle of the feuding factions ... many of whom are running out of resources, like food.

TW says, "My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia as innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered and entire villages are being displaced out of fear and destruction." He goes on to encourage others who can to donate as well.

If you haven't heard, Ethiopia has been embroiled in a bitter battle with its own people since November -- when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered an attack on the Tigray People's Liberation Front -- the ruling party in the northern part of the region.

The PM accused them of attacking a government military base and attempting to steal weapons and artillery. Keep in mind, this all came to a head after tensions had been brewing between the two groups for quite some time, and as the country had been fully attempting to transition into a democratic system of government. Safe to say ... it's complicated.

Tina Turner's new documentary on HBO has revved up fans who are incredulous she's not already in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist ... but there's something they can do about it.

Since "Tina" premiered in late March -- and even before -- many of the legendary singer's fans have expressed outrage she's only in the RRHOF as a duo with Ike Turner ... her abusive and manipulative ex-husband and musical partner.

Tina and Ike were inducted way back in 1991, but she went solo in 1984 so that's further infuriated people ... because it means she'd been eligible for HOF induction for years but only got on the ballot this year.

Long story short -- fans are pissed and have been letting it out on Twitter the past week, but Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum tells us ... if fans want to help Tina's chances they can -- with the RRHOF fan vote.

The way it works -- fans can vote for the top 5 among the Class of 2021 nominees, which along with Tina includes Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Foo Fighters, Carole King and Rage Against the Machine. The top vote-getter among those 5 will win the official "fan vote."

Now, RRHOF voting is notoriously cryptic and secretive, but we're told the fan vote will be one of 1,000 votes from artists, historians, journalists, and members of the music industry.

That may not sound like much, but if fervent Tina fans vote her in ... ya gotta think it'll inspire others to follow suit.

Plus, it helps that she's beyond deserving.

Fan voting lasts until May 7, so if you're among those incensed TT's not in ... now's your chance to let your voice be heard.

DMX suffered a drug overdose Friday night and is currently in the hospital ... and the prognosis is not good.

Sources close to the rapper tell TMZ, the OD occurred at his home at around 11 PM. Our sources say the overdose triggered a heart attack.

DMX was rushed to a hospital in White Plains, New York and is in the critical care unit. We're told he has "some brain activity." Another source says he's in a "vegetative state" and doctors have cautioned he may not make it.

As we have reported over the years, DMX, who was the cornerstone of the Ruff Ryders label, has battled substance abuse and has been to rehab several times. His last rehab stint back in 2019 came after he completed a 12-month sentence for tax evasion.

At the time, we were told DMX hadn't relapsed but checked himself into rehab out of fear he might again, as he felt temptations to use creep up on him again.

DMX made his return to the stage following rehab in December 2019 when he hit Hakkassan in Las Vegas, chatting it up and taking photos with fans before he hit the stage.

During the Vegas show, he took a moment to tell fans, "When you fall down, get back up, everyone here has been through some s**t and you never know what God is willing to do for you until you need him to do something for you."

Last we saw him perform was in July 2020, when X faced off with Snoop Dogg in a Verzuz battle which saw more than 500k viewers tune in, proving he still had an incredible ability to bring an audience.

We will, of course, update as information becomes available regarding his current situation.