50 Cent Beats MF DOOM in Rap G.O.A.T. Debate ... Amid 1-Year Death News

This is sure to kick up some dust among hip-hop heads -- just a year after learning of MF DOOM's death, it would seem the internet has decided that 50 Cent is ... well, greater.

You might've seen DOOM trending Saturday, and that's largely 'cause it's been 365 days since the world found out the enigmatic MC -- who was legendary in the underground scene throughout the 2000s -- tragically had passed away on Halloween 2020, this per his widow.

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But that's not the only reason folks were talking about him -- some Twitter users appear to be fiercely debating who the better artist is between MFD and the one and only Fitty ... this after somebody held a rap G.O.A.T. tournament bracket -- and asked who'd beat who.

The OG poster of the bracket/poll says ... "First hot take of the year: In terms of greatness: 50 cent > MF Doom." They tweeted this in response to people being dumbfounded that 50 had overtaken DOOM in a head to head ... taking 70% of the vote out of about 100 people.

The reactions ... very mixed, and very polarized. On the one hand -- some simply won't accept that 50 Cent is the better rapper between the two ... noting DOOM is by far the superior lyricist, rhymer, beat selector and all-around creative if you look at 'em bar for bar.

On the other hand -- it seems even more people say he actually is ... on account that 50's got waaaay more mainstream hits than DOOM -- and has more name recognition. Not to mention his skills ... he, too, is solid on the mic.

While hardcore fans choose sides ... there's another take that's perhaps more nuanced. Fact is ... these 2 guys are totally different stylistically, and comparing them is ... weird. They're both great in their own right, especially depending on what you might wanna listen to!

FWIW ... 50 didn't seem to respond to the news about DOOM's passing last year (RIP, BTW), but he did respond to Eminem's homage to fallen legends (including MF) just earlier this year ... and seemed to dig the fact he'd gotten name dropped in the tribute.

Plus, they're both New York cats ... so ya gotta figure 50 knows about DOOM. After all, the guy's earned the title of your favorite rapper's favorite rapper -- he's that iconic/influential.

With all that said -- we gotta pose the question for those who know both of these fellas' music well and might have something to say ... does 50 Cent actually have MF DOOM's number in a would-be Verzuz???

Is 50 Cent 'Greater' Than The Late MF DOOM?!?

No casuals either ... only reply if you can name 3 DOOM tracks off top. Go!!!

Jake Paul to Dana White I'll Fight Masvidal Under These Conditions ... UFC Prez Claps Back

UPDATE

5:48 PM PT -- Dana White didn't waste any time ... firing back at Jake Paul after the Problem Child issued a list of demands he said the UFC prez must meet if he wished to set up a Paul vs. Jorge Masvidal fight in the UFC.

UPDATE

Jake Paul says he's willing to get inside the Octagon against Jorge Masvidal for a UFC fight -- but first, he wants Dana White to do a few things.

The YouTuber just laid out his terms and conditions for a potential bout against Gamebred ... saying he wants UFC fighters to get what he feels they deserve.

In a public post to the UFC boss, Jake wrote ... "Happy new year @danawhite. Here is a real challenge for you… I will immediately retire from boxing and fight Jorge Masvidal in the UFC if you agree to (the following)."

You can read JP's letter for yourself, but to summarize -- he's asking fighters get a $50k minimum payout fight ... as well as more of the MMA giant's yearly earnings.

Jake claims UFC generated about a billion dollars in 2021 alone -- so essentially, he's saying $500 mil should be earmarked and divvied up among the talent themselves.

There's more ... Jake wants Dana to put a focus on healthcare for fighters.

If Dana implements these asks by March 31, JP says he'll retire from boxing and come on over for a 1-fight deal with JM.

As you may know, there's been a lot of talk about a would-be fight between these two -- with Masvidal himself stoking the flames and issuing a challenge, with certain caveats.

Ball's in Dana's court now!

Originally Published -- 1 PM PT

J.K. Rowling Cameos in 'Harry Potter' Reunion ... Trans Controversy Avoided

Harry Potter and co. got together again for a trip down memory lane -- and even though J.K. Rowling doesn't sit for an interview herself ... she still magically appears (kinda).

The author and creator of the wizarding franchise was notably absent for HBO Max's 20th Anniversary 'Return to Hogwarts' reunion special, which hit the airwaves Saturday ... just in time for the new year.

While JKR did not appear in person to mingle with the rest of the cast and crew -- including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint -- she was there in spirit ... but more specifically, there in old archival footage from a couple years ago, this according to reports.

Word is, clips of J.K. from 2019 are sprinkled into the nearly 2-hour show ... where she talks about casting and the early process of turning her books into a blockbuster film. Apparently, some of the cast also talks about her, but they do it sparingly ... and mostly gloss over her.

If you're wondering what gives ... it's no secret J.K. has become persona non grata in Hollywood of late, due to comments she's made over the past year that many perceive as transphobic, remarks she' since tried clarifying time and again. Still, Radcliffe disavowed her sentiments ... drawing a firm line in the sand on where he stands on the trans community.

Now, with that in mind ... it's perhaps no surprise Rowling isn't in the HBO special, but weirdly enough -- there are slightly differing takes on why she wasn't involved ... including a report claiming she herself turned the opportunity down.

EW cites sources saying J.K. was extended an invite by HBO brass, but that she and her team felt the old footage of her would be adequate. Even more puzzling, these same sources say her transgender controversy played no part in the decision to pass on joining.

HBO Max, meanwhile, confirms they reached out to Rowling, but wound up agreeing that her old clips would suffice. It's unclear, on their end, if she turned 'em down for a new interview, or if they actually shot something with her and then ultimately scrapped it.

Anyway, if you're wondering what J.K. was up to for the new year, it looks like she's still dabbling in enchanting settings, with four-legged company to boot. Expecto Patronum!

Paul McCartney The Many Faces of Linstrom ... New IG 'Band' I Found!!!

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PAUL'S NEW POSSIE

Paul McCartney is filtering out bad vibes in 2022, and ushering in wacky fun ... and he's doing it with the help of a new group he's discovered that may rival his old ensemble.

This Beatle is ringing in the new year by introducing the masses to a band he says he stumbled upon at his NYE bash ... which goes by the name of Linstrom. They're a heavy metal folk music act, consisting of 4 artists with very different faces ... and a boozy manager.

As you can probably tell -- they're all PMC, who seems to have discovered Instagram's many facial filters ... and is going to town with them.

Check it out ... Paul trots out his made-up band members, including Olga (apparently the frontwoman), an angelic anonymous keyboardist, Trinket the bass player, Mac the boorish boar-ish drummer and one final guy who says he handles the business end of things.

He's obviously having a grand old time with the goofy in-app feature ... almost like he's a freakin' kid again.

In real music news, Paul had himself quite a year ... and was eager to recap it on Friday. He put out an album, a couple books and was featured in a couple big documentaries -- plus other stuff, too.

Keep on rockin' in the free world, Macca!

Kanye West New Year, New (Balenciaga) 'Fit ... Parties in Miami w/ Diddy

Kanye West was a man about town on New Year's Eve -- and that town was Miami, where the guy got his shop on ... and his party on, with a little assist from Diddy.

Check out these photos of Ye hitting a Balenciaga store in Florida's favorite wild town to pick out some new threads for his NYE bash he was hosting later that night at the Game Changer Lounge, right down by the beach.

As you can see, he seemed to be feeling himself as he walked around the store ... sizing up outfits and walking out with lots of bags in hand (another person's hand, rather).

Come nightfall, KW was ready to rage ... and he got his fill on the mic in front of a packed crowd, which actually included quite a few celebs too -- like French Montana, Quavo and others. Looks like good times were had by all ... and Kanye was right in the mix.

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SOUTH BEACH BASH
Instagram/@djmrfamousnyc

It also appears Diddy might've helped Ye out with a landing spot later in the evening. We got video of Ye popping into the Bad Boy's Star Island home at one point and weaving his way through a gaggle of good-looking guests.

He seems a little shyer in this moment, but the point is ... Ye was on the prowl, and looking pretty unattached in the process. By that we mean -- it's no secret the dude's single these days ... even though he's been pining for a reconciliation with Kim Kardashian.

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DIDDY'S AFTERPARTY
TMZ.com

Of course, he also reportedly broke things with a new-ish flame of his recently ... and has been popping up all over the place next to very attractive women.

Speaking of KK ... she was nowhere to be found in Miami (at least not publicly), but her BF Pete Davidson surely was. Dude was hosting a NYE event for NBC a stone's throw away, alongside Miley Cyrus -- and we wouldn't be surprised if Kim was on hand somewhere too.

Just like on the West Coast ... Ye was in position to keep a close eye on things. Or ... maybe he just likes the Sunshine State for special occasions. Who knows!

Ballin' Real Estate Adele Buying Sly Stallone's Estate for a Steal!!!

Maybe the biggest celebrity house sale of the year is going down in Bev Hills, because TMZ has learned Adele is about to become the owner of Sylvester Stallone's awesome estate, and she's getting it for a steal.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Adele is in escrow for Sly's massive home, tucked away inside Beverly Park -- a super-exclusive, gated community riddled with celebs.

Now get this ... our sources say Adele is paying $58 mil for the property. Yes, that's a fortune, but it was listed at $80 mil. In fact, back in February, Sly initially listed it for $110 mil but there were no takers. Multiple real estate sources tell us, $58 million for this property is, as one source put it, "an outright steal."

Sly bought the house back in the 90's ... he and others have referred to it as "The house that Rocky built."

It's got 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a gym, sauna, steam, infinity pool, cigar room, screening room, custom bar, art studio, 2-story guest house, yada yada yada.

It's one of the largest properties in Beverly Park, sitting on 3.6-level acres with insane, jetliner views of the city below.

Now Adele owns 2 properties nearby, in the Hidden Valley area of L.A. We're told she wanted a bigger house ... and that she's getting. BTW ... remember she said she's living in L.A. because real estate in London is too expensive? Well, $58 mil ain't chump change!!!

As we reported, Sly and his fam have moved to Palm Beach, Florida, where they scooped up a massive estate for $35 mil. That house has 13,200 feet of living space, 7 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms ... all the bells and whistles.

Stallone's new neighbors now include rockers Jon Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart as well as Howard Stern.

Adele is currently in the middle of the inspection phase of escrow. If all goes well, the deal closes later this month.

Betty White Show Celebrating 100th Birthday Will Go On

The show will go on ... it's something Betty White must have said many times during her life, so it's fitting the show dedicated to her life will go on, despite her passing.

Betty's life will be featured in a movie which was supposed to celebrate her 100th birthday on January 17. The flick was scheduled to play in movie theaters for just that one night. It will proceed as planned -- so producers told the New York Post -- and it's a real good bet theaters will be packed to capacity.

The show -- "Betty White: 100 Years Young -- A Birthday Celebration" features a gazillion stars, including Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Leno, Carol Burnett, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel, Valerie Bertinelli, James Corden, Wendy Malick and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The flick will feature Betty's breakout moments from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls." It also showcases Betty's first sitcom -- a lost episode, no less.

TMZ broke the story ... Betty died at her L.A. home on New Year's Eve, just days before her milestone birthday.

Betty's legacy will live on for decades. Aside from her amazing body of work in show biz, she was a devoted, unrelenting champion of animals, something she pretty much exclusively devoted her life to in the final years.

Her life is amazing ... decades of incredible shows, from "MTM" to "SNL" and "Hot in Cleveland." Beyond her work, she was one of the most beloved stars in the history of Hollywood.

Betty's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has drawn big crowds ... folks are leaving candles, flowers, stuffed animals and other tokens.

Betty was 99 and she would have celebrated her 100th birthday on January 17.

NFL's Dan Reeves Dead At 77 ... Due To Complications From 'Long Illness'

NFL legend Dan Reeves -- who reached the Super Bowl 9 times as a player and a coach -- passed away due to complications from a "long illness," his family announced Saturday. He was 77 years old.

The former Broncos, Giants and Falcons head coach died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at his home in Atlanta, the family said in a statement.

Reeves had a lengthy career on the field and sidelines -- he joined the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 1965 ... after a standout athletic career at South Carolina.

He played running back for America's Team for 8 seasons -- winning Super Bowl VI in 1972.

Reeves rejoined the Cowboys as an assistant coach from 1974-1980, reaching the Super Bowl 3 times and winning it all in 1978.

Reeves went on to become head coach of the Denver Broncos from 1981-1992, making 3 Super Bowl appearances with John Elway at quarterback.

Reeves later joined the New York Giants in 1993, leading them to the playoffs in his first year as head coach.

He became head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 1997, posting a 14-2 record in his second season with the team and facing off against Elway and the Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.

Reeves finished with a 190-165-2 record over 23 seasons as an NFL head coach ... reaching the postseason 9 times. He was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2014.

"The Denver Broncos are deeply saddened by the loss of legendary Head Coach Dan Reeves, who passed away this morning at age 77 at home in Atlanta," the team said Saturday.

"One of the winningest coaches in NFL history, Coach Reeves set the foundation for the Broncos' decade of dominance in the 1980s and championship tradition for years to come."

Reeves is survived by his wife, Pam, 3 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

RIP.

George Lopez Falls Ill During NYE Comedy Set ... Walks Off Stage, Ambulance Called

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EARLY ENDING
TMZ.com

George Lopez pulled the plug on his New Year's Eve comedy show after becoming ill right in the middle of his set.

The video clip is really short, but you get a sense all is not well. George was performing at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn, Washington at around 4 PM when he began struggling.

Eyewitness Sabrina Alvarez tells TMZ George was somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes into his set when he started sweating and asking for water.  At first, no one came with a glass, but someone in front finally obliged.

Alvarez says, "You could tell something was wrong, but it was not clear what was wrong."

George said he was sorry, stopped the show and walked off stage.

An ambulance was seen pulling up to the venue, but we don't know if it took George to a hospital.

The Casino then announced the 8 PM show was canceled and rescheduled for March 18.

We reached out to George's reps ... so far, no word back.

'It's a Wonderful Life' Jeanine Ann Roose Dead at 84 ... Played Little Violet in 'Wonderful Life'

Jeanine Ann Roose, the little girl featured in the iconic movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

Jeanine passed on New Year's Eve at her home in L.A. We're told she had been battling an illness -- an infection in her abdomen -- for a couple of months and succumbed to it. We're told it was not COVID-related.

Jeanine played Violet Bick, aka Little Violet, in the 1946 film. She once said, "It's A Wonderful Life was the only movie that I was in and it been an amazing lifetime experience to have been in such a collectively meaningful picture."

But, that was about it. Jeanine said her acting career ended when she enrolled at UCLA and decided not to become a performing arts major. She wanted to go into a career that helped others and thought about nursing, but decided instead to become a psychologist and ultimately a Jungian Analyst.

She actually saw a connection between her career choice and "Wonderful Life," saying, "It became clear that my desire was specifically to help others who were struggling with finding meaning in their life -- not unlike Clarence in the movie who helps George see the meaning of his life."

"Wonderful Life" wasn't Jeanine's first gig ... she appeared on "The Jack Benny Show" when she was 8, as Little Alice Harris.

Jeanine married Eugene Richard Auger in 1964. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including son Joe, when she passed.

Jeanine was 84. RIP

Miley Cyrus Happy Nude Year Everyone!!! Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction, Recovers

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MILEY'S MALFUNCTION
NBC

Miley Cyrus' wardrobe malfunctioned during her New Year's Eve TV special, but she figured out a way to keep the party going as she regrouped ... but just barely!

She was singing "Party in the U.S.A." when her top was barely hanging on by a thread and she had to clutch it to ward off an FCC disaster. Miley sauntered backstage as the band played on, and then returned in a red jacket.

“Everybody’s definitely looking at me now,” Cyrus said, adding, “I’m still in the most clothes that I’ve ever worn on stage."

You'd think the jacket would solve the problem, but far from it. Later, after "Party," Saweetie joined Miley on stage and the unbuttoned jacket almost revealed too much for S&P.

Pete Davidson, Miley's co-host, decided to show some sympathy later in the show by lifting his tee, revealing a nipple ... which the crowd loved!

It was actually a tough night ... some of the musical acts bowed out because of COVID. Miley addressed it at the end of the show, saying, "Tonight's show was all about being flexible, rolling with the punches, and making the best out of even the worst circumstances." She went on ... "Let's bring that into the New Year with us."

Words well spoken.

'Impractical Jokers' Joe Gatto Leaving Group ... Split with Wife, Focus on Kids

Joe Gatto, who stars in truTV's "Impractical Jokers," is leaving the group ... and it's all because of family issues.

Joe, who also was a founding member of The Tenderloins, revealed he and his wife have separated and his focus now is on co-parenting their kids.

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Gatto said, “Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with ‘Impractical Jokers."

He went on ... “Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished. However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away. Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”

Joe was in high school when he and some buddies formed The Tenderloins back in '99. "Impractical Jokers" has been on the air for 10 years.

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As for "Impractical Jokers," the other cast members say they will continue with the show.

Remaining members Murray, Quinn and Vulcano said, "While we are saddened to see him go, we want to keep making people laugh, keep our relationship working with the members of our team that we consider family. With the support of our fans, we’ll get back to making a new chapter of ‘Impractical Jokers’ in January.”

Derek Chauvin Dismal Prison Life for Murderer

Derek Chauvin is experiencing the consequences of his actions, leading a dismal life in prison, under intense security and with few freedoms ... a fate he sealed for himself.

Chauvin's been locked up for 8 months now in the Administrative Control Unit, a sector of restrictive housing with extensive security inside Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights. He's got surveillance cameras on his every move, and the prison staff checks on him every 30 mins.

A rep for the facility tells us Chauvin remains isolated, without job opportunities, educational programs or contact with other inmates. Not only that ... he showers, eats, goes to the bathroom and sleeps all in the same cell. We're told he gets about an hour each day outside his cell for exercise.

While life behind bars may suck, it fails to create sympathy considering what he did to George Floyd in May 2020.

In June 2021, Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years for the killing of George Floyd. He pled guilty in a corresponding federal case and is awaiting sentencing for violating Floyd's civil rights, and that crime carries a maximum of 25 years. Once he's sentenced, he'll be placed in a permanent facility.

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Sad when we break celeb death stories when the person is a natural treasure like Betty White, and how 'bout Katharine McPhee lashing out at her hubby's critics! So we gotta ask ...

Best Betty White TV Show ...

LeBron's COVID "Spider-Man" Memes

Tigers In Zoos ...

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez ...

Bezos' Bod ...

David Foster Praising Wife's Body ...

Couple Staying Together For The Long-Term ...

COVID Will Be Contained In 2022 ...

New Year's Resolutions

Gene Simmons David Foster Did Nothing Wrong ... Praise The Wife Every Day!!!

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WHAT'S WRONG WITH LOVE?
TMZ.com

Gene Simmons is defending David Foster for praising his wife Katharine McPhee's post-baby figure ... and he's got a strong message for anyone hating on the couple.

We got Gene at Beverly Glen Deli on New Year's Eve and asked him about the firestorm David ignited when he took to social media to applaud his wife for losing the baby weight.

Gene says David absolutely should be saying wonderful things about his wife ... and ditto for anyone in a loving relationship.

As we reported ... David recently posted a pic of Katharine in a bikini with the caption, "what baby!" He's referencing Katharine giving birth back in February and since looking fit and toned ... but lots of folks pounced, claiming he was out of touch.

Gene thinks it's mostly women attacking David and Katharine ... he's got some reasons why he thinks men aren't behind the hateful comments ... and says women need to be kinder to other women, if for no other reason than karma.

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For her part, Katharine says the online trolls are being "overly sensitive" and says folks need to "get a life" ... and Gene echoes some of those sentiments.

Gene says David should keep showing off his beautiful wife, no matter the outside reaction ... and he's also got some sage advice for any married couple.

Kenny Chesney Sells Nashville Home for $11.5mil!!

Kenny Chesney just unloaded his HUGE home in the Nashville area for $11.5 mil ... and that price comes at a huge discount.

The country singer originally listed the 4 bedroom, 9 bath home for $13.9M, but apparently it just sat, in the middle of a housing boom no less.

Despite the fact the house didn't move at its original price, Kenny scored a hefty profit. He bought the property back in 2009 for $9.25 mil.

The property is 56 acres in Franklin, TN, with the main house just under 12,600 sq ft.

The new owner will have no parking problems, with a 10-car garage -- unless the buyer's Jerry Seinfeld or Jay Leno. It also has a home theatre, infinity swimming pool, spa, limestone fireplaces and other bells and whistles.

It has 360-degree views ... so it lords over Music City.