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MC Lyte thinks everyone focusing on President Joe Biden's blundering intro of LL Cool J isn't keeping their eyes on the prize ... which is, in her opinion, one of hip hop's biggest moments ever.

Lyte was honored alongside LL last weekend in D.C. for her own monumental strides in rap -- but it wasn't her name the President royally screwed up, nor was she the one who had to stomach being called "boy" ... as LL did.

Biden's political critics think it's just the latest example of him losing it, and his cultural critics -- like Charlamagne Tha God -- had no mercy for him either, but Lyte went to bat for the commander-in-chief and thinks it was an honest mistake he sincerely regrets.

Lyte and LL go way back to the days of Hip Hop's dawn periods and she thanked him for the years of historic collaborations but points out that the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference marked the first time both an active President and Vice President acknowledged the culture they walk and breathe.

V.P. Kamala Harris just opened the White House doors to host a Hip Hop celebration highlighted by performances from Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and Lil Wayne ... which speaks to Lyte's points.

The jacket Travis Kelce was spotted wearing while leaving the Chiefs game with Taylor Swift has already sold out -- ya know, the one renamed in honor of one of the singer's most beloved albums.

As we reported, fashion line KidSuper had a matching denim jacket and pants on its site, named "Bedroom Painting," but the company slapped "1989" on it after the vid of Travis and Taylor went viral -- a nod to Tay Tay's 2014 album, and her upcoming, re-recorded release.

Don't forget, Taylor's appearance at Sunday's game wasn't the first interaction they've had -- sources told us they've been together "several times" over the last few months ... having person-to-person interactions in a "very private setting."

Well, it looks like fans everywhere have been dying to get their hands on the duds because all sizes of the $295 jacket are sold out ... and the $285 pants are currently marked as "low stock."

Safe to say, KidSuper's marketing plan worked -- even though they dubbed it the "1989" jacket after Travis bought it, that clearly didn't stop folks from jumping on board!

Of course, the big game was the first time Taylor met Travis' parents, Donna and Ed -- and it seemed like Taylor fit right in with the gang.

Kim Zolciak is firing back at Kroy Biermann, claiming his latest divorce petition is a sham and wants to get it tossed --- because they're still having a lot of sex!!!

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ ... the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' alum says she's been repeatedly banging her estranged hubby ever since he filed for divorce from her -- for the second time -- in late August. Kim says their latest fooling around session was just a few weeks ago on September 7.

Kim says Kroy's claim the marriage is "irretrievably broken" is bogus, because how can it be broken if they're still doin' the deed?

She also says the fact they are still living under the same roof is further proof the whole "irretrievably broken" thing is just plain wrong.

Kroy has filed for divorce twice, most recently on August 24. He has said Kim's gambling problems have led them down the path to financial ruin, and he wants out.

9:56 PM PT -- Britney Spears just adjusted her caption, saying, "Don't worry they are NOT real knives!!! Halloween is soon!!!" Thing is ... you hear the clanging of the knives as they come together, so they sure seem real.

Britney Spears put her years-long fascination with knives on full display ... dangerously dancing with two massive butcher knives in a bizarre new video.

Spears posted the video Monday holding the razor-sharp blades with the caption, "I started playing in the kitchen with knives today" while she rubbed and even clapped the blades together while dancing.

The whole thing comes across as extremely dangerous -- as Spears clearly isn't trained to hold or handle the tools in such a manner ... at times jabbing them in the air.

While Britney claims she only started playing with the knives "today," we were first to report months ago Britney had a fascination with knives.

In fact, as her conservatorship came to an end, those responsible for her care made a list of recommendations ... one major rec being to keep knives away from her.

Multiple sources tell us Britney saw knives as a form of protection, afraid she's be re-institutionalized. We're told Britney keeps knives all around her house -- including in her bedroom -- and one source said she, "was paranoid someone was going to get her, and she needed the knives as protection."

Now, without Sam Asghari or anyone to truly make sure she's safe, the new video is extremely dangerous alarming to say the least.

Do you think Britney Spears is a danger to herself? Vote below.

Taylor Swift is everywhere in America these days -- and now, she's gonna be everywhere around the world on big screens ... 'cause she's taking her new movie overseas.

The singer made a major announcement Tuesday about her forthcoming 'Eras' tour documentary -- which was already getting a North American release in a couple weeks. Now, she's saying it's going to open globally on the exact same day ... in LOTS of countries.

Tay Tay writes, "The tour isn’t the only thing we’re taking worldwide…….. 🌎 Been so excited to tell you all that The Eras Tour concert film is now officially coming to theaters WORLDWIDE on Oct 13!"

The details of the expanded rollout are staggering ... TS's new 'Eras' movie is going to be playing in over 100 countries -- including every single Odeon theater across Europe.

AMC Theaters -- which Taylor is partnering with to put out her film -- says it's expecting more than 7,500 theaters worldwide to be showing this thing at once. In terms of how many tickets this will sell ... it's still being tallied right now, but probably a ton.

A month ago -- when Taylor first said the 'Era's doc would release in North America -- her fans swooped in to snap up tickets ... and they sold a record amount in just one day, about $26 million worth. Estimates had 'Eras' raking in north of $100M in its opening weekend too.

It's just the latest splashy headline for Taylor ... obviously, she's top of mind right now due to her budding relationship with Chiefs star Travis Kelce -- and now, here's another boon.

Britney Spears alarmed a lot of people with her knife dance on Instagram, with many looking for answers as to what inspired the dangerous act, and some believe Shakira holds the key.

As we reported, Britney shared a clip of herself Monday with the caption, "I started playing in the kitchen with knives today," dancing and clanking the knives together -- even jabbing them in the air.

The singer claimed the blades weren't legit, but they sure didn't sound like props based on the way they hit together.

However, Shakira recently did something pretty similar -- on national television, no less -- and folks think that's where Britney got the inspo.

In case ya missed it, the Colombian pop star gave a show-stopping performance of some of her greatest hits at the MTV VMAs earlier this month ... and at one point, she danced while both of her hands were occupied by 2 thick daggers.

It appears Shakira was paying homage to an Arabic dance, known to some as the dance of the daggers ... and people online think Britney loved what she saw, so that's why she may have tried it out for herself.

Britney's been catching some heat for her video ... and as we've reported, Britney has a fascination with knives that makes her clip a bit more concerning.

Remember, those responsible for Britney's care made a list of recommendations as her conservatorship ended -- with 1 major point being to keep knives away from her.

Sources have told us Britney sees knives as a type of protection, afraid she'd be re-institutionalized ... and we were told she keeps them all around her house, including her bedroom.

Do you think Britney Spears is a danger to herself? Vote below.

Usher is downplaying all the fallout his viral moment with Keke Palmer caused, at least on his end ... he thinks the whole debacle was sensationalized so he simply used the situation to their advantage!!!

The R&B icon was confronted with the issue Tuesday on "The Breakfast Club" as he explained the differences between his Vegas shows -- like the one that jeopardized Keke's relationship and his newly announced Super Bowl LVIII Halftime gig.

Usher was asked if he felt any guilt about creating a wedge between Keke and her boyfriend Darius Jackson this past 4th of July weekend.

Usher blames the internet for blowing up the spot but has no regrets for their make-good, in the form of the "Boyfriend" music video starring Keke that leaned into the moment.

The world's still heavily invested in Keke and Darius ... the actress recently pled the 5th in the name of Beyonce on morning TV.

As for the Super Bowl, Usher says Jay-Z woke him up early in the morning about a week ago with the good news, but played it coy when asked about any potential guests joining him on the big stage.

Any huge fans of "Shrek" will have the opportunity to live like an ogre for a couple of nights ... because his iconic swamp home has been recreated IRL, and it's going live on Airbnb.

The moss-covered home is located in the hills of the Scottish Highlands and is a picture-perfect replica of the one from the animated flicks -- the listing is "hosted" by Donkey and some lucky fans will be able to spend 2 nights at the swampy villa at the end of October.

Visitors will be able to kick up their hooves in the secluded pad, relax in the ambiance of "earwax candlelight," and in the morning, they'll be eating waffles -- just like Donkey would've wanted.

It even has Shrek's outhouse directly next to the main building ... so if you're inclined, you could recreate the iconic scene from the beginning of the 2001 film.

People wanting to relive their childhood can request to book Shrek's Swamp beginning October 13 for FREE. In honor of this rare opportunity, Airbnb is also making a donation to HopScotch Children's Charity, which gives back to some of Scotland's disadvantaged children.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are finally stepping out together, and chose the happiest place on Earth to show face, having an intimate date night at Walt Disney World.

In newly surfaced pics and videos, the lovebirds were spotted strolling arm and arm Friday night through the theme park in Orlando, Florida. Both tried to go incognito, with hats and hoodies, but that didn't stop fans from noticing the couple.

A source close to Ariana tells us she and Ethan hit the park with a group of friends -- including her mom and brother. We're told Ariana and Ethan are really happy together and really good for each other and all of her friends love him.

BTW ... the group got the VIP treatment for their day at Disney, with a private tour guide to take them from ride to ride and avoid some of those pesky lines.

TMZ broke the story, Ariana filed for divorce earlier this month from her husband, Dalton Gomez, after 2 years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The two have a prenup.

In July, Ethan also filed for divorce from his high school sweetheart and wife of 5 years, Lilly Jay, but hasn't revealed what caused the split.

Do you think Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande's relationship will last until the end of the year? Vote below.

Margot Robbie and the folks behind "Barbie" didn't just rack up a ton of dough in theaters -- they're making Mattel money too ... thanks to adults who are feeling nostalgic and needy.

There's been this trend going around on TikTok that sees grown men and women filming themselves hitting up their local toy aisles and picking out new Barbie dolls for themselves ... all for the sake of fulfilling their inner child and achieving emotional support.

It's a whole thing now, apparently ... in the wake of the movie coming out this summer, some people are buying themselves the dolls they never had -- that or gifting them to loved ones (like parents) who might've not had such toys growing up as kids.

A psychology professor, Kristin Flora, tells CNN this is a good thing ... as grown folks now feel comfortable not only reconnecting to their childhood -- but also sharing that, and it seems to be well-received on social media. Obviously, this lends itself to mental health, etc.

It's just further proof that the "Barbie" flick has truly impacted American culture this year ... and, regardless of the reason, it continues to positively affect bottom lines as well.

We already know it's made Warner Bros. a billion-plus dollars and with this apparent boom in doll purchases to boot ... Mattel's also probably smiling all the way to the bank. Plus, this seems to really make people happy in general.

Bad Bunny just dropped a new song, and his adoring fans think it's all about Kendall Jenner -- which, considering what he's saying and showing ... might be a valid theory.

The Latin pop star just released his latest track, "Un Preview" -- along with an accompanying music video -- which BB nation staunchly believes is coded with KJ references all throughout. Considering the song's all about a cowgirl he's fallen in love with ... yeah, that's probably right.

Here are some of the lyrics (translated to English) that pretty much give away the fact this thing's all about his girlfriend. Bunny sings ... "Baby, I’m not scared // Of trying you and falling in love again // F*** it, mami, I'll follow your lead, ayy // Really crazy in the club, I'll get close // dancing and kiss your neck, ayy // With you I'm on fire."

The dude goes on to rap/sing about how hot the sex is between him and this new woman ... how they're both head over heels for each other and how he's embracing it.

Of course, there's also the imagery here that spells it out even further. The whole treatment is horse-themed -- with Bad Bunny standing in front of a toy rocking horse ... not to mention these masked cowboys/cowgirls grinding on each other. Kendall's a big cowboy hat fan.

We should also point out ... Kendall is an avid equestrian, and she took BB on a little ride a few months ago for a one-on-one date, which saw them riding a horsey together.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are not "officially" dating, at least not yet ... but they are definitely headed in that direction, and the early returns seem promising.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Taylor's appearance at Travis' NFL game Sunday was NOT the first time they were together. We're told they have been together "several times" over the last few months.

While Taylor's show of support was very public, our sources say their person-to-person interactions before Sunday were always in a "very private setting."

Still, it's interesting Taylor is already meeting Travis' parents ... our sources say Sunday marked Taylor's first introduction to TK's mother, Donna, and father, Ed.

As you know, TayTay watched Travis score a touchdown from a suite with his family ... and cameras caught their excitement.

We're told Taylor's time with Donna, Travis' mom, went "very well" ... and that the matriarch calls Taylor "a lovely person."

Taylor has yet to meet Travis' older brother Jason -- sounds like that will have to wait -- he's busy playing for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

Taylor and Travis smiled for the cameras as they left Arrowhead Stadium together after his Kansas City Chiefs pummeled the Chicago Bears, 41-10 ... leaving in a convertible. We're told they took a shot with some friends before leaving the stadium.

We didn't see any PDA from Taylor and Travis in public, but our sources say they were holding hands at the restaurant he rented out for his family, friends and teammates after the game. At one point Taylor was sitting on Travis' lap.

Taylor fit in well with Travis' friends and family ... she came to the game alone -- bodyguards excepted -- and was chatting up everyone.

Taylor's upcoming tour dates could make a full-blown relationship tricky ... she's about to go back on tour in a few weeks, and then in November she heads out for her tour's international leg. Meanwhile, the NFL will consume Travis' life, potentially through February's Super Bowl.

A pair of tickets to Ford's Theatre on the night of Abraham Lincoln's assassination have sold for an absolute fortune.

The 2 front-row balcony tickets, said to be in very good condition, made $262,500 through RR Auction, which closed the rare lot over the weekend -- they're dated "APR 14, 1865" and specifically say it's for "Ford's Theatre" in Washington, D.C.

Whoever owned the tickets would've been sitting in section D in seats 41 and 42. That would've put them on the opposite side of the theater from Lincoln's balcony seats, and given them an unobstructed view of the former president's assassination.

As you know, John Wilkes Booth -- who was an actor -- used his knowledge of the theater space to sneak into Lincoln's booth during the 3rd act of "Our American Cousin," shooting him in the head right next to First Lady Mary Todd ... days after the Civil War ended.

BTW, there aren't a whole lot of tickets from that fateful night still out there -- one of them is known to be at Harvard’s Houghton Library, and it's only half of the full ticket. The one at Harvard was even used to verify the balcony tickets that sold at auction.

Las Vegas Raiders superstar Chandler Jones claims he was forced into a mental health hospital last week ... and "injected" with a foreign substance.

The 33-year-old NFL player said it all happened after authorities told him "people were concerned about me because of my posts online."

"I answered my front door," Jones said Monday evening on his X page in what appeared to be pictures of recent journal entries, "and a group of 5 to 7 were there to put me in an ambulance where I was later injected and I asked them not to."

The pass rusher -- a two-time All-Pro -- says he was first taken to Southern Hills Hospital, before he was transported to the Seven Hills Behavioral Health Hospital, a treatment facility for those struggling with mental health issues.

"They tried to force me to take meds and injections," he said of his time at the facility.

Jones added that the place was not one for "high-profile athletes."

"My first night I slept on the floor and was not offered a bed," he said ... adding, "I'm still confused on what I did wrong. I'm stuck here. I'm very sane."

In his notes, Jones claims he tried to contact the Raiders "for help," but he's yet to hear back.

He also said he's continuing to work out despite the facility's conditions.

"All I know is whoever put me in here had bad intentions," he said.

Jones has not played for the Raiders this season after he was placed on the non-football illness list following a social media rant earlier this month where he declared that he did not want to play for Vegas anymore.

For the team's part, head coach Josh McDaniels has called the matter "personal" and "private."

A suspected armed robber was fatally shot by police in broad daylight in Arizona ... and the violent encounter was caught on newly-released video.

Ny'Kendreon Pride was wanted for a series of thefts in early August when his hours-long crime spree across Mesa came to a screeching halt.

A U.S Marshals-led task force spotted Pride -- believed to be carrying a handgun -- walking along a busy street.

Surveillance video shows Pride crossing the road and walking down a sidewalk as officers driving in an SUV close in.

One of the cops tosses a flash bang grenade out the window and it blows up near Pride, causing smoke to rise around his feet.

The non-lethal explosive device didn't seem to have its desired effect, which was to disorient Pride, who starts running away.

But he's soon gunned down by a shotgun-wielding detective in the SUV's front passenger seat -- after Pride pulled out what appeared to be a firearm.

Police body cam footage shows Pride dropping dead on the ground from his bullet wounds.

If James Harrison had a vote ... the Steelers legend would NOT be in the Hall of Fame -- the former NFL star tells TMZ Sports he truly doesn't believe his resume is good enough to earn him a bust in Canton one day.

"As far as Hall of Fame, you know, it's a lot of things that goes into that," the five-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion explained this month.

"And I believe numbers is one of those things, you know? And when you look at my numbers, they just don't, for me, they don't equate to what the numbers should be."

Harrison played in the league from 2002 through 2017 -- but he was really only a full-time starter from '07 to '13 ... something he clearly believes will likely prevent him from getting in the Hall.

Still, despite only roughly seven years as a cornerstone defensive piece, Harrison dominated when he was on the field -- earning All-Pro honors twice ... while finishing his career with 84.5 sacks and 811 combined tackles.

In fact, the totals were so good, the Hall of Fame announced earlier this summer that he's one of 173 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

Harrison, though, clearly thinks he'll never get the ultimate call to the Hall ... telling us, "That's just how I feel."

But, if it did come, Harrison says he'd be thrilled for the award.

In the meantime, Harrison is going into at least one Hall this season -- the Steelers announced they'll be inducting him into their Hall of Honor later this year ... an accolade he said he's super proud of.