Tank Grammys Stuck in the Past But New Chief Can Reinvent it!!!
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Tank says the Grammys is one of those institutions that's part of the old guard of Hollywood -- which he admits has racism deeply embedded -- but he's got a way to turn it around.
We were at LAX when we caught the R&B crooner -- who's been nominated a whopping 5 times at the Grammys himself -- and asked what he made of The Weeknd's emphatic boycott and the accusation that Grammy honchos are inherently racist and out of touch.
Check it out ... Tank doesn't deny it, but he does say the org's new Prez and CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., is a good man whom he genuinely believes wants to make the show more inclusive and in touch with 2021 audiences. HMJ is very new to the job ... about 2 years in.
Tank also hit us with some solid suggestions on how to get the right artists nominated and how to gauge whose music is actually connecting with the world and how.
Watch ... he basically says the Recording Academy needs voters in these committees who ACTUALLY know the artists they're reviewing and are experts in the categories for which they're weighing ballots. He offers up some names of artists as an example -- like Lil Uzi Vert and A Boogie wit da Hoodie -- as guys that these old heads might not know of at all.
Tank explains that skimming through a few songs from artists you're not familiar with just isn't won't cut it anymore -- he says voters gotta understand the full scope and impact of what they're reviewing, and while he doesn't explicitly say it ... it might require some new blood.
With all that said, Tank doubles down on his faith for Harvey -- who's a POC -- and thinks the ship will be steered in the right direction going forward. Here's hoping he's right!
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Harry & Meghan Montecito Estate Invaded By Intruder
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Prince Harry still seems pretty upset about losing his Royal security privileges, and ya can't blame him ... especially because cops say he and Meghan Markle had an unwanted visitor on their property TWICE during the holidays.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a 37-year-old man named Nickolas Brooks was caught trespassing at the Montecito, CA home of the Duke on Duchess on Christmas Eve, but Santa Barbara County Sheriff's officers let him off with a warning.
We're told the warning didn't work because cops say Brooks showed up on the property again on Dec. 26 ... so this time he was arrested.
Our sources say Brooks drove all the way from Ohio, but it's unclear what he wanted from Harry and Meghan ... or if they were even home at the time of his visits.
Brooks has been charged with one count of misdemeanor trespassing.
The incidents might seem like no big deal, but they highlight a much bigger point Harry suggested during last week's bombshell TV interview with Oprah -- he's worried about the safety of his family.
Harry told Oprah when he and Meghan left their senior royal roles and moved to North America ... Buckingham Palace stripped them of their UK security team.
Harry says he pointed out that the risks to him and his family were no less despite their change in status ... but he claims that didn't change the decision.
Clearly, security is still a justified, major concern.
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Major Assumptions Man w/ One Leg Asked ... Why'd You Park in Handicap Spot???
Let this be a lesson for all -- when you assume, you make an ass outta U and ME ... which applies to this woman who asked a guy with one leg why he parked in a handicap spot.
Australian social media influencer Paniora Nukunuku -- who goes by @pnuks on TikTok -- posted a series of videos this past week documenting his run-in with an elderly lady who apparently accosted him in a McDonald's parking lot as he pulled into a space.
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Since PN has a prosthetic leg -- as well as what amounts to a handicap placard on the dash of his car -- he parked in a handicap space close to the building. The problem ... this woman seems to have presumed he didn't need it and was just parking wherever he wanted.
Big mistake, 'cause the guy takes the woman to task -- within reason, of course. He gets out of the car and films his prosthetic, and when he finally comes face to face with her asking why she questioned if the placard was really his ... it's hilariously awkward.
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His point ... not all handicapped people are in wheelchairs and not all are super old and frail (which also happens to be his TikTok bio). Paniora says he went to the cops over this too, BTW, but they told him they weren't able to do anything. So, he took to the internet.
Now, it's understandable why the woman might've thought he was some young whippersnapper flouting the rules ... because, yes, it happens. And as she notes ... she "desperately needs" access to such spots. It's also unclear *how* she went about asking.
Still ... perhaps next time, wait til they're out of the car before pouncing -- ya might get some much-needed context clues!
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A-Rod I'm not single ... J Lo Posts About Reports
9:32 AM PT -- 3/14 J Lo has officially broken her silence ... posting a video update about her relationship with A-Rod. She shared a compilation video with epic clips of herself, and a few of the headlines about their relationship troubles.
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The video is set to the song "Pretty B**** Freestyle" by Saweetie.
A-Rod confirms on video what TMZ broke this morning ... that he and J Lo are still hangin' on.
This video was shot outside A-Rod's gym in Miami ... where a photog asked him if he was single. A-Rod answered definitively in the negative. The conversation was interrupted by a phone call, which A-Rod took -- but he told the caller he'd call back, "baby."
We don't know if the person on the other end was J Lo, but it seems like a good guess.
Remember, A-Rod and J Lo told TMZ Saturday morning ... "We are working through some things."
Our A-Rod and J Lo sources told TMZ, Friday was "a bad day." From what we can gather, it appears they had some sort of blowout fight. It's unclear if one or the other said the relationship is over in the heat of the moment ... but if that was said, they're taking it back now.
A-Rod and J Lo did not say what exactly they're working through -- however, they told us on Saturday that it did not involve a third person.
One thing that's still unclear ... is the engagement still on?
Originally published -- 3/13 1:46 PM PT
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Doctors Under Investigation Surgeons Play 'Price is Right' in Operating Room
Some surgeons at a Michigan hospital are in hot water after they started playing games in the middle of operations ... games including "The Price is Right."
Photos were posted that triggered the alarm at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. In one photo, a doctor is pictured with a cancerous organ that was removed. The caption in one post reads, "The other game we play in the OR is guess that weight. As always, 'Price is Right' rules apply so if you go over then you're out!"
And yet, another post shows a doctor holding fibrous tissue with the patient in the background under anesthesia, with the caption, "Longest one wins!"
The photos were posted on an Instagram account, allegedly run by nearly 3 dozen obstetrics and gynecology residents in training. The photos have been deleted.
This follows another bizarre surgical scandal in Sacramento, where a doctor hopped on zoom in the middle of an operation to fight a traffic ticket. The horrified judge would have no part of it, and the Medical Board is investigating.
As for the Spectrum Health scandal, the big wigs said, "We were disappointed to learn that surgical imagers were posted on an Instagram account used by a group of residents and are taking steps to resolve the issue."
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Breonna Taylor Protests Erupt on First Anniversary Death ... Violence in L.A.
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Breonna Taylor's death a year ago Saturday triggered a tense, violent confrontation in L.A. between protesters and police.
Two protesters jumped on the hood of an LAPD squad car ... the protesters began pounding on the hood and the car abruptly accelerated, hurling them onto the pavement.
Police showed up in riot gear as they faced off with protesters. Several businesses in the area were vandalized as well.
There were also demonstrations in New York and Louisville -- the city where Breonna Taylor was shot to death by police -- Saturday started out calm with a demonstration ... Breonna's mom, Tamika Palmer, was front and center.
The evening became tense as protesters blocked roads. Police declared an unlawful assembly and it appears the crowd began to disperse.
Protests also went down in Seattle, where cops faced off against demonstrators. Cops grabbed umbrellas held by some of the protesters and pushed back the crowd. Several demonstrators were arrested for various alleged crimes, including assaulting an officer, obstruction and resisting arrest.
There were other demonstrations throughout the country. Palmer has asked the Grand Jury to look at Breonna's killing to determine if the cops committed homicide ... something Attorney General Daniel Cameron did not allow in the first Grand Jury case.
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LeBron James Daughter's Amazing Dance Moves ... Greatness Runs in Fam!!!
LeBron James undeniably has moves, but guess what ... so does his daughter!!!
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6-year-old Zhuri is amazing, dancing to Cardi B's, "Up." It's flawlessly executed, with the help of her dance instructor ... but it doesn't really seem Zhuri needs much instruction. Talk about projecting greatness ... this kid's gonna be a true performer.
LeBron said the dance lesson had just ended when Zhuri got to pick any song to freestyle to, and she picked Cardi's latest single. The dance is big on TikTok, but God help anyone who tries to best Zhuri, 'cause she's awesome!
LeBron wrote, "yeah it’s officially over for me guys!! I feel bad for whomever my Baby Z decides to bring home first!"
For her part, Cardi saw the vid and said, "Yes we all see cuteness gut bayybee I see a future superstar. Sooo adorable! I'm maaa hype lols."
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Slooooow-Speed Chase Forklift vs. Cops ... Guess Who Wins???
This may be the slowest chase in police history ... San Diego cops went after a woman who allegedly stole a forklift, and she didn't have a fighting chance.
You see in the video cops ordering the driver to stop. The reality is ... they could have just casually walked up to the lift and subdued the driver, which is essentially what happened.
The woman was first spotted at a traffic light when she made a U-turn into a Ross parking lot. A bystander gave cops and assist by grabbing the keys out of the ignition.
The woman was cited, and no word on whether she'll be charged. But, here's the rub ... they haven't been able to find the owner of the forklift, although now we're hearing it may have been taken from a Midas shop.
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Yo-Yo Ma Performs Concert at COVID Clinic ... After Receiving Second Dose
Yo-Yo Ma decided to do what he does best to celebrate COVID immunity ... he played his cello for those right behind him.
The famed musician received his second dose at Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts Saturday and you could call this bookends.
Exactly a year ago Yo-Yo Ma posted a recording of himself playing music with the hashtag, @Songs Of Comfort. This was posted at a time of fear, and now there are signs of hope.
It's interesting ... there are other clinics administering the vaccine where music is everywhere. Doctors say it's calming for people who are anxious about getting the vaccine. Some clinics actually encourage dancing ... making the atmosphere friendly and celebratory rather than scary.
As for Yo-Yo Ma's latest performance ... as one State Representative said, it brought "hope and optimism through his beautiful music."
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Elvis Presley Iconic '68 Comeback Special Guitar ... Could Get $1 Mil in Auction
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Elvis Presley is about to make someone the king of rock n' roll memorabilia -- that's if you make the winning bid on a guitar used for his famous 1968 comeback.
The folks over at Kruse GWS Auctions are handling the auction of Elvis' rare cherry red Hagstrom Viking II guitar. EP was slinging this axe when he shot the highly anticipated TV special on NBC, which marked his return to performing live music ... after a 7-year hiatus focusing on movie roles.
This guitar has tons of Elvis history attached to it beyond the special -- it was featured on the cover of his "From Elvis in Memphis" album cover, and it was once displayed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum.
The winning bidder of this auction -- which kicks off March 27 at 10 AM -- will also get sheet music from the '68 TV special. It's a nice cherry on top, especially considering Kruse GWS anticipates the guitar will fetch somewhere between $750k and $1 million.
And, for those who get outbid on the guitar, no worries ... there's other cool Elvis memorabilia also on the auction block -- like his personally owned 14k yellow gold and blue enamel TCB (taking care of business) necklace.
In the non-Elvis department -- Elizabeth Taylor's personally owned earrings, broach and necklace ... as well as the 1950 Cadillac Fleetwood from "The Godfather."
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Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!
Hidden within this funky photo is a singer who got his big break on a British music competition show, where he became a member of a well-known boy band.
After five albums and several world tours, this famous fella went on to start his solo career by releasing his hit song "Pillowtalk". Since going solo the singer has collaborated with several big-name artists such as Sia, Taylor Swift, and Kehlani.
He recently released his third studio album, following the birth of his daughter, Khai.
Use the clues above and take one more look at the photo before putting your celeb skills to the test and seeing if you can figure out which star is hiding in this warped photo!
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Aaron Carter Training Like Crazy For Odom Fight ... 'Just Getting Started!!!'
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Aaron Carter boxing video?? COME GET IT!!!
TMZ Sports has obtained footage of the pop star training for his huge fight against Lamar Odom ... and look, the guy's no Floyd Mayweather -- but you can tell he's busting his ass to be ready for the ring!!
We're told AC has been training with MMA fighter Jesse Strader for the June 12 bout ... working on his combinations, building some muscle and getting in some cardio.
It's clear in the video, Carter is taking this fight seriously ... and he's stoked about the chance to show off his skills.
"We are prepping for training for what they're calling the biggest celebrity fight of all time," Carter says in the video.
"We've been working on some stuff. We're just getting started. We're very excited about this."
As we previously reported ... both 33-year-old AC and 41-year-old LO have said they're gunning for a knockout. No one wants to be the next Internet meme.
Carter recently told us, "I know I can [beat Lamar]. Come June 12th, like I said, like Apollo Creed said, 'I’m gonna drop him like a bad habit,' and I mean that."
Of course, Carter's opponent is a former pro athlete with 14 years of experience in the NBA ... which seems super relevant in a fistfight!
But, can Aaron summon that "eye of the tiger" to get the W once the bell rings? We'll find out soon enough!
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Beck Good Genes or Good Docs?!
Beck's good looks are just as amazing as his voice!
Here is a 22-year-old version of the talented musician rocking these long locks at a photoshoot back in 1993 (left). This is the same year he released his song "Loser" which re-released one year later and landed on the Billboard Hot 100.
And 28 years later ... The now 50-year-old has since won 7 Grammys during his career and is currently a nominee for best alternative music album, following his latest release, "Hyperspace". The singer was seen looking handsome as ever in a photo he shared of himself on Instagram late last year (right).
He's not losing with these looks!
The question is ...
Beck ...
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Marvelous Marvin Hagler Former Champ Dead at 66 ... Had Breathing Trouble
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5:10 PM PT -- Hagler's former promoter, Bob Arum, tells TMZ ... "Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted. He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly."
4:28 PM PT -- One of Hagler's sons, James, tells TMZ his father was taken to a hospital in New Hampshire earlier on Saturday after experiencing trouble breathing and chest pains at home.
We're told about four hours later, the family was notified he'd passed away. A cause of death is still unknown at this point ... it's also unclear if Hagler's death is COVID related.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler -- former middleweight champion and one of the greatest boxers who ever lived -- has died ... this according to his wife.
A post with the sad news went up Saturday on Hagler's official fan club page on Facebook, reading ... "I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."
The note was signed by his wife, Kay. The exact circumstances of his death weren't released.
Hagler has gone down in history as a boxing great, and perhaps one of the best -- if not THE best -- middleweight fighters to step in the ring. He held the title as the undisputed middleweight champion of the world from 1980 to 1987 ... an incredible run.
He got his first title shot in '79 against Vito Antuofermo -- which got called a draw, despite many feeling Hagler had taken it. He got a 2nd shot at the title the following year ... this time against Alan Minter -- whom Hagler pounded into a 3rd round stoppage.
Year after year, Hagler successfully defended his title ... but one of the most brutal bouts to date ended up going down against Tommy Hearns in 1985, which got billed as "The War." It only went three rounds, but all of them were brutal ... especially that opening one, which is regarded as one of the most violent and action-packed to date.
Hagler's reign came to an end in 1987 against none other than boxing icon Sugar Ray Leonard, who came out of retirement for another shot at the title. They went all twelve rounds, and despite many saying Hagler got the better of SRL ... the latter was announced as the winner in a split decision. Granted, Leonard landed a higher percentage of punches.
Post-boxing, Hagler moved on to a career in movies ... in Italy no less. He notably starred in 'Indio' and 'Indio 2' as well as a few other action flicks. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
Hagler is survived by his current wife and five children from a previous marriage. He was 66.
RIP
Originally Published -- 3:53 PM PT
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Cardi B on Grammys Drama Your Fave Artist's Not Happy But These Lesser Known Ones Are!!!
Cardi B appears to be downplaying The Weeknd's fury about being snubbed at the Grammys with a spotlight on other Black artists who are getting recognized ... which is interesting.
The rapper posted a lengthy statement Saturday about her thoughts on all the Grammys drama, and while she acknowledged she did think some albums and songs probably should've gotten nominated, she doesn't seem nearly as miffed as others are.
All she has to say on the matter of snubs is ... "[M]aybe by next year they will get it right."
How I feel bout the Grammies .Don’t forget to congratulate the small black artist that got nominated that got overshadowed again cause of the drama .It’s their moment finally ! pic.twitter.com/uoSJtG1aqi
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) March 13, 2021 @iamcardib
What she did want to talk about at length, however, was the fact that a number of lesser-known, independent Black artists WERE nominated this year ... and that they should be allowed to revel in that honor, because too often they're overlooked despite being amazing.
Cardi writes, "Don’t forget to congratulate the small black artist that got nominated that got overshadowed again cause of the drama. It’s their moment finally!" She goes on to cite artists who are up for an award, like Freddie Gibbs, Giveon, Brittany Howard, Ant Clemons, Ledisi, Luke James, Thundercat, Chika, Jean and Marcus Baylor and more ... several of whom Cardi notes that don't get the pub, like marquee names in the music biz do on the regular.
She ends by saying, "Soo besides all the bulls*** let's not forget to congratulate these artists," going on to say this is their moment too and that folks shouldn't overshadow it "cause your favorite might not be on the list." Her choice of words here certainly raises an eyebrow.
Of course, The Weeknd just recently vowed to boycott the Grammys going forward -- this after accusing them of being corrupt and running secret committees that supposedly require a lot of ass-kissing behind closed doors. The Grammys has denied that characterization.
Still, it sounds like Abel's other contemporaries mostly agree with him that the Grammys get it wrong time and again. Drake chimed in not too long ago with that exact sentiment ... and even Beyonce's gonna be a no-show on Sunday, despite being the most nominated artist.
Guess Cardi -- who IS slated to perform during the big show -- doesn't think it's that big a deal at the end of the day.
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Charlie Hebdo Magazine Cover QE2 Kneels on Meghan's Neck ... Mocking George Floyd
The killing of George Floyd has been recreated in an awful attempt at parody -- with a French magazine using Queen Elizabeth as Derek Chauvin kneeling on Meghan Markle.
Charlie Hebdo just released a new edition of its weekly publication -- and it features a crudely drawn cartoon version of QE2 pressing down on the Duchess of Sussex's neck ... who's laid down on the ground and struggling for air -- much like George Floyd last year.
The caption reads ... "POURQUOI MEGHAN A QUITTE BUCKINGHAM," which translates to "Why Meghan left Buckingham." There's a quote bubble coming from Meghan as well in the drawing, which roughly comes out to, "because I couldn't breathe anymore."
The message they're trying to communicate -- or so it seems -- is that Meghan felt smothered by Royal racism (headed up by the Queen). It turns out to be a swing and a miss -- 'cause folks aren't entertained.
Many are calling the magazine racist ... demanding they pull the new issue. While Charlie Hebdo pegs itself as a satire, a lot of people say this goes way too far -- mocking Floyd's death for cheap thrills. Not only that, but it's inaccurate ... according to Harry and Meghan.
Remember, Harry explicitly ruled out his grandmother and grandfather as the party who allegedly brought up skin color concerns as it pertained to Archie. There's a lot of speculation it was either Prince Charles or Prince William -- but the latter denied as much.
In any case ... Charlie Hebdo hasn't responded to the criticism.