PnB Rock Cops Alert Pawn Shops Stolen Jewelry Could Lead to Killer

Detectives from the LAPD are working around the clock to track down PnB Rock's killer, even alerting local pawn shops to keep an eye out for the jewelry stolen off the rapper's neck.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... investigators are confident they'll make an arrest, and have spoken with those close to PnB to determine exactly what type of jewelry he was wearing at the time of his murder.

We're told investigators contacted numerous pawn shops in the area, asking them to alert cops if anyone tries to make a buck off the stolen pieces. The theory is that the murderer would want to get rid of the jewelry quick ... otherwise, it would directly link him to the crime.

Our sources say detectives believe the suspect targeted PnB because of social media posts. The rapper shared a video of himself wearing several expensive chains, and his girlfriend, Steph Sibounheuang, shared their location just before the shooting.

What's more, we're told the entire crime was captured on surveillance ... though sources inside the restaurant tell us that footage is blurry. Cops have been canvassing the area for other cameras, and are working to identify a possible getaway vehicle.

Our law enforcement sources say the killer was wearing a mask at the time of the shooting.

TMZ broke the story, PnB and Steph were eating lunch Monday when the killer entered the restaurant, walked straight to PnB and demanded his jewelry. The rapper was shot multiple times, and rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

PnB Rock Murder Roscoe's Chicken Open for Biz ... 24 Hours After Shooting

Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles finds itself in a tough spot 24 hours after PnB Rock's murder -- it's a crisis many businesses are facing amid a violent crime wave -- when and how to resume normal operations.

The South L.A. location where the rapper was killed is open for business Tuesday, and these pics from inside show some employees working, clearing empty plates from tables. We're told the restaurant was fully functioning and had been cleaned after Monday's shooting, but understandably, there aren't many customers sitting down to eat.

What's more, we're told employees who were working during the shooting were given the day off.

TMZ broke the story, PnB was eating inside the restaurant with his girlfriend, Steph Sibounheuang, when the suspect entered, targeting the rapper for his jewelry and opening fire.

Prior to the shooting, PnB's girlfriend posted a photo of the couple's meal with their location ... and earlier in the day, PnB posted a video of himself wearing the jewelry.

PnB was rushed to a local hospital, but died from his injuries. There has not yet been an arrest made in the case and cops continue to chase down leads.

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THE TRAGIC INCIDENT

He was only 30.

'Slutty Vegan' Owner Most People Want to Eat Healthy ... My Restaurants Help 'Em Do That!!!

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GREAT FOOD, GREATER MISSION
TMZ.com

"Slutty Vegan" founder Pinky Cole is serious about giving Black people, and all people in underdeveloped communities, better access to healthy food ... which is why folks are lining up for her very unique dining experience.

The restaurant owner joined "TMZ Live" ahead of her plant-based burger joint's grand opening in Brooklyn, NY -- which will be her 7th location, after launching with a single food truck in Atlanta.

Pinky tells us, she went vegan back in 2014, and noticed it got even more trendy once Beyoncé opened up about temporarily turning away from meat. Her business model? Make vegan food more enjoyable -- adding an experience to the nutritional value.

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The name itself shows the creativity and inclination to attract all kinds of folks ... she merged two pleasurable things: sex and food!

Now, Pinky says she's expanding -- even more than the Brooklyn location -- and focusing on Black and brown communities ... sometimes right in the middle of gentrified neighborhoods.

Her main goal is to show folks how to reimagine food and eat healthy ... while giving access to great options.

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Pinky seems super hopeful her restaurant will be the perfect way to help folks live healthier. She says 90% of the customers aren't vegan ... they're meat-eaters who simply want to get their grub on.

It doesn't seem like she'll have a problem getting folks lined up at her new Brooklyn location, and she certainly has one big fan already!

PNB ROCK Shot In Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles Rushed to Hospital

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AFTER THE INCIDENT

Rapper PnB Rock was shot while dining with his girlfriend at a Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles restaurant ... and video shows him fighting for his life.

The shooting just happened, with restaurant employees in a panic as the rapper lay on the floor. Law enforcement sources say they got a call to the restaurant at 1:23 in the afternoon for a shooting victim.

The video shows Rock still moving, but it's possible he may have taken a turn for the worse.

We don't yet have any info on the shooter, but we know PnB was there dining with his girlfriend, Steph, who posted a photo of their meal. A source connected to the restaurant tells TMZ ... it appears the shooter targeted PnB, because no one else was shot or assaulted, and there were plenty of people eating inside the restaurant.

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BEFORE THE SHOOTING
Instagram / @pnbrock

Our source adds it appears the shooter took jewelry off PnB and then fled. PnB had previously posted video of himself wearing several diamond/silver chains.

We're told there's surveillance cameras inside the restaurant, so it may help police apprehend the shooter.

Rock is originally from Philly, but calls L.A. home. He released his debut mixtape in June 2014, and in 2015 signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. In 2016, Rolling Stone named PnB on the list of "10 New Artists You Need to Know."

We don't know his current condition.

Rams Vs. Bills Protester Dragged Off Field ... For Interrupting Game W/ Pink Flare

The L.A. Rams and Buffalo Bills' season opener nearly went up in smoke on Thursday ... when protesters rushed the field with a pink flare -- with one being dragged off by security.

Two women somehow found their way onto the field during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium ... as many in the sold-out crowd whipped their phones out to record the debacle.

Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho was one of them -- and you can see in his footage one of the two women was holding up a pink smoke bomb while racing down the field like a running back.

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STEALING THE SHOW
Twitter/@EmmanuelAcho

SoFi security quickly caught up to her and tackled her to the ground -- right in front of the Bills' defensive huddle -- before hauling her away.

The protesters wore a RightToRescue.com shirt, which is a website that claims to help "the whistleblowers facing prison time for exposing factory farm abuses and rescuing suffering animals."

Direct Action Everywhere took responsibility for the protest and released a statement saying the two women were there to bring awareness to the upcoming trial of Smithfield Foods factory farm whistleblowers.

"The protest aims to shine a light on what DxE calls a landmark trial for animal rights, food justice and free speech, and more broadly, on the entire animal agricultural industry, which DxE says is inherently abusive and exploitative."

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BRAWLING IN THE STREETS
Twitter/@EmmanuelAcho

That wasn't the only wild scene of opening night -- Rams and Bills fans got into a fight after the game ... right in front of Acho and ex-NFL star LeSean McCoy.

Virginia Restaurant Apologizes For 9/11 Themed Menu... 'Freedom Flounder,' '9/11 Oysters' & 'Pentagon Pie'

UPDATE

11:25 AM PT -- The 9/11 menu has been changed to a football theme ... featuring 'Champs Chowder,' 'Fumble Flounder,' and 'Hot Defense' crab dip.

UPDATE

A Virginia restaurant is doing some serious damage control after releasing a 9/11-themed seafood menu with items named after markers of the attack.

The Clubhouse restaurant came under fire Tuesday after manager George White posted the 'Patriot Day 2022' menu to Facebook with dishes that included a 'Freedom Flounder', 'Flight 93 Redirect' Crab Dip, 'Pentagon Pie,' '9-11 Oysters,' 'First Responder Flatbread' and the '2977 Chowder' -- a nod to the number of people who died on 9/11.

The 21st anniversary of the attack is Sunday, so it appears the restaurant thought the menu would act as a way to honor the victims ... but it clearly missed the mark.

White apologized shortly after, "I apologize for those I offended with the 9/11 seafood Sunday post. My intention was to bring attention to that horrific day 21 years ago. To honor those who lost so much as well those who gave everything that day. We will have a new theme tomorrow."

The Clubhouse still hasn't announced the new theme.

J Lo and Ben Lucky in Love, Unlucky in Hoops!!!

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STICK TO THE BIG SCREEN
TMZ.com

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez hit up the annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off Sunday, and try as they might ... they walked away empty-handed after a game of hoops.

The newly-blended fam were all the buzz at the shindig ... with twins Max and Emme in tow -- and they stopped at the hoops game. Ben's a sports nut, so you'd think he might score a basket or even 2, but he tried 4 times, fully suffering from empty net syndrome.

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CHILI DATE NIGHT
TMZ.com

J Lo stepped in, and although she's a triple threat with singing, dancing and acting, she shot her shot 3 times and failed.

They're back from their second honeymoon, and getting back to "normal" life by going to a carnival in the sweltering L.A. heat ... 100 degrees plus in many areas, and Malibu was no exception.

The Cook-Off is a tradition in the Bu ... attracting Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Donald Faison, Jack Osbourne, Evan Ross, Lana Del Rey and Amanda Bynes.

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WHO KILLED MJ?

The Kardashians represented with Psalm, Chicago and True ... looks like Khloe brought them and was hanging on the beach with the brood, including North.

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SENT INTO STAMPEDE
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There was a scare ... as day became night, there was a stampede after someone screamed someone was shooting a gun. Turned out not to be true, but it was scary nonetheless.

Malibu Chili Cook-Off Celebs Flock to The Annual Shindig ... Interrupted by Stampede

It's that time of year again -- when people bring out their best baked beans and ground beef in the ritzy neighborhood of Malibu ... with A-listers all around, and 2022 being no exception.

Some of Hollywood's most famous faces were in attendance for the annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off Festival ... including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Donald Faison, Jack Osbourne, Evan Ross, Lana Del Rey and Amanda Bynes.

There was Kardashian representation too ... at least 3 of the kiddos were there with what appeared to be nannies. Psalm, Chicago and True were photographed on the scene.

Khloe might've actually been with them here ... she was spotted hitting the beach with this bunch, plus other nieces and nephews of hers -- including North, who got in the water.

Anyhoo, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in the hot L.A. sun -- that is, until nightfall ... when a crazy stampede broke out and cause a massive panic as people ran to flee the grounds. It was pretty scary ... and it all stemmed from someone reportedly saying there was a gun and/or shooting afoot.

That turned out to be complete BS ... cops say there was no evidence of firearms or a shooting of any kind that day -- and suspect it might've been a prank by teenagers.

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BACKGRID

Luckily, nobody was hurt in the chaos -- and least not seriously -- and it was back to fun times on Sunday, with more people trickling in ... celebs and otherwise.

Looks like everyone's enjoying their Labor Day weekend ... stay safe out there.

Ex-White House Chef Andre Rush New Mission to Prevent Veteran Suicides ... 2,222 Push-Ups at a Time!!!

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ONE PUSH-UP AT A TIME
TMZ.com

Andre Rush's been a White House chef and successful author, but now he's dedicating himself to connecting with fellow veterans to reduce that community's alarming suicide rate.

Andre joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to talk about his work with the BourBiz Network ... a nonprofit that aims to help military vets adapt and thrive in the civilian world. He's so committed to this mission that he starts each day with an incredible physical feat.

You've probably heard the sobering statistic -- 22 vets die by suicide every day ... and Andre says that's why he's made it a point to do 2,222 push-ups every day as a show of support, and to remind himself why his mission is so necessary.

He told us how long this takes him, and let's just say no one could ever question his dedication. Andre says the outpouring of support and appreciation he gets at speaking engagements makes it all worthwhile.

Andre served his time in the US army in the '90s and during the Iraq war. Eventually, he worked his way to the White House as a chef ... and has since had a successful career.

Right now, he's filming a new cooking show called "Chef In the City," and while he didn't want to give up all the details just yet ... he dished up a great tease for us.

As for his work with BourBiz ... Andre says his ultimate goal is to give vets resources and educate them about post-military challenges and mental health.

The author of "Call Me Chef, Dammit!: A Veteran’s Journey from the Rural South to the White House” knows what he speaks.

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

NFL's Sauce Gardner I Got My Own Sauce!!! ... With New BWW Deal

Sauce Gardner is really living up to his name ... 'cause the star NFL rookie just signed a deal with Buffalo Wild Wings -- with his very own "Sauce sauce!!"

The New York Jets cornerback and the sports restaurant franchise made the announcement on Monday ... showing Gardner rockin' a BWW jacket and saying how he LOVES to put sauce on literally everything.

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"Sauce on wings, pizza, sandwiches," Gardner says. "Even sauce on sauce".

That's when out of nowhere, Gardner hilariously starts pouring sauce out of a bottle similar to his custom VVS diamond sauce pendant he copped from Al The Jeweler.

Of course, the sauce coming out of the blinged-out bottle is probably some commercial magic -- but it's still dope!

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SAUCY ICE

"Our partnership was meant to be," Gardner told CBS Sports about the new deal.

"It is natural. I have my sauce, it is a smoky, sweet, and spicy barbecue. It has its own personality, just like me."

Gardner -- the 4th overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft -- will release his new dressing on September 1 at a "Signed With Sauce" event in New Jersey.

"I think I am the only person with my own sauce," Gardner said, "The fact that it is able to be called 'Sauce Sauce,' it really is my sauce. It is just a blessing, man."

Nebraska commit Decoldest Crawford may have the air conditioning promo ... but Sauce on Sauce might be the coolest.

Browns Player Wasn't Holding Weed ... It's Sunflower Seeds!!!

Sorry to kill all the fun, but Cleveland Browns player Martin Emerson, Jr. was NOT walking around with a bunch of weed during Saturday's preseason game ... as it turns out, it was a bag of sunflower seeds.

Shocker, right?!

Of course, some folks and/or trolls on Twitter tried to take a grainy picture of the Browns vs. Chicago Bears broadcast ... and play it off like Emerson was holding a bag of weed on the bench.

The pic quickly made rounds on social media ... with users cracking their "typical Browns" jokes for retweets and favorites, and playing it off like the players were getting ready to toke.

But, one intrepid account decided to find a much clearer image of the alleged weed ... and yeah, it's definitely a bag of seeds.

If you don't believe your eyes, our sources confirm it's not marijuana and there were several players clearly chewing in the same clip that made its rounds online.

FWIW, the NFL has softened its stance on weed recently ... but sunflower seeds, however, are not banned.

Carry on.

Harry Styles Stops MSG Show ... Who's Throwing Nuggets???

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NUGGETS OUTTA NOWHERE!
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Harry Styles is the latest musician to fall victim to rowdy crowds who let it fly at concerts -- only this time, he handled it a little differently than how some have lately ... with humor.

The singer was performing at Madison Square Garden Saturday night in NYC, and at some point in his set ... he pumped the brakes on the show and addressed some thrown objects onstage. Specifically, a couple of chicken nuggets.

Watch ... HS seems kinda entertained by the fact someone chucked at least two of these at his feet, calling it a clever ploy to get his attention. He then asks the audience, who threw it?

It sounds like Harry might've actually identified the culprit ... 'cause he ended up throwing at least one nugget back. Before that though, he noted that he doesn't actually eat 'em -- 'cause he doesn't eat meat at all ... despite the concertgoers chanting for him to do.

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Harry has a little banter with the alleged thrower ... joking with them that he can get 'em a new nugget. It made for about a minute of pause, and he handled it gracefully in the end -- although, something tells us he might've actually been a bit irked by the interruption.

Again, he's the most recent performer to have to deal with stage crashers ... be it through tossed items or just outright ambushes. Kid Cudi completely pulled the plug at a recent performance of his for something similar ... but that object packed a little more oomph.

Valerie Bertinelli Serious 'Home Cooking' Pays Off ... Lands Buyer for L.A. Pad!!!

Valerie Bertinelli is super close to selling her Los Angeles home ... 'cause she's secured a buyer, who's in line to whip up some killer recipes once they move in.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... the actress is getting rid of her house in Laurel Hills, and she's selling it for $2.9 million. The 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom pad was recently updated and comes with some really nice features.

The interior is beautiful with a modern feel. It's got recessed lighting throughout, vaulted ceilings and gorgeous doors.

The true star of the house, though, has got to be the kitchen. Seriously ... it's a TV star, of sorts. Valerie whipped up all kinds of dishes here during the last 3 seasons of her Food Network show, "Valerie's Home Cooking."

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BRITNEY'S SUCCESSES AND STRUGGLES

If you step outside, you'll find a private backyard with a fire pit and built-in seating.

Of course, there's the obligatory gorgeous pool for relaxing. Hey, it's L.A., baby!

The home went under contract on August 10, so the sale isn't final just yet.

Renee Ogiens and Emily Trebek at Compass have the listing.

James Harden Tosses (Fake?!) Bday Cake Into Ocean ... During Yacht Party

James Harden's yacht birthday party literally takes the cake -- takes the cake and throws the whole 4-tier dessert overboard -- during the NBA star's wild bday celebration!

The Philadelphia Sixers guard was caught on video partying with his friends and family on a yacht this week in Marina Del Rey in California, celebrating his 33rd birthday.

Everyone was taking photos of Harden, dressed in all white, holding the large cake near the side rail of the yacht, when out of nowhere, he tossed the dessert overboard.

The party DJ was in complete shock ... saying on the mic, "Happy Birthday -- oh my God!"

But, was it real?! The cake's large, and while Harden is obviously a big, strong, world-class athlete, the cake seems awfully light! So, likely fake, but still super funny.

Thankfully, the fun didn't stop when the cake departed the boat ... Harden even showed off his "sexy" dance moves in front of the camera to Pretty Ricky's 'On The Hotline'.

There was also a cool ice sculpture of Harden aboard the yacht.

Harden and his guests celebrated the big 3-3 by sipping on Tequila Diamante, according to the party drink menu. They also enjoyed JH's new vino, J-Harden Wines.

Without further adieu, Harden's rendition of "Cake By The Ocean" -- Happy Birthday, James!

Mattel Sues Snack Co. Over Nicki Minaj Chips ... 'Barbie-Que' Not Sitting Right With Them

Mattel is taking a snack company to court over a Nicki Minaj-themed chip that shares the name with everyone's favorite plastic doll.

Legal docs, obtained by TMZ, show Mattel filed a lawsuit in L.A. federal court last week against snack brand Rap Snacks ... claiming they "made the deliberate and calculated choice to launch a new product line using Mattel's famous BARBIE trademark."

Nicki is not being sued.

Rap Snacks recently launched its new "Barbie-Que Honey Truffle Chips" -- with Nicki front and center on the packaging. For those unaware, Nicki's known for calling herself a "Barbie" in her music, with her fanbase even being known as "The Barbz."

Mattel's claiming they weren't approached by the snack company prior to releasing their latest flavor ... and even tried to reach out to them to come to an agreement.

However, they say Rap Snacks "refused to cease use of the BARBIE trademark and issued no corrective advertising, thereby forcing Mattel to bring this lawsuit as a last resort to protect its rights and prevent further consumer confusion."

The company's seeking to stop the company from using its name and trademark, as well as damages.

Capri Sun Thousands of Pouches Recalled ... Possible Cleaning Solution Contamination

Capri Sun is working overtime to recall thousands of the popular juice pouches for possible contamination.

Kraft Heinz -- which manufactures the child-centric drink -- has issued an official recall of 5,760 cases of Capri Sun that they say might be contaminated with a cleaning solution used at one of their production plants, which could've gotten into the product.

According to KH ... the problematic batch in question is tied to their Wild Cherry flavor, and it's hard to tell where exactly the possibly contaminated cases might've gone.

Reports of consumers complaining about the taste supposedly prompted an investigation, so Kraft is pumping the brakes, and telling their customers to refrain from poking into any of the cherry Capri Suns for a bit, while they try to wrangle 'em in.

Kraft says *if* cleaning solution did make it in, it was totally inadvertent.

Customers can return any problematic cases to point of purchase for refunds.