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Dolphins star Xavien Howard knows a thing or two about tats -- dude's covered!! -- so here's the defensive back imparting his ink wisdom onto Ariana Grande.

The 25-year-old was out at the EA Sports Madden Bowl on Thursday when we broke the news to him that Ariana screwed up her hand tat ... TWICE.

ICYMI ... Grande tried to ink "7 Rings" onto her palm -- but left out a couple characters and got "Japanese BBQ Grill" instead. When she tried to fix it -- it got worse.

You can tell the whole drama pains Howard (something tells us he's been there before) ... but fear not, Ariana -- the NFL star has a plan for how to move on from the tattoo disaster.

"Just get it covered up with something else different. Just forget about the slogan for your album."

Translation ... better say "thank you, next" to this one.

Tekashi69 is hanging his 3-year-old daughter out to dry by diming out his fellow gang members to the feds ... this according to the mother of his child.

6ix9ine's ex-GF, Sara Molina, joined us on "TMZ Live" shortly after she was blindsided by the news the rapper pleaded guilty to 9 counts ... including racketeering, conspiracy, firearms offenses and narcotics trafficking.

As we reported, Tekashi spilled the beans to feds about how and why he got into the Nine Trey bloods ... and also named names of other gang members allegedly involved in a slew of crimes.

Sara says Tekashi's left behind yet another mess for her to clean up ... but she's especially worried, because she believes little Saraiyah is in danger. Sara says she'll protect her family at all costs, even if that it means keeping Saraiyah away from Dad. She makes no bones about it ... she won't allow Tekashi's baggage near her daughter.

One of Billy Joel's roadies says a Philadelphia concert was unforgettable -- not for "Piano Man" or "My Life" -- but because a part of the stage allegedly came crashing down on him.

Carl Anderson is suing Billy, claiming the singer is responsible for injuries he suffered back in September 2017 while working as a stage handler. According to the suit, he helped set up for Billy's gig at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies ... who are also getting sued.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Anderson says he was in the stage area when, out of nowhere, a scaffolding pipe fell and struck him ... leaving him with a herniated disc and severe nerve damage in his back and neck.

Anderson says the injuries cost him a bundle in medical bills, plus he lost wages and future earnings.

In the suit, he says Billy, the venue and the concert's promoter, Live Nation, were negligent in maintaining the stage equipment. He's suing all of the above, and the Phillies, for unspecified damages.

Kanye West handed over all his MAGA hats -- apparently boxes of 'em -- to his pal GLC, and according to the rapper Ye's never wearing it again ... but it wasn't all bad.

The G.O.O.D. Music rapper sat down for "The Red Pill Podcast with Van Lathan" and insists Kanye gave him his word he'll stop demonstrating his support for President Trump by wearing the hat. GLC says they had a convo about it a few weeks ago.

That's interesting ... because on New Year's Day, Kanye went on a pro-Trump rant that ended with him praising the MAGA hat and vowing to wear it when he performs from now on.

GLC suggests he's had a change of heart and although he seems pleased Kanye's decided to stop wearing it, he points out there was a major silver lining to his friend putting on the hat.

Watch ... we're thinking Kim Kardashian, Alice Marie Johnson and thousands of prisoners might agree.

10:20 AM PT -- We now have the transcript of Tekashi's plea hearing from last week, and he opens up about how he got involved in the criminal activity, and does a lot of snitching.

In court, he says he joined the Nine Trey Bloods in the fall of 2017 and in March 20, 2018 ... he admits helping members of the gang attempt to kill a rival to "increase my own standing in Nine Trey." Then on April 3, he says he, and other members, robbed a rival at gunpoint.

He got into the Chief Keef shooting ... saying in court, "I paid a person to shoot at a rival member of Nine Trey to scare him. The shooting took place in Manhattan. I did this to maintain or increase my own standing in Nine Trey." He admits knowing a fellow gang member was the trigger man.

Tekashi also admitted to selling a kilo of heroin in 2017 -- and offered an apology for all his crimes, saying ... "I apologize to the Court, to anyone who was hurt, to my family, friends and fans for what I have done and who I have let down."

Based on what we know, Tekashi has struck a plea deal which will increase the likelihood of a significantly reduced sentence in return for ongoing cooperation. Although the minimum sentence is 47 years, the way it typically works is the prosecution will ask for significantly less ... which is his incentive to keep singing like a canary.

The problem Tekashi faces ... by agreeing to cooperate for the next year -- while the prosecution dangles the carrot of a light sentence -- he's increasing the possibility someone will try to silence him.

BTW, he did indeed plead guilty to ALL 9 counts -- there was a discrepancy in the documents.

Tekashi69 appears to be striking a deal with the feds -- he's pleading guilty to 9 counts ... TMZ has learned.

Tekashi entered the plea on January 23 ... pleading guilty to the federal indictment. He copped to multiple counts of racketeering, conspiracy, firearms offenses and narcotics trafficking.

The rapper was initially indicted back in November ... and had been facing the possibility of life in prison. It's unclear what sentence he'll face now after entering the guilty pleas.

According to federal docs just unsealed this week, and obtained by TMZ, 6ix9ine was involved in dealing heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy, amphetamines and marijuana.

The feds say the conspiracy consisted of multiple acts of murder, robbery and extortion.

In docs, the feds refer to video TMZ first posted of Tekashi boldly offering, on camera, a $30,000 bounty for someone to shoot Chief Keef's cousin. According to the feds, he "aided and abetted the shooting at rivals of Nine Trey [Bloods gang] at a hotel in Times Square."

As you know, someone opened fire on Keef and his cousin back in June, in Times Square, just days after Tekashi's offer.

The unsealing of Tekashi's plea came just one day after 3 of his associates were also indicted. We broke the story ... law enforcement sources tell us Tekashi dropped a dime on the alleged trigger man in the Keef shooting.

6ix9ine's sentencing is scheduled for January 24, 2020.

Neal James -- known as "Banjo Man" on the popular Animal Planet series, "Call of the Wildman" -- has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

The Washington County Coroner's Office tells TMZ, James had been battling heart issues for years now. He died of natural causes at his Kentucky home.

James became a sensation on the reality show, due largely in part to his friendship with the show's star ... "The Turtleman" Ernie Brown Jr. He endeared himself to fans with his twangy voice, easy-going attitude, long beard and, of course, his banjo.

It wasn't long ago when James suffered a heart attack ... prompting him to take to YouTube and say he's "seen the other side" and it's beautiful, but he was in no hurry to get there. James thanked his friends, family and the medical community for helping him continue living.

Seems the ice has thawed between Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Donald Trump -- because Kraft just praised POTUS on live TV ... and thanked him for his support of the team in the Super Bowl.

Kraft appeared on "Fox & Friends" early Friday morning where was asked how he felt about Trump sending a congratulatory tweet to the Patriots following their big win in the AFC Championship game.

"We can use every fan who wants to support us from wherever they are in their standard of life," Kraft said.

When asked if he's spoken with Trump -- or gotten advice from the President -- Kraft continued to throw nice words Trump's way.

"I have a lot of people who give me advice and he's been very supportive and I know he's working very hard to serve the best interest of the country."

It's interesting considering the relationship between Kraft and Trump has been rocky over the past few years.

The two were VERY close for years but then clashed in April over Trump's handling of the Colin Kaepernick kneeling situation.

Remember, Trump called for NFL owners to fire any "son of a bitch" who doesn't stand for the anthem.

Kraft called Trump's statements "divisive" and "horrible."

But, it seems it's all water under the bridge now.

Makes us wonder if Trump is also repairing his relationship with Tom Brady -- who he was also very close with.

However, Gisele has become a very outspoken critic of Trump ever since he took office and Tom and Trump have seemingly had a falling out.

But now, with Trump publicly supporting Brady again ... it'll be interesting to see if Tom returns the love.

8:20 AM PT -- Jussie's broken his silence on his attack, stating ... "Let me start by saying that I'm OK. My body is strong but my soul is stronger." He then expressed thanks, saying ... "The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words."

As for the investigation, Smollett says he's working with authorities and has been 100 percent factual and consistent. He says, "Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe justice will be served."

Jussie also reiterated his family's statement -- these sorts of attacks are happening daily ... and his wasn't an isolated incident. He says he'll address the details of the "horrific incident" soon, but adds ... "Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love, It's all I know. And that can't be kicked out of me."

Jussie Smollett did not refuse to hand over phone records to cops ... rather, he didn't want to turn over his phone ... sources directly connected to Jussie tell TMZ.

The sources say cops "informally asked" Jussie if he would surrender his phone ... to verify he was talking to his manager on his cell when he was attacked. We're told he felt "uncomfortable" doing that and declined, but he was never asked about phone records. A Chicago police official had said Jussie refused to turn over both the phone and records. We're told Smollett has already said he will provide the records, and is in the process of gathering them.

The sources want to clear up 2 other points. First, there are reports that Jussie told cops his assailants were wearing MAGA hats. The sources underscore what TMZ first reported ... that Jussie never said the men were wearing the hats. Rather, they screamed "MAGA country."

And the last point ... there are reports that Jussie had the rope around his neck long after the incident when he was being treated at the hospital. We're told that is not the case. He did have the rope around his neck when cops arrived at his building 42 minutes after the incident. The sources say he kept it there to "preserve the evidence."

Halsey's relationship with her new rocker boyfriend doesn't look like a drag -- the 2 seem to be totally into each other ... even when they're just standing around smoking.

The singer was spotted out in WeHo Thursday night with British musician Yungblud, enjoying a cigarette and some PDA while they waited for their ride. We're told the couple had just left a dinner date at Jones Italian restaurant.

Halsey's been hanging with her slightly younger beau since at least November, shortly after breaking up with G-Eazy ... for the second time.

Kyle Richards is not down with Lisa Vanderpump calling her a bitch ... and now she's trying like hell to turn down the heat between them by clarifying her "Lisa drama" comment.

The 'RHOBH' star says she misunderstood a pap's question when, at first, she was reminded Lisa wasn't at Andy Cohen's baby shower before being asked if there was any drama. As we reported ... Kyle said there was drama and insinuated Lisa's absence might be her holding out to get paid.

As you know ... Lisa clapped back calling BS and, while holding one of her dogs, referred to Kyle -- and other Housewives -- as bitches. Well, Kyle's now firing back, saying, "It would be interesting to see how people would react if I called HER a bitch."

Kyle then clarified ... "When I was asked if there was drama at Andy’s shower I thought they were referring to something that happened AT the shower. Nothing to do with Lisa."

As for whether Lisa was holding out for money, Kyle says, "THEY asked if Lisa was holding out for money to attend the shower. OBVIOUSLY that is not true. I thought that was obvious so I joked."

Cardi B and Offset are showing all the signs of a couple deeply in love (all over again) ... sharing smiles and giggles on FaceTime.

Cardi touched down at LAX Thursday with a big grin on her face and her phone in hand. The person on the other end? Offset! Our photog spotted the Migos rapper on Cardi's screen and asked who it was ... Cardi's response ... "My significant other."

TMZ broke the story ... Cardi's planning on moving back in with Offset in their Atlanta home. She hasn't been back to the crib since December.

You'll remember, Cardi -- very publicly -- split with her husband at the end of 2018 ... but the couple has been on the mend ever since, celebrating Christmas together as a family and taking a wild ride in Puerto Rico.

Travis Scott might be in Atlanta prepping for the Super Bowl ... but his music is alive and well in L.A., thanks to A$AP Rocky and Drake.

A$AP played to a sold-out crowd at The Forum in Inglewood Thursday night, and his fans went nuts when Drizzy made a surprise appearance. Bringing out all-star guests isn't so unusual at hip-hop shows ... but, what was really shocking was the song they performed together -- Travis' "SICKO MODE."

You'll remember ... back in 2015, someone got it twisted and confused Travis with A$AP. Trav was PISSED and unleashed on the poor sap ... but if last night's show made it clear, there's no beef when it comes to Travis and A$AP.

Billy McFarland and Fyre Fest got nothing on this guy ... allegedly.

A Georgia man has vanished after cops say he ripped off friends and family members to the tune of more than $750,000 in a Super Bowl LIII ticket scam.

At least a dozen say Ketan Shah promised them primo seats to see the Patriots take on the Rams, and got a ton of money up front for those tickets ... but never delivered before going MIA. Cops say one alleged victim forked over $20k, and another gave him $500k.

Perhaps worst of all is a $36,000 payment Shah allegedly took -- from his own mother!! He also took out a half-million dollar loan against the digital printing shop he owns in Gwinnett County.

All the victims say Shah promised them 100 level seats, plus access to a concierge lounge and Super Bowl pre-parties. They're all getting bupkis.

BTW, Mama Shah wasn't having it ... she's among the alleged victims who dimed out Shah to cops. WSB in Atlanta first reported the scam, and says Shah's wife reported him missing in early January, and hasn't seen him since.

Bill Cosby isn't America's favorite dad anymore, but he's up there on the list of favorite prisoners at the State Correctional Institute Phoenix ... so says his spokesperson.

Andrew Wyatt tells TMZ ... he's visited Cosby at the Pennsylvania prison more than a dozen times, and whenever the disgraced TV father enters the visiting area, other inmates and their families shower him with cheers and applause.

We're told the adoration doesn't stop there -- one of the convicted sex offender's biggest supporters is a white, female correction staff officer who grew up watching "The Cosby Show."

Wyatt says the other guards are also very respectful -- they call him Mr. Cosby -- and the comedian often jokes around and regales them with stories ... especially of his days on "I Spy."

On top of getting the celeb treatment, we're told the other inmates and their visitors let Cosby know they think it's wrong he's locked up ... and blame a "corrupt" judge and DA in Montgomery County for his conviction.

Wyatt's statement to the media when Cosby was sentenced in September -- he called the trial "the most racist and sexist trial in the history of the United States" -- echo this sentiment.

Bebe Rexha walks into a Mexican joint and buys 50 shots of tequila ... no joke. Just how she celebrates life with friends and strangers.

The pop singer did exactly that Thursday night when she and her crew sauntered into the very popular restaurant El Compadre on Sunset Blvd. and got the booze flowing.

We're told she bought around 50 shots for the crowd and gave an inspiring toast ... "You have one life, and we live the f**king good life." Giddy up. Check out the video ... Bebe's also downing what looks like a tasty Compadre margarita before busting out a quick dance.

Elton John officially said it was a wrap for him forever Wednesday night at L.A.'s Staples Center, as he disappeared into the darkness.

Sir Elton told the crowd it was his last performance at the venue, meaning he may be one of the few artists who is really telling the truth about a "farewell tour."

Elton made it clear ... his children take priority over touring, and that's the way it's gonna be.

Now, here's the weird part ... he gets on what looks like a cross between a walker and a funicular and it creeps up a ramp and then disappears.