Post Malone at 2019 Grammys Supports 21 Savage Amid Protests ... Just Not on TV

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Post Malone is taking heat for seemingly avoiding the subject of 21 Savage's arrest and detainment during his Grammys performance -- but PM was definitely showing love ... ya just couldn't see it.

Post performed his hit song "Rockstar" Sunday during the award show -- which, of course, features 21 Savage. Thing is, Post didn't directly address Savage's situation during his stage time ... and appeared to avoid Savage's verse altogether.

Some folks thought PM was doing 21 dirty by not taking the opportunity to speak out for his fellow MC -- who's currently being detained by ICE for being in the country illegally.

While Post didn't shout out Savage on camera, he was spotted backstage wearing a 21 Savage t-shirt -- which was presumably on him during the"Rockstar" performance.

He joins a movement that was out in force in front of the Staples Center before showtime -- the #Free21Savage coalition ... which had people marching with signs in support of the Atlanta-based rapper.

Put away your claws, people ... Post's heart was in the right place here.

Young Thug Placed in Cuffs Before Grammys ... Still Makes the Show

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Young Thug nearly didn't make it to the Grammys after he got put in cuffs just hours beforehand -- but, luckily, he didn't find himself in a jail cell come showtime.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... YT and a group of guys riding in a van were pulled over early Sunday morning for a traffic violation in WeHo. We're told Young Thug and the other passengers were taken out of the car and handcuffed.

As you can see in this video, obtained by TMZ, they were lined up outside a McDonald's ... and, at one point, Thug also had his hands over his head.

Our sources tell us one of the men in the vehicle -- not Thug -- told police that he was in possession of a registered firearm, but upon further inspection ... cops found the gun wasn't registered in California, so the guy got arrested on the spot. Everyone else was cut loose.

It's a good thing YT was able to walk away from this relatively scot-free, 'cause he was part of the opening act later Sunday alongside Camila Cabello. Seeing how he's the featured artist on her song, "Havana" ... it was kinda important that he be there.

He also ended up winning his first Grammy ever for his contribution to Childish Gambino's "This Is America," which won Song of the Year. YT was one of many MCs who provided backing vocals for the track.

Phew ...

Michelle Obama Surprise Grammys Drop-In Met With Roaring Reception

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AIN'T OVER 'TIL THE FIRST LADY SINGS

Michelle Obama just rocked the house at the 2019 Grammy Awards -- and before she could even get four words out on the importance of music ... she was interrupted by cheers.

The former First Lady made a surprise appearance Sunday at the Grammys alongside Jada Pinkett-Smith, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and host Alicia Keys. After Jada discussed respecting everyone's voice in the music industry, Michelle took the mic ... but had a hard time getting her speech started 'cause people were losing their minds.

Eventually, after Michelle told folks to settle down, she talked about the wide ranging musical genres that got her through tough moments in life, and reiterated just how impactful music is to pretty much everyone.

In typical Obama fashion, Michelle sounded just as good as ever in her delivery ... and this reception proves she's still one of America's favorite people to hear from.

Tough act to follow, for sure.

Chris Cornell Kids Accept Posthumous Grammy ... On Dad's Behalf

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Chris Cornell won a Grammy Sunday nearly two years after his death ... and his children accepted it on his behalf with a heartfelt message about their father.

Cornell's two kids -- his son, Christopher, and his daughter, Toni -- took to the stage at Staples Center after their dad had been awarded the Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his song, "When Bad Does Good" ... his third Grammy win ever.

Christopher spoke first, reading from a statement that read in part ... "I never thought we'd be standing here without my dad. I'm sure he would be proud and honored. He was known for many things. He was a rock icon, the godfather of grunge and the creator of a movement."

Christopher added ... "While he touched the hearts of millions, most importantly he is known for to us is for being the greatest father in our ear."

His sister finished up the speech, saying ... "His voice was his vision and his music was his peace," adding ... "This is for you daddy and we love you so much." Chris' family walked the red carpet together before the show, and put on a united front for the cameras.

TMZ broke the story ... Chris was found dead in Detroit in 2017. A coroner ruled his death as a suicide by hanging.

He was 52.

Grammys 2019 Joy Villa's Back ... W/ Barbed Wire Trump Wall Dress

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It's Grammy season, which means we're due for another outlandish Joy Villa outfit to grace the red carpet ... this time, she's here dressed as President Trump's border wall.

The alt-rock singer -- who's super conservative -- showed up to the Staples Center Sunday ahead of the big show wearing a silver "build the wall" gown, complete with faux barbed wire on her shoulders and a spiked crown on her head. Lady Liberty would be ... proud?

Joy told reporters that her 'BTW' ensemble was custom made by Designers Allinger of Desi Designs -- and, of course, she wore it to make a political statement, per usual. If her "steel" colored dress didn't tell you that ... her MAGA handbag hits the point home.

This isn't Joy's first rodeo with right-leaning outfits. She showed up to last year's Grammys wearing a pro-life dress, which also had an on-the-nose accessory.

Her 2018 fashion choice was apparently a big hit with DT's fam ... Joy told us that Eric Trump's wife, Lara, gave her rave reviews ... calling her dress "stunning."

Considering Joy has been rockin' MAGA gear to the Grammys since at least 2017, something tells us this is gonna be an ongoing thing as long as Trump's in office.

Hey, at least she's consistent.

'Stargate' Actor Carmen Argenziano Dead at 75

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Carmen Argenziano -- who's perhaps best known from "Stargate SG-1" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Argenziano passed away Sunday, according to his personal appearance agency, Event Horizon Talent. His agent, who books him for conventions, confirms to TMZ that Argenziano had, in fact, died ... but the circumstances of his death remain unclear for now.

The Pennsylvania-born actor has starred in tons of TV shows and movies over the course of his 5-decade career, including "The Rockford Files," "Lou Grant," "Heartbeat," "Booker," "L.A. Law," "Melrose Place," "Sisters," "CSI: NY," "The Young and the Restless" and, of course, 'SG-1' ... where he played Jacob Carter from 1998 to 2005.

Argenziano also has lots of smaller roles in big productions like "Columbo," "Police Story," "The Godfather: Part II," "CHiPs," "The Greatest American Hero," "The A-Team," "Cheers," "Crime & Punishment," "ER," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "House" ... and many, many more. The man has 227 acting credits to his name on IMDb.

Argenziano is survived by his children.

He was 75.

RIP

Soulja Boy What's Gucci? Not Gucci I'm Totally Done with the Brand

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CUTTING ALL TIES

12:40 PM PT -- Dapper Dan -- a Harlem-based fashion designer, who was recently at the center of a separate Gucci controversy -- says he is meeting with Gucci's CEO this week to discuss the company's blackface scandal. DD says there's no excuse for how Gucci's Balaclava knit top was greenlit, and he promises to hold "everyone accountable."

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Dapper Dan is credited with turning Gucci into popular sportswear and streetwear for athletes and rappers. He's outfitted celebs like Run-DMC, Floyd Mayweather ... and even Beyonce has worn his designs. Gucci was accused of ripping him off in 2017, and after some backlash ... they partnered up with him.

Soulja Boy is kicking Gucci to the curb after its blackface scandal -- and considering how much he's repped 'em and spent on them ... this is really bad for business.

Young Drako was leaving Fendi in Bev Hills Saturday with Ray J and a posse of people behind him, when we asked him if he'd be disavowing the luxury fashion brand in the wake of their disastrous decision to hawk a sweater that greatly resembled blackface.

It's an easy choice for Soulja -- he says he's done with Gucci and is giving away all his Gucci gear ... which is kind of a big deal since he's usually a walking billboard for the company. Just last month, SB was wearing a very prominent Gucci headband during his viral 'Breakfast Club' interview ... and has been sporting the brand continuously for years now.

Here's what really sucks for Gucci ... Soulja says he's dropped upwards of a million-plus dollars on Gucci garments, so they're losing one of their best customers. Unless, of course, they do what Soulja's asking for here ... which will call for some serious $$$ to be handed out.

If that doesn't happen ... it sounds like there'll be a lot of less fortunate people who could be coming up on some new Gucci wear. Assuming they still want it at this point.

Originally Published -- 11:10 AM PST

R. Kelly Concerts Still a Hot Ticket ... In Germany

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R. Kelly shows might be poison for ticket vendors in the U.S., but in Germany he's still so popular ... he's upgrading to bigger gigs.

We broke the story ... the singer's slated to perform a few concerts this spring in Deutschland, and he's being booked despite heavy backlash in the States following Lifetime's "Surviving R. Kelly."

Turns out Kelly's scheduled show in Ludwigsburg on April 12 is a hot ticket ... so much so it got bumped to a bigger venue. A rep for the original location -- MHP Arena, which has a capacity of 7,200 for concerts -- tells TMZ it was moved to a higher capacity spot in Sindelfingen 2 weeks ago, but got relocated again recently to Ratiopharm Arena in Neu-Ulm.

That venue holds 9,000 people and is about 75 miles away from Ludwigsburg.

As for whether Ratiopharm's worried over hosting an R. Kelly concert, it acknowledged organizers struggled but ultimately decided it believed in the court of law more than the court of public opinion.

The arena spokesperson adds, if facts change before the show, it has made contractual arrangements to cancel if need be.

As we reported ... Kelly's under investigation in Fulton County, GA and there's a potential for criminal cases in Illinois. There's also been a movement to mute the singer, with many musicians pulling their collabs with him online.

In Germany though, for now ... the show will go on.

Jennifer Aniston Brad Pitt Attends Big 5-0 ... No Hard Feelings

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Jennifer Aniston is turning 50, and what better way to celebrate than inviting your ex-hubby Brad Pitt to the shindig?

It's kinda a big deal ... because their 5-year marriage fell apart when he hooked up with Angelina Jolie and eventually married her.

Brad snaked around most of the paparazzi Saturday night at the Sunset Tower hotel on the Sunset Strip but you see him from behind as he enters the building. BTW, it's Jen's favorite spot in town ... she's there all the time and, in case you're interested, loves the chicken salad.

Brad was in a holy custody war with Angelina, but this doesn't seem to be a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." From all appearances, Brad and Jen remained on friendly terms.

A bunch of other celebs showed up, including Robert Downey, Jr., Reese Witherspoon, Rande Gerber, Pharrell Williams, Keith Richards, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, George and Amal Clooney, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Barbra Streisand and many others.

BTW ... Brad used to date Gwyneth, so he knew the room!

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CRAWLING WITH CELEBS

Jen turns 50 on Monday. Happy BD!!!

Chrissy and John AOC's Too Busy for Margherita-Ville ... On Grammys Night

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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend don't seem to be holding out much hope Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will chow down on pizza with them on Grammys night.

John and Crissy were on their way into Spago Saturday night in Bev Hills, when our photog asked about their overture to AOC ... where the Mayor of Twitter said, "hello my hero, do you wanna come over and watch the grammys with us? there will be pizza."

AOC responded and didn't say no, tweeting back, "yes! we can live-tweet me burning something in the kitchen."

Chrissy and John seem to telegraph AOC's got other stuff to do. Well, maybe they'll FaceTime each other burning crust!

Halsey on 'SNL' The Writing's On the Wall ... G-Eazy Cheated on Me?

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Halsey may have put her ex, G-Eazy, on national blast Saturday night on 'SNL.'

She performed "Without Me" during the show and the wall behind her revealed huge letters that said, "Ashley, I cheated." Halsey's guv name is Ashley.

It could be random, but she had to know people would assume she's referring to her ex, with whom she had a turbulent relationship during the year they were together.

There were lots of rumors she broke up with him over cheating, but she never opened up, once saying, "The biggest lesson I learned was to make art, not headlines ... because it can become quite easy, in the social media generation, to go from being a musician to becoming a personality."

That said, it seems she's playing to the social media generation, because people scrambled to twitter to decipher, and most say it's about cheating.

Halsey is now dating the British artist, Yungblud.

Meek Mill An Uber Rolled into My Rolls!!!

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Meek Mill had an expensive Saturday night after his Rolls-Royce Phantom got nailed in a crash with an Uber.

Meek was rolling up to Delilah in WeHo at around 1:30 AM Sunday, riding shotgun when the Rolls pulled up to the curb. We're told it was moving forward slowly as the black SUV was in reverse and the cars hit. It's gonna be an expensive proposition ... a fender replacement on a $450,000 whip costs a fortune.

Someone called the cops, info was exchanged and no one was ticketed.

Here's the funny part ... the Uber driver didn't have a clue who Meek was.

And, speaking of Meek ... we asked about 21 Savage because there are parallels between Meek's case and 21 ... but mum was the world.

Drake Get In My Feelings ... By Getting in My Rhyme Book!!!

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Before there was Drake, there was Aubrey Graham -- who was hard at work putting pen to paper before he ever blew up as a rapper ... and now you can buy his old flows for tens of thousands.

A notebook owned by Drizzy between 2002 and 2005 is going up for sale through the memorabilia company Moments in Time -- and they're hawking this treasure for a hefty price tag of $32,500.

The notebook was found in a dumpster near Drake's grandpa's old furniture factory in Toronto, where Drake used to work. It also features his signature, so this thing's legit.

The price might sound steep, but trust us ... there's good content in here that's worth every penny. We're told this particular notebook features 20-25 pages of verses, full songs, and random musings by the hip-hop legend during his 'Degrassi' days.

In fact, there are tons of insights into how a young Champagne Papi viewed and dealt with women in those days. It's got lyrics like ...

Girls lie and you make it evident you affected

Up north / Drake is the president I’m respected

But I’m a liar due to the evidence you collected

From chicks in my crew / to chicks beside you

Cashiers at the drive through / them hoes lie too

Check it out ... it doesn't sound like a whole lot has changed in the ladies department. But, he's definitely gotten better at rhyming. That much is for sure.

'What Are Those' Meme Creator Accidentally OD'd Cocaine, Ecstasy, Codeine Found in His System

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Brandon Moore -- the man who created the viral "what are those" meme -- died after a night of ingesting a bunch of drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy ... TMZ has learned.

According to the Contra Costa County Coroner's report ... the exact cause of death was polypharmacy -- meaning he died as a result of ingesting multiple drugs. The coroner says Moore's blood tested positive for cocaine, morphine, codeine, methamphetamines and ecstasy.

What's more ... the report says Moore's wife, Noonie, told authorities he drank and possibly ingested cocaine the night before he was found dead. According to the report, there's no evidence to suggest Moore ingested the drugs with the intent to harm himself ... and lists the death as an accidental overdose.

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As we reported ... Brandon's wife told us his heart stopped while he was sleeping in their Northern California home ... and now we know why.

The internet comedian, known as Young Busco, made a huge splash in 2015 after mocking a police officer's shoes as a joke. You'll recall, while his friend was being arrested, Brandon joked about the cop's clunky boots, saying, "What are those?"

The meme caught fire online ... and the catchphrase even appeared in "Black Panther." Michael Jordan was also jokingly asked, "What are those?" during a Q&A session at a basketball camp.

Brandon, who was a father of 9, was 31.

2019 Grammys $pending Extra for Security ... Metal Detectors Required

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Honchos in charge of the Grammys this year aren't taking any chances, dropping extra cash to beef up security ... while keeping an eye out for any potentially troublesome beefs.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the 61st Annual Grammy Awards -- going down at the Staples Center Sunday night -- is covering the cost of hiring more than 50 officers to ensure everyone's safety at the event.

We're told there will also be extra fire inspectors and ambulances on hand in case of emergencies, and all in all ... it's spending about six figures for the added protection.

On top of that, our sources say ALL attendees -- regardless of celebrity status -- will be required to go through metal detectors to get in. And, even if a musician has their own bodyguard with a permit to carry a concealed weapon, their firearms won't be allowed inside -- cops only.

We're told Grammys personnel has also made police aware of any potential conflicts among the talent. We didn't get examples, but in a year where Cardi B threw a shoe at Nicki Minaj ... it's good to keep an eye out.

Of course, there's also recent beef between Chris Brown and Offset, but no word if they'll both be there.

Our sources add no threats have been reported -- the increased security measures at the Grammys are simply to make sure everyone has a good time ... and nobody gets hurt.

Lamar Odom You Down With CBD?! ... Yeah, You Know Me!!!

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Lamar Odom is joining a TON of big athletes getting into the green industry -- he's launching his own line of CBD vape pens, TMZ Sports has learned.

The ex-NBA star credits marijuana and CBD for helping him recover from the 12 strokes and 6 heart attacks he suffered after his 2015 drug overdose in Nevada ... and feels other people can benefit too.

Hence the new Odom pen.

The marijuana/hemp biz is becoming hugely popular with celebrity investors -- big stars like Joe Montana, Al Harrington and Mike Tyson are making big moves in the space.

Odom clearly sees real opportunity and we're told he's already getting solid feedback resulting in huge pre-orders.

We're told the Odom vape pen -- released by Five Star Juice -- will be officially announced at the big Tobacco Plus Expo in Vegas next week ... and then it's on to the national market.