Top Dawg Entertainment’s annual Christmas Concert was once again the talk of the city of Watts with plenty of gifts and cheers being distributed … and performances from several of the biggest artists, EVER!!!

TMZ Hip Hop was live and direct inside the renowned Nickerson Gardens housing projects once again to take in the festivities, which included blockbuster performances.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA shut down the evening, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg spread “California Love,” and R&B sensation Mario performed “Let Me Love You.”

James Franco made a rare public appearance, popping up in Hollywood for his new play — “Desert Films” — and his fans hardly knew what to do!

The experimental stage project explores the idea of fame by blending true crime, noir, film, and live performance. Sounds pretty ambitious, but it looks like it was worth the effort.

In an Instagram post, one theatergoer called the production “brilliant,” writing … “Major props to James Franco for pulling back the curtain on Hollywood and Film & TV with honesty and edge through LIVE theatre. Here’s hoping ‘Desert Films’ has many more runs ahead.”

A crazed man went on a public rampage in Taipei, Taiwan Friday, leaving at least 3 people dead and multiple people injured Friday … and video shows the terrifying street scene.

Watch the video … an unidentified man wearing black clothing crouched down in a Taipei intersection, opens a backpack and started tossing smoke grenades, causing confusion near a train station. Then he pulls out a long knife and trots over to a sidewalk, where he begins stabbing and swinging at pedestrians … then makes his way into the front entrance of a building.

The panicked crowd on the sidewalk scatters, and people inside the building begin streaming out the doors moments after the attacker runs inside.

Reuters reports the suspect died after falling from a building being chased by police. The suspect was not publicly identified, but officials said he had a criminal record and outstanding warrants. His house was in the process of being searched Friday night local time.