Jesse Lally says his ex Michelle Saniei‘s romance with Dr. Dre came out of nowhere … claiming he doesn’t even think his former flame has ever listened to rap music!

“The Valley” star chatted with photographers in Los Angeles Tuesday … and, of course, the photos of Michelle holding hands with the hip hop legend came up.

Lally’s laughing the whole situation off … saying Michelle’s allowed to date whoever she wants — though he doesn’t think she’s super knowledgeable about rap music.

Lally’s got an interesting connection to Dr. Dre, though … the first cassette tape he purchased was an NWA record back in 1988 — the same year Saniei was born, he says.

Despite how happy he is for Michelle, Jesse does get serious … saying he worries about their 5-year-old daughter, Isabella — who he says had a tough time after Michelle and Aaron Nosler split.

So long as Michelle keeps putting their daughter first, Jesse says they’re all good.

As you know … Michelle was spotted leaving Nobu Malibu with Dre over the weekend — leading many to wonder what their relationship status might be.