- Artist: Jay-Z
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1269&vid=599917
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Rihanna Opens American Music Awards With Island Flavor
Loud singer belts 'Love the Way You Lie Part II,' 'What's My Name?' and 'Only Girl in the World,' in nine-minute long set.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Rihanna performs at the American Music Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/DCP
Days after dropping her fifth disc, Loud, Rihanna made a flamboyant statement at the American Music Awards on Sunday night (November 21).
Although the Barbadian singer, who was also nominated for Favorite Female Artist, recently admitted to MTV News that kicking off the show "is a lot of pressure," the flame-haired songstress handled awards-show opening duties with aplomb and her typical sassy energy.
The singer opened the performance a cappella with "Love the Way You Lie Part II," perched on a stylized tree hovering above a field of sable-colored blades of grass. After plummeting from the "tree," which was actually a glowing spiked set piece, she emerged from plumes of fog and busted into "What's My Name?" A lightning-quick costume change revealed her in a black-and-white bra top and boy shorts, her red hair twisted into tight curls as she gyrated to the beat of the calypso-tinged jam. She belted the track solo until dancers in fringed skirts invaded the stage for a dancehall--themed breakdown.
Rihanna then kicked up the island theme, as drummers pounded away and more dancers rocking tribal-themed garb hit the stage for "Only Girl in the World." The drummers encircled the Ri and the strobe lights kicked on as she rocked the bridge, jamming alongside the musicians with sultry abandon. Flames shot up from the back of the set as about a dozen dancers helped her wrap up the high-energy, cross-cultural performance. All the characters left the stage to allow Rihanna to return to the large spiky set-piece and end as she began, crooning the final notes solo. The star-packed audience rose for a standing ovation.
While Rihanna is still in her early twenties, the songbird is five albums deep into her superstar career. Even with a towering stack of hits behind her the Loud singer has said she's amped to unleash her latest effort, which she pegs as a collection of tracks that really sum up what she's all about.
"I can't believe it's the fifth album already," she told the BBC in October. "That's insane to think about. ... I've never been this excited about anything I've done creatively, and this is just the perfect Rihanna album: Every song is tailored to me."
She also wanted the record to reflect her signature style, not just crank out standard-issue pop jams.
"I wanted songs that were all Rihanna songs that nobody else could do. I didn't want the generic pop record that Ke$ha or Lady Gaga or Katy Perry could just do and it'll work. I wanted a song, or songs, that were Rihanna songs, that only I could do, had that little West Indian vibe to it, had that certain tone, a certain sass and a certain energy."
What did you think of Rihanna's performance at the AMAs? Let us know in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652754/20101121/rihanna.jhtml
Beyonce And Jay Z Dine At Scott?s Restaurant
Beyonce and Jay-Z were photographed leaving Scott's restaurant after they enjoyed dinner together in London, UK. One of my writers mentioned a few days ago that the singer looks a little different and I completely agree. I think it's the hair that's throwing us off. We are so used to see Beyonce with a much sleeker do.It's nice to see that this happy couple is going strong. I always love to watch where they will travel next. Beyonce and Jay Z certainly appreciate their downtime and make the most of it.Photos by INF Continue reading
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2010/07/08/beyonce-and-jay-z-dine-at-scotts-restaurant/
Drake Denies Getting Punched By Lil Wayne
'You got the story wrong...Lil Wayne punched me in my arm cause he saw a VW beetle pass by,' MC jokes on Twitter.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Mack Maine and Drake
Photo: Karen Civil
After Lil Wayne and Drake's reunion on Saturday following Weezy's release, reports have cropped up suggesting there's drama within the Young Money camp. However, on Friday (November 12), Drizzy shot down Web rumors that he got into an altercation with Wayne after the final stop of the Light Dreams and Nightmares Tour in Las Vegas.
"You got the story wrong...Lil Wayne punched me in my arm cause he saw a VW beetle pass by," Drake tweeted, joking about the boredom-fighting road-trip game Punch Buggy and referencing Internet stories that Weezy socked his protégé in the face because he felt the Canadian MC abandoned him while he was serving his eight-month prison bid. "Haaa...YM Forever," Drake wrote, shrugging off the controversy.
Drake's rep also denied that any punches were thrown, onstage or off.
"There were no disruptions," his rep said in a statement to MTV News. "The concert and afterparty went off without a hitch."
MTV News also spoke to Drake directly after the Vegas show, following Wayne's surprise cameo during their Thank Me Later collabo, "Miss Me." The MC described his elation at seeing Weezy publicly for the first time since his release days earlier and revealed that he wasn't expecting a friendly onstage bum-rush from the newly freed spitter.
"I talked to him on the phone, and he was like, 'I'll see you in Miami. I got my party. I hope you make it.' So I hit [Cortez Bryant], who manages me and Wayne, and I said, 'You're not coming to the last show?' And he was like, 'No, man, can't make it.' That's how I hit the stage: 'I got no surprises for these people. They all think Wayne is coming and he's not coming.'
"After the hook of 'Miss Me,' " Drake said, "I heard ... Wayne's verse. I didn't quite know what was going on. I looked back, and there's the man. I jumped higher than I've ever jumped in my entire life."
All seems to be going well in Young Money land after Wayne's first weekend back home, as the superstar MC was snapped alongside Drake, Mack Maine, Birdman, Bow Wow and Chris Brown at a Miami Heat game Thursday night.
What do you think about rumors of drama in the Young Money camp? Let us know in the comments.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652194/20101112/lil_wayne.jhtml
T.I.'s Wife Charged With Ecstasy Possession
T.I. has already been sent back to jail for 11 months for violating his probation after the couple was arrested last month.
But now his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle is about to find out her fate.
The rapper's wife was charged with possession of ecstasy on Thursday and could face up to a year behind bars.
Yikes.
[Image via [...]
But now his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle is about to find out her fate.
The rapper's wife was charged with possession of ecstasy on Thursday and could face up to a year behind bars.
Yikes.
[Image via [...]
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-10-30-ti-wife-tameka-tiny-cottle-charged-with-ecstasy-possession
Usher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=551930
Monday, November 29, 2010
Leslie Nielsen, Irvin Kershner And Christmas Trees In Today's Twitter-Wood
Leslie Nielsen's death prompted a full day's worth of reactions in Twitter-Wood today, both from fans respectful enough not to call him "Shirley" and those who thought he would prefer to be remembered by that name. Dane Cook dedicated a show to him, while Brian Posehn shared his favorite Nielsen anecdote, and Olivia Wilde just [...]
Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2010/11/29/leslie-nielsen-irvin-kershner-christmas-trees-twitter-wood/
Beyonce And Jay Z Dine At Scott?s Restaurant
Beyonce and Jay-Z were photographed leaving Scott's restaurant after they enjoyed dinner together in London, UK. One of my writers mentioned a few days ago that the singer looks a little different and I completely agree. I think it's the hair that's throwing us off. We are so used to see Beyonce with a much sleeker do. It's nice to see that this happy couple is going strong. I always love to watch where they will travel next. Beyonce and Jay Z certainly appreciate their downtime and make the most of it. Photos by INF Continue reading
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2010/07/08/beyonce-and-jay-z-dine-at-scotts-restaurant/
Usher Shows Off Fancy Footwork At AMAs
Swedish House Mafia join Ush for an electronic mash-up.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Usher performs at the American Music Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/DCP
Usher's protégé, Justin Bieber, scored more hardware than the "OMG" singer on Sunday night (November 21) at the 2010 American Music Awards, but the veteran superstar was far from a step behind the teen sensation.
With his fleet footwork, Usher teamed up with dance-world superstars Swedish House Mafia to ignite the stage with a mash-up of his "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" and their "Miami 2 Ibiza" and "One" that certainly qualified as one of the evening's high points. Decked out in black military garb and sporting a starter mohawk, Usher partied and pranced around onstage to his club-happy single.
"I feel like a zombie gone back to life," Usher sang. "Hands up, and suddenly we all got our hands up/ No control of my body/ Ain't I seen you before?/ I think I remember those eyes, eyes, eyes, eyes."
Usher and his gang of dancers showed off moves that would have tripped up teen stars. At one point, his backup dancers launched him into the air and Usher landed and jumped right into his next step.
A full explosion followed behind him and he carried the energy into the hook.
" 'Cause baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again," he crooned. "Yeah, baby tonight/ The DJ got us falling in love again/ So dance, dance, like it's the last, last night of your life, life."
After picking up an award earlier in the evening, Usher acknowledged his veteran status. The 32-year-old thanked his supporters, plugged his OMG Tour with Trey Songz and shouted out longtime fans. "I been doing this 18 years," he said.
What did you think about Usher's performance? Tell us in the comments!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652774/20101121/usher.jhtml
Quote Of The Day: 50 Cent
50 Cent is known for making pretty outrageous statements, but these are quite something, even for him!
"I would kiss Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. I would marry Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Rihanna in Africa, I�??d have 3 wives! And I would avoid wearing condoms and have really big families."He didn't stop there, either. He complained about "sexism" with Lady Gaga and Beyonce's 'Telephone' video.
"I think the video is hot. But there's a shot in the video in the diner that's just breasts. And it looks great, but if I shot the same shot in my music video, they would make me edit that immediately. "Even if I had someone who was recognizable female talent that was part of the project, they wouldn't allow that to go. They would think it was you taking advantage of a girl for marketing purposes or whatever. "It's their personal perception of your intentions of how you utilize it. Like 'It's Britney b***h' nobody has a problem with that. But if I say, 'It's 50 b***h,' everyone�??s like, 'Oh my god! You got to edit that.' "Okay, I haven't seen many rap/hip hop music videos lately. They must've REALLY changed if what he's saying is true! Photos by Wenn.com Continue reading
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2010/03/24/quote-of-the-day-50-cent/
Kanye West - Run This Town with Rihanna and Kanye West
Run This Town with Rihanna and Kanye West
- Artist: Kanye West
- Label: Roc Nation
- Director: Anthony Mandler
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1230523&vid=429303
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Birdman Delivers Thanksgiving Joy To New Orleans
Cash Money CEO brings turkeys to his hometown neighborhood.
By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Travis Laurendine
Birdman (file)
Photo: Ray Tamarra/ Getty Images
We rarely see the soft side of Cash Money CEO Birdman, but MTV News caught up with the 5-Star General in his hometown of New Orleans on Tuesday afternoon for his 15th annual turkey giveaway. The event was in Shakespeare Park, across the street from the housing projects Birdman, born Bryan Williams, grew up in. He said he was very happy to be home.
"It feels good to see people that you grew up with, that you've been knowing your whole life and your family," Birdman said. "[They] know more about you than you know about yourself."
He said the drive means a lot to those in the community, not just because of the giveaway, but also because the town is thrilled just to see Birdman and the rest of the Cash Money family.
"They see us on TV so much, but never get to see us [in person]. But for them to see us, shake our hands, tell us they know our momma, they know our daddy, so many that watched me as a kid that tried to keep my head straight when I was younger — it feels great, not just good."
Birdman said Cash Money have been giving away turkeys for 15 years, but every year, it gets more exciting. He said that when they started, it was just to help out those that didn't have anything for Thanksgiving.
"We caught ourselves trying to help the neighborhood, the older folks who didn't have anything," he recalled. "Now it's a different trade for me to come home and get [a reception] like this. It still means the world to me."
What are your Thanksgiving plans? Let us know in the comments!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653095/20101124/baby_aka_the_1_stunna.jhtml
Lloyd Banks Insists Kanye West/ 50 Cent Collabo Is 'Gonna Happen'
G-Unit MC tells 'RapFix Live' that the duo never had 'any kind of tension in a personal way.'
By Paul Cantor, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Lloyd Banks
Photo: MTV News
By now, it's no secret that Kanye West is a big fan of Lloyd Banks and vice versa. Their mutual admiration might be odd, considering that G-Unit General 50 Cent and 'Ye were embroiled in a rivalry of sorts back in 2007, when their respective LPs, Graduation and Curtis went head-to-head in a release-date showdown. Fif has continued to throw jabs at Kanye over the years, calling his music "safe."
Still, that hasn't stopped the two from working together on 50's upcoming LP. Earlier Thursday (November 11), when Lloyd Banks chopped it up with Sway on "RapFix Live," he said he hadn't heard any new music but confirmed the two are definitely collaborating.
"I know that's gonna happen," he said. "It's sweeter when there's something to wait for. If it happens immediately, there's nothing to wait for. Better late than never."
Banks claimed that the reason 50 is able to work with Kanye now is because their beef was never that deep in the first place.
"If you notice, like, 50 says it all the time: They never would have been able to stand and do the Rolling Stone cover and things like that if there were any kind of tension in a personal way," he said. "This is a competitive sport. It's a vocal sport. So things are documented and you hold onto it. You gotta ask yourself: What did they say before the hype happened? As we grow older, man, you feel kinda stupid sitting next to somebody, you end up in the same venue five years later, knowing that you dissed me, I dissed you because we all had the rapper thing going on."
To hear Banks tell it, one of the reasons why he hasn't heard 50's work with Kanye thus far is because the G-Unit members typically work on their respective LPs separately then play them for each other when they're nearing completion.
"All three albums [50's] never really been there through the recording process," he said. "We're excited to hear it when it's done. I love when 50 comes to my house and he can play me 14 records straight. Then I get a chance to be a fan at the same time. 50's the same way. He respects what I do to the point where he'll just come in at the tail end of the album, where I might have 14 songs done and I'll play it for him, and he can hear it mixed down and mastered and say, 'I like this one.' "
Banks said 50 has the ability to identify which songs of his will be the best ones to release as singles.
"He's always picked the sweet spot, like, 'That's my joint,' " he said. "When I brought him 'Beamer Benz or Bentley,' it was already mixed and mastered. I wanted him to hear it like that. You know what he said? 'Push the button. Get on the phone with iTunes, let's get it linked up, push the button tomorrow.' He financed the situation all the way through."
What do you think a Kanye/50 collabo would sound like? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652112/20101111/banks_lloyd.jhtml
Usher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=498588
Rihanna Explains Brief Fling With Drake!
A while after the Chris Brown debacle, Rihanna was briefly linked to her What's My Name? collaborator Drake, and the rapper revealed later that he felt as though the singer played him!
She's since been dating Matt Kemp, but during a recent interview, she explained why she felt her prior fling didn't work out!
She says:
"We weren't [...]
She's since been dating Matt Kemp, but during a recent interview, she explained why she felt her prior fling didn't work out!
She says:
"We weren't [...]
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-11-19-rihanna-explains-brief-relationship-with-drake
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Rihanna Says AMA Performance Will Be 'A Challenge'
'We're actually opening up the show, which is a lot of pressure,' she tells MTV News about performing on Sunday.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Rihanna
Photo: Matt Harper/ MTV News
Rihanna is set to prove she's the only girl in the world when she takes the stage at the American Music Awards on Sunday. The Loud singer will be the show's opening act and says that despite some recent big awards-show performances, à la this month's MTV Europe Music Awards, this one will be even more epic.
"We're actually performing at the AMAs. We're actually opening up the show, which is a lot of pressure," she told MTV News about the performance. "But I love a challenge and I can't wait."
Rihanna hinted to us that she might be singing the Loud track "Cheers (Drink to That)," but didn't confirm the selection. She did, however, admit to being nervous about all of the airtime she's been given.
"They gave me nine minutes to do whatever I want and I can't wait," she shared. "That's a long time on an awards show, but it's going to be exciting. I can't wait. I can't wait to do it. I really can't."
The executives behind the AMAs are equally thrilled about Rih's upcoming performance. "We could not be more excited to officially announce one of pop music's biggest stars to open the celebration at the AMAs," AMA producer Larry Klein said in a statement. "Be sure to tune in so you don't miss this surely memorable moment."
In addition to being the show's opener, Rihanna is also nominated for Favorite Female Artist along with Alicia Keys and Sade. Other big performers include Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, the Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block and Christina Aguilera, who'll perform a number from her upcoming movie, "Burlesque."
Whose AMA performance are you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652721/20101119/rihanna.jhtml
And The AMA Nominees Are?
Total pop music domination!!!
It's going to be a good year at the American Music Awards this year if their nominee list is any indication! The acts chosen for favorite artists in pop, rock, country, rap, hip-hop and more are really spot on! There's a bunch of nominations for our wifey Gagaloo, our bestie Miz Katy, [...]
It's going to be a good year at the American Music Awards this year if their nominee list is any indication! The acts chosen for favorite artists in pop, rock, country, rap, hip-hop and more are really spot on! There's a bunch of nominations for our wifey Gagaloo, our bestie Miz Katy, [...]
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-10-12-american-music-awards-nominee-list
T.I. Says Adversity Will Make No Mercy His 'Best Work'
'I find my greatest inspiration during my darkest hours,' Tip tells fans from behind bars.
By Gil Kaufman
T.I.
Photo: VH1
Just as Lil Wayne was celebrating his release from prison this week, T.I. was issuing his first major statements from behind bars. The King of the South, who re-entered a low-security federal penitentiary in Arkansas on Monday to serve an 11-month stint for probation violations, posted messages on his website on Wednesday and Thursday. They gave a peek into how he's feeling about being back in prison for the second time this year and what he thinks about fan reaction to his video with Chris Brown for "Get Back Up."
"To all of you who say, 'He should practice what he preaches,' and 'How could he do something so stupid ... AGAIN?' You're absolutely right, and I couldn't agree with you more," wrote Tip (born Clifford Harris) about fans who've flamed the rapper for landing behind bars again after his arrest on September 1 in Los Angeles for drug possession.
"But you know what? As history has shown us before, I find my greatest inspiration during my darkest hours," he continued. "So all fans of music, T.I. or not, should be able to agree that No Mercy will surely be my best work yet. After all, isn't that what it's all about? If I never went to prison, never did drugs, never f'ed up again, did everything right and never made great music ... would you even care enough to comment on T.I.? Doubt it, so bear that in mind while you jump to your conclusions, guys. Martin Luther King once said, 'Notice not the comments of your enemies but the silence of your friends.' So although I'm still in touch ... watching, reading and listening, I'm not concerned with what negative people say more than I am with what positive people don't."
T.I. revealed this week that No Mercy (formerly called King Uncaged) will hit stores on December 7. The rapper's seventh album and first release since 2008's double-platinum Paper Trail features guest spots from Kanye West, Eminem, Chris Brown, The-Dream and Christina Aguilera. The disc also includes production from such superstar knob twiddlers as Dr. Luke ("Magic," "Right Round"), Danja ("My Love," "Knock You Down") and Jim Jonsin ("Whatever You Like," "Lollipop").
"This album represents some of my best work inspired by my most recent best and worst life experiences," Tip said in an earlier message on his site. "They say adversity brings forth inspiration so y'all can imagine how inspired I've been during the recording process for this album. I've been taking stock of myself and digesting everyone's comments and criticisms. Now it's my turn to express myself and take you into my mind. The real won't hate and the truth won't wait! If God is with me who can be against me."
What do you think of T.I. and Chris Brown's new video? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651584/20101105/t_i_.jhtml
Game Reaches Out To 50 Cent For G-Unit Reunion
'Let it b known I extended an olive branch,' the ousted G-Unit member writes in series of tweets.
By Rahman Dukes
Game and 50 Cent
Photo: Interscope
Hate it or love it, the Game has extended an olive branch to 50 Cent again.
The ousted G-Unit member took to his Twitter account on Thursday, firing off a round of mea culpas directed at his former boss apparently hoping to reunite with the Queens-based group, including former member Young Buck.
"@50cent Aye n---a, get on twitter & let's get this sh-- movin !!! G-G-G-G- well, you know the rest," Game wrote. "@50cent All it take is 'ONE PHONE CALL'! U call me, I call BUCK, tell Banks holla at Yayo & dat puts HIP HOP @ OUR MERCY! #UknowUcdisN---A. Anybody don't like it, F--- YALL!!!"
Fif has dismissed Game's previous attempts at a reunion as publicity stunts. This time around, however, the California MC says his heartfelt comments are coming from a clear state of mind. Perhaps as proof of his sincerity, Game acknowledged for the first time that 50 wrote the hook on "How We Do."
"Naw, I'm not drunk. IM SOBER AS F--- holla'n @ a n---a str8 up. If it never happen, SO WHAT !!! But let it b known I extended an olive branch. Call me bi-polar, call me a fake blood... call my lyrics trash, I'll TAKE IT, It dont mean SH--. If that's how u feel say it 'I LOVE IT'!!! I RESPECT MY HATERS JUST AS MUCH AS MY FANS."
Unlike past attempts, the Game's most recent barrage of tweets elicited a response from the G-Unit general.
"Who's is he talking about?" Fif asked. "What are you guys talking about? I dont talk to game. I have had no communication with him in years."
Last month, 50 reiterated his thought that Game was playing an old trick, looking to use him as a launching pad to get his The R.E.D. album off the ground.
"I heard that," Fif told Hot 97 about Game wanting to re-join G-Unit. "It was six songs, they put out six joints and ain't nothing buzzing. They thought anti-50 as opposed to pro-50. You know what I think? I think once I stopped arguing, the interest dropped. Because as long as there's an argument, you're as interesting as the people you're actually arguing with."
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652140/20101112/game_the.jhtml
New T.I. & Xtina!
Check out a preview of the rapper's collaboration with Aguilera, Castle Walls, above.
Yet another song that's following the Love The Way You Lie formula!
Yet another song that's following the Love The Way You Lie formula!
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-11-24-ti-and-christina-aguilera-castle-walls-preview
Friday, November 26, 2010
Everyone's Getting Their Own Special Brand Of Booze!
T.I. flavored liquor?
Well, Ludacris and Diddy did it - why not!
The rapper is apparently the latest to use his finely-tuned palette - in conjunction with Remy Martin bosses - to launch a T.I. signature blend cognac!
And if that's not enough to fill your booze cabinet, Dr. Dre is set to release HIS own cognac AND [...]
Well, Ludacris and Diddy did it - why not!
The rapper is apparently the latest to use his finely-tuned palette - in conjunction with Remy Martin bosses - to launch a T.I. signature blend cognac!
And if that's not enough to fill your booze cabinet, Dr. Dre is set to release HIS own cognac AND [...]
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-06-30-everyones-getting-their-own-special-brand-of-booze
Beyoncé - Diva
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Melina
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=333569
B.o.B - Airplanes
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Atlantic
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=529513
Kanye West's Dark Twisted Fantasy: Everything You Need To Know
As 'Ye drops his unrepentant magnum opus, we look back on his most eventful year, from Taylor Swift to Twitter, from 'Runaway' to 'Today.'
By James Montgomery
Kanye West
Photo: Stefania D'Alessandro/ Getty Images
There is perhaps no album released this year that comes with as much emotional baggage — or backstory — as Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, a 70-minute magnum opus of high emotion and even higher stakes. Born out of a 14-month period of intense personal struggle and immense public scrutiny, Fantasy is West at his most unhinged and unrepentant. But perhaps the album's greatest accomplishment is that it perfectly mirrors the turbulent, trying times in which it was made: The beats are bigger, the boasts bolder, the highs higher and the lows, well, they're practically subterranean.
So, with Fantasy finally in stores, we decided to look back at the road that led to this day. From Taylor Swift to the top of the charts, it's been quite a ride but, ultimately, 'Ye survived and thrived. He pushed himself and the boundaries of hip-hop, and by doing so, transformed into arguably the most vital artist in music today. And he did it all without explaining himself to his (many) detractors. Hate him or love him, Kanye West is a survivor. And with his new album, he's proved once and for all that he's here to stay.
On September 13, 2009, West crashed the stage during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards, grabbing the microphone from her and famously proclaiming, "Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you and I'mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time."
Immediately after his outburst, West was asked to leave the VMAs and subsequently apologized to Swift on his blog, but the damage was done. Fans ripped West's behavior as childish and in the days following the incident, everyone from Donald Trump to President Obama followed suit. West would continue to apologize for his actions, first during a tear-filled interview on "The Jay Leno Show" and then to Swift directly.
But none of it helped stem the tide of negative public sentiment and, soon after, he would pull out of his much-hyped Fame Kills Tour with Lady Gaga and all but disappeared from the public eye. In October, following rumors that placed him everywhere from rehab to India, West's friend Kid Cudi told MTV News that he'd spoken to 'Ye and that he was "cool."
In January, West announced on his blog that he had returned to the studio to begin work on his new album. He hit the blog once again a few weeks later, this time to fire back at his critics, saying he was "saddened" by their negative comments.
In February, West contributed to the "We Are the World — 25 for Haiti" charity single and released a "haunting" video for "Coldest Winter," the last single from his 808s & Heartbreak album. In May, he took over a New York nightclub to premiere a handful of new songs, and then officially ended his hiatus with the leak of "Power" to the Internet.
In June, he launched into full-blown comeback mode with a swaggering performance of "Power" at the BET Awards and a fiery verse on Rick Ross' "Live Fast, Die Young." He began previewing new material during impromptu performances at places like the headquarters of Facebook and Twitter.
In August, he premiered an artful, intense video for "Power" and took to Ustream to announce his album would drop "sometime in November." He remixed a song for Justin Bieber and launched his G.O.O.D. Friday initiative, which gave fans a first listen to tracks like "Monster" and "Devil in a New Dress."
At the 2010 VMAs, West didn't mention Swift, but he did close the show with the premiere of "Runaway" and wowed audiences with a pair of performances on "Saturday Night Live."
In October, he officially announced that his album would be called My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and then traveled to London to premiere a 35-minute film he'd directed for "Runaway." Later in the month, he'd take the film to MTV for its television premiere. He also announced that Watch the Throne, his much-discussed team-up with Jay-Z, would now be a full-length record, and later became embroiled in a feud with "Today" show producers and host Matt Lauer. (He would subsequently cancel a scheduled performance on the show.)
Finally, Dark Twisted Fantasy leaks early but wows critics and fans everywhere.
Open the floodgates! It's Mega-Release Week, with Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Ke$ha, My Chemical Romance and Lloyd Banks all dropping new albums. Stick with MTV News for everything you need to know about the brand-new music.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652730/20101119/west_kanye.jhtml
We Don't Know What To Make Of This!
It's oddly transfixing.
Watch the video (above) to see Cubby's take on Rihanna's Only Girl In The World.
We'd love to be a bystander in that random open field.
Watch the video (above) to see Cubby's take on Rihanna's Only Girl In The World.
We'd love to be a bystander in that random open field.
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-11-25-cubby-covers-rihannas-only-girl-in-the-world
Jay Z Says Lil? Mama Pulled A Kanye During The MTV Video Music Awards
While sitting down with Hot 97's Angie Martinez, Jay-Z talked about how upset he was when Lil' Mama rushed the stage during his performance on the MTV VMA's earlier this month.
�??I would never do that. I would never have the nerve to do that. We go to rehearsals, we do run-throughs, and we work really hard on the performance to put on a show for people. And to interrupt that moment for us, I don�??t think that was the right thing to do.I actually thought it was the equivalent of what Kanye did to Taylor Swift but nobody really talked about that because I�??m not a lil sweet girl from middle America.�?��??I�??m cool with her being excited and all that, but you also have to understand people put in work to make that performance happen�??the planning of it, there's a lot of planning that went into that performance. To disrupt that is out of line.�?��??I was a little angry�??but what imma do, fight Lil Mama?�?�What do you think about what happened? Is it equivalent to what happened between Taylor Swift and Kanye West?ONTD Continue reading
Thursday, November 25, 2010
T.I., Eminem Team Up For 'All She Wrote'
No Mercy, due December 7, also will feature Kanye West, Chris Brown, The-Dream and Christina Aguilera.
By Paul Cantor
T.I. and Eminem
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/ John Shearer/ Getty Images
T.I. and Eminem have teamed up once again, this time for "All She Wrote," which leaked online Tuesday (November 16). The song is from T.I.'s upcoming album, No Mercy, due in stores December 7.
T.I. recently began an 11-month stint in an Arkansas prison for parole violations. His problems with the law have left him with a fair share of critics, and "All She Wrote" takes a shot back at them. Witness the song's hook: "I don't really care what you call me, just as long as you don't call me broke/ I bet they knew as soon as they saw me, good night it's over with that's all she wrote/ Streets like cold Chicago, ain't nothing new, I seen it all before/ But still I ball like no tomorrow, good night it's over with that's all she wrote."
Of No Mercy, T.I. wrote on his website: "This album represents some of my best work inspired by my most recent best and worst life experiences ... I've been taking stock of myself and digesting everyone's comments and criticisms. Now it's my turn to express myself and take you into my mind."
The production on "All She Wrote" is a mellow affair, guitar strums over steady staccato 808s. It allows both artists adequate space to let their voices take center stage.
Speculatively, in the first verse, T.I. addresses former Grand Hustle member Alfamega, who the Smoking Gun revealed last year was a DEA informant. T.I. raps, "Others sworn under oath or vanished left completely scorned/ You tell lies, get cut n---a, kick rocks/ You never did blend in with the big shots."
Eminem's verses, however, deal more with the opposite sex: "I rather slip and fall in sh-- than fall in love with you/ Before I f---ing tie a knot, I'll tie you in one/ Bitch you think this is a Nintendo game, how f---ing dumb is you/ I'll give you some lumps before I split some lump sums with you."
No Mercy, T.I.'s seventh LP and first release since 2008's double-platinum Paper Trail, also will feature appearances from Kanye West, Chris Brown, The-Dream and Christina Aguilera. Production will be handled by Dr. Luke ("Magic," "Right Round"), Danja ("My Love," "Knock You Down") and Jim Jonsin ("Whatever You Like," "Lollipop"), among others.
T.I. and Eminem last officially collaborated on T.I.'s 2007 album T.I. vs. T.I.P. on the track "Touchdown."
Which of T.I.'s No Mercy collaborations are you most excited to hear? Tell us in the comments below!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652418/20101116/t_i_.jhtml
7 Year Old Rapper Superstar Does Rihanna & Drake!
CLICK HERE to watch the next Justin Bieber, MattyB, perform his version of What's My Name?.
He kills!!!!!
He kills!!!!!
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-11-22-mattyb-raps-performs-rihanna-and-drake-whats-my-name
New Music From Dr. Dre featuring Eminem!
He's back!
Check out Love The Way You Lie Part 3 I Need A Doctor (above).
We like it!
Check out Love The Way You Lie Part 3 I Need A Doctor (above).
We like it!
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-11-17-dr-doctor-dre-and-eminem-i-need-a-doctor-new-song
T.I., Christina Aguilera Collabo Is 'Amazing,' Alex Da Kid Says
'Castle Walls' will serve as the next single off the rapper's No Mercy, due out December 7.
By James Dinh, with reporting by Tim Kash
T.I.
Photo: Moses Robinson/ WireImage
Producer Alex Da Kid might be relatively new to the industry, but the British hitmaker has already proven that he can strike gold when bringing together artists of different musical genres. With production credits on summertime scorchers like "Airplanes" (B.o.B and Hayley Williams) and "Love the Way You Lie" (Eminem and Rihanna), the 27-year-old music mind reveals he's now trying his hand with another duo: T.I. and Christina Aguilera.
While on the American Music Awards red carpet, Kid spoke to MTV News about "Castle Walls," the track he produced for the recently incarcerated rapper's forthcoming album, which features the pop star. Not only did the producer reveal that the song is set to be the next single off Tip's No Mercy, but he also gushed about how the song will grab a variety of listeners.
"It's going to be T.I.'s next single," he told MTV News about the collabo. "I love it. I think it's amazing. It's my sound, just kind of an evolution of that. I think it'll cater to a lot of different people."
A reported snippet of the track minus T.I. surfaced on the Internet a few weeks ago and finds Aguilera gently singing over a steady, mellow beat about the downfalls of loneliness: "Everyone thinks that I have it all/ But it's so empty living behind these castle walls (These castle walls)/ If I should tumble if I should fall/ Would anyone hear me screaming behind these castle walls?/ There's no one here at all, behind these castle walls."
"Castle Walls" isn't the only star-studded effort on the MC's new album. No Mercy will also feature appearances from Eminem, Kanye West, Chris Brown and The-Dream. The ATL rapper's collaboration with Em, "All She Wrote," leaked online last Tuesday.
Are you excited for T.I. and Xtina's collaboration? Share your thoughts!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652869/20101122/t_i_.jhtml
Drake 'Had To Suit Up' For Lil Wayne's Miami Party
'I'm here to have fun and celebrate a great, phenomenal, legendary man,' Drizzy tells MTV News.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Drake attends the "Welcome Home, Tunechi" party
Photo: John Parra/ WireImage
MIAMI — Lil Wayne's welcome-home party had all the requirements for an epic bash, from beautiful women to high-profile rap celebrities to enough luxury vehicles out front that someone could start a multimillion-dollar car service.
The glitz wasn't lost on Drake: The Lil Wayne protégé sported his finest Tom Ford duds for the event.
"I had to suit up for the boy," Drake told MTV News before stepping inside. "This is great. This is the celebration. This is the night we all get to have fun. I'm officially off duty. I'm here to have fun and celebrate a great, phenomenal, legendary man. That's why I had to get dressed up."
Drake was among the many in attendance for Weezy's party, located at the Alfred I. DuPont Building in downtown Miami.
Nicki Minaj, Cool & Dre, DJ Khaled and the Birdman were all there to fete the recently freed rapper. Wayne was jovial on the red carpet beforehand. Weezy walked in flanked by two women dressed Mardi Gras outfits as a nod to his New Orleans heritage.
"I just wanna thank everybody," Wayne told MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway. "Not only MTV fans, but the fans across the whole world. Most of all, my family. I couldn't do it without them, and I would never do it without them."
Stick with MTV News for up-to-the-minute reports on Lil Wayne's prison release as we follow him from Rikers Island to his celebrations at home and beyond. Follow us on Twitter @MTVNews for instant updates and bookmark weezywatch.mtv.com for complete, round-the-clock coverage.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651765/20101108/drake.jhtml
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
'Twilight Saga: Eclipse' DVD -- Watch An Exclusive Clip Here!
We have a preview of the 'tent scene,' including hilarious commentary by Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.
By Kara Warner
Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart in "Eclipse"
Photo: Summit Entertainment
All right Twilighters, have we got a Thanksgiving treat for you! While "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" DVD doesn't come out until December 4, MTV News is delighted to present an exclusive clip from the highly anticipated release — complete with commentary from Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart!
This isn't just any clip either. Summit has kindly bestowed upon us a juicy little snippet from the fan favorite "tent scene."
In this clip, fans get to see the heated exchange between Edward (Pattinson) and Jacob (Taylor Lautner) as they discuss how Jacob will have to get into a sleeping bag with Bella (Stewart) in order to keep her warm and save her from freezing to death. Edward, of course, is not at all pleased with Jacob getting anywhere near Bella, but he must concede for Bella's sake. Jacob, taking advantage of the situation, revels in the fact that his warmer-than-normal body temperature means he can do for Bella what Edward can't.
The scene itself offers plenty of entertainment, but it's Pattinson and Stewart's hilarious voiceover commentary about the scene that really sells it.
"Slurp your coffee a little bit more," we hear Stewart say to Pattinson. "That's what the fans want."
"It's not coffee," Pattinson responds. "It's an Arnold Palmer," he says, attempting to pronounce it with an American accent.
"You're drinking an Arnold Palmer?" Stewart asks, sounding amused. "Having a little lemonade and iced tea?"
Meanwhile, Jacob has just crawled into Bella's sleeping bag, which draws Stewart and Pattinson back to the clip.
"God, he's so gross, so brazen!" Pattinson says of Lautner's werewolf. "I really don't like Jacob."
"Aww," Stewart says.
"Look at him and his tattoo and stuff. Ugh," Pattinson mock scoffs.
"He's just young and overzealous," Stewart says defending the young wolf.
"He's not!" Pattinson insists. "He does it on purpose. He's looking at me when he's saying this stuff."
"Yeah, that is weird," Stewart agrees.
"What is wrong with him? He's like, 'I don't even care about her, I just want to,' " Pattinson trails off.
"Look at him cradling!" Stewart points out, which provokes a burst of laughter from Pattinson. "His little head nooked in there," she adds.
"You look like you're milking him," Pattinson says as both "Twilight" actors break out laughing.
A terrific tease, and if that little sneak peek doesn't make you want to pre-order that DVD now, we don't know what will.
What do you think about the clip? Stewart and Pattinson's commentary? Tell us in the comments!
Check out everything we've got on "Eclipse."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653087/20101124/story.jhtml
T.I. - Just Like Me
- Artist: T.I.
- Label: J Records
- Director: Brett Ratner
- Album: Intuition [Clean]
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1225081&vid=327465
'King's Speech' Star Colin Firth Talks Awards-Season Love And 'Dumb Luck'
2010 best actor nominee looks poised for another Oscar nod.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Colin Firth in "The King's Speech"
Photo: The Weinstein Company
For the second year in a row, Colin Firth finds himself at the center of awards-season chatter. And after losing out on a best actor Oscar for "A Single Man," the 50-year-old actor has again established himself as one of the frontrunners in that category, thanks to his turn as the stammer-afflicted King George VI on the verge of Britain's entry into World War II in "The King's Speech."
It seems Firth is an actor at the top of his game, but to hear him tell it, it's as much a matter of good fortune as it is great talent.
"It's just dumb luck," he told MTV News at the Toronto film festival in September. "That's all: Just getting a crack at it. Sometimes you just take roles to stay in the game or pay bills and hope the good ones are going to come along.
"I was never in a world of perfect choice, and now I feel like I've had a couple of real plums landing in my hand," he added.
It was at fall film festivals in Toronto and Telluride, Colorado, as critics first began to catch screenings of "King's Speech," that it became clear we'd still be talking about Firth's performance come awards season. He's been faithfully making the publicity rounds ever since, and as he told us when we chatted earlier this month in New York, he's not bored with the experience.
"Funnily enough, I find it easier than many things," he said. "There are so many angles you can approach it from, to do with the way people are reacting to it to the surprises we've had along the way to nuances about the actual history itself. I think this has a lot of mileage in it.
"It's been very gratifying for audiences to have howls of laughter and be open to crying," he continued. "To see that happening in the same film is a triumphant feeling. When you're in Telluride, you can put it down to altitude — one glass of wine amounts to 10. So we had to test it at sea level as well to see if people enjoyed it, and they did."
Did you see Firth's performance as King George VI? Give us your review in the comments below.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653074/20101124/story.jhtml
Jason Derulo - In My Head
- Artist: Jason Derulo
- Label: Warner Bros. Records, Beluga Heights
- Director: Kai Crawford
- Album: Jason Derülo
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=2973647&vid=473528
Kanye West - American Boy
- Artist: Kanye West
- Label: Homeschool Records/Atlantic Records
- Director: Syndrome
- Album: American Boy [4 Tracks]
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1230523&vid=212118
Kanye West - Stay Up! (Viagra)
- Artist: Kanye West
- Label: Decon
- Director: Jason Goldwatch
- Album: The Death of Adam
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1230523&vid=354190
T.I.'s New Album Is Coming Out While He's Behind Bars!
A pesky little prison sentence isn't going to stop T.I. from releasing new tune-age!
The rapper is back behind bars for violating his probation, but his new album, No Mercy, is still set to hit the shelves December 7th!
Check out the music video for the lead single featuring Chris Brown, Get Back Up, (above)!
Not bad! [...]
The rapper is back behind bars for violating his probation, but his new album, No Mercy, is still set to hit the shelves December 7th!
Check out the music video for the lead single featuring Chris Brown, Get Back Up, (above)!
Not bad! [...]
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2010-11-04-ti-to-release-new-album-no-mercy-while-in-prison
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