Tuesday, October 26, 2010
30 Seconds To Mars, Ke$ha Plan Big VMA Arrivals
Can this year's nominees rival the elephants and yachts of years past?
By James Montgomery
30 Seconds to Mars
Photo: Myriam Santos/ Kayda
For much of the past decade, the MTV Video Music Awards has really been two shows: The one where they hand out the Moonmen, and the one that occurs on the red carpet, where the stars try their very best to outdo each other with over-the-top arrivals.
From yachts to 18-wheel trucks, elephants to horse-drawn carriages, how you arrive at the VMAs has become just as important as whether you take home an award. As you can probably imagine, sometimes, things get a little crazy.
"Usually, artists don't let us know [how they're arriving] until the last minute, which makes things interesting," Video Music Awards Pre-Show executive producer Ryan Kroft told MTV News. "A lot of times, they'll want to do things like land a hot-air balloon on the carpet, or drive a car down the carpet, but generally, the fire marshal frowns on those kinds of things, so we have to tell them 'no.' "
Still, there are plenty of ideas that do get the green light, and they're just as epic as the stars that thought them up. And this year's VMA arrivals are no different, though for aesthetic reasons, they're slightly scaled back.
"In New York, we had stars arriving on a fire truck, a double-decker bus, but that wouldn't play this year," Kroft said. "The carpet is designed to look like the stars are arriving at a Hollywood Hills mansion — white, chrome, glass — so having someone arrive with a marching band would seem somewhat out of place."
But there are big arrivals nonetheless: One of the biggest involves 30 Seconds to Mars, who have already started touting their entrance as being thoroughly crazy.
"30 Seconds to Mars are recreating a scene from their 'Kings and Queens' video," Kroft explained. "They'll have an army of bicyclists arriving with them, and they'll be riding bikes themselves. Most of the bicyclists are from the video."
Going equally big is Ke$ha, who has a few surprises ready for the VMA carpet. We don't want to give it all away, but here's what we can reveal: "Ke$ha has big plans for the carpet. I can't talk about all of them, but she is arriving in a Delorean, which she got herself," Kroft said. "It'll be like 'Back to the Future.' "
And, in keeping with grand tradition, there are still plenty of stars who haven't said how they're going to be arriving — Jay Sean is planning something "big and sexy," Soulja Boy Tell'em has some swaggadocious plans in the works, and Bruno Mars is still plotting, too — and then, there's Lady Gaga, who ... well, you never know what she'll do.
"We still don't know what some people are doing," Kroft laughed. "The only way you'll know is to tune in to the VMA Pre-Show and watch."
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News' VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsMonday, October 25, 2010
Usher - Spotlight
- Artist: Usher
- Label: Warner Bros. Records, Asylum, Mizay Ent
- Director: Benny Boom
- Album: The State vs. Radric Davis
Beyonce Says She's 'A Feminist, In A Way'
Singer also talks about retiring alter ego Sasha Fierce and starting a family, in You magazine.
By James Dinh
Beyoncé
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
Whether it's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" or the Destiny's Child classic "Independent Women," most of Beyoncé's catalog consists of strong female-empowerment anthems. So it's no surprise that the singer considers herself to be a feminist.
In an interview with the U.K.'s You magazine, the pop star opens up about the importance of female companionship, not needing to hide behind Sasha Fierce and her much-talked-about baby plans.
"I think I am a feminist, in a way. It's not something I consciously decided I was going to be; perhaps it's because I grew up in a singing group with other women, and that was so helpful to me," she told the magazine. "It kept me out of so much trouble and out of bad relationships. My friendships with my girls are just so much a part of me that there are things I am never going to do that would upset that bond. I never want to betray that friendship, because I love being a woman and I love being a friend to other women."
Most recently, Beyoncé has certainly made her share of female friends in the industry. In the past year, the singer has collaborated with Lady Gaga ("Video Phone" and "Telephone") and Alicia Keys ("Put It in a Love Song").
While the singer might always have female besties, there's one thing she's cut out of the picture: alter ego Sasha Fierce. Earlier this year, the pop star revealed that she "killed" Sasha, and now she said the alter-ego absence is due to her newfound self-awareness.
"I don't need Sasha so much anymore, because these days, I know who I am. It takes time to figure out who you are, and I am still discovering different things about myself. As I am exposed to different experiences, I think, 'Oh, I like this. I didn't know I liked this,' " she explained. "That's the journey of life that is so exciting. More and more, I know who I am, I know what I like, I know what I want, and that makes me feel so free."
In fact, B already has her eye on some personal life goals. "My ambition is to continue to learn about the world and to eventually have a family," she said. And while Beyoncé remained coy about when she and husband Jay-Z will expand the Carter family, she hinted that there's really "no dates, no times" to motherhood. "It will happen when I am ready."
What is your favorite Beyoncé female-empowerment anthem? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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'Cast in Metal: Final MTV Interview with Ronnie James Dio
In spring 2009, just as Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio) were getting ready to put out their debut full-length, 'The Devil You Know,' Dio and bassist Geezer Butler sat down in an apartment in New York's East Village to talk about the making of the disc, the sorry state of the [...]
Chef Rosalind Lim heals through food
Does a "naked burger" comprising a bun-less veggie patty of black beans and brown rice served with chipotle ketchup and garbanzo mash sound appealing?
How about a grilled tofu salad with avocado, walnuts and daikon dressing?
These are the kinds of dishes that chef Rosalind Lim is serving up at her new caf� Onaka in holistic health center Body with Soul (44/45 Rochester Park, tel +65 6779 0660).
Too tasty to be health food?
Lim's mission is simple: to help people heal themselves and lead healthier lives through eating right, without sacrificing the joy of eating.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Eminem Is The Hottest MC In The Game!
Ultra-successful Recovery album and Home and Home Tour with Jay-Z shoot Em straight to the top.
By Paul Cantor
Eminem
Photo: Getty Images
Everyone loves a comeback story, and in 2010, that's what they got from Eminem.
Even though Marshall Mathers sold 608,000 copies of 2009's Relapse in its first week, the project was panned by critics and longtime Em fans. They said he rhymed in too many weird voices, that the production sounded dated and that the subject matter was too grim. The LP didn't make enough of an impact, and there really wasn't much buzz around Eminem to even warrant him making the Hottest MCs list last year.
This year, however, was totally different. Eminem pretty much dominated 2010 from start to finish, and the MTV News Hip-Hop Brain Trust voted him the #1 Hottest MC in the Game. "Obviously, the last album was lackluster," mtvU's Yomi Desalu said during the Hottest MCs roundtable discussion. "I think he recognized that, not being on the board last year."
Em got back in the swing of things this year, first by ripping the all-star posse cut "Forever," which, despite being released in September 2009, had enough momentum to keep playing all the way into 2010. Then he guested on the Lil Wayne single "Drop the World," a highly anticipated duet between the two rappers that had been buzzed about for years; added a poignant verse to the remix of B.o.B's "Airplanes"; and even dropped a couple of freestyles (on Drake's "Over" beat and Lloyd Banks' "Beamer, Benz or Bentley").
It all led up to the release of the first single from Recovery, "Not Afraid." The song was a turn of form for Em that found him spitting motivational rhymes and encouraging people to face their fears, for better or worse. In a post-recession America, it felt like a message people really needed to hear: Don't give up, because we're all in this together. "Not Afraid" hit #1 on the Hot 100 and pushed Recovery to 741,000 units sold its first week. Em followed that with "Love the Way You Lie," which was poignantly assisted by Rihanna.
That song also hit #1 on the Hot 100, as well as pretty much every other Billboard chart. The video was viewed 6.6 million times on the day it debuted on Vevo, a record for the site, and has since been viewed 167 million times. Both songs remain staples on radio playlists and video countdowns nationwide.
"Something about Em this time around, you don't feel like he's following some type of formula," MTV Jams' Tuma Basa said. "He didn't come out with that corny Slim Shady record. This time, he came like, 'I came to play.' And the records have this motivational anthemic type [of feel] we haven't seen in him. He's stepping into a new space."
While there's little doubt Em will take home a stack of trophies at the 2011 Grammys, he actually nabbed two this year for Best Rap Album (Relapse) and Best Performance by a Duo or Group ("Crack a Bottle" with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent). He also brought home VMAs for the Best Male Video and Best Hip-Hop Video for "Not Afraid," while winning three Teen Choice Awards (Choice Rap Album for Relapse, Choice Rap Artist and Choice Rap/Hip-Hop Track for "Love the Way You Lie").
He also had a handful of performances on the BET Awards, the VMAs and the Grammy Awards. And who could forget his cameo on the season finale of HBO's "Entourage"? Em was everywhere in 2010.
But it was his Home and Home Tour with Jay-Z this past September that really showed just how big of a year he had. MTV News' Shaheem Reid wrote of the concert at Comerica Park: "Detroit hasn't screamed this loud at a baseball park since Kirk Gibson was hitting home runs in the 1984 World Series." Em actually faced stiff competition during the roundtable, where he was initially voted #2. Some Brain Trustees were coming for his head, claiming Jay-Z or Kanye should actually have that slot. The coup didn't last long, though.
"When you do close to 3 million in three months — come on, man," MTV News supervising producer Sean Lee said.
"You think Kanye's gonna sell 3 million?" MTV News senior producer Rahman Dukes added.
Others, like MTV News senior writer Jayson Rodriguez, felt like Kanye held more cultural caché at the moment. He was the new guy on the block; Em was old news.
But when it came down to a test of skills and performance on records, Eminem got the nod.
"He jumped on Wayne's 'Drop the World' and murdered that verse," Reid said. "Obviously, you heard him on 'Airplanes' with B.o.B, a very unexpected collaboration. Now you gotta come sit at the table with the other bosses in rap, and he's doing it."
Eventually, after initially voting to keep Jay-Z at #1, because of Eminem's momentous year, the roundtable pushed Em to the top.
The 2010 Hottest MCs in the Game rollout is now complete! As in 2008 and 2009, the criteria was based on a combination of rhyme skill, flow, buzz, commercial success, business ventures, Web presence and cultural influence. Upload your reaction to our list, arguments and/or your own list to Your.MTV.com or send tweets with the hashtag #hottestmcs — the best responses could be on TV or our hip-hop blog, RapFix! For the complete 2010 Hottest MCs list go here.
Related Videos Related ArtistsBritney Spears' Best Pre-'Glee' Comedy Moments
Before she hits up 'Glee,' relive her small-screen history.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears and Josh Radnor on "How I Met Your Mother"
Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All
Tuesday night's (September 28) "Glee" episode is all about Britney Spears. While fans and the show's stars are excited to see the singer light up the screen in the appropriately titled "Britney/Brittany" episode, it's hardly the first time Spears has performed for a laugh on the small screen (and we're not talking about her docu-series "Britney & Kevin: Chaotic").
Spears brought the funny in a show-opening appearance on the 2009 VMAs, her top 10 list on "Late Night With David Letterman" and on "Saturday Night Live," especially during her stints as the show's host in 2000 and 2002.
In 1999, Britney Spears stopped by "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" to teach Melissa Joan Hart a lesson or two about loneliness, fame and the proper way to do choreography. The duo also hooked up for Spears' "(You Drive Me) Crazy" video from the soundtrack for Hart's movie "Drive Me Crazy," which featured "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier.
Spears was one of the many pop stars to stop by "Will & Grace" when she made an appearance on the show in 2006. She showed off her Southern accent and comedic flair as closeted lesbian Amber Louise.
The singer proved she was funny once again when she appeared on "How I Met Your Mother" in 2008. Her People's Choice-nominated cameo (she was up for Favorite Scene-Stealing Guest Star) had fans rooting for her again after a difficult period in her personal life. She hit the small screen as Abby, a receptionist with a grudge against Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) after he forgot to call her after they, uh, went out.
What was your favorite small-screen moment for Britney Spears? Let us know in the comments!
Related ArtistsLady Gaga's 'Sopranos' Cameo Surfaces
Gaga appeared on season three of the hit HBO show in an episode called 'The Telltale Moozadell.'
By Eric Ditzian
Lady Gaga on "The Sopranos"
Photo: HBO
The sunken treasure that is Lady Gaga's pop-culture past continues to reap Internet gold. In January, we hauled out a clip from the pop star's nearly forgotten appearance on "The Hills," when she popped up in a vinyl bodysuit and required some zipper assistance from Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port.
Now, further proving the point that the Internet never forgets, Gaga's 2001 appearance on "The Sopranos" has shown up online. The episode, called "The Telltale Moozadell," is from the third season of the hit HBO show.
Mob boss Tony Soprano's son, A.J., is acting out while at the school pool with friends. Wearing a black top and jeans, Gaga is one of three girls hanging out, smoking cigarettes and watching the boys swim. One of A.J.'s friends then gets the idea to chuck a desk into the water. From there it's a free-for-all, as Gaga and her pals toss equipment and sports trophies into the pool. A.J. ends up getting probation. Gaga, alas, is never heard from again. The episode aired when the future superstar was just 15 years old.
Her gig as an extra on "The Sopranos," though, was not the only time Gaga ended up on TV before she took on her famous moniker. As previously revealed, she once appeared on an episode of MTV's "Boiling Points," a hidden-camera show in which unwitting contestants had to keep their cool as various undercover actors tried to annoy them. Gaga didn't do so well, unleashing a bleep-worthy word after a waitress brought her a soiled salad.
"Who puts that in their mouth? Would you put that in your mouth?" she said. "It has sh-- all over it!"
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Selita Ebanks 'Killed It' In 'Runaway,' Kanye West Says
Victoria's Secret model 'never diva'd out' while shooting film, Yeezy says.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Selita Ebanks in Kanye West's "Runaway"
Photo: Def Jam
Selita Ebanks' life and career are about to change.
The Victoria's Secret model has garnered recognition for her stunning looks and notoriety for her short-lived engagement to Nick Cannon.
But now, predicts Kanye West, after her performance in his short film "Runaway," the New York native's acting prospects will be blossoming.
"She killed it," West told MTV News' Sway after the premiere.
"She surprised everyone," he continued. "But what I really loved about Selita: We had different ideas for different phoenixes and different people playing the role, and I went through a lot of craziness in order to get this film done — financing, different directors, locations, the dates — and she never wavered. She never got Hollywood, mollywood, model-wood, whatever they call it. She never diva'd out. She just believed in my vision and delivered. She brought the film to a whole 'nother level."
West also thinks the caliber of roles offered to Ebanks will improve as a result of her work. He pointed out the physicality in her role, noting the difficulty in communicating a character with limited vocals.
Yeezy deferred any credit for casting Ebanks, offering praise to the model and to a higher power.
"When she gets offered roles, beforehand, it was, 'Oh, we got a great idea for her: You can play a model,' " West explained. "But now, just the fact that there was so little dialogue, that's like the hardest acting. And she had to do it in all of her acting. And she never got out of character. It was amazing. Me, sitting here right now talking about this, it was all in God's hands. Certain things you're not in control of."
What do you think of Selita Ebanks' "Runaway" performance? Tell us in the comments below!
Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists'Paranormal Activity 2' Taps Into 'Primal Fears,' Producer Says
'When you can't really see what's going on, your imagination starts to run wild,' actor Micah Sloat tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner and Sarah Flanigan
"Paranormal Activity 2"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
Judging by the terrified, shaky reactions from some of the 2,000 excited, screaming fans who showed up to the midnight screening of "Paranormal Activity 2" in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the highly anticipated sequel more than lives up to the scare factor of the first film.
When MTV News caught up with the stars of the first (and possibly second) film, Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, as well as producer Oren Peli, they weren't able to reveal any plot details, but they did say why they think the movies were so scary.
"It ultimately comes down to the difference being disgusted or being scared," Sloat said. "You can be shocked, but it's a totally different experience than feeling this, like, creeping dread of something that's about to happen. When you can't really see what's going on, your imagination starts to run wild. And the truth is that anything you can imagine is going to be better than anything you can actually see."
Featherston described the differences between "Paranormal Activity" and other horror movies: "As opposed to a lot of blood and guts and gore that you see in a lot of films, it's the kind of movie that really taps into your imagination," she said. "There's a lot of suspense and dread that builds up, and so it's really intense in that way. I think people kind of scare themselves. What's more scary than your own imagination?"
More than just the audience's imagination factors in to the type of fright that can occur while watching the movie. As Peli said, because it's presented as found footage, people connect to it on a personal level rather than thinking they're watching a movie. "It taps into people's primal fears of what happens at night and while you're asleep and most vulnerable," he said. "So, the first one, and this one as well, kind of taps into those types of fears that everyone, across the world, shares."
Check out everything we've got on "Paranormal Activity 2."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Pauly ?Pauly D? Delvecchio Pays A Visit To Walt Disney World
Pauly Paully D Delvecchio from MTV‘s Jersey Shore took a break from his bizzy GTL schedule to pay a visit to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL this week to do a bit of fist pumpin’ with Goofy and announce that he will be DJing the big Disney Grad Night 2011 [...]
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Britney Spears Remains Under Conservatorship
Conservatorship has been in place since February 2008.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Fame Pictures
On Thursday (September 30), Britney Spears met with a judge in Los Angeles to discuss the current status of her conservatorship, which she has been under since February 2008.
TMZ reports that Judge Reva Goetz had requested a meeting with the pop star after the judge had discussed ending the conservatorship with Spears' lawyers at the last few status meetings.
Spears' father, Jamie Spears, was also present in the judge's chambers during the progress meeting. He left the courtroom minutes after Britney, who wore a black dress and black ankle boots.
It was decided that Spears would remain under her conservatorship, according to TMZ. The judge took the stand to announce: "At this time, all orders will remain in full force and effect." The decision came after she met with Spears and her father individually. The judge did give the OK to approve "investment strategies" for Britney's trust; a petition had been filed regarding that matter.
While there seems to be no change in Spears' personal life, she has certainly been a force to be reckoned with since she released her 2008 album Circus. She's managed to once again top the charts, mount a successful tour and even try her hand at acting. This week alone she brought some star power to "Glee," which tackled her hit-filled catalog, including "Me Against the Music."
Much has been rumored about what Spears is working on as far as a follow-up to Circus. After it was reported that Spears might release new music sometime this year, her manager, Adam Leber, was quick to clear the air.
"No new music news right now....Wish people wouldn't mislead you guys with BS info," he wrote on Twitter in August. "Not cool! PS- The guys that ARE working on Brit's next album ARE NOT talking about it..."
Related ArtistsMSNBC Commentator Rachael Maddow Gives Props to Florida Death Metal
When political commentators mention extreme metal on the air it's usually in reference to something tragic like a school shooting, church burning or suicide pact. But when MSNBC liberal correspondent Rachael Maddow invoked the names of Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under, Obituary, Death and Deicide it was mostly to take a stab at Republicans, not [...]
Britney Spears - Circus
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive
- Album: Circus
China Chow Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate
Swizz Beatz Praises Kanye West's 'Deep, Deep' 'Runaway' Film
'We're all in here watching him live his dream,' Swizzy tells MTV News.
By Hillary Crosley
Swizz Beatz at the "Runaway" premiere
Photo: Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images
On Thursday night in New York City, Kanye West premiered his "Runaway" film for a crowd that included Big Apple industry insiders the rapper described as "family." Among them was Swizz Beatz, Kanye's collaborator on several G.O.O.D. Friday tracks, including "So Appalled," who took a moment to review Kanye's nod to filmmaker Federico Fellini
"I just want to shout out my brother Kanye for being so brave, that was his expression of our music and culture," Swizz Beatz told MTV News with a smile.
For those unable to make the MC's private screenings in Paris, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, "Runaway" will premiere this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV, MTV2 and BET, and stream live on MTV.com, BET.com and VH1.com, followed by a live Q&A session with West on MTV and MTV.com.
And how would Swizz rank the film?
"On a 1 to 10, it was a 9," said Swizz, before defending his ruling. "The reason why it was a 9 was because it should've been longer. It was a deep, deep story and you have to, one, know Kanye, to really understand it."
"Runaway" follows 'Ye after he rescues a phoenix, played by the lovely Selita Ebanks, and tries to integrate the bird into his human world with varying results.
With the television premiere of his first feature film set for this weekend, whether critics applaud or pan the piece, in Swizz's eyes, Kanye is the victor.
"We're all in here watching him live his dream, so that means he won," he said.
Kanye West's "Runaway" will premiere on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV, MTV2 and BET, and will also stream live on MTV.com, BET.com and VH1.com, followed by a live Q&A session on MTV and MTV.com.
Related ArtistsHaunted Shanghai: Madam Pavlova?s millions
It's Shanghai, 1988. Mornings are slow at the Soviet Consulate. Alexander, the secretary, is napping. The marble halls are dead quiet. Then the telephone rings.
Twenty minutes later Alexander is riding a public bus along Huaihai Lu, to catalog the belongings of Xenia Pavlova, the oldest Russian �migr� in Shanghai, who has just died. No relatives could be located so a Soviet official must inventory her possessions.
It is a grim job. But it's also the start of one of the most improbable tales cataloged by the Russian Shanghai organization and the Russian Consulate.
Pavlova has lived in Shanghai all her life. For the last 45 years she lived alone.
Britney Spears - Circus
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive
- Album: Circus
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Friday, October 22, 2010
Jared Leto Shows Off His Skirt
Actor and 30 Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto posted a fun photo on his official Twitter profile yesterday with the caption “Real Men Wear Skirts” … Um … yeah, I’m really gonna look at the skirt he’s wearing in this photo. Just the skirt … nothing else … just Jared Leto‘s skirt. MMMM … [...]
Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
- Artist: Led Zeppelin
- Label: Swan Song
- Album: The Song Remains the Same
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Usher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V Raymond
Michael Jackson's Nephew Austin Brown Releases First Single
'I can't help where I come from, but I love where I come from, so I just do music and I create,' Austin Brown says.
By Steven Roberts
Austin Brown
Photo: MTV News
The name Austin Brown may not ring any bells, but he is the youngest son of Rebbie "Centipede" Jackson, and, of course, the nephew of the late Michael Jackson. Brown, a talented and versatile singer, songwriter, producer and dancer, is ready to carry on the Jackson family business for the next generation. But he isn't necessarily looking to live off the family's fame.
"Music is in my heart," Brown said. "It's what I love to do. I can't help where I come from, but I love where I come from, so I just do music and I create."
Brown said he grew up listening to everything from Boyz II Men and George Michael to the Beatles. And while such a diverse musical taste isn't uncommon with the iPod generation of today, the singer said he loved to sit around and dissect what makes each artist special. He'd listen and wonder what about the Beatles inspired Brian Wilson's (of the Beach Boys) work, which in turn inspired the Beatles.
Brown also loves to perform, which he said started when his mom first took him onstage. "She was doing a show in Japan and I was about 3," said Brown. "When I first looked up, there was all of these things onstage — gargoyles and all this weird stuff at the club. And I got scared and kind of ran off, but I paused when I ran off. So my mom tried it again the next day, and I danced my heart off after that."
Some 20 years later, Brown has teamed up with super-producer Rodney Jerkins and is set to release his debut album, 85. The title represents what Brown has learned from music throughout his life.
"He had the vision," explained Jerkins. "He said, 'It's going to be called 85.' Why 85? 'Because that was the year I was born and in '85 this artist came out, and the music sounded like this. We've got to be inspired by this.' The whole thing we kept trying to do was create a sound that makes you want to dance and feel good."
The album's first single, "Target Practice," debuted Monday on Brown's website, and the video will follow. Brown said it doesn't look anything short of stunning.
"It was directed by a man by the name of Tom DeSanto, who is the producer of 'Transformers' and 'X-Men,' and it was such a blessing to get him for my first video," he said.
"He's downplaying it for me," Jerkins said. "Your first video and you've got the producer of 'Transformers'? How did you get him from the movie world? Most people go from making music videos to the movie world. He's coming from the movie world to the video world."
What do you think of Brown's new single, "Target Practice"? Tell us in the comments below.
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Thursday, October 21, 2010
Usher's OMG Tour To Launch In November
Usher's 25-date arena tour will start on November 10 in Seattle.
By Gil Kaufman
Usher
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage
Usher will reward his fans' patience in November when he finally kicks off the long-awaited tour in support of his platinum Raymond v. Raymond album. Though it won't feature Chris Brown as recently rumored, Usher is promising a major show for the 25-date North American arena tour that kicks off on November 10 in Seattle.
"Songs like 'OMG,' 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love,' 'There Goes My Baby,' 'Papers,' 'Daddy's Home,' 'Lil Freak' with Nicki Minaj and 'Hot Tottie' with Jay-Z have dominated the airwaves since last February," said Randy Phillips, president & CEO of AEG Live, the promoter behind the tour. "Now is the time for one of our greatest entertainers to go live and we are thrilled to be part of the ultimate Usher experience. Usher is bringing his fans an evening they will not soon forget. This will be the 'Must See' concert tour of 2010!"
The singer, who is on tap to perform at Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards, will be on the road through late December, hitting major cities from Las Vegas and Los Angeles to Dallas, Detroit, Chicago and Boston, wrapping things up on December 18 with a show at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
Tickets will go on sale beginning September 17, with more information on opening acts and tour details available at Usherworld.com.
Dates for the OMG Tour:
» November 10 - Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
» November 12 - Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arenabr
» November 13 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Baybr
» November 14 - Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
» November 17 - San Diego, CA @ Sports Arena
» November 18 - Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center
» November 19 - Phoenix, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
» November 23 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
» November 24 - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
» November 26 - St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
» November 27 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
» November 29 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
» November 30 - Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
» December 2 - Detroit, MI @ TBD
» December 3 - Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
» December 5 - Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
» December 7 - Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum
» December 8 - Baltimore, MD @ 1st Mariner Arena
» December 10 - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
» December 11 - Norfolk, VA @ Scope Arena
» December 13 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
» December 14 - Boston, MA @ TD Garden
» December 16 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
» December 17 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
» December 18 - Hartford, CT @ XL Center
Kristen Stewart To Shoot 'American Girl' Next Year, James Woods Says
'She's just been totally devoted throughout all this fame,' he tells MTV News of nabbing the actress pre-'Twilight.'
By Eric Ditzian
Kristen Stewart
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Kristen Stewart took on the role of a damaged prostitute in "Welcome to the Rileys" before the "Twilight" series debuted and launched her into superstardom. That film is about to hit theaters, and now another film she first circled during her pre-Bella Swan days looks like it will soon be shifting in production.
On the "Rileys" red carpet Monday, James Woods told us that "An American Girl," in which Stewart is set to star, is gearing up to shoot in 2011. "She's been committed to it for two years now, and we're just about ready to go now in the spring," he told MTV News.
Woods is directing the film, based on a script by Tom Metcalfe ("The Haunting in Connecticut"). The film follows a high school grad who's unknowingly recorded having sex and who joins the Marines to escape the humiliation.
Though Stewart had not yet become a breakout star in Hollywood at the time, Woods said he eyed her for the role based on advice from Sean Penn and Dennis Quaid, both of whom had worked with her on previous films. Woods' casting director tried to talk him into casting another actress, but he was adamant. "She's the one I want. She's it," he recalled telling the casting director.
"Her insight into the script was so perceptive and prescient as it turns out that I was overwhelmed with what a true professional and what a true artist she was, beyond her talent," he explained. "She's got a real brain for script analysis. She's just been totally devoted throughout all this fame. It's never dented her at all. She's been terrific from day one up until this very minute."
Despite that fame that has enveloped her since "Twilight" hit theaters in late 2008 — and despite all the roles that have come her way — Stewart remained committed to "American Girl." Woods, for one, expected nothing less from the young actress.
"She has been steadfast and true in her commitment, which did not surprise me, because when I started working with her on the script," he said, "she was so insightful."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosKanye West Brings 'Runaway' Back Home To Chicago
'Ye tells hometown crowd he's driven by the desire to 'not let the culture down and do some awesome sh--.'
By Elizabeth Vassolo
Kanye West (file)
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
CHICAGO — Chicago fans are some of the most loyal around — not only to their sports teams, but to their musicians as well. Kanye West was greeted on Tuesday night with a warm, Windy City homecoming as more than 300 people, including media types, local artists and friends who supported him on his ride up, gathered at the ICON Theater in Chicago's South Loop for an advance look at his movie, "Runaway," which premieres on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV and BET.
The 35-minute film includes nine unreleased songs that drive the story of a phoenix (Selita Ebanks), that mythical bird with a penchant for fire, who falls from the sky. West rescues her, but soon learns that he can't change her destiny.
Before the film began, West humbly addressed the crowd, giving fans a chance to see a softer side of him.
"For him to come home to Chicago and do this, this is a great way for redemption," said Sean Knight, who was in the audience.
"It gave me a different perspective on Kanye's music and personality," Bretagne Lenox added. "He has changed."
West spoke of his conviction and passion and an artist's duty to elevate culture in a way that makes things better for future generations. "Let's not let the culture down and do some awesome sh--," he urged the audience. "We need to appreciate life, look at art and take time. ... Do something because you feel so convicted."
He also said this duty was the driving force behind the movie's use of culturally significant imagery. There are ballet dancers donning traditional tutus, a lamb and deer hanging out in the backyard, and the movie's most profound symbol, the phoenix. The bird may represent West's genius and the way he is compelled by something so strong he has no choice but to move forward, or maybe it is just a simple symbol of reinvention.
But whatever the interpretation, Chicago fans agreed that West's goal of colliding culturally inspired visuals with pop music is a step in the right direction.
"It was breathtaking," said Kevin Schwarz after the screening. "The music and the imagery, there are no words. And when he talked about his perspective on parents and doing things for the future, one day I will be a father and I want to pass it on too."
Chicago was the fourth stop of his preview tour, which will continue in New York on Thursday.
Kanye West's "Runaway" will premiere on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV, MTV2 and BET, and will also stream live on MTV.com, BET.com and VH1.com, followed by a live Q&A session on MTV.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsFat Calves
I have fat claves.
I have fat calves.
I have fat calves and I have a problem buying tall boots in the Fall/Winter because of them.
Even when I'm skinny, I have fat calves. I've always had them. I remember being a size four and not being able to find boots that fit. I just have fat calves.
I told this to Mark tonight and said, "I can't even blog about it because it's embarrassing," and he said, "Own it!"
So I am. I have fat calves.
What's prompting this is that I got a pair of Hunter boots today. I thought if anything is going to fit, surely it will be these gigantic rain boots. But low and behold, I tried one on and it got stuck on my leg. I seriously thought I was going to have to cut it off. (The boot. Or the leg.) And you know, the boots are rubber, so the harder I pulled, the hotter my leg became and the tighter the boot got. When I finally pulled it off it was like "Pop!"—it was like a suction.
I'm so bummed out.
I have fat calves.
I have fat calves.
I have fat calves and I hate them.
Ke$ha To Return With Cannibal On November 22
Animal companion will feature eight new songs.
By James Montgomery
Ke$ha
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/ Getty Images
Taking a page from Lady Gaga's playbook, Ke$ha will return November 22 with Cannibal, a nine-song "companion" to her platinum-plus debut disc Animal that, like Gaga's The Fame Monster, will be sold both as a standalone album and as part of a deluxe reissue.
According to a press release sent Wednesday (October 13) by her label, RCA, Cannibal will feature eight brand-new songs — produced by the likes of Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Bangladesh — and a new remix. The first single from the mini-album, "We R Who We R," is scheduled to hit radio Thursday.
Cannibal is set to be released both on its own and bundled with Ke$h's Animal disc in a reissue called — fittingly enough — Animal + Cannibal. And if the whole thing sounds rather, well, ravenous, well, that's pretty much what the singer had in mind.
"This year has been carnivorous and life-changing. I have my rowdy, gorgeous fans to thank for taking me on the ride of a lifetime," she said in a statement. "My only goal with this record is to keep them dancing. The songs on Cannibal were made to inspire people to ignore any hate or judgment and be themselves unapologetically. It's the perfect companion to Animal and I hope you guys like it. And if you don't like it — bite me."
Well, OK then. The announcement of Cannibal comes one day after the news that Ke$ha had been nominated for three American Music Awards — more than any artist not named Eminem, Justin Bieber and Lady Antebellum. The AMAs will air November 21, one day before Ke$ha's albums hit stores.
Will you pick up Ke$ha's new music? Let us know in the comments!
Related ArtistsBangkok warned against rising water levels as northeast battles floods
Thailand?s northeast continues to struggle with the worst floods it's seen in decades.
At least seven people have been killed while thousands of homes, businesses and farms have been damaged, prompting the government to announce large financial aid packages to the affected provinces.
Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum Erica Leerhsen
Is Samantha Ronson To Blame For Christina Aguilera?s Divorce From Jordan Bratman?
It’s been a week since we first learned that the marriage between Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman is dunzo and in that time rumors have been flying around over what was the cause of the split. One particularly popular rumor is that Xtina‘s marriage to Jordy couldn’t survive her alleged cheating … particularly with other [...]
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Kanye West Calls 'Runaway' Phoenix A Metaphor For His Career
'It definitely relates to everything that I've been through, like ... burning to the ashes and rebuilding,' 'Ye tells MTV News.
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Kara Warner
Kanye West at the "Runaway" premiere
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
The central storyline (as it were) of Kanye West's "Runaway" film involves a phoenix played by model Selita Ebanks, who falls to earth, is rescued by West and subsequently teaches him about societal ills and whatnot. Or something like that. It's "very abstract" after all.
And, as you can probably guess, the phoenix also serves as a rather apt metaphor for West's return to the spotlight ... something he explained when MTV News caught up with him at the Los Angeles premiere of "Runaway" on Monday. But — in much the same way he chose the artwork for his upcoming My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album — his decision to incorporate Ebanks' character into the film wasn't purely based on the metaphorical.
"I love characters in general, but [I loved] how colorful the bird is and just the design, it's just something I would've picked or drawn as a 5-year-old," West said. "It definitely relates to everything that I've been through, like, burning to the ashes and rebuilding and becoming a better person and delivering better product."
Regarding that last point, West hinted that "Runaway" might not be his only foray into the world of film (or dance, or theater). With Fantasy just around the corner, he's looking to push the artistic envelope even further.
"I was just moved by the classic dance, and I just wanted to crash it against the pop music," he said. "[I love] film and actual theater, and just mixing those things together, and getting as many people that are experts in their field to help me bring this vision together. That's what I'm looking for right now."
Are you excited to finally see Kanye's "Runaway" film? Tell us in the comments!
Kanye West's "Runaway" will premiere on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV, MTV2 and BET, and will also stream live on MTV.com, BET.com and VH1.com, followed by a live Q&A session on MTV and MTV.com.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsJesse McCartney Says 'Shake' Is 'Good Ear Candy'
The singer describes his current single as 'a kind of urban, kitschy track.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Jesse McCartney
Photo: MTV News
Jesse McCartney wants his fans to "Shake." The bouncy R&B tune will be featured on McCartney's next album, Have It All, which is due out in January. The track offers sexy lyrics about falling in love that, according to the singer, can really mean anything you want them to.
"It's definitely open for interpretation," he told MTV News. "I'm really excited about 'Shake.' We decided that would be the first single to represent Have It All and ... I felt like that song was kind of the closest to [2008's] Departure and it was a way to sort of reacquaint the fans with my music."
Back when McCartney released Departure, the singer touched on sexier R&B tracks, proving that as he grew out of his sugary, sweet, teen-pop image he was willing and unafraid to make music that was meant for listeners of all ages. And, "Shake" is certainly even more mature. "It's a kind of ... urban, kitschy track with a lot of synths and pop melodies on top, and it makes for good ear candy," McCartney explained. "And I think a good out-of-the-gate single, and the fans — I've been on tour for a couple of weeks [and] the reaction's been incredible from them."
Next up, McCartney plans on shooting an equally glossy video for the track. "So I'm gonna shoot a video when I get back to L.A. in about a week and I'm gonna be working with Fly, my choreographer, and we're gonna get a few dancers, a few girls to be in the video," he teased. "It's gonna be cool. We wanted to create a video that wasn't necessarily a story, following the song. It didn't necessarily have to be on the nose. We wanted something that was visually stimulating, a lot of cool camera techniques that haven't been used, a lot of saturated colors. So I'm excited about that too. The fans should have that in a few weeks."
Related ArtistsChris Brown's BET Awards Breakdown Divides Viewers
Some think Brown's Michael Jackson tribute was sincere, while others view it as a sympathy ploy.
By Gil Kaufman
Chris Brown performs at the 2010 BET Awards on Sunday
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images
While Chris Brown's onstage breakdown during a Michael Jackson tribute at Sunday night's BET Awards likely left many viewers speechless, MTV News readers had plenty to say about the emotional tribute to the late King of Pop.
Many commenters weighed in on an MTV News story about the performance, during which Brown executed some spot-on Jackson choreography for "Remember the Time" and "Billie Jean" while modeling some of MJ's signature looks. He then cried and was unable to get out the lyrics to the moving "Man in the Mirror."
"He left his heart on that dance floor and when those tears dropped from his face, so did the audience around the world," Music4Ever wrote. "He truly gave that his all and showed Michael that he was his idol."
Kjabbamodern called Brown's performance "amazing" and said he was spot on. "When you watched the awards you truly felt the incredible spirit he had, and when he broke down, it was truly genuine. Anyone that cannot understand that and see his true spirit is seriously NOT human. [Brown] made a mistake. ... I hope people find it in their hearts to forgive this young man."
The performance was one of the most high profile for Brown since the singer pleaded guilty last summer in connection with his attack on former girlfriend Rihanna. Since then, he has struggled to get his career back on track, meeting with disappointing sales for his album, Graffiti, and recently being forced to cancel European dates when the conviction stopped him from obtaining a work visa in the U.K.
Not everyone was convinced of the emotional sincerity of Brown's teary display. "Publicity stunt ... so funny that most of these commenters don't even remember all the backlash MJ had to endure!!" Eddie wrote. "Where was the forgiveness then? So sad that a sick person like Chris can put on a show of 'tears' to a REAL MUSICIAN'S MUSIC to get sympathy. ... His tears were for what he lost, which I pray he will never get back!!!"
Insantity wasn't feeling it either, adding, "I guess you can beat the life out of women, as long as you 'cry' at a tribute show."
Rebel was less harsh about Brown's intentions, writing, "This young man has suffered ENOUGH. Just let him move on and remember that there is not one amongst us who has never made a mistake in their life."
The night included notable performances from Alicia Keys, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, T.I. and Diddy. But Shai182 said simply, "Chris Brown's performance was hands down the best performance of the night!!! He killed it!!!" And chickhappy23 opined, "MJ would have been proud & we know u'll hold true to your promise Chris."
MTV's readers weren't the only ones torn over the tribute from one of Jackson's most avowed young followers. The Los Angeles Times ran a poll of readers on its site, asking whether they bought Brown's performance. At press time, 39 percent said that "Chris was thinking only of Jackson and was choked up by his death," followed by 21 percent who countered, "Chris was 100% faking a breakdown to get sympathy." The rest of the vote was split between 12 percent who said, "Chris was 50% upset by Jackson's death and 50% over-acting to get sympathy," and 9 percent who thought, "Chris was 100% freaked out that he had a real singing gig again. It had nothing to do with Jackson or faking it."
Was Chris Brown's BET breakdown genuine? Continue the conversation in the comments.
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