mtv music news
LUPE FIASCO, RAEKWON IN STORES NOW!
Yesterday, Lupe Fiasco finally released his long-awaited album, Lasers. The rapper is currently hanging out and performing with Wiz Khaflia, Jason Derulo and Pitbull for MTV and mtvU’s Spring Break 2011 at the Palms Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Raekwon has also issued his much anticipated album, Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang. If you download the project through iTunes, you will receive two bonus tracks – including one that was produced by Mobb Deep’s Havoc. Up next, Rae is expected to drop his sixth studio effort, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 3, later this year. The new disc will include production from Kanye West and Just Blaze.
RAEKWON COMMENTS ON CHARLIE SHEEN
According to Billboard.com, Raekwon doesn’t think Charlie Sheen’s crazy antics are funny. In fact, the Wu-Tang Clan member feels the actor is “a rich dick” who is “running around doing all this s**t” and forgetting that he has kids involved. The rapper explained, “I don’t have anything against him. I just think when you handle yourself like that, when you’re so much of a powerful man, it ain’t cool.” He encourages Sheen to “wisen up man, straighten up man.”
NICKI MINAJ IS “WINNING!”
When we think of Charlie Sheen’s infamous catch phrase, “uh…winning,” we can’t help but think of how Nicki Minaj has literally conquered hip hop. Thanks to all her recent chart success, the fem-cee told us that she has more confidence than ever in the rap game. Her latest single, “Moment 4 Life” featuring Drake, has claimed the number one spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-hop chart.
CEE-LO READIES JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE
To celebrate and honor the legacy of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, Cee-Lo has agreed to release a cover of Hendrix’s classic 1967 hit, “Foxy Lady.” The song will be a part of Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix – which will be available next month. You can preview the disc via Amazon.com now.
DIDDY ANNOUNCES TIGER BLOOD DRINK
Before we all get tired of talking about Charlie Sheen, Diddy has concocted a new drink dedicated to the now-out-of-work actor. By blending his Redberry Ciroc and cranberry juice, you can now drink what’s being called the Tigerblood cocktail! We can only imagine what that tastes like!
RIHANNA TURNS DOWN BODYGUARD ROLE
A few weeks ago, Variety reported there would be a remake of the classic 1992 film, The Bodyguard. While it’s unknown who will take over Whitney Houston’s role, we know who has already declined: Rihanna! The pop princess told OK Magazine, “I hate it when singers do singing movies all the time because you can never look at them as anybody else.” She feels that since she is already a singer, portraying a singer would not be a “challenge” and looks forward to “being able to step into somebody else’s shoes” in upcoming films.
WAKA FLOCKA GETS NAKED FOR PETA!
We recently reported that Waka Flocka Flame signed on to participate in PETA’s new ad campaign, Ink, Not Mink. The rapper posed naked to show everyone that wearing animal fur is not cool. He said in a statement, “Understand what you buy, instead of just going off fashion and what it looks like—that’s what I’d tell my community.” You can visit Peta.org to learn more.
BOBBY BROWN PREPS THE MASTERPIECE
Following the live performance of his new single, “Get Out The Way,” on The View, we caught up with Bobby Brown to find out more about his upcoming album, The Masterpeice. The R&B crooner’s comeback effort will mark his first studio disc in nearly 15 years. You can get your copy this spring.
FABOLOUS READIES PERFORMANCE IN AFRICA
This is a good look for Fabolous. The rapper has announced that he will headline a major music festival in Ghana, Africa. He is expected to take stage on April 7th at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre. Fab’s latest single, “You Be Killin Em,” sits at number nine on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-hop chart and his international single, “My Time” featuring Jeremih, is getting a lot of play in Ghana.
SHYNE READIES NEW ALBUM
Now that Shyne has completed his ten year prison sentence, fans wanna know when the rapper plans to unleash his new album. The former Bad Boy artist is reportedly scheduled to drop his upcoming disc, Gangland and Messiah, on May 17th. You can check out his new single, titled “King David,” via MissInfo.tv right now.
DETAILS ON MARIAH’S BABY SHOWER
Following a baby shower for Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, the singer posted a letter on her official blog to thank all her fans who contributed to The Lamb Book – which includes numerous well-wishes and inspirational messages for the expecting couple. Mi Mi wrote, “I can’t thank the Lambs around the world enough for your letters & well wishes.” She went on to say that she had a silent moment while reading the book and described the experience as “the best moment of the night.” As previously reported, the couple is expecting twins – a boy and a girl.
JENNIFER LEAKS NEW SONG OFF I REMEMBER ME
Jennifer Hudson has released a new song off her upcoming sophomore effort, I Remember Me. J-Hud teamed with Stargate to produce “I Got This.” Visit Rap-Up.com to hear the song today and also be sure to grab her new disc when it arrives in stores via J Records on March 22nd.
YOUNG BUCK FACES JAIL TIME?
AllHipHop.com reports Young Buck could potentially face jail time if he’s found guilty on federal weapons possession charges. The former G-Unit rapper, who was just indicted on Monday and is currently out on a 100-thousand dollar bail bond, is looking at up to ten years. We’ll keep you posted with further details!
NELLY LEAKS “GONE” VIDEO
Following their success with “Dilemma,” Nelly and Kelly Rowland have released the visual for their new single, “Gone.” The Marc Klasfeld-directed clip was shot in Cancun and shows the two artists getting very intimate poolside. After viewing this, you might assume there was something going on between the two, but the rapper recently told Hollyscoop TV that “Kelly is like a little sister. It still kinda feels like we grew up together, been on several tours together.”
THE DREAM: “KIM K SHOULD BE A SINGER”
While everyone has an opinion about Kim Kardashian’s vocal ability, The Dream recently encouraged the reality star to pursue further. During an episode of Kourtney & Kim Take New York, the hitmaker assured her, “For me, this is what I do. I can’t have you being embarrassed ’cause that would reflect on me and I’d look like an idiot.” Hmmm, who knows if we’ll ever have the pleasure of hearing a full length Kim K album. You can expect the video for her first song, “Jam (Turn It Up),” to be released soon.
· Do you think Kim can really sing? Would you buy an album, if she decided to record one?
LATOYA JACKSON TALKS MJ!
The world is still reeling from the tragic and sudden death of Michael Jackson. We caught up with his little sister, La Toya, and she told us the family is dealing with his loss the best that they can and that Michael’s children have really helped the family get through this tough time. You can see La Toya on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, Sunday nights at 9 PM Eastern.
BRUNO MARS IN THE UK
According to ThatGrapeJuice.net, Bruno Mars took the stage on the Graham Norton Show in London this week. The crooner performed an acoustic version of his chart smash, “Grenade.”
GAGA AND BREAST MILK ICE CREAM
Lady Gaga is getting upset over a pretty unusual ice cream flavor. According to PopEater.com, the pop star’s lawyers sent a letter to an English ice cream parlor to get them to stop calling their new flavor, which is made out of human breast milk, “Baby Gaga.” They make the claim that the owners of the store are trying to “take advantage of her reputation and good will.” Matt O’Connor, the owner, said that claims of his store trying to profit from using her name are “laughable.” Learn more at PopEater.com.
- Regardless of if they used Gaga’s name on purpose or not, would you ever eat ice cream made from breast milk?
Bridesmaids Trailer and Poster!
Looks like the ladies can get down and dirty like the guys. Universal Pictures new film, BRIDESMAIDS hits theaters May 13th.
It looks hella funny!
@TheEllenShow interviews Mike Tyson and he’s Better Than Ever! (#videos)
You have to check it out people. It’s a new show on The Animal Planet…starring the man himself, Mike Tyson. It started last Sunday and I’m not going to lie…I wasn’t to sure about this one…I didn’t know what to expect. BUT…after watching the first episode of ‘Taking on Tyson’…I’m hooked! I’m a fan. Pigeon racing is what it’s all about. Yep, PIGEON RACING. Tune in and learn something. (LOL)
Check out the cool interview below – Ellen talks to Mike about the show, his past, and future.
GO MIKE!
Being Ugly
I thought I’d share this story from an email I’ve kept for 11 years.
Everyone in the apartment complex that I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, love. The combination of these combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye and where the other should have been was a gaping hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner. His tail has long ago been lost, leaving only the smallest stub, which he would constantly jerk and twitch. Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby, striped-type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, even his shoulders with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. “That’s one UGLY cat!”
All of the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around his feet in forgiveness. Whenever he spied on children, he would come running, meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If you ever picked him up, he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.
One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor’s huskies. They did not respond kindly and Ugly was badly mauled. From my apartment I could hear his screams, and I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent that Ugly’s sad life was almost at an end. Ugly lay in a wet circle, his back and lower back twisted grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white strip of fur that ran down his front. As I picked him up and tried carrying him home, I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. It must be hurting him terribly, I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, suckling sensation on my ear. Ugly, in so much pain, suffering, and obviously dying, was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled-scared cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion. At the moment, I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, or even try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain. Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat there and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scared, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion that a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scared on the outside, but I was scared on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply. To give my total to those I cared for. Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me, I will always try to be Ugly.
- Author Unknown
mtv music news
NUDE PHOTO OF CHRIS BROWN LEAKS
Billboard.com reports a nude picture that appears to be Chris Brown has surfaced. In the image, Breezy stands in front of a mirror taking the full frontal shot. The singer is rocking his newly bleached-blond hair. While he hasn’t officially denied it’s actually him in the picture, MTV News reports Brown tweeted “WTF! Here we go again!” but later removed that post. The leaked image comes as Chris is prepping his latest album, F.A.M.E, which will be released on March 22nd.
· In related news, the singer tweeted that he is gearing up for a video shoot for Keri Hilson’s new single, “One Night Stand,” which he promises will be “real sexy!!!” Also, he revealed that the visual for his new single, “Look At Me Now” featuring Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne, “should be dropping soon!”
· Do you think someone is trying to sabotage his career?
USHER ISSUE NEW VIDEO FOR “MORE”
It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, everybody counted Usher out. Well, the crooner continues to promote his platinum selling Raymond vs. Raymond album by releasing the visual to his latest single, “More.” The video was filmed during his European tour.
PREVIEW SNOOP DOGG’S DOGGUMENTARY
Before Snoop Dogg drops his eleventh studio album, Doggumentary, the rapper wants fans to preview the disc. To hear some snippets of the 21-track project, just head over to Amazon.com. Doggumentary boasts numerous collaborators including Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, John Legend, T-Pain, R. Kelly and many more. Get your copy on March 29th.
· According to AllHipHop.com, Snoop Dogg has been tapped to headline this year’s Supafest tour. The rapper will be joined by Nelly, Bow Wow and Taio Cruz for the trek, which kicks off its four-city outing in Sydney on April 9th.
Click HERE to sample the album!
50 CENT LEAKS NEW FREESTYLE
50 Cent has just released a new freestyle called “The Paper (I Get It).” The Doe Pesci-produced cut is the seventh new song that the mogul has issued to help tide fans over until the follow-up to 2009’s Before I Self-Destruct is completed.
TYRESE WANTS TO PORTAY TEDDY PENDERGRASS
According to AOL Black Voices, Tyrese revealed that he is searching for a director to help him create a biopic about the late Teddy Pendergrass. The singer-turned actor explained he wants Lee Daniels, who was at the helm of the Oscar-nominated film Precious, because he “knows how to tell the truth about characters and layers. He knows how to get people to go there.” In addition, Gibson revealed that before Teddy passed away from respiratory failure, Pendergrass stated, “I don’t want nobody else in this world to do this movie but you.’”
Tyrese said he feels, “At first it was an opportunity [to do the film], now it’s a responsibility.”
KANYE WINS “STRONGER” LAWSUIT
According to AllHipHop.com, Kanye West has gotten a copyright infringement case over his hit song, “Stronger,” thrown out. The rapper was accused of stealing the record from an aspiring producer, Vincent “Vince P.” Peters. However, an Illinois judge dismissed the case because he deemed Yeezy’s song not substantially similar to Peters’ song.
AND…
SUGE KNIGHT AND KANYE SETTLE LAWSUIT
According to TheBoomBox.com, Kanye West has quietly settled the lawsuit Suge Knight filed, stating ‘Ye is responsible for the injuries he experienced following a shooting during West’s pre-VMA party in 2005. In the suit, Suge blamed the rapper for not having proper security at the event – which also led to Knight losing a diamond earring worth 135-thousand dollars. They recently settled for an undisclosed amount.
· In 2001, Suge had his say on Puff Daddy’s trial for weapons possession. He stated, “Prison’s not the place for Puffy… I think if I had a chance and I could talk to the jury, I’d say, ‘Look, before you send this guy to prison, look at the consequences. Prison could destroy this guy.’”
STABBING AT LLOYD BANKS CONCERT
This is sad. During an upstate New York Lloyd Banks concert, two men were reportedly stabbed and taken to a hospital. Over the weekend, the “Start It Up” rapper was performing at The Town Ballroom in Buffalo when the two victims were wounded inside the venue during a brawl that broke out. Visit AllHipHop.com for more.
· Authorities revealed Clayton Webster is still in critical condition while Anthony Marshall is recovering nicely.
BEYONCE TO HELP CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Beyonce has teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation to help fight childhood obesity. The singer has reportedly recorded a new version of one of her songs to help support the Let’s Move! Flash Workout campaign. Participating school districts will get an instructional video with Beyonce showing kids how to exercise with a new dance routine.
· Bey said in a statement, “I am excited to be part of this effort that addresses a public health crisis.” At exactly 1:42 PM Eastern on May 3rd, select middle school students across the country will all partake in the video routine together.
TRINA AND T-PAIN RELEASE “GHETTO”
Trina’s new mixtape, Diamonds Are Forever, will be released very soon and she’s dropped a new T-Pain-assisted song called “Ghetto” to give fans an idea of what to expect. You can listen to the new tune via RapRadar.com and be sure to download her new project on March 28th.
Click HERE to hear it!
DIDDY-DIRTY MONEY’S DAWN RICHARD GOES SOLO
We’ve just learned that Dawn Richard of Diddy-Dirty Money has begun recording her highly anticipated solo debut album. While it’s unknown when the disc will be completed, you can get a free download of the former Danity Kane singer’s first mixtape, Prelude To A Tell Tale Heart, at DawnRichardBlog.com.
· Catch Diddy-Dirty Money performing their hit, “Coming Home,” this Thursday on American Idol.
· The group kicks off their Diddy-Dirty Money Coming Home Tour on April 13th in Minneapolis.
· Did you think that Dawn would be the most successful singer after Danity Kane?
BOBBY V PICKS FAVORITES OFF NEW ALBUM
Bobby V is spilling on some of the tracks that fans should look out for his fourth studio album, Fly On The Wall. The singer told SingersRoom.com, “A lot of my favorite songs are on the album: ‘Words,’ ‘Are You the Right One,’ ‘L.O.V.E.,’ ‘If I Can’t Have You,’ ‘Sweetness’ – the whole album really.” Fans will be able to judge for themselves after they purchase the disc on March 22nd.
JENNIFER HUDSON RECORDS BROOKS & DUNN
Jennifer Hudson will include a song by country singers Brooks & Dunn on her next album, Remember Me. Last year, Jennifer sang the Brooks & Dunn hit, “Believe,” during their ACM Presents TV special and she told Entertainment Weekly that she loved the song so much she recorded a cover of the tune for her new project. She also said the song was one of her favorites on the new album and made it feel “complete.” Remember Me will be released March 22nd.
KATY PERRY TIES WITH MARIAH CAREY
Since the release of “California Gurls” in May of last year, the first single off of her most recent album Teenage Dream, Katy Perry has had a song in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That tune, along with “Teenage Dream” and “Firework,” have ensured that Katy has kept a top-ten spot for 42 consecutive weeks, and according to PerezHilton.com, Perry is now tied with Mariah Carey and Santana for the second longest streak ever. The record is 48 weeks, set by Ace of Base in 1993 and 1994.
· The Ace of Base songs that kept the group in the top-ten were “All The She Wants,” “Don’t Turn Around” and “The Sign.”
CHARLIE SHEEN TALKS AMY WINEHOUSE
It’s getting difficult to keep track of everything Charlie Sheen has been saying these days, but apparently during one of his many interviews, the actor paid tribute to Amy Winehouse and her partying ways. According to British paper The Sun, Sheen believes the embattled singer is “pretty radical,” and that “she was partying Charlie-sheen style” in her heyday a few years back. Learn more at TheSun.co.uk.
· Would you like to party with Amy and Charlie together?
mtv music news
DRAKE, LIL WAYNE JOINT ALBUM COMING SOON?
According to MTV News, Lil Wayne and Drake are looking to record a joint album that could potentially be completed before the end of the year. Weezy told MTV last week that the project has “always been in the making,” but he first needs to release his long-awaited joint album with T-Pain, titled T-Wayne. Wayne is confident that the disc could see the light of day at “the end of the year if we work hard at it.” In related news, the Young Money general is currently recording Tha Carter IV. Visit MTV.com for more!
WHITNEY HOUSTON’S DAUGHTER ISN’T USING DRUGS
Good news! The pictures that surfaced in the National Enquirer of Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, sniffing cocaine is not what it seemed. The offspring of Bobby Brown, who battled his own drug addiction with his ex-wife, tweeted, “A former very dear person to me did this. It’s really not what it looks like.” Head over to Billboard.com for more.
GAME TALKS VIBE OF R.E.D. ALBUM
We previously reported that producers Cool & Dre announced on Twitter that Game plans to make a song called “Red Nation,” the next single off his oft-delayed R.E.D. There is still no confirmed release date for the disc – we’ll keep you posted.
· The project is being executive produced by Pharrell Williams and will also include guest spots from Wiz Khalifa and Chris Brown.
JILL SCOTT LANDS NEW RECORD DEAL
We’ve just learned Jill Scott has just signed a new distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records. The singer announced that fans can anticipate her fourth studio album, The Light Of The Sun, to be released later this year. She said in a statement, “A lot has gone on in my life since my last album, so I’m extremely excited to share the new music with all of the people that have supported me these past ten plus years. This album is very revealing, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.” We’ll keep you posted when the release date is revealed!
MELANIE FIONA TALKS THE MF LIFE
Now that she’s announced the dates for her BET Music Matters tour, Melanie Fiona is spilling her details about her forthcoming sophomore album, The MF Life. The Toronto native told Rap-Up.com that the disc will include “all the energy that I’ve taken from being around the world and meeting so many different amazing people, and just really experiencing life, the ups and downs.” In related news, fans can expect her joint outing with Marsha Ambrosius to kick off March 16th in Dallas, Texas.
RICO LOVE PAYS HOMAGE TO CHARLIE SHEEN
It was only a matter of time until hip hop mentioned Charlie Sheen in rap songs. Rico Love has just released a song called “Bi-Winning,” which of course includes the actor’s infamous “winning” catch phrase. Head over to Rap-Up.com to check it out now.
· Click HERE to hear it!
CHAMILLIONAIRE READIES NEW ALBUM
According to HipHop-N-More.com, Chamillionaire plans to release a new mixtape called Major Pain 1.5. Since the rapper’s long-awaited Venom LP has been indefinitely shelved for unknown reasons, he promises the new project will be available on April 18th.
DA BRAT TALKS PRISON SENTENCE
Now that Da Brat has been released from prison, the rapper told TMZ what it was like serving three years behind bars. Starting with the most obvious question, the fem-cee revealed that “every female in prison wanted me… all of them wish they could have gotten these goodies.” In addition to never being sexually assaulted during her stint, she says producer Jermaine Dupri, Lisa Raye, Katt Williams, Mariah Carey, Omar Epps and Nick Cannon constantly kept in contact while she served.
INDIA AIRE PREPS NEW ALBUM
India.Aire is headed in a new direction for the follow-up to 2009’s Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics. The Associated Press reports the singer’s next studio effort will include songs in English and Hebrew and feature contributions from Israeli singer Idan Raichel. She explained her creative decision saying, “I always go different (and) I went even farther.” The disc is due out this summer.
MARIAH TO MAKE AMENDS FOR PERFORMING FOR QADDAFI
Mariah Carey is making amends for accepting one-million dollars to perform for Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi over New Year’s 2009. According to The Hollywood Reporter, after giving birth to her twins, she’ll record a song for her upcoming album, Save the Day, and donate the proceeds to human rights issues.
· Mariah released the following statement: “I was naïve and unaware of who I was booked to perform for. I feel horrible and embarrassed to have participated in this mess. Going forward, this is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows. Ultimately we as artists are to be held accountable.”
· Nelly Furtado recently announced she would donate one-million dollars to charity, after getting paid that much for performing a private concert for Qaddafi.
NEW VIDEO FROM BRUNO MARS
PerezHilton.com have gotten their hands on the video for Bruno Mars’ latest song, “Liquor Store Blues,” which features Damien Marley. Check it out on the gossip site now.
Go HERE to see it!
BLACK EYED PEAS TO PERFORM IN CENTRAL PARK?
According to the New York Post, the Black Eyed Peas are planning a summer show in Central Park. The band wants to put on a charity concert on the Great Lawn on June 9th. We’ll keep you posted.
SIMON SAYS WHO MAY BE ON AMERICAN X-FACTOR
Simon Cowell has narrowed down the list of who might be judges on the forthcoming American version of The X-Factor. The former American Idol man told Access Hollywood that Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls, Mariah Carey, George Michael and even Paula Abdul are all getting serious consideration. He also noted that Katy Perry and Elton John are officially out of the running.
· Out of this list, who would you like to see make it as a judge?
