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| Jay-Z Toasts Barack Obama At 'Eve Of Change' Concert Posted: 20 Jan 2009 06:04 AM PST Hov and Young Jeezy reprised their 'My President' remix; Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige also appear.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With George W. Bush all packed up and out of the White House, and Barack Obama ready to move in, hip-hop has never felt more patriotic. And the huge theme for Obama's inauguration weekend has been Young Jeezy's "My President." On Monday night, in the town nicknamed "Chocolate City," Jay-Z drove his audience wild with his new verse for the song's remix. The show at the Warner Theatre was billed as the "Concert on the Eve of Change," but the crowd welcomed a very familiar Hov game-plan: knock 'em with his own hits and those of his big-name guests. After "Brooklyn Go Hard," Jay informed D.C. that he was ready for a long night.
"I really wanted to do the show to party with y'all," said Jay, who wore a black T-shirt with Abraham Lincoln's face on it. "I feel fantastic. ... I hope y'all brought your lunch pales, 'cause I can go three, four hours — nine, 10 hours." The Jigga Man also said that he brought extra clothes with him and could rhyme all the way until it was time to go the inauguration. With a live band, dynamic light show and can't-miss-the-action screens, Jay got on a roll that never really stopped all night. Most of the audience was on their feet for the duration. "Can I Live," "Dead Presidents" and "Swagga Like Us," incited the onlookers to drown the venue with the scream of "Hohhhhhhhhh-vahhhhhhhhh!" "Blue Magic" came and so did its derogatory reference to the 43rd president, George W. Bush. Young Jeezy arrived onstage moments later for "My President." "Bush robbed all of us; does that make him a criminal?" the Snowman asked rhetorically. Images of newspaper front pages made up the montage on the screens, while the MCs recited the current hip-hop national anthem: "My president's black, my Lambo's blue." Jay then rapped the verse for the remix he'd performed the previous night with Jeezy: "My president's black, but his house is all white." Immediately the cheers drowned out his next few words. Major props for a rap sicker than salmonella poisoning. "Red, white and blue flag, wave for me baby," Jay added. "I was hot before Barack, so imagine what I'm gonna do ... / No more white lies, my president is black." In the minutes following, Jay went to the well for one of his hits off the Black Album, but didn't like the music that was being brought in. "Hold up," Jay said. "The president was brushing his shoulders off to that sh--, you just don't throw that on." Of course "Dirt Off Your Shoulders" was the next selection. Later, one of Jay's most heralded partners in crime, Mary J. Blige, danced out for the tireless "Can't Knock the Hustle." "I know y'all feel real good right now. Can we have some fun?" she asked going into "Real Love." Jay rapped the lyrics of his homie, the Notorious B.I.G. that laced the remix. "Are y'all looking at what's happening right now, what's taking place?" the mighty Queen of Hip-Hop Soul asked. MJB also declared that Tuesday's ceremony marked the end of bad times. "Everybody is here tonight for Barack Obama, and Michelle," the singer boasted. "Is it getting better, or do you feel the same?" Jay's other surprise (not counting an unannounced Memphis Bleek, who's usually at all his friends' concerts) put the show in official he-shut-it-down-again territory: Beyoncé. B came from behind a skinny screen that lit her silhouette. As she walked to the front of the stage, "Single Ladies," rang out, signaling a full-on performance by Mrs. Carter. No background dancers — she was captivating enough on her own. In the crowd, watching along with the screaming fans, were Jay's longtime friends Bun B (Hov gave Pimp C a special tribute during "Big Pimpin' ") and D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. "You know its a new day, when mayors are at rap concerts," Jay laughed. "I might stay here a month." "Encore" ended the night and Jay had no problem with the audience replacing their chants of "Hohhhhh-vah! Hohhhhhhh-vah!" with "O-baaa-ma! O-baaa-ma!" "Look forward to a beautiful tomorrow, a beautiful eight years," the mic icon advised. And what better way to celebrate hope than with a champagne toast? Jay's staff brought out a bottle of Ace of Spades the size of small toddler. They passed out glasses and let the crowd pass the bottle among themselves. "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Barack Obama's Inauguration Schedule Posted: 19 Jan 2009 04:39 AM PST Get the inauguration day schedule of events right here.
It's an event that Washington, D.C., sees every four years — but it's never seen an inauguration like this one. The entire city is practically under lockdown in preparation for Barack Obama's historic inauguration on Tuesday. While exact figures are uncertain, CNN reports that 1 million to 2 million attendees are expected for the inauguration, and tens of thousands of police officers, federal agents and National Guardsmen are being deployed in an unprecedented effort to ensure that the inauguration of the 44th president runs safely and smoothly. Similarly, the cost of the event has been disputed — up to $150 million but generally estimated at around $50 million — but it is reported to be the most expensive in history. Cameras will be following the president-elect and his family every step of the way during the day — and you'll be able to watch it live streaming on MTV.com. Here's a look at where they'll be for the ceremony, the parades — and of course the Youth Inaugural Ball and other balls throughout the evening. » 8:25 a.m.: Obamas leave Blair House for prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church » 8:35 a.m.: Prayer service » 9:45 a.m.: Church service ends; Obamas depart for the White House » 10:05 a.m.: Obamas arrive at White House for coffee with the Bushes » 11 a.m.: Motorcade departs for the Capitol » 11:30 a.m.: Bushes and Obamas proceed to platform on the West Front; California Senator Dianne Feinstein will issue the call to order and deliver brief welcoming remarks, followed by an invocation from Dr. Rick Warren and a performance from Aretha Franklin (who also sang at Bill Clinton's first inauguration) » 11:50 a.m.: Joe Biden is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice John Stevens » 11:56 a.m.: Barack Obama is sworn in as president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Obama, with his hand on Abraham Lincoln's inaugural Bible, will recite the same oath as his predecessors: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Musical performance from John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Gabriela Montero and Anthony McGill, followed by "Hail to the Chief" and a 21-gun salute » 12:05 p.m.: Inaugural address, followed by a poem written and recited by Elizabeth Alexander and a benediction from Dr. Joseph Lowery. The national anthem will be performed by the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters » 12:30 p.m.: Ceremony concludes » 12:35 p.m.: Bush departs via helicopter; Cheney departs by limo » 12:45 p.m.: Obama signs inauguration papers in the President's Room » 1:00 p.m.: Obama attends congressional luncheon » 2:15 p.m.: Obama and Biden review troops at Capitol » 2:30 p.m.: President Obama leads the parade from the Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House » 3:15 p.m.: Arrival at the White House » 3:45 p.m.: Obamas and Bidens proceed to the reviewing stand; inaugural parade continues until 6 p.m. » 7 p.m.: The official inaugural balls begin with the Neighborhood Ball at the Washington Convention Center, with performers scheduled to include Beyoncé. Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and others. Nick Cannon will DJ. The event, expected to include the president and first lady's first dance of the night, will be broadcast on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. From there, it's on to other celebrations, including MTV's Youth Ball. "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Jay-Z Explains His Verse In Young Jeezy's 'My President' Remix Posted: 19 Jan 2009 10:44 PM PST MC tells MTV News he's felt like 'part of the American dream' since Barack Obama's victory.
Jay-Z obviously has a way with words. But when the legendary MC put his verse together for Young Jeezy's "My President" remix, he borrowed heartily from a message about Barack Obama that had been circulating on e-mail chains for some time. Jay, of course, managed to make the saying all his own. "Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther could walk/ Martin Luther walked so Barack Obama could run/ Barack Obama ran so all the children could fly," he raps on the track, which he debuted Sunday at Love nightclub in Washington, D.C. "So I'mma spread my wings/ You could meet me in the sky."
"It's just the progression. ... You sat, you walked, you ran, you ran to fly," Jay told MTV News on Monday night (January 19) before his show at Warner Theatre, explaining his lyrics. "You know, just the progression and how far we've come as a nation. It feels good to say that, 'cause I never had that type of feeling to say as a nation, like I was part of the American dream. And I believe a lot of people didn't feel like a part of the American process for so long." Aside from the president-elect and incoming first lady Michelle Obama, Jay-Z and wife Beyoncé are one of the most celebrated couples currently in the nation's capital. B performed Sunday afternoon during the "We Are One" inauguration festivities. And on Monday night, Hov took to the stage for his own show to honor the future president. The power couple, along with a number of other high-profile celebrities, are in town to see Obama sworn in as the next president of the United States. Beyoncé is set to sing during the Obamas' first dance at Tuesday's "Neighborhood Ball." Jay said Obama's victory has sparked a renewed hope for America. "Now everyone's included in the American process this great day," he said. "So that's the progression and the process. Now there's no excuses for anybody. Now you can look into a child's eyes and say, 'Get it together. You can be president.' It's not an easy thing, but it can happen. And we have evidence to the fact." "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Videos Related Artists |
| T.I. Gives Thanks For His Tumultuous Year At Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Posted: 19 Jan 2009 11:20 PM PST Rapper says his faith helped him 'make it through one of the toughest times of my life.'
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Patting his pants pockets, T.I. claimed he couldn't find the acceptance speech he had prepared for the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball at the Harmon Center for the Arts on Monday (January 19). So he went off the top of his head with an ode to all the things he's thankful for; the speech left the crowdmembers stunned and on their feet.
"I want to thank God for giving me the strength, the wisdom, the patience, the resilience, the perseverance to make it through one of the toughest times of my life," he said. The rapper's past few years have included the murder of his best friend and assistant Philant Johnson, his arrest on weapons charges and a one-year prison sentence he's slated to begin in March. He improbably thanked the U.S. government, "the U.S. attorneys who prosecuted me in my case for giving me the opportunity to make a difference -- real talk," he said, as an audience member shouted out, "That's the man!" "I want to thank God for somehow ... I know he perfect. So I'mma thank him for everything. I'mma thank him for making me drop out of school. I'mma thank him for making me run the streets. I'mma thank him for making me sell crack. I'mma thank him for making me have shoot-outs. I'mma thank him for allowing me to watch my partners die in my arms," he said, his voice rising and quickening and taking on the cadence of a fire-and-brimstone preacher. "So I'd be fearful enough for my life and paranoid enough to go out and cop machine guns and silencers so I catch a fed case and I have to put up $3 million for my bond so I have to spend seven months of my life in my house, so I have to spend a year of my life in prison just so I be validated enough to get out there and touch the youth because they know that I done been through it, and if I say it, it means something. You know what I'm saying?" A look of relief on his face, Tip asked the clapping and hollering crowd to give him a minute, calling out an earlier speech by Young Jeezy -- another MC honored earlier by show sponsor the Hip-Hop Action Summit Network -- who double-checked to make sure his name was on his award. "I'm gonna make sure it's my name on it, 'cause I don't normally get awards for doing good stuff," Jeezy joked. Also honored during the event were pioneering female rapper MC Lyte, Bow Wow and LL Cool J. Mario opened the show with a cover of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," leaning in extra hard on the lines "I'm gonna make that change for once in my life" as a montage of notable African-Americans flashed behind him. The show was closed by special guest Busta Rhymes, who took the stage with Spliff Star for a medley of hits, including "Ante Up" and "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See." "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Photos Related Artists |
| The Day Usher Stole Barack Obama's Candy Bar ... Posted: 19 Jan 2009 12:43 AM PST 'I took the man's meal!' the singer recalls.
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| Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus Entertain Vets (And Obamas) At 'Kids' Inaugural' Posted: 19 Jan 2009 07:18 AM PST Demi Lovato, Bow Wow, Corbin Bleu also perform at kid-centric inaugural celebration.
Decked out in a very formal red gown, Miley Cyrus kicked off the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future" concert while the future first lady, Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha sat in the audience snapping pictures of the 16-year-old Disney star. Jamie Foxx, who led a sing-along of "America the Beautiful," told the crowd, "You are the future. And from what I can see, the future looks good!"
Cyrus returned to the stage in more casual clothes to sing her anti-paparazzi ode "Fly on the Wall" and her hit song "See You Again." The audience, filled with members of the military and their families, cheered very loudly when Billy Ray Cyrus joined his daughter onstage for "Ready, Set, Don't Go." (Check out photos of Miley, Bow Wow and others from the show.) George Lopez then took the stage, introducing Pop Week rookie Keke Palmer. Rosario Dawson reiterated to the audience members, "You are the future. Own that," before introducing Demi Lovato to the very excited crowd. Lovato pumped the crowd up with her song "Get Back." Sporting skinny jeans and a sequined blazer, she told the crowd, "It is a complete honor to be here. You guys are amazing." She then kicked into her single "La La Land." Soon after, Joe Biden's granddaughter Naomi took the stage to introduce "her nana" Jill Biden, who described the vets in the crowd as "true American heroes" before introducing Michelle Obama. The kids in the crowd seemed to have a stronger reaction for Obama than they did for teen queens Demi and Miley. "You are the future of this great nation," Michelle Obama told the audience. "We wanted to thank the thousands stationed around the world to keep our nation safe. [We] are so grateful for the service and sacrifice. We join you all ... praying for your loved ones." Lucy Liu reminded the crowd: "Let's promise not to forget so many of the young people around the world who share the same hopes and dreams," before Corbin Bleu came out to do his Michael Jackson-inspired performance. Queen Latifah introduced some families who got the chance to send love and well-wishes to their relatives currently serving abroad. Bow Wow sang "Marco Polo," minus Soulja Boy Tell'em. Before performing "Thank You," he asked the fans to raise a cell phone or glow stick to set the mood. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Usher recited some of King's "I Have a Dream" speech and took a moment to thank the troops for their service. The last performance of the night was the Jonas Brothers. The Obama girls smiled ear to ear when the JoBros played a rocked-up version of "Lovebug" and their new single "Tonight." They definitely took the house down when they sang "Burnin' Up" as the show's big finale, during which the Jonases brought Sasha and Malia onstage with them. "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Jay-Z Joins Young Jeezy Onstage In D.C. For 'My President' Posted: 19 Jan 2009 12:58 AM PST Surprise appearance is a highlight of Barack Obama's inaugural weekend.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — All hail the chief! Young Jeezy made immediate impact his first night in D.C.: Jeezy debuted a remix of the hip-hop national anthem right now, "My President." Not too long after T.I. performed at D.C. club Love, the Snowman took to the stage for his "Presidential Status" inaugural ball — and his guest on the new version of "My President" was Jay-Z. "My president is black, he's black, he's half white/ So even in a racist mind, he's half right/ So if you got a racist mind, it's alright/ My president is black, but his house is all white," Jay spit a capella as the DJ pulled the music for his verse. "No more white lies, my president is black!" Hov finished, as the crowd in the club repeated his last line over and over again. Among the messages in Hov's rap was fidelity — we'll see if Jeezy returns the favor and comes out during Hov's "Concert on the Eve of Change" in D.C. on Monday night (January 19)! As for the new video of the song, which debuted over the weekend, it's reminiscent of Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," in which the whole community comes out for a common cause. Besides Nas, who raps on the record, Bow Wow, Bun B, DJ Greg Street and Jeezy's artist Roccett make cameos. "I did [the video] with the 'Fight the Power' concept because I remember, back in the day, Flavor Flav and Chuck D marching down the street," Jeezy told us in December. "They had the old people, the young people, store owners, they had picket signs, everything. It was a sense of black pride, a sense of pride, period." Young Jeezy will be a part of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network black-tie party in D.C. at the Harmon Center for the Arts on Monday. T.I. and LL Cool J will also be on hand for the inaugural celebration. "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Will.I.Am Premieres Latest Barack Obama-Inspired Anthem 'America's Song' Posted: 19 Jan 2009 03:03 AM PST Song features Seal, Bono, Mary J. Blige and others.
Will.I.Am has never been shy about his love for President-elect Barack Obama. And in honor of the future president, Will.I.Am has written "America's Song," which features appearances by Seal, Bono, Mary J. Blige and others. It's the first collaboration between the Black Eyed Peas MC and composer David Foster. The song made its debut on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Monday (January 19), with the chorus "America is beautiful/ My America, your America, our America is beautiful." "The meaning of this song is being proud of America," Will told Oprah. "I wanted to write the new American anthem for this day and age — for this generation." It will be available as a free download for 24 hours on Oprah.com.
This isn't the first time Will.I.Am debuted a politically charged song on Oprah's show. In November, just days after Obama won the election, Will premiered the video for his new song "It's a New Day." The video flashed pictures of Obama on election night and crowds celebrating the Illinois senator's victory, alongside images of historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman. It also featured celebrity appearances from his bandmate Fergie, as well as actors Olivia Wilde, Jonathan Schaech and Kerry Washington. When he released his first song about the then presidential hopeful, "Yes We Can," Will gathered celebrity friends including John Legend, Scarlett Johansson and Common for the video. The next song, "We Are the Ones," also had a star-filled video, featuring George Lopez and Jessica Alba. "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Artists |
| T.I. Brings 'Em Out For Barack Obama At Mayor's Ball Posted: 19 Jan 2009 06:48 AM PST Fall Out Boy, Wyclef Jean also put an inaugural spin on their hits for D.C. party.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — "She's a Bad Mama Jama," a string of Biggie records, "Arab Money" and "Pop Champagne"? This Mayor's Ball was no night of stuffed-shirt political posturing. Nah. D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty put together quite a party on Sunday night at the Washington Convention Center. And he handpicked the performers of the night, not because of their involvement in various community projects, but because he really likes their music. Fall Out Boy, Wyclef Jean and T.I. all captivated the stage. Tip's set was short and bursting with enthusiasm. A clean version of "Bring 'Em Out" was the kick-off number. Tip didn't cuss at all during his program.
"Swing Your Rag" followed, and even if you didn't have Gucci or Louis on, it was OK. The crowd twirled whatever they had in the air. "Live Your Life" elicited the most ecstatic display of crowd participation, with everyone yelling "ayaaaaaaa-ayaaaaa-ayaaaaa" on the hook. "Everybody who's ready to represent Barack Obama, make some noise!" the King of the South encouraged. "Everybody who's ready to welcome the 44th president into the United States, let me hear you scream." T.I. was off to his next gig, a concert at club Love with Akon and Young Jeezy, but not before the finale of "Whatever You Like." "If you represent for Michelle Obama, let me hear you scream," the Atlanta igniter said. "It's the King baby, be easy." Fall Out Boy had the honor of being the night's last act. The foursome ramped up some of their hits such as "I Don't Care," but they were was most interesting when giving new takes on covers — a luxury playing live affords you. Patrick Stump sang a rock version of Estelle's "American Boy," which he switched to "American Girl." Then there was the "Patrick Mashup" introduced by bassist Pete Wentz, who was sporting a T-shirt that read "I Heart BX" for new son Bronx. Wentz said the frontman would be singing a song best described as Akon-meets-R.-Kelly, mixed with Sonny and Cher. Stump sang the hook of Akon's "Don't Matter" over a slow guitar riff then brought in lyrics from R. Kelly's "Ignition" remix. He ended with bringing back the "I got you babe" from 'Kon's "Don't Matter" and finished with the hook from Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe." Sandwiched between FOB and T.I.P. was the bill's elder statesman, Wyclef, who'd kicked off the inaugural celebrations the night before at the Green Inaugural Ball. At 36, 'Clef is definitely older than he was as part of the Fugees, but the dude just keeps increasing his stage prowess. He broke genre and language barriers Saturday, rapping in Spanish and French as well as English. "If you like George Bush put your hands in the air right now," he told the audience after "Ready or Not," and the people booed in response. "On Tuesday, get your stuff and get the hell out of the White House. Tell me one thing George Bush ever did good except [pardon former Fugees producer] John Forte." "Fu-Gee-La" came next and towards the end, the Haitian Grammy winner did a live remix, rapping over his band's variation of the beat to "A Milli." "Y'all ain't getting crazy enough for the mayor," Wyclef warned. Soon after, he laid down his law with a freestyle. "I'mma be rich cause the next president's Obama ... / Get out, get out, I'm talking about Dick Cheney." The attendees at the ball also saw Wyclef do his patented back-flip. He also jumped into the crowd during "Sweetest Girl" and brought a boy onstage while rapping "Hips Don't Lie." Before leaving the stage, 'Clef revealed a new version of "If I Was President." "If I was president/ Obama, with the father from Kenya, with the spirit of America/ We voted for him," he rapped. "Obama's the president/ They said the deaf men would never hear, I tell them, 'Yes we can' ... / The mortgage crisis, we ain't scared / Health care, we ain't scared / If you ain't scared of no terrorists, put your hands in the air." "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
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