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| Have Rihanna And Chris Brown Gotten Back Together? Posted: 28 Feb 2009 09:38 AM PST People and Us Weekly report couple reuniting three weeks after alleged altercation.
If a series of reports breaking on Friday night (February 27) are true, Rihanna and Chris Brown have reunited and are staying at a house owned by Diddy near Miami – and Rihanna's father has already said he'll be "supportive" of their reunion. Just before 8 p.m. ET on Friday, People.com published a story citing an unidentified source as saying of Brown and Rihanna, "They're together again. They care for each other. While Chris is reflective and saddened about what happened, he is really happy to be with the woman he loves." Approximately two hours later, UsMagazine.com cited a "Rihanna pal" as confirming the reunion and saying, "She's not listening to anyone. And of course Puff [Diddy] got involved in this." The site also reported the pal as saying that Brown has been seen "smiling, riding a jet ski, and flexing his arm muscles," and that Rihanna arrived four days ago. Not an hour later, Us quoted Rihanna's father, Ronald Fenty, as saying, "I love my daughter with whatever road she takes. I'm behind her win or lose. I will be supportive. If that's the road she wants to choose, I'm behind her. I hope to see her soon. I talked to her after her birthday, and she told me she's OK." Fenty had spoken with both magazines earlier this month, and told People that he hoped Rihanna would "stand up for women all over the world" and added of Brown, "You think you know somebody, but you really don't." At press time, reps for Chris Brown, Rihanna and Diddy had not responded to MTV News' requests for comment on the reunion reports. Friday's news comes less than three weeks after the couple's alleged altercation early on February 8, which caused both to miss scheduled appearances at the Grammy Awards. In recent days, many media outlets have reported that the couple have been in contact, citing unidentified sources. Rihanna issued a statement last Friday saying that she "remains strong [and] is doing well." Brown issued a statement the week before saying he's "sorry and saddened ... over what transpired." Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Finalist Allison Iraheta Shrugs Off Simon's Dis: 'He Doesn't Know Me' Posted: 27 Feb 2009 03:03 AM PST Judge said 16-year-old had a boring personality, but he had nothing but praise for her voice.
While viewers might have remembered Allison Iraheta's flame-red hair from Hollywood Week, no one could have predicted the 16-year-old's powerful showing during Wednesday night's performance show. Her scratchy wail fit perfectly on the Heart anthem "Alone," formally introducing us to the Los Angeles teen and earning her a spot in the top 12, along with Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. We caught up with Allison to talk about Simon's comments on her lack of a personality, what it's like to be the youngest contestant on the show and more. Q: Were you concerned about singing "Alone" when so many past "Idol" contestants have tackled that song?
A: I did think about the fact that Carrie [Underwood] did it and past Idols that did that song and did it really well. But I really focused on me and how I would do the song. And give it a little taste of what I can do. Not change it, but we're different. Just give it a little of me. Q: What did you think about Simon's comments that you had a dull personality? A: He doesn't know me, because he said I was boring. Honestly, I'm not. I guess I was nervous a little. Who isn't gonna be nervous before they sing for the first time? I guess I'll just chill a little bit more, because the nerves got me. Q: How did you feel when Paula compared you to Kelly Clarkson? A: I have to take that compliment, because that's a big one. It's Kelly Clarkson! She's amazing. And I really admire her a lot, so I thought that was pretty great. Q: What genre are you most comfortable singing? A: I'm really trying to go down one lane of, I guess, rockish pop. Something that can really show my style. Q: Did you ever think about waiting a few years before auditioning for "Idol," or did you want to just jump right in? A: I've been wanting to audition since 9, since I was that little. I had my face by that TV screen and wishing I was on the show. It would have been the same. I would've still wanted it as much as I do now. Q: Are you worried that it's a disadvantage to be the youngest on the show? A: I think it doesn't matter what the age is, or if I'm the youngest, or whatev. I think it comes down to the same thing. We're all here for the same thing. It depends on how much we want it and how much we prepare. Q: Since you're from Los Angeles, you didn't have to travel too far for the competition. What's it like performing in your backyard? A: It's pretty awesome! It feels good to be here. I know a lot of the other contestants are like, "I want to go back home!" They miss their home. But I'm like, "Yay, I'm already here!" Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Kanye West Says Chris Brown Should Get 'A Break' Posted: 27 Feb 2009 09:35 AM PST West also namechecks Radiohead, O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson in VH1 'Storytellers' airing Saturday.
Kanye West weighed in on the alleged altercation between Chris Brown and Rihanna during a February 13 taping of VH1's "Storytellers," although his comments will not appear in the show. According to a Reuters report, at one point during the taping West asked the crowd, "Can't we give Chris a break? ... I know I make mistakes in life." Brown, who was arrested during the Grammys and booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, a felony, has not been charged in the case. West also reportedly received loud applause when he followed by saying, "Michael Jackson, amazing. Michael Phelps, amazing ... He's a real f---in' person; he makes mistakes." West also made a rather puzzing comment about O.J. Simpson, saying, "O.J. Simpson, amazing. Is he not? What he did, when he did, what he did. Was he not amazing, though?" The taping of the show, which premieres on Saturday night, reportedly lasted three hours, with producers cutting it down to 90 minutes for air. The typical "Storytellers" is one hour long, so the editing out of some of West's comments is not a conspiracy to silence him, according to executive producer Bill Flanagan. "A lot of the stories that Kanye told went long," Flanagan told Reuters on Thursday. "I tried to get to the essence of his comments." West, known for speaking freely, is an ideal artist for the show, which encourages performers to weave tales about their songs and engage in stage banter, but Flanagan said that while he encourages them to "just keep talking," producers try to eliminate any " 'gotcha moments' that just don't work." A spokesperson for VH1 could not be reached for comment at press time. The Brown comments were not the only controversy West stirred up on the stage. A Reuters reporter who was reportedly on site during the taping said 'Ye also tore into Radiohead after singer Thom Yorke allegedly snubbed him backstage at the Grammys five days earlier. The dis hurt because West loves the British band, which he considers one of his few artistic rivals. "So when he performed at the Grammys, I sat the f--- down," West reportedly said. In terms of music, the show includes versions of "Touch the Sky," "Stronger," "Amazing" and "See You in My Nightmares." Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Cam'ron Talks To Jim Jones For First Time In Years Posted: 27 Feb 2009 01:06 AM PST 'It was cordial,' rapper says of recent phone call with Diplomats crew member.
Cam'ron is working with New York radio station Hot 97 to plan a concert for May to coincide with the release of his Crime Pays LP; he also hopes to return to the Hot 97 Summer Jam in June. But the question is, will the Diplomats be with him at any point during these performances? "You never know," Cam answered yesterday in New York. "You never could say never. Right now, I'm kinda like in Cam zone. They been doing what they been doing for the past two or three years, but I'm kinda in Cam zone. But you never could say what could happen in the future. Right now I'm kinda in the Cam mind frame."
The former Diplomat seems to have softened on the subject of his old crew. In fact, after years of not communicating, Cam says that he and Jim Jones just had a short chat. "Hell Rell and J.R. Writer, they always check in," Cam said. "Everybody has been reaching out. I've been the one kinda saying Cam is going to take time do Cam. But Hell Rell and J.R. definitely been reaching out. I called [Freekey Zekey's] phone four or five days ago and Jim picked up Zeke's phone. Me and him spoke for about 10 or 15 minutes, but me and Zeek speak all the time. I haven't spoken to Juelz." Cam described the phone call with Jones as pleasant. "It was cordial. He knew it was me," Cam said of Jones. "He said we was gonna holla — maybe we'll put something together. But in the immediate future, I'm just doing Cam. But you never know what can happen down the line. I called Zeke's phone and I guess Zeke gave Jim the phone to pick up. We just talked, asked about each other's family. He said he's on a promo tour. He'd be back soon. That was that." Another Diplomat looking forward to speaking to Cam is Juelz Santana, after Cam recently told the press that the two stopped speaking because Juelz became addicted to syrup. Santana adamantly denies ever having an addiction. "I'm not going back and forth with him [in the media]," Cam insisted. "I wasn't lying. I was asked a question and I answered it. I'm sorry if he's upset." Related Artists |
| GS Boyz's 'Stanky Legg' Brings Dallas Hip-Hop Front And Center Posted: 27 Feb 2009 12:25 AM PST D-Town Boogie movement, and its new dances, is going mainstream.
DALLAS — Like a few million other fans out there, Snoop Dogg and Ciara have been caught up in the next big hip-hop movement: Dallas' "D-Town Boogie," which includes that "Stanky Legg" dance the two were doing on Snoop's "Dogg After Dark" talk show. The new move originated right in Dallas with members of the rap group the GS Boyz. GS' Southside and his partner Prince Charming (there are three other members in GS Boyz) had just finished a hearty meal of pork chops and corn last summer, when they were fueled to mastermind this year's hip-hop dance sensation.
"He started doing his leg, like that," Southside said, explaining the motion where his partner Prince started rotating his leg in front of him, the way you would twist your foot to put out cigarette, except using the whole leg. "I was like, 'Hey, that looks stanky.'" And the Stanky Legg was born. First came the dance, then the group produced the song themselves, followed by a homemade video they uploaded to YouTube. In nine months, they had over 5 million views, a contract with Yung Joc's imprint Swagg Team and a record contract with Jive Records. The fivesome have become the poster children for the D-Town Boogie, especially since their record has been expanding in regional airplay and the video is becoming a hit on BET's music series "106 & Park." Much like crunk, though, the D-Town is more than music: It's a whole state of mind and being. "The D-Town Boogie is all about swag," said Dallas radio legend Skip Cheatham, who hosts K104's morning show. "They put a dance to it — a lot of the different dances got that bass to it. It's about the swag and the attitude. You gotta come to the D and feel it." The Dallas swag that's such an integral part of their D-Town Boogie is something to behold. In Dallas, a lot of locals have been sporting the same shag mullets as Kanye West, and some have tails with their fade haircuts, while others pay tribute to the '80s with their Gumby slope tops. Some people rock leather shorts, and a lot of the kids love to keep the tags on their clothes — word to Bell Biv DeVoe. "We keep it Coogi down, Miskeen, Ed Hardy, that's how we rock it down here," Sliz of the GS Boyz explains about the fashion. "Some people don't got what you got," Marc D of the Boyz elaborated about why they keep the tags on their clothes. "So when you see that price tag, when they see that price tag, they gonna want that." "Some people might think it's fake, but check out that tag," Southside jumped in. Musically, the D-Town Boogie has a slower tempo of song, light on sharp lyrics, heavy on steps, sometimes inspired by pop-culture icons like wrestling great Nature Boy Ric Flair (wait until you see the "Nature Walk Dance"). "It can look crazy," Dallas producer Play of Play N Skillz says of the dances, such as Lil' Will's "My Dougie" and B-Hamp's "Do the Ricky Bobby," that the genre has spawned. "Soulja Boy [Tell'em] is doing a lot of D-Town Boogie dances. I seen Bow Wow, I seen Nelly. A lot of people are doing the D-Town Boogie dances." "Every new [D-Town Boogie] song will take a little part of 'My Dougie' and use it in their dances," Play's brother Skillz offered. "The 'Ricky Bobby' is a very popular song," Play declared. "If that record gets played in the club, everybody is doing it. I don't care who it is, even if you're a gangster, you'll be doing it." B-Hamp's song, and accompanying step routine, seems like it will indeed be the next record to blow from Dallas, especially since it has over a million hits on YouTube already. "The 'Ricky Bobby' was originated from the movie 'Talladega Nights [The Ballad of Ricky Bobby']," Hamp explained. "Just watching the movie, laughing, having fun with my homeboys, I said, 'Let's come up with a song.' They actually say my song's hook in the movie. All the moves from the dance are moves from the movie." The stir the D-Town Boogie has created on the Net has caused radio programmers as well as label A&Rs to take notice of Dallas, paving the way for the hip-hop hub that's famous for supporting artists from other regions to finally make their mark on the rap map. And with eyes on the city, the homegrown artists plan to take full advantage. "I got love and friends all over the country," Cheatham said. "It's just Dallas' turn to shine. We got our music game up, our unity is going, we got the Dallas Boogie poppin' off and getting love on the radio. A lot of the artists are bleeding from the streets and clubs to the radio. A&Rs are all calling me. They're peeping the BDS, they ask me, 'Wow, you played that record 30 times, 40 times last week?' " "It's going down," said Atlanta singer Bobby Valentino, who frequently visits Dallas. "Texas [has] got a lot of things going. It's almost like the new A-Town, where they got their own movement. I think in every state, they got their own movements, but Texas is the next state to have it going on and really get it poppin'." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Joaquin Phoenix Could Be Mentally Ill, Psychiatrist Says Posted: 27 Feb 2009 09:18 AM PST Phoenix's rep calls doctor 'wildly inappropriate' for diagnosing the actor from afar.
It is entirely possible that Joaquin Phoenix's erratic behavior in recent months — quitting acting to focus on a hip-hop career, growing a massive beard, making a stammering appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" — is all part of an elaborate joke the actor is playing on the world. Or, if you believe Chicago-based psychiatrist Paul Dobransky, there could be another explanation: Phoenix is mentally ill.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Dobransky — a relationships expert and author of "The Secret Psychology of How We Fall in Love" — floated a theory that Phoenix may be schizophrenic, pointing to his "socially inappropriate behavior," including his abrupt career change, poor hygiene and grooming, vocal tics and lack of facial emotion as proof. "There is something wrong," Dobransky told the Times. "And it's beyond drug abuse." In an e-mail to MTV News, Phoenix's publicist, Susan Patricola, called Dobransky's analysis "wildly inappropriate." "How absolutely inappropriate for a doctor who has no personal interaction or relationship with someone to diagnose them," Patricola said. "And to do so in a public forum. Hope they spelled his name right. Another 15-minute 'expert' is born!" Dobransky, meanwhile, is concerned with the propriety of others' public commentary on Phoenix's behavior. The actor's bizarre "Late Show" appearance was lampooned during Sunday's Oscars by comedian Ben Stiller, who muttered nonsensically and wandered around onstage, wearing a bushy beard and dark sunglasses. Dobransky told the Times that he was "pretty offended" by the portrayal, saying it struck him as "potentially beating down on the mentally ill." "The jury is not exactly in on what is happening," Dobransky said. "Whatever it is, it's not funny — whether it's drug abuse, mental illness coming on or the clumsiest attempt ever at a career change." |
| 'American Idol' Finalist Adam Lambert Hopes There <i>Isn't</i> A Broadway Week Posted: 27 Feb 2009 03:50 AM PST 'I don't listen to show tunes in my spare time, I can assure you,' musical-theater vet says.
Adam Lambert has never been understated. The musical-theater vet has brought his Broadway sensibility to the "American Idol" stage, and the judges (and, obviously, voters) have been eating it up. With his over-the-top performance of the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," he nabbed a spot in this year's top 12, alongside Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen. We caught up with the 26-year-old from Los Angeles to talk about facing off against Normund Gentle, why he hopes there isn't a musical-theater theme week and more. Q: How did you feel when Simon said voters would either love or hate your performance? A: I responded on air, and I just kinda said, "Well, I guess that's kind of music in general — you either love it or you don't love it." Obviously, I'm a risk-taker. I'm not easy listening, you know? I'm not going to always be the most digestible thing for everybody across the board. I'm specific, and I kind of like to blow it out the box. And either you like it, or you don't. Q: How has your "Idol" experience compared with your musical-theater experience? A: You have to be on your game with the theater world. You have to be ready to go at any moment. I mean, this machine is turning real fast. So I think theater has definitely trained me to sing under any condition and just go at the drop of a hat. I think in certain ways, there are certain elements of the theater training that could be detrimental to the "Idol" experience, because that's not really the sound I'm going for — I'm not going for a Broadway sound. But the cool thing is that this is finally allowing me to be myself. I mean, I don't listen to show tunes in my spare time, I can assure you. ... The musical thing was kind of the way that I was paying the bills. I mean, we all gotta have a job right? [Laughs.] But now I get to finally sing the kind of music I like to listen to. Q: Are you hoping "Idol" does a Broadway theme week this year? A: No, I hope they don't. Not because I have anything against it, I just don't see myself doing that as a recording artist in that way. Q: Were you nervous when it came down to you and Nick "Normund Gentle" Mitchell during the results show? A: [Laughs.] You know, I got a little nervous. I thought Nick was brilliant the other night, so I didn't really know which way it was gonna go. I thought, "Well, here it goes. It's a toss-up." Q: What did you think when you found out you'd been given the last performance slot of the night? A: I was honored. I was excited, because I knew that meant I was closing the show and I would be fresh in everybody's minds when they started voting. Q: Do you think the amount of screen time you were given before the performance rounds has helped build your fanbase? A: Of course it helped. It's exposed me to people more and more times, and they get the feeling like they know me, and that's really exciting. And they get to hear me talk and hear my opinions — which are many. [Laughs.] I'm really, really thankful to the producers for featuring me in such a way. Q: Whose music career would you most like to emulate? A: I think David Bowie has been a really, really, really, really cool artist, just considering that he's reinvented himself. He took a ton of risks, both visually, lyrically and musically. Obviously, vocally we are very different, but I think that along those other lines, we have some similarities, and someone like that is a great model for me. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos |
| No Doubt To Perform On 'Gossip Girl' In May Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:16 PM PST Reunited band will play Adam & the Ants song 'Stand and Deliver.'
Will Gwen Stefani upstage Blair Waldorf on "Gossip Girl"? Don't get too exited just yet, "GG" fans — the face-off won't occur until the show's finale on May 11. No Doubt will appear on "Gossip Girl," according to the band's Web site, and will continue their '80s fetish by performing the 1981 Adam & the Ants hit "Stand and Deliver." (The band covered Talk Talk's 1984 hit "It's My Life" for its greatest-hits album, released in 2003.) No Doubt will be the first major artist to perform on the show, although the castmembers have had their lives play out to the backing accompaniment of everyone from Kings of Leon and the Dandy Warhols to Will.I.Am. The show will air just days after No Doubt launches their first tour since 2004 on May 3, for which dates were announced earlier this week. The trek — which features openers Paramore, as well as the Sounds, Janelle Monae and Bedouin Soundclash on select dates — begins at the Bamboozle Festival in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and also features an appearance at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, for Tiger Woods' annual Tiger Jam charity event. After No Doubt work off the rust that comes with a four-year hiatus, they'll kick into high gear on May 19 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. All in all, the tour will make 44 stops across North America before wrapping on August 1 in No Doubt's Orange County, California, home turf. Related Artists |
| Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz Approves Of Obamas' First-Dog Choice Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:16 PM PST 'I grew up with two ... they were great dogs,' bassist says of the first family's decision to adopt a Portuguese water dog.
Pete Wentz has already done plenty for Barack Obama. From PBR-fueled fundraisers to performances at the presidential inauguration, he's gone above and beyond for our brand-new commander in chief. But he's not stopping just yet. He wants to help President Obama select the first dog.
See, in recent days, news services have been humming with reports that the Obamas — or, more specifically, first lady Michelle — are thinking of adopting a Portuguese water dog, making good on their pre-election promise to daughters Sasha and Malia. A White House spokesperson said the Obamas are leaning toward the breed because of its temperament and the fact that it's hypoallergenic (always a plus). And here's where Wentz steps in. As it turns out, he's been familiar with the Portuguese pooches for most of his life. His parents own two of them — Pandora and Marley — and they patrol their house in the Chicago suburbs (they even got a special shout-out in a May 2006 MTV News feature on Wentz). So when he heard that the Obamas were thinking of adopting one of their own, he decided to help sway their decision by giving them his own (relatively) impartial take on the breed. "I know I am right on the verge of being invited to the Lincoln bedroom with all of my glorious connections to the president, but I think the final step may be me giving the Obamas advice on getting Portuguese water dogs," he wrote to MTV News. "I grew up with two ... they were great dogs for the boy I was, being that I barfed from swinging on swing sets, cried at my first 10 birthdays, wouldn't eat anything but the peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches my mom made and was allergic to everything. They were the perfect answer to that." See, the hypoallergenic thing is big. And while Wentz did caution that one of his water dogs — Marley (who he insists was named after Bob Marley, and not the titular pooch in John Grogan's book "Marley & Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog") — was "pretty bad," he still thinks the breed would do well in the White House. Of course, since he and his wife now own a pair of English bulldogs, he's not above stumping for that breed, either (this is politics, after all). "I can't lie, I think Hemingway is a pretty good candidate too, because he's the exact opposite of my parents' water dogs," Wentz wrote. "But I can't say he'd be any worse than having Cheney around tearing that place up." Related Artists |
| Kris Allen Admits Simon Cowell Helped Him Stick Around 'American Idol' Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:28 AM PST Judge's comment that 'chicks are gonna love' Allen 'probably helped,' the singer laughs.
Kris who? Prior to Wednesday night's show, Kris Allen had flown mostly under the "American Idol" radar. But the 23-year-old made a big impression with his cover of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," grabbing a seat in the top 12 (alongside Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta) over some early scene-stealers. We caught up with the Conway, Arkansas, singer to talk about Simon's comment that Kris would appeal to the ladies, his surprise over advancing and much more. Q: Were you as surprised as everyone else when you made it to the top 12? A: Yeah, I was really, really shocked, because this group we had was really, really good and [had] a lot of talented people, and I felt like anybody had a shot. I felt really, really lucky to actually make it through with all those other people. Q: Were you wondering why you didn't get more screen time before the performance rounds? A: I think that went through my head maybe a little bit, but ... I was just trying to stay grounded and feel like, "Hopefully that doesn't matter. ... I can go out there and do my thing this week on live TV, and more people are watching that than even the Hollywood stuff." So I think I showed myself this past week, and I think that people liked it. Q: Do you think Simon's comment that female voters would like you helped you advance? A: [Laughs.] Um, it probably helped. I'm not gonna lie. Q: Were you worried about singing a Michael Jackson song after Paula told Stephen Fowler last week that covering Michael was "the kiss of death"? A: I decided [on the song] awhile back. It was a little scary, but I was really confident in what I was doing, and so I was just really, really happy I didn't get any comparisons to him, because that's exactly what I wanted. I didn't want anyone to compare me to Michael Jackson, so I'm glad that I accomplished that. Q: Was there any animosity from the other contestants toward Nick "Normund Gentle" Mitchell for making a bit of a mockery of the show? A: He's not mocking the show. He's doing what he knows how to do, and that's entertain, and he's really, really good at it. And no one feels anything toward him. We all love him to death. Q: How do you think you were able to connect with voters after your lack of screen time? A: I went out there and I did my song, and I try to really feel the songs. And that song has a lot of meaning to it. I think that, hopefully, that came across and people noticed that. Q: When it came down to you and Megan Joy Corkrey, were you surprised when Ryan called your name? A: I was really, really surprised. Because I thought Megan did a great job, and I think that Megan is a lovely person, and I think that she can go far in the music industry. But, you know, I feel really, really lucky that I got as many votes as I did, but yeah — I was really shocked. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos |
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