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| T.I. Talks About Sentence: 'I Have Begun To Close This Chapter Of My Life' Posted: 26 Mar 2009 11:03 PM PDT MC was sentenced to a year and a day in prison on weapons charges Friday.
Just moments after a Northern Georgia District judge sentenced T.I. to one year and one day in prison on Friday (March 27) for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, the rapper talked about his sentence at a press conference.
"It brings me great pleasure and honor to say to you today that I have begun to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the U.S. attorneys and the courts of the U.S. government." He continued to the crowd of assembled media, "I would like to thank all who have helped me throughout my journeys, along my journey, including my attorneys, all of the foundations and all of the organizations who have helped me align myself with people who see to it that I seek out my wishes and intentions to the best of my ability." Although T.I. maintained a positive message throughout the press conference and seemed genuinely satisfied with the outcome, he did address the fact that he will be in jail for the next year and a day. "Although I am not thrilled about my next year and a day, I am pleased that I am beginning the process of putting this all behind me. Thank you and I apologize to my family, to the young men, young women that I mentor. I hope that I can keep at least one, if not a million or more, from going down a similar path. I just want to say thank you." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 'American Idol' Castoff Michael Sarver Ready To Head Home Posted: 26 Mar 2009 11:26 PM PDT 'I couldn't be more excited to find myself on that plane heading that direction,' father of two says.
It's hard to say a bad word about "American Idol" wannabe Michael Sarver. Even Simon Cowell cushioned his critiques of the 27-year-old father's singing with comments about what a great guy he is. But America's good will toward the oil-rig roughneck ended with his performance of the Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" during Motown week, and he was sent packing the next night. We talked with the singer from Jasper, Texas, on Friday (March 27) about the judges' influence over America, whether he was relieved to be going home and much more. Q: The judges deliberated for quite awhile after you sang during the results show. Did you think they were going to use their "save" on you?
A: I actually didn't think they would save me. I really appreciate the fact that they considered it based on my performance the second night and how they complimented that. It meant a lot to me to, in a sense, redeem myself from suffering through a hard night. And they did consider it, but I felt like it wasn't gonna happen, mostly based on Simon's previous comments the night before about not really feeling like I could win the show. Q: Were you insulted that Simon said that? A: It didn't necessarily tick me off, nor did it insult me, but it kind of made me giggle, because he knows better than that. We didn't get there by mistake. We're all very talented. I believe in my talent, and I believe in myself and what I have to offer the music world. And I definitely would not have been surprised if I had gone back to the mansion with the guys that night and been on next week. It's any given week, and I'm very proud of what I brought to that table. Q: How much influence do you think the judges have over the voters? A: I believe that what the judges say has a huge impact on America. America listens to what they have to say. Number one, they're in those four seats for a reason, and that's because they know what they're talking about. And America knows that. I'm not saying that they always get it right. And I have to be honest with you: I don't really think they got it right all the time. There were a few good points, but I don't think they got it altogether right on me the other night. But the bottom line is, they are smart. They know their stuff. They're very talented in their own right, and America listens and pays attention. And that's why "American Idol" is as successful as it has been. Q: Does it ever bother the contestants when the judges goof off during the show? A: Personally, I enjoy that. People need to understand that this is supposed to be a fun thing. It's supposed to be enjoyable. It's supposed to be the time of our lives. And they help make it that way by goofing around, like Simon coloring on Paula's face — that was absolutely hilarious. It does make it complicated sometimes when you may feel like they're not really listening to you, but overall, the fun that they're having on the show makes everybody smile, and that's what entertainment is all about. Q: You seemed almost happy after your elimination. Was part of you relieved to be going home? A: There was a smile because of the idea that, "I'm going home." I'm not relieved, because there's nothing to relieve me from. I was there on my own accord, and I enjoyed the heck out of it. But once I found out I was going home, the best part of it is that I have an incredible family to go home to. I couldn't be more excited to find myself on that plane heading that direction. Q: Kara made a comment on Wednesday that she didn't know what kind of artist you were. Do you think you showed America what kind of artist you'll be? A: I really do actually feel like I showed that, number one, I'm not as country as people thought, and number two, that there's a lot of soul in me. And I'm a soul singer. It doesn't matter if you mix soul with rock, pop or R&B — there's soul. I believe I established that, and I believe that I established that I'm the type of artist that will not only work my tail off to do what I do, but that I never give less than 110 percent when I'm performing, and I believe I showed that. Q: What kind of music do you see yourself making? A: It's definitely going to be an R&B, pop, soul album. There's such a mixture of influence in my life, but I really like the R&B/pop style of Justin Timberlake, and it has a lot to do with the way that I write, all the way across the aisle to Gavin DeGraw and bringing some of that soulful rock. Q: Is songwriting something you did before the show? A: There is something that America does not know so much about me, but they're gonna find out. I am a serious writer, and I've written over 890 songs since the age of 14. There's a lot of stories, a lot of hard-lived life, good-lived life, and my happiness that I experience in my life now all through my music, and I'm gonna share it. 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| T.I.'s 'Road To Redemption' Co-Stars Support Him At His Sentencing Posted: 27 Mar 2009 05:47 AM PDT 'I know when he gets out he's gonna keep turning around his life,' one kid says.
ATLANTA — Throughout T.I.'s court hearing on Friday morning (March 27), a number of supporters reiterated that the rapper's work with at-risk youth was a reason to show him mercy in his sentencing. T.I.'s lawyer specifically cited his client's 262 public appearances the past 12 months at various schools, youth groups and churches. Perhaps no group could better explain the benefits of T.I.'s mentorship than the group of kids he helped on the eight episodes of his show "T.I.'s Road to Redemption." "It was surprising when he showed up," Donald, who appeared in episode seven, told MTV News about meeting Tip. "It's like, 'T.I.'s in my house right now.' But on the other side of my mind, I'm thinking, 'He's here for a cause, and I did this, so that's why he's here.' And we had to get to work." Donald and a few other participants were present at the courthouse when T.I.'s sentence became official. The group left with the rapper afterward to share breakfast with him, and later in the evening they're scheduled to attend the Atlanta Hawks basketball game versus the Boston Celtics. Tip is also set to deliver a gift to each of the kids for staying on their straight paths. "I feel better now [as a person], 'cause a year ago I wasn't even going to school," episode eight's Cynthia said. "I didn't go all last year — I was getting locked up. But now I'm just focused. I'm staying in school, even though it's boring. But I have to do it, because I want to be something in life." Trey, who appeared in the show's second episode, reflected on his family. His father was recently released from prison and he said together they're helping each other stay on the right path. He also explained how his behavior led to his younger cousins following his negative actions — but now he said it's his responsibility to reverse the course. "After the show, [people] told me to keep going," Trey said. "At the rate I am [going], I'll be up there, successful [soon]." The kids didn't seem too fazed by Tip's sentence. They all said his transgressions struck a chord with them because his experience mirrored theirs. "He's a really cool person and I'm happy he got a good deal [after] what he did," Anthony, who was featured in episode three, said. "I don't think he should go to jail [at all], because he did his thing. But with a lot of guns ... there has to be a consequence. But I know when he gets out he's gonna keep turning around his life like he's been doing." Anthony's probation officer wrote a letter that T.I.'s lawyer read in court. The letter expressed gratitude toward the rapper for engaging with the at-risk youth and addressed the change she's seen in him. "What I had back then, I don't got today," Anthony said about his current prospects, which now include working alongside a chef. "And what I do today, I never did back then and wouldn't have thought to, 'cause I was too busy. But I feel a whole lot different. I feel purified. I feel clean and I'm not into my dirty ways anymore." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Big Boi, Bun B Wish T.I. The Best After Sentencing Posted: 27 Mar 2009 03:31 AM PDT 'The void left by his absence will be unfillable,' UGK rapper says of Tip's year and a day behind bars.
The hip-hop community is rallying around T.I. after he was sentenced to a year and a day in prison on Friday (March 27) in Atlanta for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Friends like Bun B and Big Boi are wishing T.I. all the best as he embarks on his time behind bars. "From I'm Serious to Paper Trail, T.I. (and T.I.P. for that matter) has shown incredible growth as an artist, businessman and a friend," Bun B said in a statement to MTV News. "The young wild brother with the leather Bankhead pullover that was 'dope boy fresh' has become the Purple Label- and Louis Vuitton-draped movie and recording star he worked so hard to become."
Bun B also addressed that while T.I. is in jail, "The void left by his absence will be unfillable, not only to his family but his followers and friends, so we must pray for his safe return. As a friend, I hate to see this for you, but I know you to be a man that accepts his responsibilities and an all-around stand-up guy," he said, adding, "May God bless you and your bloodline and watch over you behind the walls." Meanwhile, Big Boi kept his well-wishes short and sweet, telling MTV News in a statement, "Keep your head up, T.I. All of us from Atlanta are behind you 100 percent. ATL is riding strong for you, as you've come a long way, and this is only another step in your life that will only make you stronger." After he appeared in court Friday, T.I. addressed his sentence during a press conference. "Although I am not thrilled about my next year and a day, I am pleased that I am beginning the process of putting this all behind me," he said. "Thank you, and I apologize to my family, to the young men, young women that I mentor. I hope that I can keep at least one, if not a million or more, from going down a similar path. I just want to say thank you." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jordin Sparks Addresses Rumors Of Chris Brown Collaboration Posted: 26 Mar 2009 11:03 PM PDT 'I'm not sure if I'm going to get to it yet,' 'No Air' singer says of Brown-penned track.
LOS ANGELES — Back in 2008, Jordin Sparks hooked up with Chris Brown for her VMA- and Grammy-nominated hit "No Air." Since then, a lot has changed for Brown in light of the incidents that took place last February, when he allegedly assaulted on-again, off-again girlfriend Rihanna. When MTV News caught up with Sparks at John Mayer's "One Splendid Evening" benefit concert for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation on Thursday night, she addressed rumors that she'd once again be working with Brown for her forthcoming album. "It wasn't planned [as a duet]," she said of a certain song. "I had gotten a song he had been a part of."
She was quick to point out that the Brown-penned track may not even appear on her album. "He had written [the song], and I'm not sure if I'm going to get to it yet," she explained. "I haven't recorded it yet, so we'll see." Back in 2008, "No Air" video director Chris Robinson told MTV News how great the two singers worked together and how impressed he was by their work ethic at such a young age. "When I was 18 or 19, I most definitely did not have it together like these two! When you see Jordin and Chris you see two artists that will hopefully continue to push the envelope artistically," Robinson gushed about the twosome. "We all ended up putting a piece of ourselves into this project." Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 'Pull Up Your Pants Day' Gets Positive Response At Florida School Posted: 27 Mar 2009 04:06 AM PDT Plantation High principal inspired by MTV interview with Barack Obama.
For one day, at least, nobody at Plantation High School in South Florida was sagging. Inspired by a November MTV News interview with then-candidate Barack Obama, in which he counseled, "brothers should pull up their pants," when asked about ordinances banning saggy pants, the school celebrated "Pull Up Your Pants Day" on Thursday, and by all accounts it was a big success. "We just finished a faculty meeting and a teacher came up to us and said, 'Ms. Carter, the atmosphere was so positive, the kids were on their best behavior, there were no incidents, no one got out of line with all this media being here,' " ninth-grade reading teacher Diana Carter, one of the teachers behind the sag-free event, told MTV News on Friday morning (March 27).
A local Wal-Mart supplied 200 free belts to distribute to students whose pants didn't meet the school's dress code, which mandates that underwear should not be showing. Carter said 85 were handed out on Thursday. "That's why they call it underwear!" she said. Dr. Brougher Bass, an assistant principal at the school, said he thought the event went exceedingly well, and while a few of the boys took a tongue-in-cheek attitude to the day, some of the young women at the school turned in their friends and suggested candidates for the free belts. The day also featured mentors from the community in the hallways who pulled aside students in need of a hitch, and who also spoke at a forum later in the day to continue the conversation about why appearance matters. "It's not any more rampant in our school than any other," said Dr. Bass of the saggy look. "And it's not a white or a black issue, either. It's a generational issue." In addition to screening the footage of the MTV interview, Carter said that leading up to the event students in her classroom read a July 2008 column by Judge Greg Mathis, "The Sad Truth About Saggin' Pants," in which the TV adjudicator explained that the trend was inspired by the jailhouse practice of taking prisoner's belts away to avoid them being used as weapons or in suicide attempts. "He laid it on the line," Carter said of Mathis. "If your pants are saggin' and you want to adopt a jailhouse mentality, that will show in your attitude toward everything. We're not trying to take their individuality away, but there's a time and a place for everything. If you want your pants saggin' when you're kicking it at the beach with your friends, that's fine, but this is a place of business." Another one of the ninth-grade reading teachers behind the event, Dona Mckenzie, said students told her they look forward to another anti-sag day and that some have suggested it be repeated every Friday at the school. There's also a plan in the works to possibly give students extra credit if they maintain an appropriate sag-free look. "If president-elect Obama felt that strongly about it, we should get that across to young men ... that you have to be aware of how you are dressing and how people perceive you," she said. "First impressions are important, and we want the kids to remember what Ms. Carter said the other day: We're dressing them for success in their future endeavors. They need to know that they can't apply for a job with their underwear on display." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| T.I.: 'I Hope That Others Can Learn From My Mistakes' Posted: 26 Mar 2009 11:46 PM PDT MC answered questions after his sentencing on weapons charges Friday.
After T.I. gave a statement regarding his sentencing at a press conference on Friday (March 27), the rapper, who was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, took questions from reporters.
"I know for a fact that I've changed at least five lives because these are the five people I keep contacting, and it's an honor for me to do so," he told the crowd moments after being sentenced when asked who he has changed. "I've never looked at myself as a leader of a generation. This experience has taught me I have the ability to influence." Now that the rapper faces jail time, MTV News wanted to know how the ordeal has changed him. "I hope that others can learn from my mistakes," he said. "In many ways, I think I'm a more patient person. I think I have a calmer spirit. I think I allow myself to use my mind more than my hands." When asked why he acted the way he did before his arrest, he said, "I think my judgment was altered due to a tragic situation. [In the courtroom, T.I. told the judge that the 2006 shooting death of his friend Philant Johnson played a role in his decision to purchase unregistered guns.] In that process, I had lost sight. I guess I resolved to taking matters into my own hands, foolishly." T.I. who seemed in generally good spirits during the press conference, said he will take things "one day at a time" now that he's been sentenced, and will be thinking about "my family, my children, my freedom ... you have to be willing to accept responsibility." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 50 Cent, Britney Spears Have Twitter Ghostwriters Posted: 26 Mar 2009 11:03 PM PDT But Shaquille O'Neal says, 'If I am going to speak, it will come from me.'
The whole point of Twitter is that you get to constantly update everyone on your list about what you're doing in just a sentence or so. Plenty of artists have jumped on the bandwagon, from Mark Hoppus to to, unfortunately, TMI repeat offender John Mayer. But according to The New York Times, what you see isn't always what it appears to be when you sign up for an artist's Twitter feed. For instance, say you're one of the 200,000 people signed up for 50 Cent's feed, and you saw his eloquent March 1 post in which he opined, "My ambition leads me through a tunnel that never ends." Deep, right? But prompted the savvy businessman and beef-addicted rapper to write such a line? Apparently you'd have to ask "Broadway" (a.k.a. Chris Romero), the director of 50's Web empire, who tweeted the thoughtful comment after reading it in an interview. "He doesn't actually use Twitter," Romero told the paper about his boss. "But the energy of it is all him." The energy, huh? Apparently 50's not the only one with a ghost Twitterer. The paper reported that Britney Spears recently ran an ad looking for someone to tweet for her and update her Facebook page. Prodigious blogger Kanye West told New York magazine that he recently hired two people to help him keep up with his frequent posts. One of Spears' former consultants, Joseph Nejman, who helped her ramp up her Web strategy, told the Times that he thought critics of the ghost posts were being hypocrites. "It's OK to tweet for a brand," he said, noting that many companies have Twitter accounts, "but not OK for a celebrity. But the truth is, they are a brand. What they are to the public is not always what they are behind the curtain. If the manager knows that better than the star, then they should do it." In fact, over the past few months, Spears, whose account was hacked recently, has been very open about the ghostwriting, according to the Times. Whereas it used to appear that Spears wrote every post, lately the updates have been signed by "Adam Leber, manager" and "Lauren" (a.k.a. Lauren Kozak, social-media director of britneyspears.com). Among the other bold-faced names mentioned in the article who have surrogate Twitterers are Web-savvy 2008 presidential candidate Ron Paul and President Barack Obama, who both reportedly have staff members assigned to tweet on their behalf. But some, like baller Shaquille O'Neal — who has a following of 430,000 — refuse to subcontract out their thoughts. "If I am going to speak, it will come from me," O'Neal said. "It's 140 characters. It's so few characters. If you need a ghostwriter for that, I feel sorry for you." Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metallica -- Jason Newsted Included -- Planning Drama-Free Rock Hall Induction Posted: 27 Mar 2009 12:49 AM PDT Frontman James Hetfield says there's no reason to exclude former bassist.
In a little more than a week, Metallica will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and, as is always the case with these types of things, speculation has already begun about just what fans can expect when the Four Horsemen of Metal take the stage on April 4 in Cleveland. Will there be onstage dramatics — the kind we witnessed in 2006, when Blondie were inducted into the Hall and feuded with former members Frank Infante and Nigel Harrison — if former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted decides to crash the ceremony? Will the band refuse to perform, like the famously splintered Van Halen did when they were inducted in 2007? Well, no.
When MTV News sat down with Metallica frontman James Hetfield in Austin, Texas — hours before a thunderous secret show at South by Southwest — he told us that the entire goal of his band's induction was to avoid drama at all costs ... and celebrate everyone who has made Metallica the band they are today. "It's one of those things where they're like, 'Oh, Metallica, it's all about you,' and it's like, 'Thank you,' but we want to highlight and celebrate everyone's who's helped with that. It's a big family reunion," he said. "There's not many bands that have shown up there that are still a band, still making records, and have people coming to the shows. We're kinda drama-free, hopefully, and the more people you invite, the bigger, cooler party it is." His sentiments were echoed by guitarist Kirk Hammett, who told radio news services that not only would Newsted — who split with Metallica in 2001 and was replaced by current bassist Robert Trujillo — be welcomed by his former bandmates, he'd also be performing with them at the Rock Hall induction ceremony. It's huge news for Metallica fans, and Hetfield said he wouldn't have it any other way. After all, he's seen how ugly it can get at the Rock Hall firsthand — and it's not his style. "We were there [to induct] Black Sabbath when Blondie's thing kind of went down, and it was like, you know, so be it, that's them. We don't have to do that," Hetfield smiled. "Let's celebrate. It's like, how many times does this happen? And you're gonna get up there and screw it up like that? No, no, no. We're not doing it like that. It's gonna be a celebration; it's not gonna be about excluding, you know?" Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Atlanta's DJ Drama Brings 'A Different Flavor' On <i>Gangsta Grillz II</i> Posted: 27 Mar 2009 12:25 AM PDT Spinner nabs Ludacris, Nas, T.I., Scarface and more hip-hop heavyweights for his second LP.
ATLANTA — No stress from anybody trying to sue over his name. No cops shutting down his studio. DJ Drama said making his new album, Gangsta Grillz: The Album II, was way more peaceful than the first time around. "This one got put together a lot more faster," Dram said, sitting in his brand-new home. "We didn't have to worry about anybody knocking the door down. That was a plus. But we learned a lot from the first album, and we banged it out song-wise. It ain't rocket science. It's quality music. What I'm known for." ATL's biggest DJ said for part two in his album series, he kept around team members like T.I. and his artists La Da Darkman and Willie the Kid but focused on wrangling some new MCs.
"That was one of the most exciting things for me, was working with the people I didn't get a chance to work with on the last album," the Philly native said. "Ludacris is on this album. He's home team, he's Atlanta, so it's only right for him to be on the Gangsta Grillz album — if not the first one, then the second one. Scarface is on this album. He's somebody I really wanted on the first album. Nas is on this album. To work with him in itself is special. Busta [Rhymes] is on this album. As big as the original version of 'Cannon' was, it didn't make my first album. I got The-Dream, Fabolous, Gucci Mane is on, like, three times doing what he does. He wasn't on the last album, so I told him to go into overdrive for this album. "One of the things about this album was to bring a different flavor. Show my fanbase something different," Dram added. Gangsta Grillz II's first single is "Day Dreaming," featuring Akon, Tip and Snoop Dogg. We'll get a couple of more songs before the LP drops May 19. "I got two records I'm pushing out," Drama explained. "I got this Dream record with La and Too Short on it [called 'Tipper Love'] that's gonna smash the club and the radio. Dream is on fire right now. I had to go get the O.G. Too Short for this. La is doing his thing in the streets, so that's gonna smash. "Then I got this one that's ridiculous with Gucci, OJ Da Juiceman and Lonnie Mack that's produced by Zaytoven," he said of "Ridiculous," which also features Yo Gotti. "That's gonna tear the streets up. So I'm gonna do a double drop and hit 'em in the head two times." Drumma Boy, DJ Khalil, Lil' C and Tricky Stewart are among the producers. Drama is hitting the road to promote his LP and told us he loves that his release date is packed with so many other LPs, such as Fat Joe's Jealous Ones Still Envy 2, Busta Rhymes' Back on My B.S. and Eminem's Relapse. "Hey, they'll be in the stores, let's do it," he said. "Me and Bus was talking about that the other day. Eminem is the homie. I work for him over at Shade 45 [Radio]. Him and [Em's manager] Paul [Rosenberg] have always shown me a lot of love. I'm glad he's back in the game. I'm used to coming out on legendary days. Last time I came out with Scarface and Ghostface. I'm excited." As always, expect Drama to continue with his Gangsta Grillz mixtapes as well. The next one is top-secret for now, but he did say that it is with an artist the fans have been asking him to make a tape with. Related Videos Related Artists | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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