MTV News |
- Rihanna Reveals Concept Of 'Hard' Video: 'Couture Military'
- Drake Says <i>Thank Me Later</i> Will Take Fans On A 'Colorful Journey'
- Adam Lambert Says Working With Lady Gaga Was 'Crazy'
- New Eminem Songs, 'Elevator' And 'Buffalo Bill,' Hit The Net
- Are The Grammys Skewing Younger With Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga Noms?
- Pleasure P Denies Child-Molestation Allegations
- Drake Lines Up Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye -- And A Mystery Guest -- For <i>Thank Me Later</i> LP
- Rihanna Preps For 'Daring' World Tour
- Nas Busted For DUI In September
- Nick Jonas Is Looking For Love On <i>Who I Am</i>
| Rihanna Reveals Concept Of 'Hard' Video: 'Couture Military' Posted: 04 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST 'We've got lots of cute outfits, lots of bullets,' singer says of video.
When The-Dream and Tricky Stewart first played Rihanna "Hard," they did it almost as a joke. They thought there was no way she'd go for the song ... it was too, well, hard. Little did they know Rihanna was looking to ad some swagger to her Rated R album, and the song was just what she had in mind. "Funny enough, when I first heard the song, we were in Paris — they flew out there to play me some songs they had done for me, some ideas. And before they played 'Hard,' they were like, 'We're gonna play you the ghetto one first, and you have to do it, you have to do it," Rihanna laughed. "They thought I wouldn't like it, and when I heard it, I just loved it. It had such an attitude and a swagger ... super cocky, and just a fun song. We just thought it was the perfect song for Jeezy [to do a verse on]. It was made for him to collaborate on it. And I think he did an amazing job."
So needless to say, "Hard" made the cut and ended up being tapped as the third single from Rated R. Which is what brought Rihanna to Los Angeles this week, where she shot a video for the track with director Melina Matsoukas. And in keeping with the feel of the song, the video is equally tough: an over-the-top military exercise, only with a decidedly Rihanna touch. "It's couture military," Rihanna explained. "Everything is surrounded around the idea of something military. We have tanks, we have troops, we've got helicopters, we've got explosions. We've got lots of cute outfits, lots of bullets. It's crazy." MTV News will have lots more from the set of Rihanna's "Hard" video in the coming days! Related Videos |
| Drake Says <i>Thank Me Later</i> Will Take Fans On A 'Colorful Journey' Posted: 04 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST Plus: Diplo plans an eclectic reworking of Gucci Mane's Cold War tapes, in Mixtape Daily.
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive Drake, you keep making Toronto proud. Two Grammy nominations, no album — that cat deserves it. A few days ago while soaking up the Grammy festivities, Drizzy gave us the inside scoop on his anticipated Thank Me Later LP. "Fireworks" kicks the whole thing off.
"The album opens up with a song I'm really proud of called 'Fireworks,' " he told us. " ... I get asked so many questions. Due to press people around, I have to deflect them. It's like when you put in the CD, all your questions are answered right away. It's a great, triumphant record right away. That opens up the scheme, and from there, hopefully, it's a colorful journey for everybody." Drake also let it out of the bag that his debut now has a tentative March release date and that, besides his guests Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West, he wants to get Sade involved. The Streets Is Talking: News and Notes From the Underground As Gucci Mane's Cold War mixtape series continues to get burn on the streets, an unlikely supporter is making sure the project gets added legs. Philadelphia DJ Diplo is remixing all three discs with an eclectic vibe and sounds of electronica, reggae and Brazilian Carioca — and, of course, more hip-hop. "Gucci Mane is an underdog, and a divisive artist," Diplo said in a statement sent to Mixtape Daily. "I thought it would be cool to have a bunch of kids and weirdos do some mixes of his songs. We all are fans, and we are from different scenes. Gucci is a rapper that doesn't try and be anything he is not; he's straight up. Maybe it's ironic and all, but I'm just a fan and have been since day one. Gucci Mane is the cool uncle I never had, even though I'm pretty sure I am older than him." Look for more on that Gucci/Diplo project in the coming weeks. Gucc's album, The State vs. Radric Davis, comes out Tuesday. Related Videos |
| Adam Lambert Says Working With Lady Gaga Was 'Crazy' Posted: 04 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST 'I think she's pretty amazing,' singer says of his 'Fever' collaborator.
Lady Gaga gave Adam Lambert "Fever" — the duo hooked up in the studio to record the Gaga-penned track for Lambert's album, For Your Entertainment. And for the "American Idol" alum, it wasn't just another session in the studio. "Gaga! Working in the studio with Gaga was a trip," Lambert told MTV News about the collaboration. "The Haus of Gaga came in at the end to say hi. She was just there. We were working with her and Jeff Bhasker and we recorded the song, and she egged me on and it was crazy."
The retro-sounding disco tune definitely has a Scissor Sisters vibe to it, a revelation Lambert came to after he listened to the track when they were finished. "That was kind of like an afterthought," he said. "Once I heard it back I was like, 'God, that sounds like a Scissor Sisters song.' It's disco." Lambert revealed that while recording the song, on which he sings such provocative lyrics as "Oh baby, your light's on/ But your mom's not home/ I'm sick of laying down alone/ With this fever," the group worked in a kind of party atmosphere. "There might have been some libations passed around, maybe," he laughed. "That's real rock and roll." Lambert hasn't ruled out one day possibly hitting the road with the pop superstar, who recently talked about how much she liked working with him on the song. "If she'd have me, yeah — she's amazing," he said. "I have no clue [when that would happen]. I have not heard anything about that. I think she's going off solo right now. I think she's pretty amazing. I want to be at her show," Lambert gushed. Related Videos |
| New Eminem Songs, 'Elevator' And 'Buffalo Bill,' Hit The Net Posted: 03 Dec 2009 03:24 AM PST Songs are slated for Relapse: Refill, out December 21.
Two new Eminem songs hit the Internet on Thursday (December 3), both of which are slated for his re-release of his Relapse LP, Relapse: Refill. The album comes out on December 21. "Elevator" is a satirical look at Em's life: He raps that he can't believe his house is so big that it has an elevator in it. "I used to sit and goof on the phone with my friend Proof," he sings on the chorus. "That if I went gold/ I'd go right through the roof/ He said, 'What if you went platinum?'/ I'd just laugh at him/ 'That's not happening/ That I can't fathom.' " After selling millions and millions of albums, of course, Em is living like Tony Montana — well, at least in that they both have lifts in their cribs. In the song, Slim Shady also calls out some names from pop culture, as he often does. "Sorry, Lance, Mr. Aiken and Lambert ain't gonna make it," Em raps before calling the two "American Idol" stars "fake." Later, Em goes into battle mode, rapping: "You standing adjacent to Jason/ Leatherface, and together it makes him a bad combination." On the track, Shady jokes about using gold toilet paper and having to walk one hour just to get from the refrigerator elsewhere in his house. The second song from Relapse: Refill to make the rounds is "Buffalo Bill." Buff, of course, is the villain from "Silence of the Lambs" that Clarice Starling has to confer with Hannibal Lecter about. Em's record name-drops two of his familiar subjects, Christopher Reeve and Lindsay Lohan, but dissects what's going on in the mind of the psychotic film character. The musical version of Bill isn't far from the movie version, as Slim Shady cuts and skins women and severs limbs. Of course Em does nod his hat to Buffalo Bill on Relapse's "3 A.M.," where he quotes from the film: "She puts the lotion in the bucket/ It puts the lotion on the skin/ Or else it gets the hose again." Related Artists |
| Are The Grammys Skewing Younger With Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga Noms? Posted: 02 Dec 2009 10:36 PM PST Nominations for Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé, Kings of Leon also signal a possible awards-show youthquake.
For the past few years, the people behind the Grammys have been switching things up in an attempt to push the 52-year-old awards show in a more contemporary direction. Those moves have resulted in multiple wins and nominations in major categories in the past two go-rounds by Lil Wayne, Amy Winehouse, the White Stripes, Kanye West, Coldplay, M.I.A. and Adele. And while the major categories still seem to typically break for heritage artists (Herbie Hancock, Robert Plant), this year's nominations are further proof that a youth movement may finally be taking hold at the Grammys. The top vote-getters in the three major categories are almost all contemporary artists whose work has had its biggest impact in the past decade and, in some cases, just the past year. Beyoncé leads with 10 nods, followed by 19-year-old country phenom Taylor Swift with eight; the Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and West with six each; Lady Gaga, David Guetta and Jay-Z with five; and Colbie Caillat, Kings of Leon, Lady Gaga producer RedOne and T-Pain with four each. With no heritage artists in sight, the top three categories for the awards, which will be handed out January 31, guarantee that a new generation will announce its arrival, with Album of the Year pitting veteran Beyoncé against Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas and Swift, with one possible spoiler in the Dave Matthews Band, whose Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King was nominated despite having less commercial and radio impact than the other albums. The same scenario is in place for Record of the Year, a fight between Beyoncé ("Halo"), BEP ("I Gotta Feeling"), Kings of Leon ("Use Somebody"), Gaga ("Poker Face") and Swift ("You Belong With Me"). The Song of the Year category (which awards songwriters) is a similar scenario, with Gaga and RedOne's "Poker Face" up against Maxwell's "Pretty Wings," Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" and Swift's "You Belong With Me." In total, Beyoncé, Swift — whose Fearless is 2009's best-selling album so far — and Gaga grabbed 23 nominations between them, which could also help make it a ladies night this time around. Curiously, though West swept up six nominations, all but one for his guest appearances on other people's songs, the awards-show bad boy was completely shut out in the major categories for his critically lauded, experimental album 808s & Heartbreak, which was released well within the window for eligibility. Also shut out in the majors was Eminem, but Relapse did garner three nominations in the rap categories (Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Duo or Group Collaboration and Best Rap Album), as well as Green Day, whose 21st Century Breakdown nabbed bids for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals, Best Rock Song for "21 Guns" and Best Rock Album. Irish icons U2 also didn't make the big-four cut, but they got a nomination for No Line on the Horizon for Best Rock Album and two for "I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals and Best Rock Song. After winning a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for their hit "Sex on Fire" at February's Grammys, Kings of Leon also appear poised to cap a breakthrough year in their native U.S. after years of wild popularity in England and Europe thanks to their four-pack of noms. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Pleasure P Denies Child-Molestation Allegations Posted: 03 Dec 2009 03:53 AM PST 'All of the recent rumors that are being circulated about me are 100 percent false,' former Pretty Ricky member says in a statement.
Former Pretty Ricky singer Pleasure P has responded to child-molestation allegations against him that surfaced this week on an Atlanta blogger's personal Web site. In the post, an anonymous reader sent a message claiming Pleasure P (real name Marcus Cooper) inappropriately touched younger family members; several documents alleged to come from a settlement were also posted on the site, as well as disparaging tweets from the daughter of the attorney who allegedly represented the singer. The former Pretty Ricky star took to his personal site to issue a statement that staunchly refutes the accusations, calling them "100-percent false" and "vile." The singer also denied knowing Ashley or Laura Goldstein, whom the Twitter updates were attributed to. Pleasure P said he was never represented by an attorney by the name of Goldstein. "All of the recent rumors and accusations that are being circulated about me are 100-percent false," the statement reads. "They are disgusting and vile, and they are being spread by individuals with their own sick agendas. The purported documents that are also being circulated are forgeries. I have never met or known anyone by the name of 'AGoldstein' or Laura Goldstein or Ashley Goldstein, which I believe are fictitious names. I have never been represented by an attorney named Goldstein. For someone to go to such depths to assassinate my character and slander my good name is truly criminal. My attorneys are investigating this matter and will take all necessary and appropriate action to protect my name and reputation." According to the allegations, the case against Pleasure P reportedly took place in 2004 and a settlement was later negotiated. The information in the blog also notes that the singer was instructed to attend counseling and perform community service. The anonymous tipster claims the singer never paid his legal bills and as a result, his attorney's assistant, also his daughter, tweeted about the court documents. The news comes on the heels of Pleasure P receiving multiple Grammy nominations for his solo debut album, The Introduction of Marcus Cooper, released earlier this year. Related Artists |
| Drake Lines Up Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye -- And A Mystery Guest -- For <i>Thank Me Later</i> LP Posted: 03 Dec 2009 01:59 AM PST Album is now slated for a March release.
You can thank him about a month later than he'd originally planned: Drake says he is now aiming to release his official debut LP, Thank Me Later, in March. Even with the slight delay, the 23-year-old Canadian singer/rapper is pleased with how it is shaping up.
"I'm making progress on it," Drake said with a smile Wednesday night at the Grammy nominations concert in Los Angeles, where he'd just learned — to his surprise — that he's up for two awards. "I'm hoping for March now. It's just pulling everybody together: I had a wish list for my managers of everybody I wanted involved that stem beyond hip-hop. I'm trying to pull it all together." One of the top names on his list is a legendary vocalist who recently announced she'll be releasing her first new album in almost a decade. "I'm really trying to work with Sade," he revealed. "Lil Wayne will be on it. Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Kanye will be doing work on it. It's in the family." There is one other guest that he elected to be coy about. "It's this other one I'm excited about that's kinda left [field]," he demurred. "It's gonna be a great project — well-rounded." Drake also took a moment to reflect on just how much those Grammy nominations — both of which are for "Best I Ever Had," a song from his mixtape/ unofficial debut LP So Far Gone mixtape/album — mean to him. "Whether I take them home or not, this is an amazing moment for me," he said. "Everybody knows the Grammys are the awards to receive as a musician. It symbolizes not popularity, but great music. Also, Grammys are what kept me up at night while I was in high school. Grammys are why I work so hard. This is the goal: to win a Grammy. If it happens, it'll be [marked off of my] life checklist." Related Artists |
| Rihanna Preps For 'Daring' World Tour Posted: 03 Dec 2009 12:50 AM PST 'We'll definitely be in your city, so look out for that,' singer says of 2010 trek.
LOS ANGELES — Rihanna is back on the scene with her latest album, Rated R. In the weeks leading up to its release, the singer released a few videos, did numerous interviews and even hit the stage at several shows — her own in London, two with Jay-Z (in New York and Los Angeles) and a sexy performance at the American Music Awards. Now Rihanna is ready to take her Rated R act on the road for a full-fledged tour, and she promises that when the trek starts next year she's going to give concertgoers a real show.
"We gonna be going on tour in the spring and the tickets are going to be up for presale in a couple weeks, actually," she told MTV News on the set of her "Hard" video. "It's going to be a worldwide tour, so it's going to be a very long tour. ... We'll definitely be in your city, so look out for that." Although she was light on details, she did say that it's going to be somewhat of a spectacle, calling the vibe of the tour "daring." But, in terms of planning, the best is yet to come. "We've been prepping for the tour for a few months now, coming out with different ideas and cool things that we can do," she explained. "Things that we've never seen before, daring things — but now is when we really start with the rehearsal and we get into the nitty-gritty and the details of everything. "I love taking risks. I'm not afraid of the unknown," she added. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Nas Busted For DUI In September Posted: 03 Dec 2009 01:57 AM PST Arresting officer said MC admitted smoking marijuana, had 'green tongue.'
Nas was busted on a DUI rap in early September and later released, according to information that recently surfaced online. The rapper and his brother, nicknamed "Jungle," were both arrested on September 10 after a routine safety check in Georgia when police smelled marijuana inside the rapper's Cadillac Escalade truck. According to the police report obtained by MTV News, Nas was pulled over near the I-75 exit ramp in Stockbridge, Georgia, at aproximately 2:30 p.m. Police were conducting license checks when officers approached Nas' vehicle. The odor of marijuana coming from Nas' car led police to ask the rapper to exit his car. Uniformed officers then asked Nas to participate in four separate sobriety tests. The report characterized Nas as having "droopy" eyes and being unable to fully complete several tasks, including standing on one leg. The arresting officer described Nas at the time as having "redding of the conjunctiva in both eyes, rebound dilation in both eyes, a green tongue with raised taste buds, and his pulse was raised to 116 beats per minute." The rapper was taken to the nearby Henry County police station, where he was charged with one count of driving under the influence and released. Information in the report states that Nas admitted to smoking marijuana two hours prior to being pulled over. His brother, whose real name is Jabari Jones, was also arrested and police seized one plastic bag of marijuana belonging to him. Nas is scheduled to appear in court to answer to the charges at a future date. He's also embroiled in a legal struggle with his estranged wife, R&B singer Kelis. The two are in the midst of a divorce and custody battle over their son. Kelis was granted temporary spousal and child support while the pair continue to resolve the matter in court. Related Artists |
| Nick Jonas Is Looking For Love On <i>Who I Am</i> Posted: 03 Dec 2009 01:34 AM PST The Jonas Brother says his music with the Administration is 'true to my roots.'
Nick Jonas is growing up. The 17-year-old is leaving the nest and hitting the road in January with his side project, Nick Jonas & the Administration, before the band releases their debut album, Who I Am, in February. And, with the blessing of brothers Kevin and Joe, the teen superstar can't wait to share music that's slightly different from the pop sound of the JoBros.
"I think this record is a lot different, just stylistically," he told MTV News backstage at the Grammy Nominations Concert, where he performed with his new group onstage for the first time. "When I started writing these songs, they weren't necessarily stylistically right for the Jonas Brothers sound. So [I've been] just working that out [for this album] and really defining what that sound was and trying to be true my roots and who I am as an artist and a songwriter." On the album's debut single, also called "Who I Am," Nick croons about wanting to find true love. "I want someone to love me/ For who I am/ I want someone to need me/ Is that so bad?" he sings in the song's chorus. "It's [one of] the first songs we wrote for the record; it means a lot to me personally," said Nick, who famously dated Miley Cyrus and later recorded the breakup ode "Before the Storm" with his ex. "It's a song just about trying to find love and wanting to find that person who understands who you are. I think everyone can relate to something like that. It was also one of the first songs I recorded for the record, so it set the tempo for the sound." Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
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