Senin, 28 Juni 2010

MTV News

MTV News

Chris Brown Melts Down During BET Awards Michael Jackson Tribute

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 08:04 AM PDT

Singer dances flawlessly but is overcome by emotion when time comes to sing.
By Rochell Thomas


Chris Brown at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

When Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo and New Edition were performing tributes to Michael Jackson during last year's BET Awards show, Chris Brown was nowhere to be found, even though many felt he was an obvious choice to honor the fallen legend. Brown's assault on Rihanna several months earlier presumably kept him out of the show.

On Sunday night (June 27), Brown finally got his chance to publicly honor the man he idolized -- and while his dancing was flawless, when the time came for him to sing, he simply fell apart.

After being introduced by Jermaine Jackson, Brown beautifully channeled Michael as he danced to "Remember the Time," "Smooth Criminal" and "Billie Jean." Yet when he grabbed a mic to sing "Man in the Mirror," he choked up, visibly weeping.

"I'm gonna make a change for once in my ..." Brown's voice trailed off. He was out of breath and sounded hoarse. Tears stained his cheeks as he paced the stage, holding the microphone by his side. "This ... wind is blowing my ... Who am I to..." He clearly knew the lyrics but they failed to come out.

Brown faded in and out of the song, closing his eyes, grimacing, trying to soldier on. Whether it was the emotion of the moment or the past 16 months, Brown struggled and failed to find his voice, even though the pre-recorded backing vocals played on.

Finally, he gave up, raised a bandaged finger to the sky and fell to his knees as Michael Jackson's voice could be heard saying, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror." The camera cut from Brown to an audience member who clearly uttered "Oh my God," in shock.

The audience loudly sang the words that Brown could not. Their aid seemed to move Brown to rise from his knees and mouth the words along with Jackson's voice, while gesturing along with the mic as tears rolled down his face. In the audience, actress Taraji P. Henson could be seen mouthing, "That's all right baby," as Brown walked offstage to Jermaine Jackson, who moved to console him.

Brown's emotional performance echoed through the rest of the show. When Niecy Nash came onstage to present the Video of the Year award, she said, "When Chris Brown started crying I got choked up."

Backstage, "a lot of folks were getting misty-eyed, understanding that he was overwhelmed with emotion," BET publicist Zabrina Horton said. "Me, personally, I think 'Man in the Mirror' was great for him to do because I'm sure he still feels bad about Rihanna and wants to be forgiven. He has to make that change himself for himself and he knows that."

Later in the show, when accepting the AOL Fandemonium prize, which measures an artist's "online and mobile fan power," Brown spoke briefly.

"I didn't really prepare a speech because I didn't really think I was gonna be backstage," he said. "But bottom line, I couldn't never do this without my fans. Team Breezy, all the support I've been getting from day one.

"I just wanna say one thing,' he concluded. "I let y'all down before but I won't do it again, I promise. I love y'all, good night."

What did you think of Chris Brown's Michael Jackson tribute at the BET Awards? Let us know in the comments below.

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Big Sean Keeps 'Grinding' As A 'Hottest Breakthrough MCs Of 2010' Candidate

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 03:52 AM PDT

Fans decide our 'Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010' -- vote now! The winner will be revealed on July 25.
By Shaheem Reid


Big Sean
Photo: G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam

"Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" Candidate: Big Sean

Big Sean's new Olympicks-produced single is called "What U Doin' (Bullsh---in')," but the Detroit MC's heat index is on the rise because he isn't a BS artist.

"The misconception is thinking we just started," Sean said about himself and some of his fellow "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" candidates such as Wiz Khalifa, Nipsey Hussle and Pill. "People been grinding for years trying to get their first look. That's the biggest misconception. It's not overnight for real."

Signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label, Sean said he picked up a few jewels by watching his labelmate Kid Cudi, who was in a similar situation last year. Cudi had buzz off mixtapes and hip-hop blogs but eventually had to deliver hit singles and an acclaimed debut album.

"You just learn, man," Sean said. "You can make it as big as you wanna make it. You gotta grind hard. You get the look, now it's time to shine.

"Trying to break through, that's it," he added of his main goal. "You just gotta get that look. People have to start listening, people have to be drawn to you somehow."

Sean has come a long way since his fateful encounter with Kanye at a Detroit radio station in 2005. West liked that Sean had witty punch lines but also told his own story. He was a kid from the D who went to work, sometimes struggled to come up with gas money and loved hip-hop. He wasn't trying to be anything he wasn't. Since then, Sean dropped his Finally Famous mixtape in 2007 and broke ground in his career with UKnowBigSean last year. He's been sprinkling several unrelated songs throughout cyberspace, alongside the likes of fellow upstarts Chip the Ripper, Wale, Mike Posner, his G.O.O.D. Music family members (West, Common, Cudi, Consequence) and the undeniable breakthrough act of 2009: Drake.

"The mixtape circuit and the whole online circuit is more important than anything," Sean said. "More important than air, than all of that. It's all love. That's crazy. The mixtape plays the most important role as far as artists like me, new artists getting heard. We may not be able to get on the radio, we may not be able to do that, but we can touch everybody through the Internet and through these mixtapes."

His LP is named after his first mixtape, Finally Famous.

"The debut album coming out his year," Sean added. "Its executive-produced by Kanye and L.A. Reid. G.O.O.D. Music/ Def Jam. We got Pharrell on there, Kanye, the G.O.O.D. Music fam. A couple of other surprises. Me and Drake collabbed. It's gonna be something to remember. I hope people get a chance to listen. Finally Famous. It's not because somebody just got on and I'm finally famous. It has deeper meaning to that. It's a story."

Sean's debut will be coming this fall, tentatively scheduled to drop around the same time as the next LPs by Kanye West and Kid Cudi. His newest mixtape will come out later this year, and it's called B.I.G. Underground bangers that have come out recently, "Supa Dupa Lemonade" and "High Rise," will be included, along with brand-new material.

Sean and 19 other up-and-coming MCs are in the running to become MTV News' "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" — and the winner will be decided by you!

Cast your vote for the "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" right here. The top five will be revealed beginning July 19, and the winner will be announced on the "Sucker Free Summit" July 25!

Related Videos Related Artists

2010 BET Awards Belong To Chris Brown, Alicia Keys And Prince

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 10:23 PM PDT

Performances from Eminem, Drake and Nicki Minaj also stand out.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Chris Brown
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

Chris Brown, Alicia Keys and Eminem shined the brightest among the star-filled Shrine Auditorium on Sunday night (June 27), wowing the audience at the 2010 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

Brown put out a sizzling tribute to Michael Jackson, just days after the one-year anniversary of the pop icon's death, with a medley that included "Remember the Time" and "Billie Jean." The embattled R&B star's take on "Man in the Mirror" was measured and emotional, tugging at the hearts of many as Brown broke down during the song's refrain.

The singer was decked out in full MJ gear, from the bandaged fingers to the high-waisted pants. As he struggled to finish the lyrics to the song, the audience assisted him, completing the words he could not as he dropped and rose from his knees.

Alicia Keys was just as stirring, performing her own solo set and contributing to the tribute to Prince, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Patti LaBelle and Janelle Monae also joined Keys to pay homage to the Purple One. Keys, replete with her newly public baby bump, sang "Adore" and shocked those in attendance when she crawled atop her piano to finish out the sexy number.

Eminem also performed twice, taking the stage with B.o.B for the "Airplanes" remix and his own "Not Afraid."

Drake was among the night's big winners, as he and Young Money cohort Nicki Minaj took home trophies for Best Hip-Hop Artist, male and female, respectively. The Lil Wayne protégés both shouted out their imprisoned CEO and later took part in crowd-pleasing performances.

Drake brought out Young Jeezy, after he ran through his own "Fireworks" and "Over," and the pair debuted the remix to the Snowman's latest, "Lose My Mind."

Young Money's leading lady was at the center of two performances: Ludacris' show-ending set and Diddy's Dirty Money showcase. Minaj was as colorful as ever, and the femcee was sexy in an outfit as tight as her razor-sharp rhymes. The Queens rapper shouted out her fellow female rhyme-slingers, helping to dial down the back-and-forth between her and Lil Kim.

Prince and John Legend were separately honored, the latter for his humanitarian efforts. Beyoncé's collaboration with Lady Gaga, "Telephone," took home the coveted Video of the Year award. Gary Coleman, Lena Horne and Teddy Pendergrass were recognized, with each dying in the past 12 months.

El DeBarge raised the crowd to its feet as the former Motown legend held his own with a mini-set of his band's greatest hits, including "Rhythm of the Night."

Kanye West and T.I. both returned to the public's consciousness, as the MCs performed publicly for the first time since leaving the spotlight: West after his meltdown at the Video Music Awards last year and Tip after serving time for gun charges.

Tip took to the stage with Travis Barker on the drums, and in slick fashion, the Atlanta star performed "Takers" from his upcoming film of the same name.

West opened the show with "Power," the first single from his forthcoming album. The Chicago lyricist was spirited and styling, appearing in an all-red ensemble and rapping atop a constructed mountaintop.

Queen Latifah held down MC duties for the evening and poked and prodded at the assembled celebrities in attendance. The actress raked on Drake for the rapper's line "Set it off, Jada Pinkett," with her own rendition that mentioned her character in the movie "Set It Off," name-dropping Cleo.

What did you think of the BET Awards? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Justin Timberlake Introduces His Group FreeSol And Their Mixtape

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 03:52 AM PDT

'The mixtape was an idea to paint a picture of what we're trying to do,' frontman Free tells Mixtape Daily of RockNRolla.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes


FreeSol
Photo: MTV News

Fire Starter: Free Sol

We usually like to put our Fire Starter out a little later in the week, but this is a special edition. We have Justin Timberlake giving a major co-sign to a new mixtape. You've seen JT present artists from his burgeoning Tennman Records, such as Esmee Denters and Matt Morris. Next up under the Grammy winner's wing are FreeSol, a group from his hometown of Memphis that fuses rock, hip-hop and a little R&B.

"They're rock stars," Justin said of the group at February's William Rast fashion show in New York, where they also performed. "It's nice to work them organically and not feel like, 'Hey, you gotta listen to this band!' I'm trying to find cool ways to implement them into the culture of what it is we already do."

"It's like a school, it's like a classroom," frontman Free said earlier this year of working with Timberlake. "He's a genius. A lot of people think he's [just] that dude from 'NSYNC, but really, he's a baby Quincy [Jones]. We learn a lot."

Along with Free, the group consists of Premo D'Anger on keys and bass, "Kickman" Teddy on the drums and guitarist Elliott Ives. The collective has already recorded more than 100 songs for their debut album — some of them with Timberlake — and they just dropped their mixtape, RockNRolla, with DJ Benzi.

"The mixtape was an idea to paint a picture of what we're trying to do," Free said. "A lot of people, whenever they describe us, they say 'rock/rap.' So immediately you may think of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Linkin Park, something you've heard before. I think that what we do is something extremely different, original. I think the mixtape was an idea to kind of create the picture of what we're trying to do. We took a lot of older [songs], whether it be AC/DC or Smashing Pumpkins, and make them our own. Live bands, live musicians. We approached the mixtape concept through the eyes of a band."

"I got a call from Free saying, 'Let's do this mixtape,' " Ives recalled. " 'Can you take some samples of some rock stuff that you're a fan of and dice them up? Make some beats and let's make some songs. We're gonna call it RockNRolla.' "

Teddy said the most liberating thing about the project is that the group worked on its own. "Having a free will of our own to do it, without working with any producers," he described. "Not having somebody be like, 'Do it this way' or 'Do it that way.' Taking everything we've learned up to this point and say, 'Look at us and what we have to offer. We can do this on our own,' and put it out there and be like, 'What you think about it?' "

With talent like FreeSol on his roster, Timberlake hasn't been rushing back into the solo spotlight, instead overseeing the production of his acts' debut albums.

"Right now, I'm enjoying working with new artists," Timberlake told MTV News earlier this year.

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines or follow the Mixtape Daily team on Twitter: @shaheemreid and @mongosladenyc.

Related Videos Related Artists

'Toy Story 3,' 'Grown Ups' Play Well Together At Weekend Box Office

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 05:29 AM PDT

Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise's 'Knight and Day' fizzles at #3.
By Josh Wigler


Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear and Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story 3"
Photo: Disney/Pixar

The Box-Office Top Five

#1 "Toy Story 3" ($59 million)
#2 "Grown Ups" ($41 million)
#3 "Knight and Day" ($20.5 million)
#4 "The Karate Kid" ($15.4 million)
#5 "The A-Team" ($6 million)

Moviegoers pining for their childhood years and those not quite ready to admit that they're well into their adult lives walked away happy this weekend as "Toy Story 3" and "Grown Ups" were the big winners at the weekend box office, while "Knight and Day" opened to disappointing results.

Landing in first place was "Toy Story 3" for its second-consecutive weekend victory. The Pixar family film earned $59 million in its second frame, bringing the latest "Toy Story" installment's domestic total to $226.6 million after just two weeks. With an additional $100 million earned overseas, "Toy Story 3" has a worldwide toy chest worth $326.6 million, far exceeding its production budget of $200 million.

Although the toys had the most fun at the box office this weekend, there was plenty to enjoy for "Grown Ups" as well. The Sony comedy stars veteran comedians and noted friends Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider, whose collective comedy power resulted in a strong $41 million debut.

While name recognition was a helpful factor in the success of "Grown Ups," it did little for Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz's "Knight and Day." The action-comedy earned $20.5 million over the weekend and $27.8 million since debuting on Wednesday, an unimpressive result given the box-office returns that Cruise and Diaz were once used to seeing.

Landing in fourth and fifth place were "The Karate Kid" and "The A-Team," proving their continued staying power in their third week at the box office. "The A-Team" has just barely crossed its production budget of $110 million, thanks to foreign ticket sales.

Last weekend's newcomer "Jonah Hex" virtually disappeared from sight with a $1.6 million 10th place finish, leaving many moviegoers scratching their heads wondering what went wrong with the Josh Brolin-starring DC Comics adaptation.

Upcoming Releases

Bella Swan finds herself in the crosshairs of deadly vampires and difficult romantic decisions once again with the arrival of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" on Wednesday. But are the legions of Team Edward and Team Jacob supporters enough to take box office gold away from M. Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender"?

Which movie do you think will top next weekend's box office? Share your predictions in the comments.

Check out everything we've got on "Toy Story 3" and "Grown Ups."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Related Videos Related Photos

John Legend, The Roots Talk Levi's Pioneer Recording Sessions

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 03:52 AM PDT

Collaborators covered soul song 'Our Generation,' after hearing it sampled on classic '90s Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth track.
By Steven Roberts


John Legend
Photo: MTV News

Ernie Hines probably isn't the first name that comes to mind when you think of soul singers. But the Mississippi singer/guitarist's "Our Generation" was John Legend and the Roots' choice when it was their turn to cover a song for the Levi's Pioneer Sessions project.

Legend and the Roots, who were already working on an album of covers, Wake Up!, were quick to come onboard when Levi's called. Legend acknowledged the song was relatively obscure, but said he thought fans would recognize it from a famous hip-hop sample.

" 'Straighten It Out' [by] Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth was an important hip-hop record and it sampled 'Our Generation,' " Legend said. The R&B crooner went on to explain that as he and the Philly band were putting his album together, they wanted a sound that was both hip-hop and soul.

"A lot of what we did was try to bring songs that have been sampled or should be sampled or sample-able to make the album," Legend continued. "It just makes sense to do the song [for Levi's]."

Covering a song previously sampled on a '90s rap song — in this case, one off the hip-hop duo's classic 1992 LP, Mecca and the Soul Brother — makes sense for two acts known for playing to more mature audiences, Roots drummer ?uestlove said.

"People might not know 'Our Generation,' but there's definitely people in their mid-30s that know Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth 'Straighten It Out.' And it will also hit people that knew the original 'Our Generation,' that are now 50 years old," ?uest added.

The Levi's 2010 Revival Recordings series asks musicians to choose songs that were not only influential in their careers but also proved to be part of music history. Legend and the Roots decided to bring MC C.L. Smooth into the booth with them, and they all agree it was worth the effort. The singer said he was excited to collaborate with Smooth, but also the Roots drummer; some interesting, unexpected sounds emerged.

"One of the coolest things about working with Ahmir ['?uestlove' Thompson] is his encyclopedic knowledge of music," Legend said. "He just knows a lot of great records. When you're thinking about putting an album together of songs that were performed [more than] 40 to 50 years ago, he's one of the best people to talk about that with."

The album Wake Up! is due for a September release, and the Ernie Hines cover is available for free download at the Levi's Pioneer Sessions website.

Does hearing the Roots and John Legend's Levi's track make you excited for their upcoming album? Tell us in the comments!

Related Artists

Fefe Dobson Haunts Her Ex In 'Ghost' Video -- Watch It Here!

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 03:52 AM PDT

The rocker says that she is trying to make her forthcoming full-length Joy a 'perfect' album.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Fefe Dobson in "Ghost"
Photo: Universal Music Canada

Fefe Dobson's latest video has a very clear message: If you cheat, your ex will make your life miserable. In "Ghost," the rocker sticks up for scorned girlfriends everywhere as she harasses her ex after catching him with another lady. True to the song's title, Dobson haunts her bad-boy boo, popping up everywhere from the ceiling of his bedroom to the front seat of his ride.

"Ghost" was directed by Alan Ferguson, who has shot videos for the likes of Katy Perry and Fall Out Boy. Dobson gushed to MTV News that the director is "unbelievable and super talented" and that she had wanted to work with him for a while. The two were apparently completely in sync when it came to certain scenes in the video — like the one where she's haranguing her ex from above.

"Alan Ferguson called me and we were talking about it on the phone. I was like, 'I see myself upside down.' And he was like, 'That's crazy, 'cause I saw you upside down in my head too,' " Dobson said.

Dobson also said the heat really got turned up when she filmed in front a blazing mattress.

"There's a scene where I'm standing in front of a burning bed. It was really burning — it wasn't a green screen. I was like, 'I'm not gonna do this!' and I hear [the director] going, 'Get in front of the bed!' "she recalled. "I didn't want to do it but I did it. I didn't, you know, get set on fire — which is important!"

Dobson hasn't dropped an album since her self-titled 2003 debut. She chalked up the break to the fact that she spent the last few years making sure that her latest effort, Joy, is just right.

"It took so long because I wanted to make it perfect," said Dobson. "I'm one of those people that I make a song ... then I write another song and then I'm like, 'But this song is so much better than this song,' and then I kind of ditch that song. It's a long process."

What do you think of Fefe Dobson's "Ghost" video? Let us know in the comments below!

Related Videos Related Artists

Diddy, Trey Songz Applaud Chris Brown's Emotional BET Awards Performance

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 10:38 PM PDT

'He left his heart on the stage,' Songz says of singer's Michael Jackson tribute; host Queen Latifah and others also react.
By Rochell Thomas


Chris Brown at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic

Folks had nothing but love for Chris Brown, who fell apart during his tribute to Michael Jackson at the 10th annual BET Awards on Sunday night (June 27).

At the afterparty, hosted by the tag team of Diddy and "Hustle & Flow" actress Taraji P. Henson, everyone from a show producer to the cast of the soon-to-be-revived BET series "The Game," as well as some of the night's winners and presenters, had something to say about Brown's emotional performance of "Man in the Mirror," during which the singer fell to his knees crying, genuinely unable, it seemed, to sing the song.

"You know who stole my heart tonight?" Henson asked.

"Chris Brown!" answered Diddy, host Queen Latifah, BET personality Tigger and a group of others in near-unison.

"He was so vulnerable," Henson continued. "I love you, Chris!"

During the tribute, Brown channeled Michael as he danced to "Remember the Time," "Smooth Criminal" and "Billie Jean."

The winner in the Best Male R&B Artist category, Trey Songz, said, "Chris killed that. He left his heart on the stage. He gave genuine emotion. I was proud of him and I was happy for him for having that moment." Songz didn't mention Brown choking on the lyrics during the song: "He did that justice. Everybody's been waiting for that."

Brown may have been waiting for his turn to do a tribute to his idol Michael Jackson, but he also was happy to have an opportunity to speak to his fans later in the show.

"I let y'all down before, but I won't do it again," he said as he accepted the award for the AOL Fandemonium prize, which was presented by siblings Brandy and Ray J. "I promise." Fans voted online, giving Brown the win over Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz and Justin Bieber.

What did you think of Chris Brown's Michael Jackson tribute? Tell us in the comments

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Drake Drops New Verse On 'Lose My Mind' Remix At BET Awards

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 09:23 AM PDT

Drizzy references Thank Me Later first-week sales in spankin' new verse during performance with Young Jeezy.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Drake performs at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

Drake wasted no time celebrating his stellar first-week sales, dropping a new verse to Young Jeezy's "Lose My Mind" at the 2010 BET Awards. The Toronto MC was joined by the hip-hop snowman and the duo rocked a version of Jeezy's single. Jeezy rose from a platform beneath the stage during the last portion of Drizzy's set, in a white jacket with buckles, and launched into the first verse of the steely track.

Initially it appeared the superstar MC, who had already won the award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist earlier in the night, was content to fall back and let Jeezy rock, chiming in here and there. But it wouldn't be Drizzy if he didn't come hard with the lyricism. Jeezy hollered "Remix!" as Drake spit a new verse which referenced the incredible first-week numbers of his debut, Thank Me Later, which dropped on June 15: "You say you like it like that/ I think I like it too/ Half a million in a week/ It's only right I do."

The new verse followed a varied performance from Drizzy, who kicked off his set with a quiet rendition of his Thank Me Later opener, "Fireworks." Then sporting a dark letterman's jacket, Drizzy descended from his platform and launched into an amped-up version of "Over," spitting the lyrics with fiery abandon.

The performance was another highlight in a big night for Drake who was up for three awards and already beat out MCs like Jay-Z and Ludacris for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. The set also marked a triumphant return to the BET Awards for the MC who was confined to a stool during last year's performance after tearing his ACL

What did you think of Drake and Jeezy's performance? Tell us in the comments!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Eminem Joins B.o.B At BET Awards For 'Airplanes'/ 'Not Afraid' Medley

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 07:30 AM PDT

Keyshia Cole takes over for Paramore's Hayley Williams on the chorus.
By Hillary Crosley


Eminem performs at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage

Not only did B.o.B get a chance to perform his hit "Nothin' on You" during the BET Awards pre-show, but the rookie MC also brought out Keyshia Cole for his hit "Airplanes" during the main show.

After an introduction by T.I. and Queen Latifah, during which the pair jokingly referenced T.I.'s arrest for gun charges before the 2007 BET Awards, B.o.B began his set by playing the piano.

Cole launched into the song's chorus, surprising the audience, since she's been out of the spotlight following the birth of her first child with basketball player Daniel Gibson. Sporting blond hair, a textured red skirt with a black top and matching stilettos, Cole gave "Airplanes," which originally featured Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams, a soulful spin through her trademark vocal runs.

Once Cole and B.o.B reached the chorus, Eminem joined the duo onstage for his verse on the track's remix. Then, the music ran seamlessly into Em's newest single, "Not Afraid."

The Detroit MC recently appeared on the "Late Show With David Letterman" to promote his and Jay-Z's upcoming concerts at New York's Yankee Stadium and Detroit's Comerica Park. On Sunday night (June 27), wearing a black jacket with a white tee and jeans, the MC ran through "Not Afraid" backed by a five-piece band and a gospel choir.

Rhyming with a reserved and controlled energy, Eminem ended his performance of the emotional track to a standing ovation.

What did you think of B.o.B's and Eminem's performances? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Prince Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At BET Awards

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 10:23 PM PDT

Alicia Keys, Janelle Monae, Patti LaBelle and more performed spirited renditions of the icon's classics during tribute.
By Rochell Thomas


Prince at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

The artist who will forever be known as Prince took the stage on Sunday (June 27) to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 10th annual BET Awards. "I was pretty wild in my younger days," the honoree said.

BET's award presentation for Prince united generations and musical styles. Janelle Monae opened the tribute with an energetic cover of "Let's Go Crazy," a song that hit big a year before the 25-year-old was born. Next Up: jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding, strumming a custom electric upright bass, sang "If I Was Your Girlfriend." She was followed by five-months-pregnant Alicia Keys, who played the piano then climbed atop it to provocatively belt out "Adore." R&B diva Patti LaBelle closed out with the classic "Purple Rain" before Chaka Khan joined her onstage to introduce the man himself.

Wearing a flowing, silk pajama-like ensemble bearing the symbol that replaced his name for a time, Prince approached the mic, looking just a bit older, calmer and more subdued than his sex-fueled "When Doves Cry" days.

"You don't have to do what I did. You don't have to make any of the mistakes I made," he advised fellow musicians in the audience. Earlier in the show, R&B heartthrob Trey Songz performed his own tribute to Prince, covering "Purple Rain" during his set.

The singer then waxed patriotic. "The future's in your hands now and the world is really yours," he said. "There is a change in America that's going on right now. Everybody can feel it. We're going to be a beacon to the rest of the world."

As known for his groundbreaking music as he is for his raunchy performances, Prince went through a religious conversion a few years ago and appeared humble, soft-spoken even, a contrast to his earlier tendency to come off as eccentric and aloof. He thanked all of the performers who led his tribute as well as top BET executives Debra Lee and Stephen Hill.

"Thank you so much Debra Lee and Stephen Hill for a wonderful night tonight," he said. "I'll never forget it for as long as I live." Then he turned and walked offstage with his arms around LaBelle and Chaka Khan, both of whom have previously been honored with the award.

What did you think of the tribute to Prince? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Nicki Minaj Dedicates BET Award To Lil Wayne, Shouts Out Female Rappers

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 06:56 AM PDT

MC, who's been feuding with Lil' Kim, also calls for 'positive energy among women' in speech.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Nicki Minaj at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

Despite any tension that Nicki Minaj may have with other hip-hop artists, she was all about the love when she won the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist trophy at the 2010 BET Awards.

Sporting red-orange hair, a cream-colored corseted gown and chunky jewels, the star took the stage after embracing her fellow Young Money superstar Drake. The rap diva dedicated her award to her mentor, Lil Wayne, saying, "This is for Dwayne Carter." Minaj gave him credit for "predicting" her success and thanked him for his "tough love." (Drake also thanked Weezy when he won for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.)

Flanked by a crew that included Gudda Gudda from Young Money, the hip-hop Barbie also showed love to many of the women in the building, including actress Jada Pinkett Smith, who she said she idolized. She went on to rattle off a list of other stars in her speech, including Bad Boy mogul Diddy, and shouted out her Young Money collective saying, "This is not a rap group, this is my family."

She wrapped up her speech by shouting out BET Awards host Queen Latifah and thanking her for all the "positive energy" the Hollywood Jill-of-all-trades gave her before the show. Then, in what could be interpreted as a subtle nod to all of the drama between Minaj and fellow Best Female Hip-Hop Artist nominee Lil' Kim, Minaj called for more love among the ladies. "I think it's so important right now for positive energy among women," she said. "I'm fighting for women." And just so there's no ambiguity in the future, she closed her speech by paying tribute to her female predecessors in hip-hop: "Thank you to all the female rappers that paved the way for me."

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Trey Songz's Mom Makes Splash At BET Awards

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 09:52 AM PDT

Singer brought April Tucker onstage with him when he accepted the award for Best Male R&B Artist.
By Hillary Crosley


Trey Songz at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Though Prince received the biggest honor of the BET Awards with a Lifetime Achievement tribute, Trey Songz's mother was the belle of the ball. Joining her son as his date, Ms. Songz made quite an impression on the show's younger audience, so much that she earned #1 on Google's trending topics.

Born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia, April Tucker gave birth to Trey, born Tremaine Neverson, at the age of 17. Living on welfare and in Section 8 housing, Tucker enrolled in Virginia State University and graduated six years later, earning a degree in sociology with a minor in administration of justice.

Serving as a juvenile probation officer in Baltimore and a resource specialist in several Maryland counties, Tucker grew interested in helping children. Following her then husband, who was a military man, to Junction City, Kansas, Ms. Tucker became a program manager for Big Brothers and Big Sisters there and helped children at risk. Despite her relocations to Baltimore and middle America, Tucker decided that Trey would have a better childhood with her parents back in Virginia, where he began singing in church.

Now that her son Trey is a wildly popular R&B singer, Tucker and her firstborn (Trey has a younger brother named Forrest) make a point of doing charitable work. In the past, the two have given clothing donations and turkeys during Thanksgiving to Petersburg's needy.

Despite their distance, Trey and his mother are very close, and she describes him as "a regular guy with a God-given voice and talent for writing." Responding in kind, the singer's tattoo on his chest describes his adoration for his mother. "To God I pray may April's showers rain on her Forrest," reads the tattoo. "And grow the strength that started with one Rose."

Earlier in the evening, the Virginia native won the award for Best Male R&B Artist and brought his extremely good-looking mother onto the stage with him to accept his trophy. Following tonight's show, BET will debut Trey's documentary, "My Moment," which follows the singer during the recent Blueprint 3 tour with Jay-Z across America.

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Kanye West Opens BET Awards With 'Power'

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 05:52 AM PDT

Awards show marks the MC's first performance since his VMA incident last year.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Kanye West performs at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Kanye West returned with a riveting solo performance at the 2010 BET Awards, marking the first time the rapper/producer has performed in public since he interrupted Taylor Swift last year at the MTV Video Music Awards.

West, decked out in all red and a bawdy necklace, took to the stage for "Power," the lead single from his forthcoming untitled album. "I'm living in the 21st century, doing something mean to it," he started off rapping, atop a constructed mountaintop. "Do it better than anybody you ever seen do it/ Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it/ I guess every superhero need his theme music."

The Chicago MC powered through the anthem alone onstage, with no band and no background singers. West opened the awards show and said no words prior to performing, nor any comment once he finished.

The rapper was solemn and fired throughout the thumping track. "I just needed time alone with my own thoughts," he rapped later. "Got treasures in my mind/ But couldn't open up my vaults ... Reality is catching up with me/ Taking my inner child/ I'm fighting for custody."

For the past several months, we have been hearing about Kanye working in Hawaii with acclaimed producers, such as Pete Rock, Q-Tip and DJ Premier. He was also producing tracks for the likes of Rick Ross and the Clipse. And in May, he popped up in New York to preview new songs.

While just about everyone who's worked with him has declined to speak on specifics, people like Preemo and Pharrell Williams have publicly described the supreme boom bap and hard-core hip-hop edge of West's upcoming album, which was originally set to be titled Good Ass Job but is now untitled.

What did you think of Kanye's performance at the BET Awards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Trey Songz Honors Prince At BET Awards With 'Purple Rain' Verse

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 08:53 AM PDT

Singer kicks off performance with latest single, 'Yo Side of the Bed.'
By Hillary Crosley


Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

Trey Songz kicked off Prince's Lifetime Achievement Award tribute at the BET Awards on Sunday (June 27) with his performance of "Yo Side of the Bed," which bled into "Purple Rain."

In a purple button-up, black slacks and vest, Trey sang his recent hit "Yo Side of the Bed" atop a stage bathed in purple lights. The track's video, featuring Keri Hilson as a military officer and Trey as her mourning husband after she's killed in the line of duty, played in the background on large screens. During the performance, Trey gave a shout-out to all who've lost a special someone.

"This song goes out to anybody watching this tonight," Trey said to an audience of swaying women. "I feel your pain."

The singer then launched into the first verse of Prince's 1984 classic "Purple Rain" from the film of the same name. As Trey strained to hit falsetto notes almost on his knees, the camera cut to Prince himself seated in the audience looking on.

"Prince, I don't know where you are, but you inspire us all," Trey said as a screen showed the message "Pray for our soldiers and their families" behind him.

Earlier in the evening, the Virginia native won the award for Best Male R&B Artist and brought his date, his mother, April Tucker, onstage with him to accept his trophy. Tucker is extremely proud of her eldest son and described him as "a regular guy with a God-given voice and talent for writing."

Following the awards show, BET will debut Trey's documentary "My Moment," which follows the singer during Jay-Z's recent Blueprint 3 tour.

What did you think of Trey's performance at the BET Awards? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Alicia Keys Rocks Baby Bump In BET Awards Performance

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 07:52 AM PDT

Singer, joined by gospel great Kim Burrell, brought audience to its feet with rousing rendition of 'If I Ain't Got You.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Alicia Keys performs at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage

Alicia Keys and her growing baby bump made a memorable appearance at the 2010 BET Awards. The pregnant diva, who had already accepted the award for Best Female R&B Artist after kissing fiancé Swizz Beatz, was introduced by a little girl with a big voice who belted out an a cappella rendition of Keys' debut hit, "Fallin'." BET Awards host Queen Latifah then continued the introduction, remarking that Keys was named Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the decade and tossing to a video clip featuring many of her smash hits including "My Boo" (with Usher) and "You Don't Know My Name."

Then, decked out in a fuchsia mini and rocking pink heels, the songstress performed a medley of her hits, starting with "No One," from her 2007 album As I Am, knocking out the midtempo smash on a grand piano illuminated by soft blue lights on the side.

The star stood up for "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart" — from her latest album, The Element of Freedom — joined by several dancers on either side and grooving easily despite her sizable bump. Keys headed back to the keys for her ballad "If I Ain't Got You" and was joined by gospel-music great Kim Burrell. Burrell churched up Keys' hit from the diva's 2003 album, The Diary of Alicia Keys, singing, "If I ain't got you, Jesus." Keys then got up to join the gospel star in a volley of vocal acrobatics that brought the audience to its feet.

Keys closed out the performance with her latest hit, "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)," as stars in the crowd, including the Black Eyed Peas, waved their hands to the songbird's soulful track.

What did you think of Alicia's performance? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

B.o.B, Soulja Boy Tell'em, N.E.R.D, More Rock BET Awards Pre-Show

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 06:46 AM PDT

Drake, T.I., Nicki Minaj chat on the red carpet before main show.
By Hillary Crosley


N.E.R.D. at the 2010 BET Awards
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

Before the 10th annual BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night (June 27), N.E.R.D kicked off a pre-show by performing "Hot and Fun" on a Murakami-inspired flatbed truck, surrounded by fans.

Afterward, the guys chatted with "106 & Park" hosts Rocsi and Terrence J about their most anticipated show performances. "I got to see my man 'Ye do it," Pharrell said of Kanye West's opening performance at the main show. "It's gonna be hot."

Atlanta MC B.o.B followed, rocking his hit "Nothin' on You," featuring a new singer, Rico Barrino, filling in for Bruno Mars. Barrino, who is the brother of "American Idol" winner Fantasia, recently joined B.o.B as an artist on T.I.'s Grand Hustle record label, and their performance served as the singer's introduction.

T.I. came out to chat with B.o.B and Barrino following their performance. "This is my first time actually attending and being nominated three times," B.o.B said. "I feel like three [nominations are] a charm."

"I'm looking forward to the surprise performances," T.I. added, donning a blue suit with a matching tie. "[B.o.B] don't even know yet, but I hooked it up. I got you performing on the big stage. So I'm looking forward to that performance, and it's going to be a collaboration that the world ain't ready for."

In a nod to "Glee," the Crenshaw High Elite choir sang renditions of each of the Viewer's Choice Award nominees a capella, including Beyoncé's "Sweet Dreams," Rihanna's "Hard" (featuring Young Jeezy), Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys), Trey Songz's "Say Ahh" (featuring Fabolous), Monica's "Everything to Me" and Young Money's "Bedrock" (featuring Lloyd).

Jermaine Dupri and his newest So So Def songstress Dondria were next up, dressed in all white and sporting a purple foxtail -- a trend for the evening. The pair performed a Bootsy Collins-inspired remix of Dondria's single "You're the One" over the beat of "I'd Rather Be With You."

A new West Coast group called CaliSwag followed with their performance of "Teach Me How to Dougie" before Drake chatted with Nick Cannon, who was also hosting the pre-show's red carpet.

"I'm performing this song called 'Fireworks,' a bit of 'Over' and a surprise," Drake teased.

Cannon also asked the wildy popular MC about his honesty on his debut LP, Thank Me Later. "When I was trying to figure out what approach I was going to take, none of the stories made sense," said Drake, sporting a black leather jacket, white tee, jeans and sunglasses. "I was like, 'If I'm really going to do this and really take it somewhere, I've really got to be myself.' So the more and more I started doing it, the more open I became and the more I was willing to share with my audience. Those are the best compliments: 'I love your music, I relate to it.' So I'm going to keep it going."

Performances by Mishon and Roscoe Dash followed (some of their dancers also sporting foxtails), and Soulja Boy Tell'em debuted his new single "Pretty Boy Swag" in an all-white outfit, complete with his signature white sunglasses.

However, the standout moment was Nicki Minaj's all-white bustier and flowing skirt with a train, topped with an orange Marilyn Monroe wig.

"Young Money better win something, because 'Bedrock' is platinum," Nicki told Cannon when asked what she was anticipating, before adding that last year, "I was watching this on TV."

Before the pre-show (which saw visits from Cassie, Lauren London, Ciara, J. Cole, Taraji P. Henson, Rick Ross, Diddy and Ludacris) ended, the president of BET, Deborah Lee, shared a little secret about Prince's Lifetime Achievement Award tribute.

"I know it's going to be an all-female tribute, and I did hear a little rumor that Patti LaBelle is one of the women," Lee said. "I know it's going to be fabulous."

What were your favorite pre-show performances? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Jackson Rathbone, Keri Hilson, Johnny Weir Open Up On 'When I Was 17'

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 05:52 AM PDT

'Twilight' star recalls a particularly creative prank from his high school days.
By MTV News staff


Jackson Rathbone on "When I Was 17"
Photo: MTV News

Jackson Rathbone was a notorious prankster. Keri Hilson was madly, blindly in love. Johnny Weir was a world-traveling ice-skating champion one day and a ridiculed high school outcast the next.

Welcome to another episode of MTV's "When I Was 17," where you learn the inside scoop about your favorite celebs before they were celebs — those random, embarrassing, WTF memories that continue to haunt them even though they've become household names.

When it comes to Rathbone's teenage recollections, the emphasis is most definitely on W...T...F. He and his friends loved to pull pranks, and after their one pal took their prize dorm-room furnishing — a plastic goose — Rathbone took matters into his own hands.

"To get him back, we asked the girl that he liked to write him a note saying to meet him at the beach at a certain time," the "Twilight" franchise star revealed. "He goes down to the beach. We all jump out of the bushes, hogtie him, rip his shirt off, write 'goose thief' on his chest and make him walk to the dorm in his boxers, hands tied behind his back for all the world to see what a goose thief gets."

Weir often found himself the victim of ill-treatment from his high school classmates. "I was the awkward, skinny, smart, driven kid," Weir said. "I was an honor-roll student. I spoke fluent French. I was a bit antisocial. I can't say that I had a really booming social life.

"I was traveling a lot while I was still attending public high school," added the Olympian and former World Junior Figure Skating champion. "So I'd get back from all these beautiful, worldly experiences, and then I'd just be the kid that got made fun of because I was a lot smaller than everyone else."

And when Hilson was 17, well, she ended up suffering through her first broken heart. "My crew, we were like the good bad girls," the "Knock You Down" singer explained. "We weren't promiscuous. I had a boyfriend, but I wore a promise ring and I was still a virgin. I graduated with my V card — that's what we used to call it. My then-boyfriend, I really, really liked him."

But then Hilson's friend discovered that her boyfriend was cheating. "I really couldn't believe it," Hilson said. "I thought he really liked me. And he might have. But I wasn't doing certain things, and maybe this girl was. I was heartbroken, maybe until I met the next one!"

"When I Was 17" airs Saturdays at 11 a.m. on MTV.

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Christopher Nolan Finds Meaning In 'Superman' Adaptation

Posted: 27 Jun 2010 03:24 AM PDT

'Whether you're doing a 'Batman' or 'Superman' film, it's all about story first,' 'Inception' director says.
By Josh Wigler, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Christopher Nolan
Photo: MTV News

Of the many accomplishments that director Christopher Nolan achieved with "Batman Begins" in 2005, one of the greatest involved his ability to craft a compelling comic book adaptation while maintaining a surprising level of realism. Nolan's down-to-earth, non-superhero approach to the Batman mythos owed much thanks to the character's lack of superpowers -- but when he puts his stamp on Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment's forthcoming "Superman" reboot, he'll likely have to try a different approach with the invulnerable Man of Steel.

As the producer of the upcoming "Superman" film, Nolan is already hard at work on the story alongside his "Dark Knight" collaborators Jonah Nolan and David S. Goyer, but the project remains so early in development that casting hasn't even been considered yet.

"I haven't even thought about it, to be honest," Nolan told MTV News during a recent press junket for "Inception," his forthcoming thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio. "All of these things, whether you're doing a 'Batman' or 'Superman' film, it's all about story first. It's all about figuring out exactly the tone and the meaning of the story and how you're going to approach it. Casting comes later. All of those considerations come later."

Even if casting isn't an immediate concern, Nolan already has plenty of history to look toward as he and his collaborators find the story for "Superman." For Nolan himself, the filmmaker considers director Richard Donner's first adaptation in 1978 as something to aspire to. "I was hugely struck by the Donner films in the '70s when I was a kid," he said. "In 1978, I saw ["Superman"] and it had such epic scope to it. It took on this incredible, iconic figure and gave that iconic figure an appropriate framing. It made quite an impression on me. It's definitely one of my childhood touchstones of what epic cinema can be."

Check out everything we've got on "Inception."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies -- updated around the clock -- visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

Related Videos
Diposting oleh computer game di 05.49

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

Langganan: Posting Komentar (Atom)