Kamis, 01 Juli 2010

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J. Cole Builds On Jay-Z Co-Sign To Be 'Hottest Breakthrough MCs Of 2010' Candidate

Posted: 01 Jul 2010 03:50 AM PDT

Fans decide our 'Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010' — vote now! The winner will be revealed on July 25.
By Jayson Rodriguez


J. Cole
Photo: Roc Nation

"Hottest Breakthrough MCs of 2010" Candidate: J. Cole

J. Cole might be rolling with Roc Nation, but the North Carolina rhyme-spitter will be carrying the torch all by himself on his still-untitled solo album, due later this year.

For his debut, Cole said he doesn't expect to have any features, and the collection has been produced entirely by himself and veteran beatsmith No I.D.

"I might get a last-second Jay-Z appearance. We'll see," Cole told MTV News over the weekend, hinting that his Roc Nation label head could join him on a song.

A collaboration with the Brooklyn icon would be fitting, considering his protégé was introduced to the world at large by delivering an energetic verse on Jay-Z's "A Star Is Born" from last year's The Blueprint 3. But Cole, a St. John's University grad, has been recording material for years now, before he arrived in New York as a sleepy-eyed freshman.

He has released two mixtapes, The Come Up and his breakout The Warm Up, which included "Lights Please," a slow-burning number filled with the thoughts of a young man growing into maturity. That song attracted Jay-Z to the lyrically gifted young MC, and eventually Cole and his manger, Mark Pitts, who also oversaw Biggie's career, decided to become the first act on Hov's new enterprise. Since joining the roster, Cole has built a buzz with a string of song-stealing cameos on collaborations with Wale, Young Chris and Reflection Eternal.

Instead of tapping Jay-Z's well-connected list of multiplatinum producers, though, Cole decided he had enough material already recorded for his first LP. He said he's had a core of 10 songs that he's tried to hold on to, doling out only a few on his mixtapes, in hopes that the material would make up his debut effort.

"When you making an album, at least in my case, I had songs that I've had for three years that I've been holding on to that I wouldn't put on The Warm Up or any mixtape, because I felt they were too good. And over the years, some of them turned into, 'Oh, I can let that go, because I'm better than that now.' But there's been songs, or there are still songs, that will make the album that never left. You come into the album with that stack of records, and slowly, as you make more, you can see which of those can fly off. And it's hard, because they're all incredible songs, and you don't want to let any go. Now we're down to maybe three. They can never go. They have to stay."

Cole is currently riding high off his latest track, "Who Dat," a rumbling, braggadocious track introducing him to the masses.

His BBGun-directed video recently debuted, and his album is set for an October release, though Cole is quick to note he's hoping the project gets pushed up to September.

"All the pressure is on me," he said.

J. Cole 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!

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Rick Ross Video Director Spiff TV Branches Out

Posted: 01 Jul 2010 03:50 AM PDT

Ross has been 'getting me a lot of gigs,' Spiff tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid


Spiff and Rick Ross
Photo: Spiff TV

Fire Starter: Spiff TV

Carlos Suarez has an ear for the streets and an eye for the Internet. Better known to everyone on the hip-hop blogs as Rick Ross' directorial go-to guy, Spiff TV, the 26-year-old has made a name for himself with his vivid visuals for artists such as the Bawse and Waka Flocka Flame. What the world might not know yet: It was Spiff's keen audio scouting that unearthed the beats for two of Ricky Rozay's hottest records right now.

" 'MC Hammer,' I did two verses," Ross explained to us a couple of weeks ago. "One night, we was riding around the city, and Spiff played me the beat. I just start writing to it, and Spiff took his BlackBerry and started writing down the rhymes. I actually wrote the two verses and the chorus riding around in the whip."

"I'm a director/A&R," said Spiff, who also manages producer Lex Luger (Ross' "MC Hammer" and "Blowin' Money Fast [B.M.F.]" and Waka's "Hard in the Paint"). "If you check that Albert Anastasia album, it's 'A&R by Spiff TV.' I got him [the beat for] 'B.M.F.,' and I got him 'MC Hammer.' I actually gave him 'MC Hammer' when we left the 'Super High' video shoot. Like 2 in the morning. I had the laptop opened up, playing the beat. He just started freestyling. I said, 'Hold up.' I whipped the BlackBerry out and started writing down everything he was saying. The next week, he calls me like, 'Spiff, e-mail me.' Sent him the lyrics. Hit! Same thing with 'B.M.F.' "

Spiff is directing the upcoming videos from Albert Anastasia for "MC Hammer" and "Sweet Life" with John Legend. A couple of weeks ago, he helmed a teaser for "B.M.F." Spiff directed all the freestyle videos Ross has done the past couple of years, as well as videos from Deeper Than Rap, such as "Mafia Music" and "Valley of Death." The Orlando native has caught the attention of other MCs as well; he directed Waka Flocka's "O Let's Do It" remix video as well.

"I'm from Orlando," Spiff began to tell of how he hooked up with the leader of the Carol City Cartel. "I used to work as A&R for DJ Nasty. Nasty Beat Makers from Orlando. That's [DJ] Khaled's people and brother. So [Ross] put me on a couple of years ago. We just been building. Right now, we working. A lot of stuff going on. Ross manages me as a video director. He's been doing a lot for me as far as networking, getting me a lot of gigs."

Spiff's biggest goal right now is to start directing films. He says getting the opportunity to shadow director F. Gary Gray on the set of the "Super High" video was an invaluable experience.

"I got to watch him shoot a video. It was amazing. He shoots videos like they're movies. He's picking two movies coming up. He doesn't know which one. But either one he picks, I'm flying to where it is, and I'm going to be his water boy that day and watch everything he does."

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

'The Last Airbender' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know

Posted: 01 Jul 2010 03:50 AM PDT

A fan-friendly primer on how the hugely popular cartoon made it to the big screen.
By Kara Warner


"The Last Airbender"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

Based on Nickelodeon's hit animated series, "Avatar: The Last Airbender," many thought the film adaptation would never happen. The story revolves around Aang, the last living member of an air-manipulating nomadic tribe, also on his quest to unite the other elemental tribes against the tyranny of the Fire nation.

In January 2007, "Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable" director M. Night Shyamalan was tapped to write, direct and produce the live-action version of the series. Shortly thereafter, MTV News caught up with Shyamalan to find out what inspired him to sign on to the project. He cited the animated series' "cool fighting scenes" and its supernatural elements.

With all systems go and excitement building toward the film's inevitable casting announcement, when the news finally arrived in late 2008, it created a stir of controversy alleging racist casting choices — mainly for the four main roles of Aang, played by newcomer and taekwondo black belt Noah Ringer; Nicola Peltz as Katara; "Twilight" actor Jackson Rathbone as Sokka; and pop singer Jesse McCartney as Prince Zuko. McCartney eventually had to drop out of filming due to scheduling conflicts and was soon replaced with "Slumdog Millionaire" star Dev Patel.

Shyamalan later responded to the criticism in a lengthy interview with Indie Movies Online: "I'm always surprised at the level of misunderstanding, the sensitivities that exist. As an Asian-American, it bothers me when people take all of their passion and rightful indignation about the subject and then misplace it."

Controversy aside, filming was well under way in May 2009, when we got our first look at Dev Patel as the evil and angsty Prince Zuko and newbie Noah Ringer as Aang.

The following month, MTV News was invited to visit the Philadelphia set (the largest ever assembled on the East Coast) for an inside look at the production, where we wandered the fantastical lands of the Northern Water Tribe, stood on Commander Zhao's battleship and chatted with Shyamalan and his castmembers. Patel told us he felt like he'd "been thrown into the deep end. ... It's a real stretch for me. At the start going into it, I was a bit naive, and I thought, 'This is just going to be a big laugh. I'm playing a cartoon character.' Then I got on set with everyone and read the script, and M. Night's in front of me, and there's a lot of soul-searching to be done."

The first teaser trailer arrived just after our set visit and nearly a year ahead of the film's release. The footage offered fans a glimpse of Aang in action, practicing his airbending in a circular room surrounded by candlelight.

All was quiet on the "Airbender" front until January of this year, when Paramount released two teaser posters, one of Aang and the other of Prince Zuko. The following month, we got a sneak preview of the "Last Airbender" toy line, which was followed closely by a second trailer that aired during the Super Bowl.

When our MTV Movie Awards rolled around last month, the trailers started to reveal more detailed action, and we got our hands on and analyzed an exclusive clip that premiered during the live broadcast. And just last week, fans got their first glimpse of Momo, Aang's flying lemur friend, in one of several TV spots that rolled out around World Cup coverage. Shortly thereafter, MTV added 30 images to our "Last Airbender" gallery. Fans commented that they would buy tickets just to see Appa the Sky Bison.

Finally, just days before the film's release, we caught up with Shyamalan to find out what inspired the film's impressive fight choreography (hint: Bruce Lee) and "Twilight" and "Airbender" star Jackson Rathbone answered the age-old "who would win in a fight" question: Jasper Hale or Sokka?

Check out everything we've got on "The Last Airbender."

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

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How Did Eminem's <i>Recovery</i> Have Such A Big Debut?

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 12:51 AM PDT

Rapper's more mature style appears to have appealed to wide audience, experts say.
By Gil Kaufman


Eminem's <i>Recovery</i>
Photo: Interscope

At this point, we're used to Eminem debuting at #1. After all, he's done it six times in a row, including two records that sold more than 1 million copies in their first week on the charts.

But following last year's comeback album, Relapse, which sold nearly 2 million copies despite Em admitting that it was not his finest hour, it wasn't a lock that Recovery would be greeted with the same instant success as the Detroit rapper's previous work. There were the fans who were turned off by the weird accents he adopted on Relapse, the dark, gory vibe of the campaign promoting that album and the overall grim nature of the music, not to mention the lack of a breakout, signature hit.

And while Relapse did very solid business its first week out, with sales topping 608,000, even some experts were surprised when Recovery snagged the year's highest debut to date, with sales of 741,000 after initial projections had it in the 500,000-600,000 range. In a music industry starved for hits, Recovery became only the third album since 2008 to debut with more than 700,000 copies sold.

So how did Eminem do it again? Chalk it up to a killer first single, some clever promotional gimmicks, more visibility for the rapper and a mature attitude that may have broadened his fanbase after a dozen years in the game.

"I think for him, [Relapse] didn't connect with his fans the way he wanted it to, so he wasn't happy with that," Eminem's manager, Paul Rosenberg, told The Detroit News on Tuesday. "Recovery offers more of an emotional connection for listeners. ... I think Em made the kind of album that people were waiting for with Recovery."

From a jokey viral campaign featuring the ShamWow guy, appearances on "The Soup," "The Late Show With David Letterman," the BET Awards and "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" and a one-page profile in the New York Times Sunday magazine, in which he came out in favor of gay marriage, Eminem has done more press and appearances in the past month for the new album than he did for almost the entire Relapse cycle. The heightened exposure from the typically reclusive rapper has clearly helped keep his name in the news and might have boosted sales.

"We sold a ton more of it than the last time," said Carl Mello, director of purchasing for the 28-store Newbury Comics chain of record stores. "Which is always a surprise in these days, with trends being the way they are." Mello chalked the big first week up to more crossover airplay and the album's first single, "Not Afraid," which he thinks brought more people into the store to buy the album. "On the last one, he would have a single and it would go top five and then disappear. On this one, they actually played it on the radio and there was definitely some anticipation for it."

Mello said the album did much better than he expected in the Newbury stores and had the kind of crossover appeal the rapper hasn't shown since his heyday in the early 2000s.

The album didn't appear to be affected by leaking two weeks early and, as the News noted, it was the first of Em's records not to announce itself with a pop-culture-skewering first single like "My Name Is," "The Real Slim Shady," "Just Lose It" and "We Made You."

As he typically does, Em offered cryptic details at first about the disc, tweeting in mid-April that he'd tossed the planned Relapse 2 album to work on a new disc. "Not Afraid" hit radio two weeks later and debuted at #1, and within weeks, the album's cover leaked out, generating more buzz. The grimier "Won't Back Down" leaked out earlier this month and was used in commercials for the shooter video game "Call of Duty: Black Ops," and the second official single, the Rihanna-assisted ballad "Love the Way You Lie," has already hit #1 on the iTunes singles chart, with a video on the way.

By going with the pensive, midtempo "Not Afraid" — a serious-minded track in which Marshall Mathers, now 37, ponders his recent problems and tries to connect with fans who have also lived through hard times — as the first single, Entertainment Weekly correspondent Simon Vozick-Levinson said the rapper was signaling he'd turned a corner.

While the CD was expected to be big, at a time when even some major career stars are struggling to follow up hit albums (Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, Miley Cyrus), the more robust promotional push and the crucial first single are major factors. "When he put out the last album, people were just getting used to him being back after four or five years away, and he didn't do many interviews or appearances," Vozick-Levinson said. "But now he's out front, doing late-night talk shows and reminding people that he has a new album. He's put the work in, and it's paid off.

"But he also picked the right first single," he added. "Last time he came back with singles that didn't connect with people, and there was no clear idea of why he was back and what he was doing with his career. 'Not Afraid' was a smart choice, because it had the message that he's older and wiser, that he's grown up with his audience and he's more mature than in the past."

And while he's not sure the rest of the album lives up to that standard, Vozick-Levinson said the song clearly connected with Em's audience, and the not-so-hidden double meaning of the album title was perfect for these tenuous times. "He sent a message that he's connected with the audience in the way it is packaged too. Recovery has a double meaning about his own sobriety and his own recovery and also about the economic climate. People want to believe in the idea of things getting better and making a fresh start."

Eschewing the traditional violent, sophomoric between-song skits, tapping major stars like Pink and Rihanna and opening up his stable of producers after years of relying on mentor Dr. Dre has also helped Eminem connect to a new generation of hip-hop fans who are used to hearing MCs like Drake and B.o.B chant and sing their choruses in between bars. Though he can't singlehandedly save the music biz, Vozick-Levinson said what's good for Eminem is ultimately good for an industry struggling to turn around a nearly decade-long slide in album sales.

"You can't transfer his success to other artists, because he's always been so unique," he said. "But it's good news for the industry that something like this can still happen and blockbuster sales and career artists still exist."

Were you surprised by Eminem's blockbuster debut? Let us know in the comments!

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'Eclipse' Sets Box-Office Record For Midnight Screenings

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 03:32 AM PDT

More than $30 million gross tops previous record-holder 'New Moon.'
By Kara Warner


Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner in "Eclipse"
Photo: Summit

In knowing the fervor and devotion of "Twilight" fans, it should come as no surprise that ticket sales for "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" have broken the record for highest-grossing midnight screenings — previously held by "New Moon."

According to the film's distributor, Summit Entertainment, "Eclipse" took in more than $30 million from midnight screenings on Wednesday (June 30), with final box-office numbers to be determined once the studio finishes its final count. The previous record for midnight showings is $26.3 million, set on the opening day for "New Moon" last November.

"Eclipse" will have to break $72.7 million to beat its predecessor in the all-time opening-day-gross category, but given the strong numbers Wednesday, and the fact that "Moon" opened on a Friday, not midweek, it is fair to say the third chapter in the hugely popular film franchise is on track to rake in serious dough throughout its opening weekend.

"Eclipse" ranks as the widest domestic release in history, opening in 4,416 theaters in North America, beating the record set earlier this year by "Iron Man 2." Four-thousand of those theaters held midnight screenings. Several theater chains also reportedly had 3 a.m. screenings to meet public demand. IMAX was expected to hold 3 a.m. screenings in 120 of its theaters.

In addition to being on par to break the "New Moon" opening-day and midnight-screening records, "Eclipse" has a shot at besting the record for a movie opening over the Fourth of July weekend. That record is currently at $200 million, set by last year's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'Jersey Shore' Trailer Previews A Season's Worth Of Craziness

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 09:48 AM PDT

Season two premieres on Thursday, July 29, at 10 p.m.!
By Eric Ditzian


Cast of "Jersey Shore"
Photo: MTV

"We're ready to come out and destroy this place!," Snooki says in the brand-new trailer for the second season of "Jersey Shore," which premieres on July 29. And from the looks of this footage, it seems these reality-show stars accomplished that goal in Miami.

There's the Situation and his boys fist-pumping in a strobe-light-filled club. There's Snooki and JWoww doing the robot in their private booth. There's Ronnie in a hot tub filled with scantily clad ladies. Punches are thrown, curses are unleashed — and what the heck is Snooki doing wearing a floppy sombrero on her head?

Who knows? The "Jersey" crew may be spending part of their second season in the sweat-soaked beaches and clubs of Miami, but their shenanigans are the same never-know-what's-gonna-happen-next stuff we came to love during the show's first season. And the only way to keep up with what's going on with everyone is to tune in for the second season premiere on Thursday, July 29, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

This trailer promises that you won't want to miss what happens. Ronnie and Sammi have fallen into a tension-filled pseudo-relationship, with the muscle-bound dude calling Sammi his girlfriend one minute and making out with two girls the next. But as Pauly D says, "I love single Ronnie!"

The cast seems to have less love for Angelina, who dubbed herself the Kim Kardashian of Staten Island last season before bailing on the show. Now she's back, and at least at the start, no one is pleased. "You're the kryptonite to my f---ing tan," declares Snooki.

What else? Well, there are hookups, there are fights, there are family bonds, there are the Situation's abs. It's sure to be a crazy season. But no one can sum it up better than Snickers herself ...

"Pretty much every night it's a party," she declares. "You better buckle yourself in!"

Season two of "Jersey Shore" premieres Thursday, July 29, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Be there!

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Justin Bieber Vs. 'Twilight': Fans Weigh In!

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 03:32 AM PDT

My World 2.0 singer is 'hotter' than 'Eclipse' stars, and 'his music would save the world,' one fan says.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber
Photo: Mark Von Holden/ WireImage

It's a question for the ages, and teen girls don't take it lightly. If there could be only one, which would you choose: Justin Bieber or "Twilight"? Days before vampire frenzy spread on Wednesday (June 30) with the opening of "Eclipse," MTV News traveled to Hartford, Connecticut, to catch the teen singer's My World Tour kickoff, where we asked fans there to weigh in on the epic battle of Bieber vs. "Twilight."

One of the two pop-culture phenomena had to come out a winner, and Justin Bieber's fans made their case, with the pop star coming out the clear champ.

"He is amazing," Britney told MTV News, arguing that Bieber's famous head of hair is so much better than Pattinson's equally famous coif. "It's just gorgeous."

In addition to having that sugary-sweet voice, the girls had other important reasons for loving Bieber over the "Twilight Saga," one of them being 24-year-old Pattinson's age. "[Justin's] amazing! He's just amazing. Yes [he wins]. He's more our age and Robert Pattinson is just older, so obviously, Justin Bieber," Amanda said. Her pal, Nicky, agreed saying, "He's our age."

Another fan, Rihanna, said, "He sings better. He's a lot cuter ... and he's our age."

Apart from the age factor, the girls decided that Bieber wins hands-down because of his pop-star status.

"He's the one that I worship," Christina gushed. "His music is amazing — it would save the world." Micaela added, "He's freakin' amazing! Taylor Lautner does not sing, neither does Edward, and they're not even that hot as Justin Bieber."

Oh yeah, did they mention he's hot? Or, as Lexi put it: "He's really hot!" Ashley said it was "because he's a singer. He has a really good voice." And, of course, she said, he's "cute!"

If you had to pick between "Twilight" and the Bieb, which would it be? Tell us in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Lil Wayne Sentenced To Three Years' Probation In Arizona Case

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 01:08 AM PDT

Rapper, who is currently serving a yearlong jail term in a separate case, was arrested in 2008 for drugs and a gun on his tour bus.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Lil Wayne's Yuma, Arizona mug shot
Photo: AP Photo/ Yuma County Sheriff's Office

Lil Wayne was formally sentenced by an Arizona judge to three years' probation Wednesday (June 30) stemming from a 2008 arrest, when authorities discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and a firearm aboard the rapper's tour bus.

Wayne is set to begin his probation once he finishes his current yearlong jail term in New York, which was the result of a separate incident.

According to Reuters, Wayne appeared before the judge via a video monitor and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a dangerous drug. Last week, the rapper also made a video-aided court appearance and struck a deal with prosecutors in exchange for leniency in his sentencing.

In January 2008, the rapper was charged with felony possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia after U.S. Border Patrol officials pulled over his tour bus when alerted by drug-sniffing dogs.

Marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy, in addition to a registered .40-caliber gun, were all found in the vehicle. The additional charges against Wayne, however, were dropped.

Lil Wayne is roughly halfway through his one-year prison term at Rikers Island. The rapper was sentenced in that case to one year in prison after reaching a plea deal for attempted gun possession stemming from a 2007 arrest.

James Tilson, who represented Lil Wayne during his Yuma, Arizona, case, told Reuters he was pleased by the verdict, which will allow his client to avoid any jail time.

"We're quite glad that we were able to wrap everything up," Tilson said. "It's a favorable plea agreement that will allow Mr. Carter to pursue his career."

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Ne-Yo's 'Beautiful Monster' Video: Watch A Sneak Peek!

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 07:33 AM PDT

Black-leather-clad dancers, sexy ladies take over nightclub in first look at clip for synth-heavy track.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Victor Barreiro


Ne-Yo on the set of his music video for "Beautiful Monster"
Photo: MTV News

Father-to-be Ne-Yo filmed the video for his new single, "Beautiful Monster," earlier this week in Los Angeles and the Grammy-winning singer said the clip is just the first in a visual story he plans to tell on his next album.

" 'Beautiful Monster,' in a nutshell, represents the love interest/ archnemesis in the story [of] Libra Scale, which the entire album is based off of," the singer told MTV News.

"She's a monster, beautiful monster/ Beautiful monster, but I don't mind," he sings on the song's chorus. "And I need her, said I need her/ Beautiful monster, but I don't mind/ No, I don't mind."

The synth-heavy number is the lead offering from Ne-Yo's upcoming set, one he promised us earlier this year would be "a little bit different." And the sound of "Beautiful Monster" is certainly long on overseas influences.

When it came time to shoot a clip for the song, Ne-Yo admitted he usually accepts the treatments his directors come up with. But this time, the Def Jam star stretched, crafting a concept on his own, a career first. Going forward, the singer explained, each video will connect to the overall story he wants to tell through his fourth solo LP, the follow-up to 2008's Year of the Gentleman.

" 'Beautiful Monster' is one piece of a very long and intricate story," Ne-Yo revealed. "When you see the first video, make sure that you're paying attention because all of the videos tell a story. So pay attention — you don't want to miss nothing."

What did you think of the "Beautiful Monster" sneak peek? Let us know, and we might air your comments Friday night on MTV!

Kellan Lutz Says 'Eclipse' Has 'A Great Mix Of Romance And Action'

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 04:11 AM PDT

'It's great when Emmett's in there, and he's there to fight,' Lutz tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Nikki Reed and Kellan Lutz in "Eclipse"
Photo: Summit

Kellan Lutz definitely has the build to pull off the most intense action scenes in "Eclipse," and the actor knows that the third "Twilight Saga" flick is Emmett Cullen's time to shine.

"I just love doing my own stunts," he told MTV News. "I love stunt work. It sucks that I can't rewrite the books and add more dialogue for Emmett, because I really do have more action scenes than dialogue. So it's great when 'Eclipse' came around, 'cause I do love the book the best, and I think it just had such a great mix of the romance and the action and the collaboration of the two.

"I love to work, so it's great when Emmett's in there, and he's there to fight," he added. "So I really just loved doing stunts."

When ideas were brewing about how to make the stunts happen in "Eclipse," Lutz was the go-to guy for experimentation.

"The producers know I like doing the stunts so much, to the point where they make me the guinea pig," he laughed. "So we were doing this treadmill running sequence, so you're wearing these contacts and you're breathing in exhaust from the truck, and it's cold as hell up there, and you're trying to run and not pant, 'cause I'm a vampire."

The cast has been quite vocal about upping the action ante in "Eclipse." Taylor Lautner recently revealed that it's the most "guy-friendly" of the "Twilight" flicks. "It's my favorite, because it's the most guy-friendly by far," Lautner explained. "It's dangerous. There's a lot of action. The romance is still there, but the action level is stepped up way more. It's great."

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'Paranormal Activity 2' Trailer Pulled From Some Theaters For Being Too Scary

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 05:57 AM PDT

Cinemark reportedly received complaints in Texas about the trailer, shown before 'Eclipse' midnight screenings.
By Kara Warner


"Paranormal Activity"
Photo: DreamWorks Pictures

Paramount's recently released trailer for "Paranormal Activity 2" has some fans running scared. According to Variety, the Cinemark theater chain has pulled the trailer — which began running before "Eclipse" midnight screenings Wednesday (June 30) — from some theaters in Texas after receiving complaints that the footage is too scary.

Should Cinemark receive more complaints, the company has informed Paramount that it might pull the trailer from additional theaters, Variety reports.

Representatives for Cinemark and Paramount had not responded to MTV News' requests for comment at press time.

MTV commenter Theboogieman631 wasn't fazed by the trailer. "Love the dog & baby!" he wrote. Other fans, who took to Twitter after viewing the trailer in theaters, were slightly more unnerved — including Ryan Seacrest, who advised people to "hold someone" in his post-trailer-viewing tweet.

KellyMichele29 wrote, "Holy sh--! I saw the trailer for 'Paranormal Activity 2' and freaked out! Scary as hell!! Watch yo back tonight!" Mysterygirl159 was equally scared, "Omg!! the 'paranormal activity 2' preview scared me!! my mom looked at me and tears were runnin down my face...i think i cut my bros arm..oops."

The original "Paranormal Activity" movie, directed by Oren Peli, was a viral-marketing miracle, filmed on a shoestring budget of $15,000 and earning close to $200 million worldwide. "Paranormal Activity" caused such a stir that talk of a sequel started immediately.

Did you see the trailer? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

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

Flo Rida, David Guetta Talk 'Big' Single 'Club Can't Handle Me'

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 04:11 AM PDT

The French super-producer 'has been a guy who I look up to,' Flo tells MTV News of recruiting Guetta.
By Akshay Bhansali


Flo Rida
Photo: MTV News

Since recording the internationally successful hip-hop/dance single "Right Round," Flo Rida seems to have found the sound he'd like to follow on his next go-round. The rapper can now be included in an ever-expanding list of superstars turning to dance-music super-producer David Guetta in search of a song to set the club on fire.

We recently caught up with the new partners in crime on the Los Angeles video set for their collaboration, "Club Can't Handle Me." The song not only appears on the MC's upcoming album, The Only One, but it's also slated to be the lead single for Disney's "Step Up" threequel, "Step Up 3-D."

And working with Guetta means Flo's not in bad company: Rihanna, Akon, Kelly Rowland and the Black Eyed Peas are but a few of the folks who've partnered with Guetta during the French DJ's two-year ascension on the U.S. pop-music scene. With each song, Guetta's knack for getting folks to jump to their feet seems to grow stronger.

"David Guetta has been a guy who I look up to," Flo told MTV News. "He's definitely been big around the world and has always been there to let me know that my music is hot, and vice versa. So I definitely appreciate doing this big record with him."

"I was always playing a bootleg with 'Love Is Gone' [Guetta's original collabo with Kelly Rowland] and 'Low,' from him," Guetta recalled. "One day, his record company called me and asked me if I would produce records for him. I was like, 'Yeah! Of course! Because I knew it was working in every club I was playing already."

The video's backdrop is exactly what one might imagine from the title: an opulent, extravagant club party befitting a rap boss and world-renowned club DJ.

"This video right here is just, if you've ever dreamed about having the biggest party of your life, 'Club Can't Handle Me' definitely represents that," Flo said. "Lotta energy. Lot of diamonds, ice sculptures. Just showing that boss vibe. So I mean really, the club can't handle me."

But it was Guetta who probably summed it up best saying, "We are definitely both club people — it's like our office!" he laughed.

Flo Rida's forthcoming The Only One features production by Dr. Luke ("Right Round") and guest verses from Jay Rock and Lil Wayne.

What do you think of Flo Rida getting in the studio with David Guetta? Tell us in the comments?

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Fonzworth Bentley Engaged To Actress Faune Chambers

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 04:31 AM PDT

'We are so excited!' the hip-hop gentleman gushes to Us Weekly.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Fonzworth Bentley and Faune Chambers
Photo: Rob Loud/ Getty Images

Fonzworth Bentley, who spruced up scrappy thugs on MTV's "From G's to Gents," is set to enter a new chapter in his own life.

The rapper and reality show mentor recently confirmed to Us Weekly that he is engaged to his girlfriend, actress Faune Chambers. "We are so excited!" the star exclaimed.

The swagger guru also gave up the details of his suave proposal to the magazine's website. While he's known for drilling gentlemanly qualities like honesty and forthrightness into his "G's" recruits, Bentley copped to deceiving his lady love about when he would pop the question. "I tricked her! She thought it would happen on Christmas, but I did it right before New Year's," Bentley told Us. Apparently, the day Bentley chose to drop to one knee didn't matter that much to Chambers as she accepted the proposal. "She said yes, and I was so excited."

The "Everybody" rapper, who worked his way into the game as Diddy's dapper assistant and umbrella carrier, also revealed that he added another twist to the December proposal. "Afterward, she kept wanting to call and tell her mother, and I told her not to — because then we walked into a restaurant where my parents and her parents were waiting. We all had lunch, and then I walked them all back to show them where I proposed."

Although the star admitted that "the wedding is pretty soon," the site didn't report an exact date. In addition to their upcoming nuptials, the lovebirds have also collaborated professionally. Chambers stars in Bentley's latest video for Bentley's latest video for "Greener". "It's really special to say, 'My fiancée is in the video,' " Bentley said. "I love using that word."

Share your well-wishes for the engaged couple in the comments below!

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The Gaslight Anthem Rate 'Jersey Shore'

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 03:44 AM PDT

Drummer Benny Horowitz has some opinions about MTV's hit show.
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias


The Gaslight Anthem
Photo: MTV News

As you can probably tell from virtually every single thing ever written about them, rough-and-tumble rockers the Gaslight Anthem are from New Jersey — and proudly so.

So, of course, after they field the obligatory Bruce Springsteen question — something they've always brought upon themselves, especially with their new album, the just-released American Slang — the follow-up question always seems to be about MTV's hit show "Jersey Shore." Rather to their chagrin ...

"People say it's this 'movement,' but is it really a 'movement'? " drummer Benny Horowitz laughed backstage at the Hard Rock Calling fest in London. "As somebody from Jersey, that sh-- has been there forever. So to me, they've been the reason I've stayed out of Seaside Heights, New Jersey, for about 15 years.

"It's funny," he continued. "Literally, now, entertainment-wise, all people can associate with New Jersey is 'The Sopranos' and 'Jersey Shore.' And as a proud Jersey-ian — as somebody from the Garden State, the beautiful place it is, with our beaches and our 'Jersey Fresh' corn, the Bouncing Souls and all these amazing things."

However, what seems to get under Horowitz's proud New Jersey skin more than anything is that some of the castmembers aren't even from New Jersey. To him, it's a matter of authenticity.

"[Some] of them are from, like, Long Island," he laughed. "I don't know ... it's different there now. If they still drove El Caminos, I'd be cool with it."

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Lady Gaga's 'You And I': The 'Little Monsters' Rate Her New Song

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 02:25 AM PDT

'It sounds like old-school Gaga,' one fan says outside Monster Ball Tour kickoff in Montreal.
By James Montgomery


Lady Gaga
Photo: Gabriel Bouys/ Getty Images

MONTREAL — Last week, Lady Gaga debuted a brand-new song ("You and I") during her performance at Elton John's White Tie and Tiara Ball. Of course, soon after, footage of the tune hit YouTube, where it quickly became a certified sensation.

In fact, the response was so great, that on Monday, at the kickoff of the North American leg of the Monster Ball Tour in Montreal, Gaga decided — rather spur-of-the-moment-ly — to play the song again, much to the delight of the thousands of "little monsters" in attendance.

And after the show — in between quizzing them about whether Gaga is Team Edward or Team Jacob — we decided to ask those monsters to review "You and I" for us. Not surprisingly, most of them seemed to love it.

"It was so emotional. It brought a tear to my eye," Larissa Saplywyj said. "You could feel her emotion too ... how much it meant to her [to play it]."

"She played the new song, [and] it was amazing. I didn't even know it, and I am a huge Gaga fan," Catherine Dupressoir added. "I'm going to go find it on YouTube when I get home."

Of course, it should be noted that not all of Gaga's fans were as quick to embrace the new song. To some, it was too much of a departure from her electro-pop roots (of course, others were too busy getting engaged to even notice it at all).

"I don't hate it, but I'm expecting even more for the next album," Nicholas Vansorto said. "I'd like to hear more electronic music, not just songs that are like that."

"Well, it's a total different vibe. It's very rock star, Elton John," Danik Renaud said. "[But] any style suits her. ... It was very special, indeed, for her to share something so great with us. I'm very honored to be a part of the premiere. ... It was great being in there with all the people [to hear it]."

Overall, most of the fans in Montreal gave the arena debut of "You and I" a resounding thumbs-up, especially since it harkens back to her early days as a performer in New York's Lower East Side.

"It sounds like old-school Gaga," Liana Carbone said. "It sounds like pre-Fame Gaga, the real Gaga. The New York Gaga."

What do you think of "You and I"? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Stephenie Meyer Wants 'Breaking Dawn' Birth Scene To Be 'Awful'

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 03:32 AM PDT

'For those of us who have been through childbirth ... it is a scary, terrifying experience,' she tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Stephenie Meyer
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

While Stephenie Meyer's favorite scene in "Eclipse" was very much on par with that of her "Twilight" fans (the "tent scene"), she might stand alone with her favorite scene in "Breaking Dawn," which creeped out a lot of her devoted fans.

When MTV News chatted with the best-selling author at the Los Angeles premiere of "Eclipse" last week, Meyer revealed that she is most excited to see the very descriptive and messy "birth scene" on the big screen.

"I'd love to have the birth scene be every bit as awful — I know it freaked people out, but for those of us who have been through childbirth a couple times, it is a scary, terrifying experience," she said. "This is just taking that to an exponential power, and I love going there."

By Meyer's estimation, another challenging scene for "Dawn" director Bill Condon and company to tackle in their upcoming two films will be the infamous and also fairly controversial/creepy werewolf imprinting. "The imprinting thing, how do you have that come across?" Meyer wondered about Jacob's relationship with Bella and Edward's baby, Renesmee. "How do you make it clear what's going on inside someone that way? It's a challenge. I think Bill might be up to it, though. He's really smart and on top of it."

Meyer wouldn't reveal what she and Condon have discussed for each film specifically, of course, only that she is very happy with his work thus far. "I love his ideas so far," she said. "He's had some good ones."

Does the birth scene in "Breaking Dawn" creep you out? What scene are you most looking forward to seeing in the two "Dawn" films? Let us know in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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David Banner, 9th Wonder Promise 'Jamming' Message Music On Joint LP

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 03:32 AM PDT

Death of a Pop Star is due this summer on Banner's independent label.
By Jayson Rodriguez


David Banner and 9th Wonder
Photo: MTV News

David Banner had the best of intentions. The Mississippi-bred rapper wanted to give away a free mixtape produced entirely by 9th Wonder titled Death of a Pop Star. But when the pair connected in the studio to record, they soon discovered a problem with Banner's plan: The music was just too good.

"When we did the first three songs, we were like, 'Man, we ain't giving this jam away,' " 9th Wonder, who produced the entire set, told MTV News. "It was like, 'Man, this is really some good music.' "

The former Little Brother beatsmith said his and Banner's chemistry was apparent immediately. "Then about four or five [records] in, we were like, 'Oh boy, we can't give this away,' " he recalled.

The long-in-the-works collection is meant to critique the musical landscape Banner and 9th Wonder come from. According to both men, the idea of hip-hop not speaking to a range of current events left them both frustrated. Banner, in particular, questioned why his generation hasn't addressed the BP oil spill, for example.

The project's title, Death of a Pop Star, stems from the idea that an artist can no longer become an outsize entertainer in today's climate, like Michael Jackson or Lionel Richie, who were known for their philanthropic efforts just as much as their hit records.

Banner, however, stressed that the music on the project — due this summer on the rapper's independent label — is more important than the message.

"Before the message, before any of the rest of the stuff about this album, this album is jamming," he said of the collection, which will include collaborations with Estelle and Ludacris. "I want to get that straight. Something we both talked about, you got a lot of political rappers holding up their fists, but they not jamming. You got a lot of people that are killers and they kill for real, but they not jamming. At the end of the day, we need to get back to what this is about, and that's good music. If you choose to talk about something over a dope beat or dope song, that's fine. Whatever you choose to do when you get on it, if you have the lyrical depth, it's about what you decide to talk about."

Are you looking forward to hearing David Banner and 9th Wonder's collaboration? Let us know in the comments!

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Madonna Talks About Reining In Daughter Lourdes' Style

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 03:04 AM PDT

Mother/daughter duo have teamed up for the juniors fashion line Material Girl.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Madonna and Lourdes Leon
Photo: James Devaney/ Getty Images

Although Madonna has built one of the biggest pop careers in history on body-baring costumes, hip-thrusting dance moves, controversial music and all-around sensationalism, she doesn't tolerate that type of nonsense when it comes to her teen daughter Lourdes — not when she's heading to school, anyway.

Madge, who is collaborating with 13-year-old Lola on the juniors fashion line Material Girl, said that while she appreciates her pop progeny's daring approach to fashion, she's not down with her daughter tarting it up for the classroom.

"I always have two reactions when Lola comes into my room with an outfit on: One is, 'Oh my God, she looks amazing, what incredible style.' And then my second reaction is, 'She's dressed completely inappropriately for school,' " Madonna told People in a video interview. "I usually tell her to take off her 3-inch or 6-inch platforms and pull her skirt down just a little bit and take off some of the black eye makeup."

Even though Madonna has spent the better part of the last three decades strutting around onstage and entertaining millions of fans in some iteration of a figure-hugging bodysuit, the pop legend insists that her approach to Lola's look is a function of Madge's current identity as a regular ol' mom. "She does have amazing style, but I am the typical mother, where I say, 'Oh my God, you can't go to school dressed like that!' "

They may not agree when it comes to school clothes, but mother and daughter are working together on their Material Girl line, which launches August 3. While Madonna calls the shots when it comes to Lourdes' home-room fashion, the diva said Lola's style drives their joint collection.

"My role is really to make sure we were all going in the right direction ... and it was a line that I could stand behind and be proud of and feel good about and one that she could also feel represented her," Madonna said. "I really like the way Lola dresses, and I think this line is absolutely an extension of her taste."

What do you think about Madonna and Lourdes teaming up for a fashion line? Let us know in the comments!

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'Spider-Man' Hopeful Josh Hutcherson Says Role Would Be 'An Honor'

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 02:31 AM PDT

'The ones with Tobey Maguire came out when I was 10 years old,' he says of growing up on Spidey flicks.
By Kara Warner


Josh Hutcherson
Photo: Michael Tran/ Getty Images

Josh Hutcherson may still be a relative unknown in Hollywood, but he began making headlines recently when his name surfaced as one of a handful of actors still in the running to play the title role in Columbia Pictures' "Spider-Man" reboot. MTV News caught up with "The Kids Are All Right" co-star, and asked for some scoop on the Spidey audition process.

"You can't prepare for that and it's so big," Hutcherson said. "To be on a list with some of the people I'm being considered with is an honor. These actors are so good. It's such a big movie. I grew up watching the original — the ones with Tobey Maguire came out when I was 10 years old — so it would be an honor. It's just really cool to be considered for that."

Hutcherson couldn't give up any more details, but he did reveal that he'd been put on the studio's official audition tape, along with a host of other hopefuls.

"They put so many people on tape, like, everybody I know is auditioning for it and going out for it," he said. "They're just trying to figure out exactly what they want."

Other actors rumored to be vying for the Peter Parker role include Jamie Bell, Andrew Garfield and Frank Dillane.

Beyond "Kids," Hutcherson's feature-film credits include 2009's "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant," director Jon Favreau's "Zathura" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth," with Brendan Fraser. He'll soon be seen in this fall's "Red Dawn" remake with co-star Chris Hemsworth.

Who do you think should take on the Spidey role? Share your casting ideas in the comments!

For breaking comic book movie news, columns and more — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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'Twilight' Vs. 'The Last Airbender': Jackson Rathbone's Characters Face Off!

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 02:31 AM PDT

'I'm just lucky they live in two different dimensions,' the actor tells MTV News.
By Rick Marshall


Jackson Rathbone
Photo: MTV News

Jackson Rathbone is a busy guy these days. With featured roles in not one but two of this week's biggest releases, the "Twilight Saga: Eclipse" and "The Last Airbender" actor is doing the press rounds and fielding questions from just about every media outlet in the world.

Don't worry, though, MTV News still managed to ask him the most important question of them all: Who would win in a fight between his boomerang-wielding "Airbender" character Sokka and his "Twilight" vampire Jasper?

Given the magnitude of the question, it's no surprise he had to stall for time and defer to "Airbender" co-star Nicola Peltz when MTV News posed the question.

"Sokka, no question," Peltz said.

Pressed for an explanation as to why her "Airbender" character's brother, who can't "bend" water and doesn't have any special abilities other than a good throwing arm, could hold his own against the "Twilight" bloodsucker, Peltz reiterated that Sokka would be the victor if the two ever faced off.

"Definitely Sokka," she said. "He has a boomerang!"

Rathbone, on the other hand, took a more neutral — though decidedly less fun — stance on the debate.

"I'm just lucky they live in two different dimensions, two different worlds," he said, going the safe route. "It's an honor to be a part of these two big franchises that seem to have captivated the world in one form or another, and I'm just privileged to be able to do what I love to do."

With "Eclipse" arriving in theaters Wednesday (June 30) and "The Last Airbender" premiering Thursday, it looks like audiences will be able to decide for themselves soon enough.

Which of Jackson's characters do you think would come out on top? Sound off in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "The Last Airbender" and "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

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

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