MTV News |
- Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Video: Top 4 Moments
- 'American Idol' Takes Nashville, Finds Potential Winner In Lauren Alaina
- Nicki Minaj Says Her Favorite Part Of 'Moment 4 Life' Video Was Acting
- 'Jersey Shore' High Five: Deena Lets Her Freak Flag Fly
- Lady Gaga Releases Full 'Born This Way' Lyrics
- Nicki Minaj On 'Moment 4 Life' Co-Star: 'Drake Does What I Tell Him!'
- Kid Cudi Readying New <i>Wizard</i> Album, Mixtape, Film
- Nicki Minaj Says 'Moment 4 Life' Fashion Inspired By 'Shakespeare Time'
- Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne Team Up For Super Bowl Commercial
- Chris Medina's 'American Idol' Story Recalls Danny Gokey's
- Nicole Kidman, Jon Hamm And More Added As SAG Awards Presenters
- Nicki Minaj Calls 'Moment 4 Life' Video 'A Celebration Of Royalty'
- Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Video Premieres -- Watch It Now!
- Exclusive: Butch Vig Talks 'Primal, Raw' Foo Fighters Album
- Charlie Sheen Rushed To Hospital
- Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Gets Remixed
- Drake Calls Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' A 'Fantasy Video'
- Nicki Minaj's Career Full Of Life-Altering Moments
- Jennifer Lopez Appreciates Steven Tyler's 'Zaniness' On 'American Idol'
- Miley Cyrus 'Excited' For Fans To See 'So Undercover'
| Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Video: Top 4 Moments Posted: 28 Jan 2011 03:52 AM PST Drake and Barbie take their flirtation to a new level in clip, with a kiss.
When Drake met Nicki Minaj a few years ago on Lil Wayne's tour bus, hearts filled his eyes — or did they? The two have been coy about their relationship, alternating between describing their union as a brother/sister bond and romantically inclined. They announced their marriage last year on Twitter only to annul everything days later as a joke.
Now, the pair star opposite each other in Nicki's new video, "Moment 4 Life." Did they finally put their flirtation to bed? Not quite: The Young Money soldiers managed to stoke the flames even more, with their gazes into each other's eyes and a lip-lock that would make Morganna Roberts blush. Here, MTV News recaps the top four moments in "Moment 4 Life." Black Magic Leading Man Marital Bliss? The Kiss What was your favorite scene in the "Moment 4 Life" video? Tell us below! Related Videos Related Photos |
| 'American Idol' Takes Nashville, Finds Potential Winner In Lauren Alaina Posted: 27 Jan 2011 06:41 AM PST Teen wows the judges with her strong voice.
No pressure, Nashville, but the biggest "American Idol" winner in the show's history, Carrie Underwood, just happens to live in Music City. That was the not-so-subtle message "Idol" producers opened the show with on Thursday night (January 27) when our new favorite judging trio sat behind their desk in the legendary Ryman Auditorium to see what they could find in the home of country music.
By the time they got up, they felt like they might have found a winner in a 15-year-old country girl with a voice as big as all outdoors. But things did not get off to a very good start thanks to helium-voiced chicken squawker Christine McCaffrey, a not-quite-there dental assistant from West Palm Beach, Florida, who butchered one of J.Lo's favorite songs, Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance." All Randy Jackson could keep saying was, "Really? Really?" In past seasons, we've had twins, best friends, brothers and sisters, but Thursday night's show brought us our first auditioning exes. Aspiring singers and former couple Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks made beautiful music together, singing a flawless duet on the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody." "You were one voice," a pleasantly surprised Steven Tyler told them. "Sometimes passion comes from friction, and I saw how much in love you were." Restaurant worker Bolin, 23, showed off his deliciously raspy Ray LaMontagne-style chops on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," while waitress Oaks, 23, was equally impressive with a rich run through Brandi Carlile's "The Story." Both made it through, so Hollywood Week should be interesting. Amid the great ones, there were philosophical, Lynyrd Skynyrd-lovin', thick-as-a-brick tattoo artists, a screechy Chaka Khan killer, a kid in a blue bodysuit and a soulful former Miss Teen USA named Stormi (yes, with an "I") who got through over Lopez's objections about her "small" voice. And then there was 27-year-old Wickliffe, Kentucky, student Adrienne Beasley. Her inspiring story was solid — she was adopted by a white family at age 2 and raised on a farm — but her singing was even better, mixing a hint of R&B grit and country twang on Lady Antebellum's "American Honey." "I hear something so special in your voice, and I can't put my finger on it right now," said Tyler, who was close to tears after the performance. The real showstopper, though, was self-proclaimed recording artist and already-a-star Latoya "Younique" Moore, a 26-year-old who made up in sass what she lacked in vocal skills. Her tone-deaf slaughter of Tamia's "When I Close My Eyes" was a disaster, and Tyler was kind when he joked it was "definitely unique." Randy was more blunt, calling it annoying and making a high-pitched buzzing-bee sound while breaking the bad news. But Moore wasn't done, as she sang her way out the door, hoping for one last chance, thinking perhaps it was just her tempo that was off and not everything else. A succession of fellas knocked it out later in the day, showing off some ear-licious deep-fried soul and grit that got the judges excited. Matt Dillard's story was very inspirational, coming from a family that had housed more than 700 special-needs foster children over the past two decades. The brawny, cowboy-hat-wearing 27-year-old unemployed Tennessee good ol' boy surprised the panel with his low-key cover of Josh Groban's popera hit "You Raise Me Up." Lopez wasn't swayed, but Tyler agreed with Jackson that it was worth taking a chance on Dillard. Talk about saving the best for last! The judges were sure they found a potential winner in Rossville, Georgia, spunky 15-year-old Lauren Alaina, who cited her cancer-survivor cousin as the inspiration for her singing. And when she opened her mouth and poured out Faith Hill's "Like We Never Loved at All," the air went out of the room as her smoky voice wrapped around the ballad and hit all the high, low and in-between notes like a seasoned pro. "Best we've seen today ... I'm blown away," Randy said. "I think you should cry," Tyler added as Alaina began to mist up. "Because you're going to make 40 million people cry tears of joy, baby." She put some icing on the cake after she brought in her family and instructed Tyler to duet with her on his "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," her parents' favorite song. It's on to Austin, Texas, next week and two more nights of auditions. Who was your favorite Nashville auditioner? Let us know in the comments! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
| Nicki Minaj Says Her Favorite Part Of 'Moment 4 Life' Video Was Acting Posted: 28 Jan 2011 03:52 AM PST Femcee plays three characters, including fairy godmother Martha.
There was the kiss and there were the outfits, but when it comes to the "Moment 4 Life" video, Nicki Minaj said the best part of the experience for her was the acting.
"It's my favorite part of the video," she told MTV News during an exclusive interview after the clip premiered on MTV. The animated MC pulled triple duty, playing herself, her fairy godmother and a charmed version of herself who scored a date with Drake. But the Lil Wayne protégé taking on multiple identities isn't a new concept. On Pink Friday, she revealed a few characters, including the ornery Roman Zolanski, an alter ego of hers based on a gay male. That character, of course, drew a large reaction from fans because of the scathing rap she delivered on "Roman's Revenge." "Word, that bitch mad 'cause I took the spot?/ Well, bitch, if you ain't sh--ting, then get off the pot/ Got some n---az out in Brooklyn that'll off your top," Nicki rhymed on the track, rumored to be directed toward Lil' Kim. She called Roman her favorite character. Another is Martha, who played the fairy godmother in "Moment 4 Life." "I think I started liking Roman more because everybody else liked Roman," Nicki explained. "Everybody wanted to see what outlandish thing he would say next. And I think people are expecting him to do something real crazy on the next album, so I'm having fun prepping him for the sophomore album." Give us your review of Nicki's acting in the comments below! Related Videos Related Photos |
| 'Jersey Shore' High Five: Deena Lets Her Freak Flag Fly Posted: 27 Jan 2011 07:07 AM PST Plus: Snooki gets a stripper pole and Sammi and Ronnie's drama reaches a boiling point.
Grenade whistles, tossed clothing and tossed ... other things — watch the embedded video to catch my five favorite moments from this week's "Jersey Shore"! 5. Grenade Whistle
4. Striptease Don't worry, Snooki. Your dad will have no idea you bought a stripper pole, unless he's one of the 8.9 million record-breaking viewers who make "Jersey Shore" MTV's #1 series ever. Furthermore, why is your dad still paying your credit-card bill? You make six figures!!! 3. Ronnie's Sweet Nothings Ronnie cards: Perfect for when "I love you" really means "I want to f---ing choke you." 2. Punch Drunk Love We'll leave out the very intense ending, because this is just a silly recap. How about we watch Winston the cat eating mashed potatoes off his owner's finger instead, shall we? 1. Deena Did What?! What was your favorite moment in this week's "Jersey Shore"? Let us know in the comments! Don't miss "Jersey Shore," airing Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on MTV. Related Videos |
| Lady Gaga Releases Full 'Born This Way' Lyrics Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:54 AM PST Gaga sings about love and equality on track, set for release February 13.
Thanks to the excitement of her Little Monsters everywhere, Lady Gaga released the full "Born This Way" lyrics on Twitter, after teasing her fans with several lyrics earlier in the day. "Are you ready for the full lyrics?! Can we trend #bornthiswaylyrics!? It has been in my heart for over a year. I'm so excited to share it," she tweeted. "It's #1 worldwide! That was fast! You're so radical! Here you [go] Monsters, this one's for you." She tweeted out the song credits as well. The sing was written and co-produced by Gaga. Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow also got co-production credits on the track, off her May album of the same name. Intro Verse Chorus Post-Chorus Don't be a drag, just be a queen Verse In the religion of the insecure Repeat Chorus and Post-chorus Bridge Repeat Chorus Outro/Refrain I was born this way hey! What do you think of the lyrics? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj On 'Moment 4 Life' Co-Star: 'Drake Does What I Tell Him!' Posted: 27 Jan 2011 06:23 AM PST 'I just have a special place for him,' she tells Sway after video premiere.
Drake might want to rethink this relationship with Nicki Minaj.
The Thank Me Later rapper co-starred as Nicki's love interest in her "Moment 4 Life" video, adding more intrigue to their flirtatious union. But when the Pink Friday star explained how she managed to reel Drizzy in for the clip, she proved to be a pretty demanding lady. "It wasn't hard to get Drake. Drake does what I tell him to do," Nicki laughed to MTV News' Sway during an exclusive interview after the "Moment 4 Life" premiere. "I'm Nicki Minaj! You know Drake does what I tell him to do." The two have carried on a playful romance over Twitter, in interviews and in song for some time now. But the two Lil Wayne protégés have a strong friendship, according to Nicki. Out of her multiple videos in support of Pink Friday, she said she was the most comfortable with Drake as a co-star over the leads in the other clips. "That energy is amazing," she said. "I just have a special place for him. He always makes me feel like it's OK. You know, just chill, relax, jokes. It's never to the point where I don't want to be there anymore, 'Let's wrap this up.' Having Drake there, it felt like we could have shot a second day for this video, and I could be fine. He's someone I look up to, he got a head start. So he's able to tell me things I don't know and I can confide in him." And like siblings, she also admitted, the two can be competitive despite their camaraderie. "I'mma try to body you on this track but I love you to death," she described of their kinship. "It's dope." What did you think of Nicki and Drake's romance in the "Moment 4 Life" clip? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Kid Cudi Readying New <i>Wizard</i> Album, Mixtape, Film Posted: 27 Jan 2011 05:10 AM PST Cudder tweets about a slew of upcoming projects, including 'Maniac' movie with Shia LaBeouf and Cage.
Kid Cudi returned to Twitter just a day ago, but he wasted no time updating his followers about a slew of projects he's cooking up for 2011. The Cleveland MC tweeted his first missives around 3 p.m. Wednesday, explaining, "I really only got back on twitter becuz i heard will smith tweeted about a fresh prince reunion and i wanted to post my response to that ..." However, tweets he typed out hours later reveal Cudder has more than just possible Will Smith collabos on his mind. Cudi, who just dropped his sophomore set Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager in November, said he's trying to drop his third album midway through the year — a commitment similar to a promise G.O.O.D. Music honcho Kanye West tweeted Sunday. "Pushing for a summer release of the wizard album. i produce and play guitar on everything with my main man @dotdagenius. he's learnin bass," Cudi wrote about re-teaming with the producer who crafted his Grammy-nominated smash "Day 'n' Nite." Cudi outlined the vibe of the forthcoming album, saying the effort will be a sonic departure from his hip-hop roots. "Wizard is a rock album, no raps, just singing. brand new thing. flavor," he revealed. The set won't be scrubbed completely free of Cudi's early swagger, though. The "Pursuit of Happiness" MC added that one of his underground cult hits that has been making the rounds for about two years will make the record. "Dose of dopeness however will be on the wizard album as a bonus jam. bout f---in time aye." In addition to releasing a new mixtape called A Man Named Scott, his movie "Maniac," which is set to co-star indie MC Cage and is directed by "Transformers" star and hip-hop buff Shia LaBeouf,, should be available by the end of 2011. "The maniac film will b released later this year. cage, shia and i really want everything just right, and i need the proper time for scoring," he explained. "The edit must be epic." Cudi also dished that he's been tinkering on Jay-Z and West's collaborative album, Watch the Throne, ("Workin on some jay and ye sh--") and said he starts production on second season of his HBO show "How to Make It in America" in March. Are you looking forward to Kid Cudi's new projects? Let us know in the comments. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj Says 'Moment 4 Life' Fashion Inspired By 'Shakespeare Time' Posted: 27 Jan 2011 06:07 AM PST Minaj tells MTV News she wanted to 'play dress-up' in latest video.
Nicki Minaj has worked it as an anime-inspired siren ("Check It Out"), taken no prisoners as the leader of a no-nonsense army of vixens ("Massive Attack") and fought to the death as a love-struck martial artist ("Your Love") in her videos. However, for her latest visual, "Moment 4 Life," Minaj said she was inspired by the regal, romantic attire of Shakespeare's era.
In the video, Minaj strolls around a palatial mansion in a voluminous blue gown — where she's spotted by her "Moment" leading man and collaborator Drake — and vamps it up in a beaded corseted getup with a tulle train. Minaj also opens the video as her British alter ego Martha — who appears as a sage-yet-saucy fairy godmother in a frilly pink dress with a scepter and wings — and closes the video in a full-skirted bridal gown as she and Drake go in for a kiss. Directly after the premiere of the Pink Friday cut's clip on MTV on Thursday (January 27), MTV News' Sway caught up with the megastar MC in Brooklyn for a live Q&A session, and Minaj broke down the theme of the fashion in "Moment" and explained that she took cues from iconic historical periods. Check out the fashions from Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" video. "I wanted to take a step away from, like, high fashion or, like, [a] hip-hop, sporty type of look and into just, like, real flowy and just to play dress-up," she said. "I was envisioning a Shakespeare time, and I figured, 'What would they wear?' I felt like the first outfit kinda looked like, almost like you're in Egypt somewhere back in the day, like a long time ago," she added of the bejeweled draped blue dress. The visual also marked the onscreen debut of her theatrical alter ego Martha, who counsels a wide-eyed Minaj about her forthcoming fortune at the start of the clip. Minaj explained that it's Martha's signature milky-hued locks — which were teased up into a bouffant — that make the character. "Of course, you know, Martha she has the wings, and I saw her with white hair. To me she just seemed like she would be an old little English lady, probably with a cane, and so we just needed to give her white hair," she said. "But she's super, like, posh." What did you think of Nicki Minaj's fashion in "Moment 4 Life"? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne Team Up For Super Bowl Commercial Posted: 27 Jan 2011 09:49 AM PST Space-age Best Buy ad also features Ozzy's wife, Sharon.
What happens when the Blizzard of Oz meets the Bieber? You'll find out on Super Bowl Sunday when Best Buy unveils a commercial co-starring Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and Justin Bieber. Best Buy confirmed on Wednesday that Grammy-nominated pop superstar Bieber will take his place alongside the metal legend and his equally famous chat hostess wife for the retail chain's first-ever ad during the big game, according to Business Wire. Details on the concept of the commercial were not announced at press time, but BB confirmed that the ad is slated to air during the third quarter of the February 6 showdown between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to a press release, it will "showcase creativity and humor to millions of football and advertising fans throughout the country." "We're delighted to have Justin and Ozzy help us tell the Best Buy story," said Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president of U.S. marketing at Best Buy. "We know people have high expectations for these ads, and Justin and Ozzy add a whole new dimension of fun." Britain's Sun tabloid ran a photo on Thursday (January 27) that was purportedly shot on the set of the ad, in which the unlikely trio are dressed in black-and-silver futuristic space suits. It won't be the only time you see Bieber on Super Bowl Sunday, as an ad for his upcoming 3-D concert movie, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," will also pop up at some point after the most-watched telecast of the year, during an episode of "Glee." The film opens one week later, on Valentine's Day weekend. This is not the first time Bieber has teamed up with a major sporting event to support a release. During Game 3 of last year's World Series, the teen pop star debuted a mini-music video for the unplugged version of his song "Never Say Never" to promote his acoustic album, My Worlds Acoustic. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Chris Medina's 'American Idol' Story Recalls Danny Gokey's Posted: 26 Jan 2011 11:24 PM PST Mother of Medina's fiancé says 'Idol' hopeful has 'risen from a crisis to be a hero.'
Astute "American Idol" observers may have noticed an interesting story arc on Wednesday night's two-hour audition episode. Though it was not commented on during the show, the tryouts in Milwaukee had a dramatic subplot that united an aspiring "Idol" and a former top finisher through their mutual grief over personal tragedies. When bespectacled church crooner Danny Gokey sang his way into the top three on season eight of "Idol," the heartbreaking story of his young wife's death from a congenital heart disease just weeks before his audition for the show was a frequently discussed part of his "Idol" biography.
During Wednesday's show, in which Gokey was seen giving his hometown aspirants some encouragement as they waited in line for their turns to sing, we also met another unassuming sweetheart of a guy struggling with a tragic backstory involving his beloved. Chicagoan Chris Medina, 26, melted hearts in his show-ending audition with the story about his longtime love, Juliana Ramos, and the car accident that forever changed their lives. After eight years together, Medina proposed to his girlfriend two years ago and the couple planned to wed soon after. A short time later, though, she was in a car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and in a coma that doctors didn't think she'd wake from. She did, though, and Medina has stood by her side, helping to take care of her along with Ramos' mother and wearing her engagement ring on a chain around his neck. He sang the Script's "Breakeven," an emotional song with lyrics about heartbreak, including the lines, "Well I'm still alive, but I'm barely breathing/ I pray to a God that I don't believe in/ ... When a heart breaks, no, it don't break even/ ... I'm fallin' to pieces." The performance was so moving that it garnered some props not only from the judges, but from Script guitarist Mark Sheehan, who tweeted his support for Medina after the show. USA Today dug up a video that Ramos made on what would have been the couple's wedding day, in which Chris can be heard playing "What Has Become of Me," a song he wrote during Juliana's long hospital stay. "Instead of saying my vows today I decided it would be nice to share this song with you guys," he said in the video. "I bottomed out/ I'm holding on to anything/ A beating heart/ I've come to see it's paramount/ I'm giving all I've got to give to set you free/ More than a vow, through thick and thin," he sings in his keening falsetto over a gently picked acoustic guitar, promising to guide his love home even as he questions how the accident has thrown his life into turmoil. And, like Gokey, Oak Forest, Illinois, barista Medina was an aspiring singer well before he took his story to "Idol." While Danny mostly used his pipes to sing worship songs as part of the Faith Builders International Ministry in Beloit, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee, Medina rocked it out with his unsigned Fall Out Boy-esque indie band the Able Body. Gokey's wife had died by the time he was on "Idol," so the foundation he set up in her honor helps other families in need. But because he's still dealing with the costs of her treatment, Medina is raising money for the Juliana Recovery Fund through the Laurus Foundation. He's also getting major support and props from Juliana's mother, who maintains a Facebook blog updating her daughter's progress. "Can you believe it? There are just no words," she wrote Thursday (January 27) after the previous night's emotional scene. The day before, she blogged about how good things can happen when people get together and send their positive thoughts. "I will keep this brief (for once) because you see I have a daughter healing from a brain injury who is a bit excited today and I want to share that excitement with her," she wrote before the episode aired. "There is a man in our lives that has risen from a crisis to be a hero. You know that already because I have said it a hundred times in a hundred ways through this blog. Our very own Chris Medina has spent days and nights, losing blood, sweat and oh yes A LOT of tears to beg his fiancé back to health. And through it all he has become deeper, more centered, and an even more soulful individual. This has been witnessed by all of us from his mannerisms to his music. If you didn't love him before, you do now. If you DID love him, you now adore him ... I just want to say... Tonight's gonna be a good, good night!" What did you think of Medina's emotional story? Share your thoughts in the comments. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. |
| Nicole Kidman, Jon Hamm And More Added As SAG Awards Presenters Posted: 27 Jan 2011 12:56 AM PST Jason Bateman, Jeremy Renner, Sofia Vergara and Robin Wright were also added for Sunday's awards show.
In addition to the star power of the nominees, the Screen Actors Guild Awards have enlisted an equally high-caliber roster of presenters for Sunday night's show — many of whom are also SAG nominees. On Thursday (January 27), Jason Bateman, Jon Hamm, Nicole Kidman, Jeremy Renner, Sofia Vergara and Robin Wright were announced as presenters, joining the previously announced Scott Bakula, Alec Baldwin, Jeff Bridges, Tim Conway, Rosario Dawson, Josh Duhamel, Angie Harmon, Eva Longoria, Cory Monteith, Amy Poehler, Hilary Swank, Betty White and SAG President Ken Howard. For those still reeling from the Golden Globe ceremony and Oscar nominations, prepare yourselves for another star-studded awards show. The 17th annual SAG Awards will air live on TNT and TBS on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET from the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles. The SAG Awards are the only televised awards shows to exclusively honor performers, presenting 13 awards for acting in film and television. This year, the big nominees in film are also Oscar nominees, including "The King's Speech" and "The Fighter." In television, "Modern Family," "Glee" and "30 Rock" lead the comedy categories, while "Mad Men" and "Boardwalk Empire" lead in drama. Ernest Borgnine will receive this year's lifetime-achievement award, which was given to Betty White at last year's ceremony following a comical speech by her "Proposal" co-star and eventual SAG Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock. "Seventy-one years ago when I signed on to an experimental thing called television," White said of her career, "I never would have expected it to culminate in an evening like this." Stick with MTV News for SAG Awards coverage throughout the weekend and from the red carpet on Sunday night! For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Photos |
| Nicki Minaj Calls 'Moment 4 Life' Video 'A Celebration Of Royalty' Posted: 27 Jan 2011 01:37 AM PST Clip premieres tonight at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live Q&A session with Nicki!
Being the creative person Nicki Minaj is — she did, after all, graduate from a performing-arts high school — she usually has an idea of how she wants her songs to be expressed visually. But when it came to her "Moment 4 Life" video, featuring Drake, the Lil Wayne protégé admitted she wasn't initially sure how the clip should look.
"Usually, with all of my songs, I have a vision of what I want the video to look like," she told MTV News of the clip, which premieres Thursday (January 27) at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live Q&A with Nicki herself. "But with 'Moment 4 Life,' I didn't have a vision for it yet." Then, the hip-hop upstart had her "aha!" moment. "All of a sudden, I said, 'I know what it is,' " Nicki recalled. " ... It's a celebration but a different kind of celebration. It's almost a celebration of royalty, you know, arriving into a new level and feeling like you're among kings." Certainly, Drake's inclusion helps things. The other Lil Wayne mentee also had a huge 2010, and together, the pair were able to help make up for the absence of their boss, who spent the majority of the year behind bars. Weezy's spirit was present on set, though, even if the Cash Money superstar wasn't, Drake said. "The fringes on the bottom, that's Weezy old hair," Drake joked of the ornate bed dressing, doing his best Birdman impression. "That's Weezy's dreads dyed red, you understand." But the Thank Me Later star was supportive of Minaj and her clip. "It's a fantasy video," he said. "So you've got a very regal environment. You got Nicky doing what she does. Big outfits. Big everything." Don't miss the premiere of Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" video, featuring Drake, tonight at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live interview with the Young Money femcee that will continue on MTV.com. If you have questions for Minaj, tweet them with the hashtag #asknicki or upload a video question to Your.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Video Premieres -- Watch It Now! Posted: 27 Jan 2011 04:55 AM PST In new video, Nicki reveals her true self — in diamond stilettos.
Nicki Minaj has, over the course of several videos, packaged herself as a DayGlo geisha girl, a candy-colored "Star Blazers" extra, a spurned, stemware-smashing significant other, and, of course, a pink-clad paramilitary leader (to name just a few). So it's no surprise that, nearly two years since she burst onto the scene, we still have absolutely no idea who she really is.
Though, with the premiere of her "Moment 4 Life" video, we may finally be close to figuring it out. Ostensibly an updated take on fairy tales, both literal ("Cinderella") and historical (Marie Antoinette), the video is gilded, glamorous and, above all, fantastical, with visits by fairy godmothers, glass (or, in this case, diamond) slippers, diaphanous gowns and, of course, a handsome prince (that would be Drake). But it's also slightly silly: Nicki's opening scene opposite herself as the fairy godmother — who would like it to be known that her name is "Martha" — is incredibly fabulous, a tad bit crazy and thoroughly over-the-top too. Check out the fashions from Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" video. And, really, Minaj is all those things. So it's not exactly a stretch to call "Moment 4 Life" the most Nicki Minaj video of all time. It takes basically every aspect of her personality — the fashionista, the glamazon, the princess, the badass, the cartoon character, the girly girl — and crams them together into one very shiny package. And then it wraps that package with nods to her past (the British accent, the mention of her Roman Zolanski alter-ego, the consummation of her Twit-lationship with Drake) for good measure. The end result is perhaps the most complete portrait of Minaj to date. In "Moment," she doesn't wear a single samurai getup or toss so much as a goblet at her a--hole boyfriend, mostly because she doesn't need to (and also because Drake doesn't deserve that kind of treatment). There are very few silly wigs and nary a stitch of Spandex to be seen anywhere. It is basically our first glimpse at the real Nicki: a young woman who is more than just the sum of her parts, even if those parts are pretty interesting. In that regard, with her new video, Nicki has not only answered the identity question, but she's done so while wearing diamond stilettos: "I am everything you thought I was," she says. "And then some." It's a moment 4 life, indeed. What did you think of the video? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Exclusive: Butch Vig Talks 'Primal, Raw' Foo Fighters Album Posted: 26 Jan 2011 10:36 PM PST Producer also recalls reuniting with surviving Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic after nearly 20 years.
On Wednesday, MTV News spoke to producer Butch Vig about his current project: a reworked version of "Go Pack Go!," the fight song of his beloved Green Bay Packers. Thanks in no small part to the team's run to Super Bowl XLV, the song has become a rock-radio staple all around Wisconsin, and Vig is pretty pleased by its success. Of course, in between his praise of the Pack — and near-constant digs at the Minnesota Vikings — we also got Vig to answer a few questions about the project he just finished: the Foo Fighters' brand-new, back-to-basics album, which is due this spring. And, echoing Dave Grohl's sentiments that the still-untitled disc would be a snarling, "shredding" affair, Vig said the Foos have pushed themselves further than they've ever gone before — by ditching everything they'd previously done.
"[Dave] has an amazing studio not too far from his home, in the Valley, and it's a great, kick-ass studio, but I think he felt that if he went in there, what would he do different on this record? They'd be recording in the same room, using the same board, getting the same sort of vibe," Vig said. "So he mentioned to me, when they played Wembley [Stadium in the U.K.] at the end of last tour, they were like, 'Holy sh--, I can't believe how big we are.' ... And he was thinking what to do next, and so he said, 'I want to do something really primal sounding.' And had me up to his house, and when I got there — this was nine months ago — he opened up his garage door and went, 'I want to record the record in here.' And I said, 'Uh, OK ... ' "So, literally, we got a drum kit and put it in there, and he started banging on it, and I was like, 'Wow, it's really intense sounding,' because it's a small garage, just drywall, you know?" Vig continued. "And then he said, 'Cool, well, here's another thing: I want to do it on tape, 24-track tape. I don't want to use any computers.' And I said, 'Look, I totally understand this, [but] it's going to be a lot of work, because you guys have got to play really good.' Because you can fix anything with computers, Auto-Tune everything until it becomes perfect, and he said, 'I want the record to sound rawer and somewhat imperfect. As good as we play, that's how good the record will sound.' And, you know what? It sounds great. They're f---ing badass players. It's an honest record. It sounds real." While crafting a crackling, live-sounding album was a thrill — Vig proudly proclaims that it remained completely analog "until post-mastering" — his biggest jolt came from being in the same room with Grohl and his former Nirvana mate Krist Novoselic (who, along with Pat Smear, plays on the record) and watching the two exorcise old demons on a track called "I Should Have Known." "We had Krist Novoselic come in and play bass [on the song], and I'm not exactly sure what the song's about, but to me, it seems there's definitely some references about Kurt Cobain, and it's one of the most primal, raw things the Foo Fighters have ever done, and I think it's one of the best tracks on the record," Vig said. "It's distorted and raw, and Dave, the take on the vocals is like the first take he did at the end of the song. He's just blowing his lungs out. ... We played the record for some people yesterday, and the whole record is great, but that song, God, it's quite an emotional roller-coaster ride when you hear it." And then, after the song had been recorded, Vig got another thrill: getting to reconnect with two of his oldest friends, a pair of musicians with whom he'll forever be linked, even if they haven't been in the same room together in nearly two decades. "When Krist came up to Dave's house, we sort of sat down and it was like, 'Holy sh--, man, we hadn't been in a room together — the three of us — in almost 20 years,'" said Vig, who produced Nirvana's 1991 album Nevermind. "So Krist did his bass overdubs, and he added a little accordion part at the start and end of the song, and then we just sat around and shot the sh-- for three or four hours. Dave and I were sipping on some wine, and Krist started drinking some bootleg whiskey, and it was great. ... One story would lead to another story, and it was an amazing experience, just to be there, to open up all these things you may have forgotten about. It was really a pretty special part of the album." What are you expecting from the new Foo Fighters album? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| Charlie Sheen Rushed To Hospital Posted: 27 Jan 2011 01:17 AM PST Rep says actor had 'severe abdominal pains' before calling 911.
Charlie Sheen was hospitalized early Thursday (January 27) in Los Angeles. His condition is unknown, but he reportedly called 911 after experiencing abdominal pain. "All I know is what I was told — that he was having severe abdominal pains," a rep for the "Two and a Half Men" star told People. According to TMZ, the actor was taken from his home at 7 a.m., a half-hour after the 911 call was made, and brought to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. He left his house on a stretcher with a towel over his face. Two women exited the house when an ambulance arrived there. Neighbors say that Sheen had thrown a party the night before, where women were heard singing along to Red Hot Chili Peppers songs. The party went late into the night and into the early morning hours. While sources close to the actor say his condition is "serious," further details are unknown. TMZ reported that Charlie's father, Martin Sheen; his mom, Janet Templeton; and ex-wife, Denise Richards, are all at the hospital where his rep says he is resting. Production for his hit CBS comedy is not expected to be affected by the hospital stay ; the show is on hiatus this week. Sheen was hospitalized last October in New York. He reportedly stopped communicating with his sober coach shortly after the incident. "He has not heard from Charlie since he told him not to start New Year's Day!" a source told Us Weekly. "We have a high level of concern. How could we not?" CBS entertainment chief Nina Tassler said at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena earlier this month. "This man is a father. He's got children. He has a family. So obviously there's concern on a personal level." |
| Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Gets Remixed Posted: 27 Jan 2011 07:54 AM PST DJs and producers have begun putting their spin on Spears' banging single.
It didn't take long for the club scene to put their spin on Britney Spears' single "Hold It Against Me." In the weeks since the pop star released the hard-pounding dance cut, DJs and producers have begun work on making sure it bangs the club even harder. A few days ago, house legend Paul Oakenfold revealed on Twitter that he was putting together a "HIAM" remix, tweeting, "I'm in the studio working on Britney Spears remix its going well." Oakenfold previously remixed Spears' "Gimme More." While fans have yet to hear how Oakenfold plays with "Hold It Against Me," electropop act Robots With Rayguns already have released their own, space-aged rendition on the tune. Their version combines '80s-inspired synths, robot noises and sparse beats, while keeping Spears' vocals at the forefront of the track. It sounds like Kylie Minogue's version of dance pop, playing up Spears' sex-kitten image. DJ Mike Rizzo has offered up his own take on "Hold It Against Me," subtitled "Funk Generation Club Mix," and it goes dark where Robots With Rayguns went light. Playing up the song's already-heavy electro and house groove, this remix sounds like it would be right at home at any given dance party, with its lopped vocals, sirens and thumping beat. The dance community has been vocal about their support of "Hold It Against Me." "The more the stuff that is underground becomes mainstream, the more the underground is gonna change," Skrillex told MTV News with regard to the Dr. Luke/ Max Martin-produced tune. "I think it's gonna inspire people to obviously do something different. "I thought the track was great overall," he added. "I'll be honest, man: I love Max Martin. I think he's an absolute genius. And Dr. Luke did it, right? I think they are a f---ing dream team. I love the track!" Meanwhile, super-producer David Guetta says he's all for the track and Spears' further journey down the dance rabbit hole. "My favorite part is that dub step break. I think that's really cool," he explained to MTV News. "It's like the beat is really simple and you're like, 'OK,' and then there's this huge chorus it's like, 'OK,' but then when they come with that dub step break ... It gives a totally different approach to the record. I love this. It's surprising. It's a big record." What do you think of Britney's "Hold It Against Me" and the remix tracks that you've heard? Share your opinion in the comments. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Drake Calls Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' A 'Fantasy Video' Posted: 27 Jan 2011 04:02 AM PST Clip premieres tonight at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live Q&A session with Nicki!
Drake has tons of acting experience, but he said he doesn't need to bust out his thespian skills for his onscreen team-up with Nicki Minaj. The Toronto MC and former "Degrassi" star chopped it up with MTV News on the set of the video for the Young Money superstars' collabo "Moment 4 Life," which appears on Minaj's Pink Friday album. Drizzy was coy about just how the two will interact in the clip, but hinted that the pair will give fans an eye-popping spectacle.
"I mean, it's a fantasy video," Drake explained. "So you've got a very regal environment, and you've got Nicki doing what she does — big outfits, big everything — and it's a great video." In some of the footage MTV News scored on the clip's Los Angeles set, Minaj grandly enters a sprawling mansion in an aqua gown with diaphanous draping. Looking over a balcony, Drake observes the rap diva as he nurses a martini. The Thank Me Later lyricist stayed mum about the clip's narrative, saying he wanted to preserve the surprise of the visual, which premieres Thursday (January 26) on MTV at 7:54 p.m. ET and will be followed by a live Q&A session with Minaj. "The twist of it, or the concept of it, I don't wanna give it all away," Drake demurred. As far as his performance in the video, Drake said that because of his close relationship with Minaj, being the hip-hop Barbie's leading man comes naturally. "Yeah, I love that girl, man. I'm not gonna lie to you," Drizzy smiled. "I love her, so it's easy. It's not hard to play romantic." Don't miss the premiere of Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" video, featuring Drake, Thursday at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live interview with the Young Money femcee that will continue on MTV.com. If you have questions for Minaj, tweet them with the hashtag #asknicki or upload a video question to Your.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj's Career Full Of Life-Altering Moments Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:47 AM PST A look at Pink Friday star's highlights as 'Moment 4 Life' video debuts.
Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" is an inspirational joint in which the Queens MC speaks with naked emotion about living out her dreams. The accompanying visual, which Minaj's Young Money labelmate Drake has called "a fantasy video," is slated to premiere Thursday (January 27) at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV. In honor of the Pink Friday star's latest video, MTV News is taking a look at some of Minaj's real-life fairytale moments, from getting co-signs from Lil Wayne and Jay-Z to scoring her own lipstick shade.
Weezy Introduces Nicki DJ Holiday, who hosted Scotty with Minaj, predicted the upstart spitter had a bright future ahead. "It's a good opportunity to always find that new chick in the game," he said. "She's gonna have a good, successful career. It's hard to find that somebody who has that niche, that star power. She can rap, she can sing. She connected with everybody in the streets." Nicki Gets A Jay-Z Co-Sign "Jay-Z is a person in hip-hop that you almost don't think he exists until you meet him," Minaj explained to MTV News last February. "It's almost like he's bigger than a person. He's a mythical figure. That's a great way to describe it. I was like, 'Jay-Z knows me?' I didn't think he knew who I was, let alone recommend me for something." Minaj Rocks Madison Square Garden with Wayne, Jay, Drake "Madison Square Garden? I'm from New York," Minaj said at the time. "This means the world to me — to be there with Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Drake. It was the stuff that dreams are made of for a girl. Girls aren't usually in those unique little circles." Nicki Lands a BET Award Minaj took the moment to comment about the state of female MCs, and, perhaps, subtly send a message of peace to fellow femcee Lil' Kim, who had been throwing jabs at the lyricist. "I think it's so important right now for positive energy among women," she said. "I'm fighting for women." Nicki Scores VMA Love "I feel like I've died and gone to heaven," Minaj said about her debut VMA nom. "I definitely thought I'd get one someday, but not before I put the album out. I never thought I'd get a nomination [this year]. ... I didn't even think I'd get invited!" Minaj went on to rock "Check It Out" at the pre-show in a space-age catsuit alongside will.i.am. Minaj and Drake Get Hitched — On the Web "Drake is just my little brother, and I kid with him all the time," she explained of the pretend nuptials. "We were just being crazy. I think we were a little bit bored. There's really never a dull moment. I wouldn't say we were bored; I would say we were being mischievous." Minaj Rips Up Legends on 'Monster' Helming the last verse on a star-studded posse cut that includes Jay, 'Ye and Rick Ross, Minaj's beastly attitude, demented lyrics and unabashedly badass flow handily outshined her more-established collaborators. "It was a moment in history," Ross later said of Nicki's verse. "I knew then she's one of the greatest." Minaj's and Eminem's Alter Egos Up the Ante "It was the most fun song on Pink Friday," she said. "It gave me life." Minaj Kisses Fame Hello with Her Own Lipstick "She keeps it real and is so personable," an amped fan told MTV News about her "idol." "The guys give her respect because of her lyrics." Minaj's "My Time Now" Documentary Premieres Viewers not only saw her business skills up close and got a glimpse as she laid down the vocals for "Roman's Revenge," they also received a candid look at her family life and the person behind the pink wigs. "Everybody sees Nicki Minaj; they're gonna meet Onika. They're gonna hear my story, and it's such an inspirational story, which I never really wanted to tell 'cause everyone always feels like you don't want people to know too much," Minaj said of the project. "But when I saw what [MTV and production company @radical.media] did, I thought, 'People need to see this.' It reminds you that everyone always feels like this is it, but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel like that's what the doc says at the end." Pink Friday's Big Debut "I'm just so grateful and kind of still in shock. These numbers haven't been put up since 1998," she said, referring to Lauryn Hill's debut. "It just makes me feel proud of my team, proud of my fans, everyone who has had something to do with my dreams. Finally, we are seeing this dream come to fruition. It feels incredible." Minaj Live: "Saturday Night Live" and I Am Music II Tour And earlier this week, Lil Wayne's camp announced the newly freed rapper would be heading out on the I Am Music II Tour in March, and just like she was two years ago, Minaj would be along for the ride. Don't miss the premiere of 's "Moment 4 Life" video, featuring Drake, tonight at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live interview with the Young Money femcee that will continue on MTV.com. If you have questions for Minaj, tweet them with the hashtag #asknicki or upload a video question to Your.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Jennifer Lopez Appreciates Steven Tyler's 'Zaniness' On 'American Idol' Posted: 27 Jan 2011 04:02 AM PST J.Lo also considers performing with fellow new judge if it's 'the right song.'
Jennifer Lopez feels really at home as one of the new faces of "American Idol." But Lopez isn't the only new kid on the "Idol" block: Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is also just getting his feet wet, and fans are getting used to his wacky judging style. And J.Lo appreciates her fellow judge's "zaniness," as she called it.
"He's a very spontaneous person in that sense," she told MTV News. "You never know what's going to come out of his mouth, [and] probably half the show is me kind of looking at him like, 'What? Did he just say what I think he just said?' It's very funny, but I enjoy every second of it — every second of the zaniness and craziness. You never know with him, and it's awesome." Lopez said "Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe approached her and Tyler about hitting the stage together during one of the live shows, and she's considering the idea. "He was like, 'You know, I'd love for you to perform,' " she recalled. "And I was like, 'We'll see. You know the single ["On the Floor"] is actually coming out soon.' And he was like, 'I'd love for you to perform with Steven.' "It could be so fun," she continued. "And Steven and I have a real love for each other. We really respect each other, [but it has to be] the right song, the right moment. It could be good." Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Miley Cyrus 'Excited' For Fans To See 'So Undercover' Posted: 27 Jan 2011 09:32 AM PST 'I've had an awesome time shooting this movie,' actress/singer says in video message to fans.
Considering she spent years playing a girl who led two lives on "Hannah Montana," Miley Cyrus' upcoming role as an FBI agent who goes "So Undercover" at a college sorority should be an easy transition. Miley recently took to YouTube to update fans on all the fun she had shooting the comedy/action flick. She even spilled the beans on a special actor who joined the movie's "entourage" for a cameo. " 'Sup guys? It's Miley in my trailer hanging out on the set of 'So Undercover,' " she told fans in the video. "This is actually our last week and a half, which is crazy." So, what sort of antics have Miley and the cast, including Kelly Osbourne, been up to on the set? "I can't believe how quick it's gone," she said. "We had a really good time. We actually just had a wrap party because the girls are leaving 'cause now it's getting into the relationship of me and my dad. So all the sorority scenes are coming to an end, so all my girls are leaving me. "We've been working so hard," she continued. "Literally, I'm in every scene except one or two, so we've been here working really long hours. It was nice to have a night just to be able to hang out, all the crew and all the cast, to be able to hang out as friends, not in just a work environment." That cast includes Jeremy Piven, who apparently has a secret part in the flick. "They let me and Jeremy Piven, who plays one of our characters ... can't tell you who, I'm not allowed. But Jeremy's in this movie, and so he got up on the drums and we played 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll.' " Bottom line, although the film has been a lot of hard work, Miley thinks it's all been worth it. "I've had an awesome time shooting this movie," she said. "I'm excited for you guys to see it, really digging it. I wanted to tell you guys I love you ... peace." Related Artists |
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