MTV News |
- Britney Spears' Manager Teases Her Next Single
- Lady Gaga's <i>Born This Way</i>: What We Know So Far
- Adele Says <i>21</i> Has People Thinking 'I'm Sort Of A Manic-Depressive'
- The National's 'MTV Live' Set Debuts Monday -- Watch A Sneak Peek Now!
- Tracy Reese Combines Comfort And Glamour At New York Fashion Week
- David Archuleta Dropped By Record Label
- Liam Neeson As Hollywood's Newest Badass: 'Unknown' Co-Stars Explain
- Jagged Edge's <i>The Remedy</i> 'Trying To Bring Back Black Love'
- 'Hangover Part II' Trailer Drops Next Week, Todd Phillips Says
- Patrick Stump Recalls Giving Himself Bad Haircuts On 'When I Was 17'
- 'I Am Number Four': The Reviews Are In!
- Lil' Kim Says 'Haters' Are Disputing <i>Black Friday</i> Sales Figures
- Kim Sozzi Ready To Release Self-Titled Second Album
- Liam Neeson's 'Unknown': The Reviews Are In!
- Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Is Fastest-Selling Single In iTunes History
- Paramore Plan To Release New Music This Summer
- Arcade Fire's Album Of The Year Grammy Stuns Publicist
- Britney Spears' <i>Femme Fatale</i> Is Her <i>Ray Of Light,</i> Manager Says
- Eminem Shoots 'Space Bound' Video With Porn Star Sasha Grey
| Britney Spears' Manager Teases Her Next Single Posted: 17 Feb 2011 11:46 PM PST 'It is a monster,' Larry Rudolph tells MTV News about 'Hold It Against Me' follow-up.
With a little more than a month to go before the March 29 release of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale, we spoke to her longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, on the same night her eagerly anticipated "Hold It Against Me" video premiered.
Rudolph revealed to MTV News during our "HIAM" live stream on Thursday night that fans will likely hear another new song before the album — executive-produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke — comes out. "We have a second song that I think we're gonna end up putting out before the album drops," he teased. "I can't say with 100 percent certainty, but I think we probably will. But we're talking about it now and it is a monster. It really is." Rudolph has been by Brit's side since the beginning of her career, and he predicted that if fans love "HIAM," then they're in for a real treat with the next song. "I don't think I've been this excited about releasing a Britney single in many, many years," he added. "It's that good. That's all I'm gonna say about it at the moment. I haven't heard a final mix of it, but I should get it in the next day or two. So far, what I've heard is just extraordinary. It really is amazing. Her fans will be very happy with it. I'm trying hard to get it out before the album comes out." Spears teased some upcoming promotional plans for the album last week during a Twitter Q&A. "I'm doing a lot of promo," she said. "There will be some major announcements in the next few days." She added, "I'm thinking about the tour right now and I would [love] to visit a lot of places I didn't get to go to on my last tour." What did you think of Britney's "HIAM" video? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Lady Gaga's <i>Born This Way</i>: What We Know So Far Posted: 18 Feb 2011 12:18 AM PST MTV News rounds up what we know about the songs on the May release.
With months to go until we can get our hands on Lady Gaga's Born This Way, the pop star has been slowing leaking details about the vibe of the May 23 release. Fans have already heard the first single of the same name, and in several recent interviews Gaga has given out a few facts about the songs that fans will hear on the highly anticipated release. While we wait for more, here's a recap of what we know so far. In the latest issue of Vogue, Gaga revealed that the album's next single is "Judas," which producer RedOne has described as shocking. "The melody sounds like it was written for the Ronettes," the Vogue writer comments. "But it is set to a sledgehammering dance beat and is about falling in love with backstabbing men of the biblical variety." On Tuesday morning, Gaga confirmed to Carson Daly on Amp Radio that "Judas" will be the second single. "It's about always falling in love with the wrong man over and over again," she said. " 'Judas' is a very very dark song. It's rad." She also told Vogue about another track on the record, "Americano," describing it as "a big mariachi techno-house record, where I am singing about immigration law and gay marriage and all sorts of things that have to do with disenfranchised communities in America. ... It sounds like a pop record, but when I sing it, I see Edith Piaf in a spotlight with an old microphone." When Gaga called into Ryan Seacrest's radio show on Tuesday, she described the song "Government Hooker," which is "one of my favorites" and "has more of a hip-hop beat," she told Seacrest. "We double-timed the beat. It's a super fast, really hard record, and the lyrics are really filthy. It's also empowering, but more in the direction of sexual female empowerment." On Seacrest, she teased the lyrics to another song, "Hair." On it she sings, "This is my prayer that I'll die living just as free as my hair." "It's really up-tempo. It's a club record, but has a Bruce Springsteen vibe," she explained. "It's really interesting because it's putting sax on a huge dance record." She talked about "Hair" again when she visited New York radio station Z-100. "Some of those themes are explored more on this album. To put my money where my mouth is [regarding themes of empowerment on this song and album]." She went on to describe the entire album as "eccentric" during the chat. Before we can hear anything new from Gaga, she did also reveal one new detail to Daly about the forthcoming video for "Born This Way," which will be about "the birth of a new race within the race of humanity. The birth of a new race that doesn't bear any prejudices. "I think the most important thing is that I continue to grow, and I knew when I put 'BTW' it would be a transitional moment, because it doesn't sound like [my previous singles," she said, adding that it is the "marijuana" to the "heroin" of the album and that it is a much lighter song than "Judas." And for those who can't wait, she had this to share while on Z-100, "I'm gonna be releasing about two to three songs before the album comes out on iTunes." Related Videos |
| Adele Says <i>21</i> Has People Thinking 'I'm Sort Of A Manic-Depressive' Posted: 18 Feb 2011 01:18 AM PST But the British sensation, whose album hits stores in the U.S. on Tuesday, says she just writes somber songs.
Adele is sitting 29 floors above Times Square, eyes tilted toward the ceiling as a makeup artist dabs away, lamenting her early morning (she performed Friday, February 18, on the "Today" show) and laughing that her handlers are trying to kill her. "I'm not allowed any caffeine, because it dehydrates the throat, and I had laryngitis about a month and a half ago, so I've had to cut all these things out to make sure it doesn't happen again," she smiles, turning her head toward her publicist. "So I had to get up at 10 to 4, go over to the ['Today'] studio, and while everyone else was drinking their delicious black coffee, everyone was doing Starbucks runs, and I was asking for hot water. It was so boring."
And it's a bit of a shame that Adele, now 22 and two years removed from her upset wins at the 51st Grammy Awards, is being denied coffee, because she certainly needs it. On Tuesday, she'll release her sophomore album, the jaw-dropping 21 (so named because it reflected her very tumultuous 21st year on earth) here in the States. Thanks to a tidal wave of critical acclaim — and stirring singles like "Rolling in the Deep" — she has already been tipped as the year's can't-miss act. She recently filmed an episode of VH1's "Unplugged," and in May, she'll launch a full-blown tour of the U.S. But for right now, she's enjoying the moment (even without caffeine), delighting in the reviews she's gotten here in the U.S. ("In the States, even a bad review is like a five-star U.K. review," she laughs) and trying very hard not to believe the hype — which, if you know anything about her, is a lot easier than you might think. "I think people think I'm, like, sort of a manic-depressive. I think they think I'm very somber and very moody and take myself very seriously, but I think that's just because [of] the kind of records I write," she says. "But also, like, everyone is a bit moody and somber sometimes, just that I write about mine, so therefore it's magnified. I'm no more depressed than any other 21-, 22 year-old-girl when someone leaves them, you know?" And it should be noted that she has absolutely no problem discussing that depression, which came at the end of a relationship with a man "who meant everything to her" and influenced just about every aspect of 21, from kiss-offs like "Deep" and "Rumour Has It" to heartbreaking album-closer "Someone Like You." "Well, I wrote that song because I was exhausted from being such a bitch, with 'Rolling in the Deep' or 'Rumor Has It,' " she laughs. "I was really emotionally drained from the way I was portraying him, because even though I'm very bitter and regret some parts of it, he's still the most important person that's ever been in my life, and 'Someone Like You,' I had to write it to feel OK with myself and OK with the two years I spent with him. And when I did it, I felt so freed." Empowered by that freedom, she was able to return to her (relatively) normal life, one that, despite the accolades and the chart-topping success back home in the U.K. (and most of Europe), she says isn't all that different from any other 22-year-old's existence, despite what you might have gathered from her music. "Whenever I meet anyone, whether it's someone I'm working with or a fan or something, they can never link me with the person they think I am," she says. "But I like that. I'm 22, I'm sarcastic, very boisterous and cheeky. I like to have a bit of a joke." Are you looking forward to Adele's new album? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| The National's 'MTV Live' Set Debuts Monday -- Watch A Sneak Peek Now! Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:03 AM PST Band's Webster Hall concert will premiere on MTV.com on Monday.
They are, unquestionably, one of the best bands in New York City (if not all of the world), so earlier this month, when the National took their impressive stage show over to NYC's Webster Hall for a surprise gig, MTV had to have its cameras there. The end result was, much like all National sets, a compelling, cathartic bust of high-collar angst, and on Monday, you can see for yourself, when "MTV Live: The National" premieres on MTV.com.
Shot on five cameras, the set features the band tearing through material from their last two albums, 2007's Boxer and last year's High Violet, and five of those songs — "Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Afraid of Everyone," "Conversation 16," "Fake Empire" and "Terrible Love" — are featured on "MTV Live." "We're not that concerned with reproducing the record version of a song live. ... Just playing onstage in front of people in a room changes the way a song feels, changes the way we perform it," frontman Matt Berninger said before the taping. "The adrenaline kicks in, so I think live we are more reckless and ramshackle and probably louder and faster." And he wasn't kidding. The National's set was plenty loud (and plenty fast), and fans can watch the entire thing build to a boil — and subsequently bubble over when Berninger threw himself into the spastic audience during "Terrible Love" — starting Monday, with the premiere of "MTV Live: The National" on MTV.com. Trust us, you won't be disappointed. Related Artists |
| Tracy Reese Combines Comfort And Glamour At New York Fashion Week Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:28 AM PST 'She's a total champion of individuality and walking to the beat of your own tune,' actress Gabrielle Union tells MTV News.
It's not uncommon for clothes that hit the runway to be over-the-top or extravagant, but at the Tracy Reese show during New York fashion week, it was all about wearability.
Reese presented a collection that featured feminine frocks and loose tunics in a range of colors during her show. "It was really about texture," Reese told MTV News. "Texture, comfort, protection, glamour: How do we put all those together and create some really cool looks?" Reese combined her key elements to produce a variety of original styles, from an eye-catching full-sleeved, hot-pink dress to a black-and-white number in alternating patterns. "She's a total champion of individuality and walking to the beat of your own tune," said actress Gabrielle Union, who was in the audience alongside Julia Stiles. Fur, a big trend on the runways this year, was also a key element of some of her pieces, including a turquoise dress that was accented with a black belt and fur neck wrap and a white dress with silver accents, which Reese paired with a beige fur coat. Reese didn't stray from her message of accessibility when it came to styling her models' hair. "I wanted the hair to be simple and tousled like something you could do yourself and it gives a relaxed feeling to the clothing," Reese said. To achieve the look, TRESemmé celebrity stylist Jeanie Syfu used a curling iron to produce reverse waves, which she topped off with sprayed-on colored highlights to match each girl's look. What did you think of Tracy Reece's fashions? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos |
| David Archuleta Dropped By Record Label Posted: 18 Feb 2011 05:08 AM PST Jive Records releases 'American Idol' runner-up after second album's lackluster sales.
He had the looks, the humility and the vocal talent that made many think a life of superstardom was all but guaranteed. But just three years after David Archuleta charmed audiences as the runner-up on the seventh season of "American Idol," the 20-year-old performer has been dropped by Jive Records, his label since 2008, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Hot on the heels of his appearance on "Idol" and buoyed by the popularity of his single "Crush," Archuleta's self-titled debut album sold more than 750,000 copies in America and nearly a million worldwide, rocketing the crooner to #2 on the Billboard 200. His second, and newest, album has failed to ignite, however. Released on October 5, 2010, The Other Side of Down has stalled at just over 60,000 units. It's a certain setback, but if the younger Archuleta has anything to say about it, not a permanent one. "I hope to always be myself, except more mature and knowing more," Archuleta said in an interview with MTV News in 2008. "Hopefully I'll still be making music five years from now. I don't want to give it up. I want to continue on with it, and if there's a chance to make more albums, I definitely want to do that." Despite being pegged early as the eventual winner, Archuleta lost in the season-seven finale of "American Idol" to David Cook. He received 44 percent of more than 97 million votes. 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 |
| Liam Neeson As Hollywood's Newest Badass: 'Unknown' Co-Stars Explain Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:53 AM PST Diane Kruger and January Jones say actor's 'body of work and gravitas as an actor' add a new layer to action films.
He may have broken in with roles in sword-and-sorcery flicks like "Excalibur" and "Krull," but how in the world did the Oscar-nominated man best known for his quiet, dramatic work in films like "Schindler's List," "Nell" and "Kinsey" suddenly become film's most believable, in-demand 60-year-old badass?
It's precisely because of his previous work, "Unknown" co-stars Diane Kruger and January Jones insisted to MTV News. "I wanted to be in this movie because of Liam really," Kruger said. "Especially this kind of film. ... I think because of his age and because of his body of work and his gravitas as an actor, I think it brings a whole other layer of depth to this kind of film. It feels fresh. It feels like, yes, it's entertaining and it's light, but there's a whole other layer of emotions and character work going on." Two years after Neeson rocked audiences as a super-talented assassin out to save his daughter in "Taken," the Irish thesp is back to kick butt and take names in "Unknown," a neo-Hitchcockian thriller about a man bereft of an identity after a car accident leaves him unsure of who he really is. While unquestionably dangerous and capable, here Neeson also has to play fragile and flustered. It's a dichotomy that doesn't just show up in his film roles, January Jones argued, but in the man himself. "He's such a perfect casting choice for this movie, because you could be intimidated by him physically because he is fit and could cause you harm," the future Emma Frost told MTV News. "But at the same time there's something so vulnerable about him in certain things he says and certain things he does that makes you want to take care of him, there's both sides of that. You could believe that he could be a bad guy, but you could also want him to succeed." Check out everything we've got on "Unknown." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| Jagged Edge's <i>The Remedy</i> 'Trying To Bring Back Black Love' Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:38 AM PST Group's first Slip-N-Slide Records release will feature 'Lay You Down.'
When Jagged Edge decided to name their new album — their seventh overall as a group — The Remedy, the four-man collective definitely had the idea of repairing relationships in mind. "We're trying to bring back black love," group member Richard Wingo told MTV News. "That's what sets us apart from a lot of the music: It's not just sex, it's love involved. That's what people need more of today. They need to put down their guns a little more."
Their forthcoming LP, due in March from their new recording home, hip-hop label Slip-N-Slide Records (Trina, Plies), features Jagged Edge (Wingo, Kyle Norman, and Brian and Brandon Casey) returning to their roots. "Lay You Down," a mid-tempo number they've released, proves it's been easy for them to come home musically. The album's title is derived from a track on their standout third album, 2001's Jagged Little Thrill. That set included the hit "Where the Party At," featuring Nelly, and "Goodbye." "Remedy," although not a single from that album, like "Driving Me to Drink," was a fan favorite and classic Jagged Edge ballad. "We wanted to go back and touch on it a little bit," Wingo said about the nostalgic title. "It's just fun: We always been big on titles. If you go back throughout our albums, we have songs like 'Head of the Household' and 'Respect,' just a bunch of great titles for songs. We put a lot of thought into the titles, and at the end of the day, it was a perfect title for the album." What is your favorite Jagged Edge title? Tell us in the comments below! Related Artists |
| 'Hangover Part II' Trailer Drops Next Week, Todd Phillips Says Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:10 AM PST 'It's truly a teaser, so it might end up frustrating more than solving questions,' director tells MTV News.
After the record-breaking success of "The Hangover" and the endless speculation about where the sequel would take place, after the casting gossip and the Mel Gibson controversy, after the first photos and the behind-the-scenes set visit, we're about to get our first peek at actual footage from "The Hangover Part II." "We have a teaser trailer that I just finished color for yesterday night, so that'll come out next week," Todd Phillips told MTV News on Friday (February 18) while promoting the DVD release of "Due Date." "And I think it comes out in theaters on 'Hall Pass,' which should be next Friday." It can't come soon enough. The film hits theaters May 26, and up until now, official glimpses at the production have been few and far between. The only reason for the dearth of Warner Bros.-sanctioned material, though, is that Phillips and friends didn't wrap production on the flick that long ago. "We've had, like, one photo out, and that's just because we finished shooting on New Year's Day, and the movie comes out on Memorial Day," the writer/director said. "It's really just a crazy-tight schedule." While Phillips wouldn't dish details about what we'll actually see in the teaser, he did emphasize that fans should temper their expectations: The footage will hardly offer a comprehensive dive into what the film is all about. "It's truly a teaser, so it might end up frustrating more than solving questions," he told us. "I love it. It's a true tease, if that makes sense. It's just one of those things that's gonna make you go, 'OK, let's see what more they have.' It's to pique interest and to remind people what's coming down the pike." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| Patrick Stump Recalls Giving Himself Bad Haircuts On 'When I Was 17' Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:10 AM PST 'It did not look cool, but I was so convinced that it was,' Stump says on Saturday's episode.
Patrick Stump may be rocking a head full of spiky hair nowadays, but just a few years before the Fall Out Boy alum made it big, he had a different sort of look. On the latest episode of MTV's "When I Was 17," the singer/songwriter reminiscences about his teenage years when he used to be his own barber.
"When I was 17, I cut my own hair and always did a botched job on it," Stump admits without any hesitation on the upcoming episode, which airs Saturday at 11 a.m. ET on MTV. "It was terrible. It did not look cool at all, but I was so convinced that it was." And how exactly does one mess up a buzz cut? Patrick said it's all about angles. "I would take the barber clippers and buzz my head, and straight on it would look fine, but you would always miss these hairs around your ears," he explained. And it wasn't subtle mistakes, either. "So it was just kind of these long strands right over here. It was a weird look," childhood friend Pete said. Stump explained that his haircut imperfections had the soon-to-be singer donning a rather interesting look. "So every so often they'd flop over and I'd have this weird, like, owl thing going on," he said. "It was horrible. The haircut thing was not the best idea, probably." In addition to Stump, this week's episode of "When I Was 17" also features "Jersey Shore" newcomer Deena Nicole Cortese, who opened up about her dirty-dancing antics as a teen. "I remember making up this crazy dance move, like sexy moves, you know, like shaking your butt," she admits. "Everybody was sitting there like, 'Oh my God, where did that come from?' " "When I Was 17" — this week featuring Deena Cortese and Patrick Stump — premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. ET on MTV. Related Videos Related Photos |
| 'I Am Number Four': The Reviews Are In! Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:24 AM PST Sci-fi flick might not be treading new ground, but it's sure to make a box-office impact.
This weekend brings the year's first major sci-fi release to the multiplex, and audiences should be flocking to it after weeks of tepid rom-coms and half-baked horror flicks. "I Am Number Four," though weakly reviewed, stands to win the top spot at the box office over the four-day holiday. "Unknown" and "Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son," alas, don't stand a chance. Which one is right for you? Or, perhaps, is now the time to avoid the new offerings and hit the Oscar faves ahead of next weekend's Academy Awards? Check out what the critics are saying about "I Am Number Four" and decide for yourself.
The Story The "Twilight" Comparison The Action The Dissenters The Final Word Check out everything we've got on "I Am Number Four." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Photos |
| Lil' Kim Says 'Haters' Are Disputing <i>Black Friday</i> Sales Figures Posted: 18 Feb 2011 12:07 AM PST Nicki Minaj nemesis caused online backlash after she claimed to have sold 100,000 mixtapes at $10 a pop in one day.
Lil' Kim was mired in a minor controversy this past week when the onetime Notorious B.I.G. protégé claimed on Twitter that her brand-new mixtape, Black Friday, sold more than 100,000 copies in the first 24 hours of release at a clip of $10 apiece. The collection, which dropped on Valentine's Day, features the title track and an accompanying video targeting Kim nemesis Nicki Minaj. And the Brooklyn rapper's Black Friday sales figure would have grossed Kim $1 million, a figure many fans online refuted. Various bloggers disputed the numbers, going as far as to call PayPal (purchases could only be made via the site) after Kim announced she was the highest seller in its history; a PayPal rep told StreetAnthem.com the e-commerce site doesn't track such figures. Curiously, Kim's tweet about her sales feat appear to have been deleted from her page, but a Lil' Kim fan site still has a screen grab of the post. Kim spoke out on the issue on Thursday and admitted she didn't know the current sales figure. The mixtape isn't available at any online retailers or in digital form. "No, I actually don't know right now," she told Rap-Up.com about her mixtape sales. "I have a team that kinda checks up on all that. We'll keep you posted." Kim said the figures could actually be higher than her initial estimate, but rather than celebrate the success of her mixtape — which unlike typically free mixtapes must be purchased and then shipped in CD format — she fired back at her naysayers who suggested she was practicing fuzzy math. "At the end of the day, you're always going to have your haters," she said. "We need the haters. There was actually a representative at PayPal who basically didn't really confirm or deny it, but also [said] that they're very happy and proud of the success of Lil' Kim. I think numbers in other areas speak for themselves. I mean, why aren't they questioning the 'Black Friday' [video] being at 2.5 [million views] in less than 18 hours? Why aren't they questioning that? What's the difference? How can you add up one thing and not the other? I just feel like people pick and choose the area that they want to attack." Do you plan to purchase Lil' Kim's Black Friday mixtape? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists |
| Kim Sozzi Ready To Release Self-Titled Second Album Posted: 18 Feb 2011 01:46 AM PST Dance hitmaker calls 'Little Bird' Annie Lennox cover 'a standout track.'
She's an original Jersey Shore girl. She didn't need to GTL or puff-her-poof before taking the stage at the legendary D'Jais nightclub in Belmar, New Jersey. All she needed was great music and her loyal fans. Kim Sozzi has always seemed to have a knack for that true Jersey Shore vibe. Growing up in Long Island, New York, and getting her start in the club scene, Sozzi is one of dance music's most-iconic vocalists. Through various projects, labels and collaborations, she has maintained her position as one of underground dance music's most-sought-after hitmakers, and after two years, is set to release her second studio album, the self-titled Kim Sozzi. While no official release date has been set, Sozzi assured MTV News that the album is complete and ready to go.
"It's totally different from my dance [music] and my previous singles," Sozzi said. "I wanted to do something a little more mainstream. Hopefully my dance fans are going to follow me over, but if not, I have plenty of classic Kim Sozzi songs on the album." After releasing "Rated R," the album's first single, back in December, Sozzi is gearing up to release the second track, "Little Bird," a cover of the Annie Lennox classic. "I love, love, love this record. It came out great," Sozzi gushed. "The guys from Beatport actually did the production. They did a killer job. This is definitely going to be a standout track on the album ... It's totally a song for the fans." Produced by former Beatport staffers Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo, known as Manufactured Superstars, "Little Bird" shows Sozzi at her best. With her distinctly sexy swagger and stunningly soulful vocal prowess accompanied by clean and crisp production from the Denver duo, this little birdie seems geared to fly up the charts. Sozzi has been a magnet for producers since she burst onto the scene back in 2001 with the epic Sound Factory NYC anthem "Feelin' Me," produced by Hex Hector and Jonathan Peters. She was launched almost instantly on a path to chart success, becoming a go-to for dance producers and topping the Billboard dance chart several times. In 2004, she joined the production quintet Mynt, which pumped out classic dance smashes such as "How Did You Know?" "Stay" and "Still Not Sorry." To the dismay of their fans, the group split up in 2006 amid what many speculated were creative differences. "It's tough because when you're working with producers, it's a double-edged sword," Sozzi explained. "It's great because you have these built-in people working around the clock and playing and producing, but then you also have everyone wanting to be the star, so it's definitely a bit tricky. "But luckily, since parting ways, we are all friends again, which is nice, but I always wanted to be a solo artist, so I'm happy we did it amicably. It sounds like a divorce, but it kind of was." Rich "DJ Riddler" Pangilinan, a well-known DJ/producer and former Mynt member, shared a similar sentiment regarding the split, saying he's also glad the past is behind them. "It's no secret that there were some differences in opinions on that project and some feelings were hurt on both sides," he said. "It took some time to mend those fences, however, we were friends before that project, and we stayed friends after. "If there was one thing that I regret about that project it is that we never really got to do another album. I think that with what we both know now, we could come up with something very special." Whether or not a Mynt reunion would ever be in the cards, Sozzi is keeping her eyes and ears open, always seeking to make moves and pair up with the hottest names in dance music. "I would love to work with deadmau5, David Guetta. I'm a big fan of Kaskade; I've been trying actually to get Ryan to work on one of my tracks. There's so many great people doing great music and great tracks that I would like to work with." Are you awaiting the release of Kim Sozzi's next album? Tell us below! |
| Liam Neeson's 'Unknown': The Reviews Are In! Posted: 18 Feb 2011 01:11 AM PST Critics give high marks to Neeson, but are divided on neo-Hitchcockian thriller.
With apologies to the groundhog, Liam Neeson is quickly becoming February's biggest star. Two years after the action-thriller "Taken" made him perhaps Hollywood's unlikeliest action star, the Oscar-nominated man who played Oskar Schindler is back to kick butt and take names in "Unknown," a neo-Hitchcockian thriller about a man who awakens after a car accident to discover the life he thought he had has been taken away, possibly just an after-effect of amnesia. Is the movie itself worth forgetting? Here's what the critics are saying: The Twist Will the Real Mr. Neeson Please Stand Up? "Casting is crucial to a movie. The right lead changes every other aspect of the film, impacting the tone and the way scenes play. The wrong lead will suck the energy out of a movie, leaving what could have been a delight leaden and dull. Liam Neeson is the wrong lead for 'Unknown.' What's worse, he doesn't seem to care; bringing one boring level of gruff intensity to every scene, Neeson is unmodulated and uninterested in creating anything subtle. Which sounds weird when talking about a big, ultimately dumb movie like 'Unknown,' but if Jaume Collet-Serra's last film, the incredible 'The Orphan,' proves one thing it's that his special brand of lunacy needs strong, subtle actors to play it." — Devin Faraci, Badass Digest The Supporting Players The Final Word Check out everything we've got on "Unknown." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Is Fastest-Selling Single In iTunes History Posted: 17 Feb 2011 10:00 PM PST Song has sold more than 1 million downloads in five days.
Lady Gaga is starting to make this look too easy. Every time Mother Monster releases a new single or video, she smashes some kind of previous record. Apple's iTunes announced on Friday (February 18) that Gaga's "Born This Way" is now officially the fastest-selling single in the history of the iTunes store. And while Apple has historically declined to give out any sales figures for iTunes, it broke with protocol in a statement announcing the record, saying that "Born This Way" has hit #1 in all 23 countries with iTunes stories and sold more than 1 million tracks in just five days. The feat tops a stellar week for Gaga, which included the single shooting straight to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while becoming the 1,000th song to lead the list in its 52 year history. "It is a tremendous honor," Gaga told the magazine about reaching the chart milestone. "To be the 1000th no. 1 on Billboard ... I would be silly not to say this is the greatest honor of my career. ... I am so humbled and so honored and overwhelmed by the reception to 'Born This Way.' [It] has been so life-changing for me as an artist, and between Billboard and the international number ones and the radio numbers. ... I couldn't be more blessed to have the fans that I have." The first single from Gaga's upcoming album of the same name, due out on May 23, has also opened in a major way at radio, rushing onto the Billboard Radio Songs airplay chart at #6 with a first week audience of more than 78 million, giving Gaga the highest opening for a song since the chart began incorporating all radio formats in 1998. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Paramore Plan To Release New Music This Summer Posted: 17 Feb 2011 11:11 PM PST Hayley Williams says band will hit the studio after wrapping South American tour in March.
Paramore just launched their much-discussed run of South American shows (their first gigs since the departure of Josh and Zac Farro in December) and now, it seems they're getting to something else they spent a whole lot of time talking about since the Farros split: making new music. In a new interview with AOL Music, frontwoman Hayley Williams said she and her remaining Paramore mates were already making studio plans and are "hoping to record a batch of songs to release over the summer." That announcement echoed sentiments she expressed to MTV News in December, when Williams made it clear that not only were they already writing new tunes, but that they would "definitely" be releasing some of them in 2011. And the last time we checked, "the summer" was definitely part of 2011. Williams also identified one track, "In the Mourning" — a demo of which she posted on her blog in January — as a song Paramore are focused on finishing and releasing, plus a handful of other new tracks too. Those songs would precede a brand-new album, which the band is also making plans to begin work on. "We definitely do want to release ['In the Mourning']," she said, "And some other ones before we put out a record." Paramore wrap their run of shows — which feature guitarist Taylor York's brother Justin and drummer-to-the-stars Josh Freese filling in for the Farros — in early March, but there's no word on where (or when) they plan on to record the new songs, or how they'll release them. A spokesperson for the band's labels, Atlantic/ Fueled By Ramen, could not be reached for comment about Paramore's plans by press time. Are you excited to hear new music from Paramore this summer? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Arcade Fire's Album Of The Year Grammy Stuns Publicist Posted: 17 Feb 2011 11:31 PM PST Merge Records' Christina Rentz recalls her awards-show experience.
As the week draws to a close, many still can't believe Arcade Fire managed to trump Eminem and Lady Gaga to win Album of the Year at Sunday's Grammy Awards. And if you're one of those who are still coming to grips with the upset, well, you're not alone. Turns out, even the band's publicist can't believe it. In fact, on Grammy night, she had made peace with the fact that Arcade Fire seemed destined to go home empty-handed. In a new Billboard.biz story, Merge Records' publicist Christina Rentz writes that, after watching her band go 0-for-2 during the Grammys' pre-telecast awards (they lost both Best Alternative Album and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals to the Black Keys), she was resigned to the belief that the band would lose Album of the Year, too. In fact, she thought Eminem had it sewn up. "The production value was amazing, and it was incredibly exciting to be in the room. When Eminem came onstage and blew the roof off the place, I thought we were sunk for sure," Rentz wrote. "But Jamie [Beck, Merge's retail director] had been saying all weekend that we were going to win. She gave me very good reasons why, but I still didn't think it was possible. As the night wore on, she persisted in her certainty, but it wasn't until Eminem won Best Rap Album that I felt the familiar sweaty palms again." When Album of the Year was announced, her feelings of nervousness quickly changed to jubilation — much to the consternation of those seated around her. "Barbra [Streisand] announced the Album of the Year: 'And the Grammy goes to ... The S-S-S-S-Suburbs? We began screaming and jumping as our section emptied out with people muttering under their breath, 'Who is Arcade Fire?' " she wrote. "The band accepted the award then immediately set up for their second song, with Win [Butler, the band's lead vocalist and songwriter] putting his Grammy on top of an amp so he could pick up his guitar ... my favorite moment of the evening! "They could not stop smiling and neither could we. Together, we had accomplished something pretty incredible and hopefully inspired musicians everywhere not to compromise when it is important." And afterwards, having bested Eminem for the night's biggest award, Rentz and Beck did what any newly minted Grammy winner would do: They partied hard. In their own way, of course. "We then phoned our label manager Stacy 'Spott' Philpott and said, 'Holy crap, what do we do now?' " she wrote. "I still don't fully know the answer, but at the time, it seemed like the best thing we could do was to get in our red Mustang, throw the top down, drive to the after-party to hug our friends in Arcade Fire, high-five their manager Scott Rodger and then get back to work on Tuesday, the release date for two new albums from Telekinesis and East River Pipe." Were you surprised by Arcade Fire's win? Tell us in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Britney Spears' <i>Femme Fatale</i> Is Her <i>Ray Of Light,</i> Manager Says Posted: 18 Feb 2011 08:55 AM PST 'It's somewhat of a departure from what she's done,' Larry Rudolph says, comparing the album to Madonna's 1998 work.
On Thursday, "Jersey Shore" star DJ Pauly D told us that Britney Spears' next album, Femme Fatale, is full of "club bangers." Her manager, Larry Rudolph, gave us even more specifics about the album when we spoke to him.
"In my opinion, this is her strongest album ever. It's somewhat of a departure from what she's done. It's more mature," he told MTV News about the March 29 release. "It's more of a dance record and this really is — and I was talking a lot about [director] Jonas [Åkerlund] and coming to Jonas because of 'Ray of Light' — and this really is Britney's Ray of Light album." Åkerlund and Madonna famously reinvented the pop star into an earthly disco queen for her "Ray of Light" video in 1998. The Ray of Light album spawned a number of songs that were dance-floor hits as well as introspective. Madge worked on the album with Patrick Leonard and William Orbit. The album was recorded shortly after her daughter Lourdes was born, and while the lyrics are reflective, the sounds are electronic based. While he didn't go into specifics, Rudolph did explain that the vibe of this first single and video may be a sign of what's to come on the album. "I feel like Jonas is a really good fit for her. They worked so well together so I gotta believe that they'll work again on this album project," he said. "I'm hoping that that happens and we do see more of that." For Britney, working with Åkerlund was a passion project that, according to Rudolph, turned out to be an incredibly creative collaboration. "She's always been a huge fan of his and his name has always come up. And there's always been something that stopped us from doing it, whether it be his availability or her timing, but we were really determined to make it happen this time," he said of hooking up with Åkerlund for the video. "He immediately had 20 different ideas and they got together and they talked about it and it took on a life of its own. We're really excited about it. In my opinion it's one of the top two or three videos of all time. It's a total departure for her. It's more mature. [There are] interesting things going on there that you have to dig deep to see." Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Eminem Shoots 'Space Bound' Video With Porn Star Sasha Grey Posted: 17 Feb 2011 10:23 PM PST Em's upcoming Joseph Kahn-directed clip will feature the adult actress/ 'Entourage' star as the rapper's love interest.
Eminem is no Vincent Chase, but the rapper — sans entourage, save for a security team — recently shot a video for "Space Bound" that co-stars porn actress-turned-thespian Sasha Grey. The latest clip for a track from the Detroit MC's Grammy-winning comeback album, Recovery, was directed by Joseph Kahn and was shot over three days in Los Angeles. Photos from Eminem's "Space Bound" video shoot. "Space Bound" follows the Kahn-helmed "Love the Way You Lie" video, and like that Rihanna-assisted visual, this one also features an intense love story line. Em and Grey — who appeared on HBO's "Entourage" last season as the love interest of lead character Chase (portrayed by Adrian Grenier) — play a pair of star-crossed lovers, which relates to the lyrics of the Jim Jonsin-produced song. "We touch, I feel a rush," Em raps on the track. "We clutch, it isn't much/ But it's enough to make me wonder what's in store for us/ It's lust/ It's torturous/ You must be a sorceress/ 'Cause you just did the impossible/ Gained my trust/ Don't play games, it'll be dangerous/ If you f--- me over/ 'Cause if I get burnt/ I'ma show ya what it's like to hurt/ 'Cause I've been treated like dirt before ya/ And love is 'evol,' spell it backwards, I'll show ya." Jonsin, who also has produced songs by Beyoncé, Lil Wayne and others, said his collaboration with Eminem was unlike any of the Detroit MC's previous tracks. "We touched on something that I haven't done anything like that before," Jonsin told MTV News last year. "It's unique in a way for myself. It's a place I've been wanting to go, and I'm so happy he allowed it to go down. He played a huge part in the record. Without him on it, it's not the same. I don't wanna give up too much about what it is and what direction." The video is the fourth overall clip from Recovery, following "Not Afraid," "Love the Way You Lie" and "No Love." As of press time, no date has been set for the premiere of "Space Bound." What do you think about Eminem starring alongside Sasha Grey in his upcoming "Space Bound" video? Tell us in the comments." Related Photos Related Artists |
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