Kamis, 24 Februari 2011

MTV News

MTV News

Lady Gaga Trivia: Are You An Expert, Little Monster?

Posted: 24 Feb 2011 03:52 AM PST

MTV News quizzes Monster Ball Tour fans. How much do you know?
By MTV News staff


Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2011
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Lady Gaga's Little Monsters are certainly loyal to their Mother Monster, arriving to her shows in creative Gaga garb, singing along to every word and even crediting the pop sensation for helping them become comfortable with who they are, thanks to her feel-good messages. When MTV News caught up with some of Gaga's biggest fans at stops on the latest leg of her Monster Ball Tour, we quizzed them to find out just how much they know about the New York native.

Question: Which "True Blood" star appeared in Gaga's "Paparazzi" music video?
Answer: Alexander Skarsgard
Fans who got it right: 3 out of 5

Question: What was the first song Lady Gaga performed during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards?
Answer: "Poker Face"
Fans who got it right: 1 out of 9

Question: Is Lady Gaga left- or right-handed?
Answer: Left
Fans who got it right: 5 out of 10

Question: On which two MTV shows did Gaga appear (as Stefani Germanotta or Lady Gaga) before her big break?
Answer: "Boiling Points" and "The Hills"
Fans who got it right: 3 out of 7

Question: Which pop singer recorded a demo for "Telephone" but didn't end up using it?
Answer: Britney Spears
Fans who got it right: 2 out of 6

Question: Name all of the people Gaga mentions in her song "Dance in the Dark."
Answer: Judy Garland, Liberace, Jesus, Stanley Kubrick, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, JonBenét Ramsey, Sylvia Plath
Fans who got it right: 6 out of 6

How did you do? Share your results below!

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'American Idol' Reveals First Batch Of Top 24

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 07:51 AM PST

There were plenty of tears — mostly from Jennifer Lopez — as early faves like Chris Medina failed to make the cut.
By James Montgomery


Contestants perform Beatles songs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: FOX

In its 10th season, "American Idol" has already gone coast-to-coast (and, uh, Milwaukee), in search of the next pop superstar. So when it came time to whittle their list of hopefuls down to the top 24, a few additional miles probably weren't going to hurt anyone.

On Wednesday night's (February 23) show, "Idol" trekked from Hollywood to Las Vegas — where the 61 remaining contestants were hacked down to just 40 — and then back to the show's hometown of Los Angeles, where, at long last, the voyage came to a close with the unveiling of the 24 singers who will compete for this season's crown ... or, at least, that's what we were told.

But before we got to the cliffhanger climax, we had to make the trip from Hollywood to Las Vegas. The action on Wednesday's episode began immediately following the oft-treacherous Hollywood Week, which meant that those who had survived didn't have long to celebrate. Rather, they boarded buses and headed down to the Mirage Resort and Casino in Vegas, where they performed songs from the Beatles' legendary catalog.

And the results of those performances were mixed. Singing in pairs and trios, some "Idol" frontrunners kept up the pace — Jacob Lusk, Haley Reinhart and Naima Adedapo thrilled on "The Long and Winding Road"; Tim Halperin and Julie Zorilla turned in a sweet version of "Something"; and Paul McDonald and Kendra Chantelle wowed the judges with their soulful take on "Blackbird" ("So beautiful ... I really loved it," Jennifer Lopez raved) — while others fell off.

Those in the latter category included the trio of TaTynisa Wilson, Jerome Bell and Lakeisha Lewis, who puzzled the judges with their version of "I Saw Her Standing There," and (most notably) the duo of hotly-tipped teens Melinda Ademi and Thia Megia, who failed to wow with "Here Comes the Sun."

Others who stumbled in Vegas included the trio of Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery and Denise Jackson, who fumbled through "Hello, Goodbye" (first before a cadre of producers that included Interscope honcho Jimmy Iovine, Alex Da Kid and Jim Jonsin, and then on the Mirage stage), and quirky Ashley Sullivan, who decided to get hitched at Vegas' iconic Little White Chapel before her performance, and then whiffed on "We Can Work It Out."

At the end of the two-day Vegas performances, most of those who stumbled were sent packing — not to mention memorable contestants like White House intern Molly DeWolf Swensen, goofy Carson Higgins and rocker dude Caleb Hawley — as the "Idol" judges cut the remaining 60 down to 40 ... and then put them back on the bus for Los Angeles, where the Top 24 was revealed in dramatic fashion.

Or, part of it was anyway.

Because though "Idol" producers had spent most of the two-hour episode touting that big reveal, in the end, we only learned the identities of a handful of the 24 finalists: Adedapo, Reinhart and McDonald plus Clint Jun Gamboa and Ashthon Jones. And while that swerve was somewhat shocking, it was the news of who didn't make the final cut that really caused jaws to drop.

Namely, breakout star Chris Medina, who won over viewers — and the "Idol" judges — with his dedication to his fiancée (who was seriously injured in a car accident. And when Lopez broke the news that his "Idol" journey was over— "It honestly breaks my heart to say this," Lopez said — she broke down and needed to be consoled by her fellow judges.

And with that (and Lopez's sobbed admission that she didn't know if she could continue on as a judge), Wednesday night's episode came to a dramatic close. The remainder of the Top 24 will be revealed on Thursday ... and who knows what will happen then.

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Justin Bieber's Haircut: Fans Weigh In!

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:03 AM PST

While many Beliebers are gushing over his 'sexy,' 'older' cut, others tell MTV News they miss his signature 'swoop.'
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber
Photo: George Pimentel/ WireImage

This week Justin Bieber made headlines thanks to a new haircut. The Biebs had his famous swooping bangs cut into a shorter, cropped look, and he told talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres he doesn't "really care" what people have to say about his 'do.

But his fans have been weighing in on the new hairstyle anyway, and many of them approve of the haircut.

"I really like it and it actually makes him look older!!!! And for all u down there hating on Bieber well if it was Angelina Jolie I'm sure you'd have something to say so don't hate 'cause he's sexy and he ain't even legal yet," Amanda wrote on MTV.com.

Lilia added, "AAh, he looks better with the new hair! Suits him!"

Beliebers have been debating the star's latest look since he debuted it earlier this week. Coote noted on our site that Bieber is much more than a head of hair. "I think he [looks] sexy ... i don't love him for his hair... i love him because he is sweet, cute and perfect," Coote wrote.

MTV News also took to the streets of New York City to see whether people preferred the "Never Say Never" star's old look or the new one.

"I like it, I think it looks good on him," Catherine said of Bieber's longtime haircut. She added about the brand-new cut: "I like it better than the other one, but I think that a lot of his fans liked the [old] one. ... Everyone loves him for his hair and now he doesn't have it anymore."

Meanwhile, Tiffany loved the original but was blown away by the new version. "I think it's very Bieberish, I like that long swoop. It definitely works for him," Tiffany said before we showed her the updated look. "Oh my god! It's such a transformation! I just love it! He looks so much older!"

"It's just beautiful," Christina explained of the old 'do. "I liked him with his longer hair better. That's just who he was discovered as."

"He looks a little geeky," Sofia said of his famous original hairdo. "It's much better," she said of the cropped cut. "He doesn't look like my brother anymore. He looks five years older. He's so cute."

Which do you prefer: Bieber's long locks or his cropped cut? Tell us in the comments!

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Lady Gaga's Fans Call Her A 'Source Of Inspiration'

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 08:17 AM PST

Little monsters gush about pop star outside Madison Square Garden.
By MTV News Staff


Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on Monday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

On Tuesday night, Lady Gaga's little monsters filed into Madison Square Garden for her second of two nights at the storied New York venue. Her fans talked to MTV News about the impact Mother Monster has had on their lives, and many said she gives them the courage to be who they truly are.

"I think that Lady Gaga, for me, has given me a new source of inspiration. And she's so creative ... you have to have some sort of reaction to that," Frank said outside MSG. "And, for me, it's a positive one."

Donning an outrageous outfit, little monster Ricky joked that Gaga has recently done two things for him: "She made us broke, and she reminds us to be ourselves."

Kevin explained that in a world as vapid as pop can be, Gaga serves as a reminder that true art can be created. "As a music fan, I think it's fantastic that we finally have someone else now to be, like, all about a great message and great music," he said. "She writes her own music, which you don't get anymore."

"Lady Gaga's fantastic," Michael chimed in. "Again, as an artist, she's really proven that you can be who you want to be and do what you wanna do and really succeed with it."

Gaga's connection to her art is what seems to really stick with some fans. "I think Lady Gaga has affected everyone personally," Garrett explained, "because I think she's shown the whole artistry of it and making pop culture and art one and one again."

In between all the chatter about her devotion to her music and her craft, one fan noted that Lady Gaga just makes it fine to wear wacky wigs. "She totally made me buy this yellow wig," Gabriella said. "Without her, I never would have bought it. I'm not even lying."

Has Lady Gaga affected your life? Tell us how in the comments section below!

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Oscar Preview: Will Natalie Portman Fly High? Can Colin Firth Be Stopped?

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 05:44 AM PST

Annette Bening might pose a threat to the 'Black Swan' star, but Firth seems to be on a one-way track to Oscar glory.
By Eric Ditzian


Natalie Portman in "Black Swan"
Photo: Fox Searchlight

Last year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences coalesced around two ideas in the lead acting categories: for Best Actor, it was time to anoint a man whose time had come; for Best Actress, a populist favorite deserved the career thumbs-up that only a small golden statue can deliver.

And so five-time nominee Jeff Bridges finally triumphed for his unfettered turn in "Crazy Heart" and Sandra Bullock, long an American sweetheart but hardly an enduring critical fave, took home the win for her uplifting and cheesiness-eluding performance in "The Blind Side." Oscar, of course, is as fickle a gentleman as you'll find in Hollywood.

So this year, we find in Annette Bening ("The Kids Are All Right") a four-time nominee who's never managed to create a voting-community consensus that, shoot, this is my year, dammit! Thus, she finds herself trailing Natalie Portman ("The Black Swan") for Best Actress, though the winner in that category is hardly clear-cut at this point. The same cannot be said for Best Actor, in which Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") staked out an early lead that he hasn't relinquished all awards season.

As MTV News continues its week-long Oscar preview -- ahead of the big show Sunday, February 27, when MTV News will be live-streaming from the red carpet at 6 p.m. ET -- let's take a closer look at the two lead acting categories.

Best Actress
It's not Bening's fault. No one can take away anything from what she accomplished onscreen in a warts-and-all portrait of a lesbian couple struggling to keep their family together; 2011 just isn't her year. But hey, Al Pacino lost six times -- including for the first two "Godfather" films and "Dog Day Afternoon" -- before nabbing Oscar glory for "Scent of a Woman." Bening will eventually get her Academy win.

The trouble for the 52-year-old actress is that she's facing off against Portman, who trained as a ballerina for 10 months, displayed a ripped physique onscreen and delivered a gutting portrayal of one woman's psychological disintegration in "Black Swan." It's a far showier performance than Bening's, and the fact of the matter is that subtlety doesn't often pay off when it comes to awards.

That's not to say it never does, and several influential Oscar prognosticators are picking Bening to pull off one of the evening's biggest upsets. Either woman would be deserving. And don't even get us started about why Michelle Williams isn't at least in the running after a "Blue Valentine" performance so depressingly unnerving she should be standing outside theaters giving out free hugs. That's just not the way the world works, and we're going to go ahead and say a very pregnant Natalie Portman will be up onstage Sunday accepting the Best Actress win.

Best Actor
Bridges is back again, and you could even say his "True Grit" performance is finer and tighter than his turn in "Crazy Heart." But Tom Hanks, he ain't (Hanks is one of only two actors to take the category in consecutive years, following wins for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump"), especially not in a year when Firth learned to stutter and went on to dominate awards season.

Seriously, the guy has barely lost even an obscure critics association award, winning at the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards and, oh, six dozen other ceremonies. Like Portman's performance, Firth as the eventual King George VI is a flashier performance than any other in the category, save perhaps for James Franco's (who, hey, didn't actually lop off his arm for "127 Hours" and nixed any miniscule chance he had at an upset when he accepted a job as Oscar co-host).

While we welcome Jesse Eisenberg to the ranks of the critically lauded -- he's been on our radar since a pitch-perfect debut as an anxious teen in 2002's "Roger Dodger" -- the 27-year-old actor never really had a shot to unseat Firth once the Brit's awards-season supremacy became clear early on. What's more, "The Social Network" peaked too early and now doesn't have the momentum to pick up Eisenberg's turn as Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and carry it toward victory.

Best Actor, then, is an easy pick -- perhaps the easiest of the major categories. Say hello to Colin Firth, your Best Actor in these 83rd Academy Awards.

Will it be a regal evening for "The King's Speech"? Can "The Social Network" dial up Oscar gold? Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 27, when we'll be chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet on MTVNews.com, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!

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Paul McDonald Brings Nashville Cool To 'American Idol'

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 08:06 AM PST

Scruffy top 24 semi-finalist wowed judges and became a Twitter trending topic after Wednesday's Las Vegas episode.
By Adam Graham


Paul McDonald performs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: FOX

The coolest contestant of season 10's "American Idol" has stepped out in the form of Paul McDonald.

The 25-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, was voted through to the "Idol" top 24 on Wednesday's (February 23) episode, and his laid-back, easygoing style makes him an early standout among the semi-finalists.

The scruffy-bearded McDonald, who auditioned for "Idol" in his hometown of Nashville, was first seen on Wednesday singing the Beatles' "Blackbird" during the Las Vegas round with his duet partner Kendra Chantelle. McDonald's smooth vocals — which have sort of a Jason Mraz-meets-Mike Posner quality — caused judge Steven Tyler to exclaim, "Yeah! I love his voice," mid-song, while Jennifer Lopez turned to Tyler to show him the goose bumps on her arm. Lopez later praised McDonald's "soft, beautiful tone," saying it "cut right through" and made him stand out.

His voice wasn't the only thing that made McDonald stand out. For his final audition, McDonald sported a white Nudie Suit, complete with embroidered roses and that looked like something out of Jeff Tweedy's closet. Not only that, but he chose to forgo popular logic and sang an original song for his final shot in front of the judges instead of a cover. The guy couldn't blend into the background if he tried.

"I've gotten this far based on, you know, just doin' my thing, and if it's meant to be, it's meant to be," McDonald said in voiceover. It was meant to be: In his final sit-down with the judges, they praised his unique qualities and said while they're not quite sure where he'll land in the competition, it will be those same attributes that could potentially take him far. "We're gonna bank on that and put you through," Lopez told him.

McDonald took the news in stride; raising his arms in victory, he let out a hearty laugh before thanking the judges. And while he said he's spent the last few weeks "relaxin,' hangin' out," now, he admitted he's got some work ahead of him. "I gotta learn some songs!" he said.

While he works on those new songs, his fanbase is already starting to grow. By the end of Wednesday's episode, McDonald was a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, and he already had at least one former "Idol" contestant in his corner. "Paul McDonald is the man," "Idol" season-eight finalist Matt Giraud tweeted. "Really impressed me."

What did you think of Paul McDonald? 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.

Jennifer Lopez To Debut 'On The Floor' Video On 'American Idol'

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 07:58 AM PST

Newbie 'Idol' judge will premiere clip for her club jam during March 3 broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
By James Dinh


Jennifer Lopez on the set of her "On the Floor" music video
Photo: MTV News

As the 10th season of "American Idol" continues, Jennifer Lopez is using her new seat at the judges' table as a platform to help launch her musical comeback.

It was announced on Wednesday (February 23) that the triple-threat entertainer will premiere the video for her single "On the Floor" during the Thursday, March 3 "Idol" broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The RedOne-produced dance track, which features Pitbull, was released on iTunes worldwide on Monday and has already had an impressive impact. According to a press release, less than 24 hours after its release, "On The Floor" has surged to #3 on the U.S. iTunes digital chart and is at #1 on the chart in Spain, France, Sweden, Australia, Finland, Greece, Austria and Belgium.

MTV News recently visited Lopez on the set of her Taj Stansberry-directed clip, where the pop star dished a few details about the video.

"I play one character where she kind of runs this party, acts like she's kind of over it, but at the same time loves it and loves this kind of underground kind of party dance culture," she explained. "So I got to be wild and crazy, and at the same time I got to be sexy and sweet too."

"On the Floor" is the lead single from J.Lo's upcoming album, Love? The "Idol" judge also spoke about her connection to the song and admitted she made RedOne replay the club jam several times after her first listen.

"Because I really feel like, emotionally, I connected to it, but also because of how much I love to dance and how much that's always been such a big part of who I am since I started," the songstress explained of why she fell for the song. "Since I was a little girl, I just totally connected with the idea of getting out there."

Are you excited for J. Lo's "On the Floor" video? Tell us in the comments below!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Lindsay Lohan 'Will Be Going To Jail' If She Accepts Plea Deal

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 10:40 PM PST

Judge tells Lohan if she pleads guilty to theft charge, she will serve time for probation violation.
By James Montgomery


Lindsay Lohan (file)
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images

Lindsay Lohan arrived at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday morning (February 23) facing the possibility of jail time, after being offered a plea deal related to her alleged theft of a $2,500 necklace on January 22. She left without accepting the deal, and with the prospect of jail still very much in the cards.

Lohan, who wore a low-cut black top to the proceedings, was told by Judge Keith Schwartz that if she does accept Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers' offer to settle the case, she "will be going to jail." According to TMZ, the deal is for six months of jail time.

Schwartz — who would handle sentencing if she accepts the plea — let it be known that he wouldn't allow her celebrity to affect his decision, telling her, bluntly, "I don't care that you're Lindsay Lohan.

"One of the things about me is that I treat everybody the same," Schwartz continued. "What I look to in sentencing is, 'What is the prior record?' In this particular case, there has been so much speculation in the press [that] I'm just going to tell you a couple of things: If you plead in front of me, you are going to jail. There might be an issue about the amount of time, but if the case settles here, you will be going to jail."

Schwartz said that if Lohan accepts the DA's deal — thereby pleading guilty to felony grand theft — she would be found in violation of her probation and would serve time. He also recommended a psychological evaluation of Lohan to help him determine an appropriate sentence.

After posting bail on the felony charge, Lohan took to Twitter to proclaim her innocence, and, with attorney Shawn Holley at her side, she maintained that tact on Wednesday. All indications are she plans to stand trial on the charge and, if found guilty, could face up to one year in state prison.

Lohan is due back in court on March 10. But before then, Schwartz instructed both attorneys to meet and discuss the possibility of accepting the plea.

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Emma Roberts, Dave Franco Get Cozy In Cults' 'Go Outside' Supervideo

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 06:24 AM PST

'We have to make out in the video -- a lot,' Roberts tells MTV News on the set.
By Matt Elias


Dave Franco and Emma Roberts in the Cults' "Go Outside" supervideo
Photo: MTV

On Tuesday, a supervideo for Cults' "Go Outside" starring Dave Franco and Emma Roberts debuted on MTV.com.

In the video, Franco plays a character obsessed with 1960s Jean-Luc Godard films. His obsession comes to life when French sex symbol Brigitte Bardot (played by Roberts) steps out of his favorite Godard flick, "Contempt," and into his living room. The two embark on a nightlong romantic escapade throughout Los Angeles, and providing the soundtrack is the dreamy "Go Outside" by New York duo Cults.

The supervideo is actually the second effort in a partnership between MTV and Mean magazine. The first video brought Anna Kendrick and director David Ayer together for LCD Soundsystem's "Pow Pow."

MTV News caught up with Franco and Roberts on the set, where they talked about what it meant to film the video.

"I love Brigitte Bardot," Roberts said. "I've always been drawn to her style, and I just think there's something so timeless about her that she's still such an icon today. And I just thought it'd be fun to get to kind of do a little mini-film to music, and I love the concept and I was excited Davie was a part of it and it's just been really fun."

Of course channeling the iconic bombshell meant going blond for Roberts, which she loved: "I feel like a Barbie doll. I think it's cool."

And a major part of the Bardot persona meant another thing. "We have to make out in the video -- a lot," Roberts added.

While the treatment meant that the two would be getting very intimate, luckily for Franco, he wasn't going in blind.

"We knew each other a little bit before the video," Franco said. "Which is great for this kind of project, where you can kind of jump into it and just have fun with it, rather than trying to get comfortable with each other and literally within 10 minutes of meeting each other, your tongues are in each other's mouths."

From the looks of the video, they got to know each other a lot better by the end.

What did you think of the supervideo? Let us know in the comments!

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Jay-Z, LeBron James Talk Two Kings Charity, Doing 'Good All Over'

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 04:00 AM PST

Rap Mogul and Miami Heat star tell MTV News why they teamed up with Mr. Cartoon to give back to L.A.-area Boys & Girls Club.
By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Rahman Dukes


Jay-Z and LeBron James
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage

Jay-Z and LeBron James don't just want to hold a can of soda and smile for the cameras. The two men prefer to be hands-on when it comes to giving back to the community. So during NBA All-Star weekend festivities this past Saturday, Hov and King James personally greeted children at the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles and unveiled a newly renovated gymnasium at their facility.

For the third year in a row, Jay-Z and LeBron's Two Kings charity teamed up with Sprite to promote a worthy cause at All-Star Weekend. MTV News spoke to James and Jay about their participation.

"If you stay focused and you follow your dream, stay in school, you can be ... well, you might not be this tall," Jay told the club members, gesturing at James as wife Beyoncé looked on. "But you can definitely make it in life."

Although the duo are longtime friends, they're also technically rivals of sorts. James, of course, now plays for the Miami Heat, while Jay is a minority owner of the New Jersey Nets. Nevertheless, the pair are close and have used their popularity for philanthropic purposes.

"You've seen LeBron James on TV," Jay-Z told MTV News of why someone like the Heat star is an effective role model. "Just that thing that's tangible, that they can touch him and shake his hand and know that this is a young man who comes from the same areas as they do, and look where he's made it to. So it makes it real."

James, who was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, echoed the Brooklyn-born MC's sentiments.

"Could you imagine if Michael Jordan showed up to your community?" James said. "Or whoever that you just dreamed and loved and watched every day on TV and you thought that was superhuman, just showed up to a community [center]? That one moment right there could be the difference between you making a left or making a right."

In addition to making renovations to the Boys & Girls Club gym, Jay and LeBron also unveiled a mural by famed graffiti artist and designer Mr. Cartoon, who was also present at the event.

"Whenever I'm doing a big mural like this, I gotta think about, 'It's there for the youngsters, it's there for the kids, but I want it to be on a hard-core graffiti website," the Los Angeles native told us. "I want to motivate and inspire the youngsters. I want kids to look at it like, 'Man, I want to do that!' "

According to Jay-Z, actively participating in events like these, as opposed to just posing for pictures, is essential.

"We wanted to just have a further dialogue with the people we were doing business with," Jay explained. "To let them know we weren't just paid endorsers and gonna sit there and just be smiling with a can in our hand or something. We wanted to take this [business] relationship and do some good. Take all these people, put them in a room, take their power and influence, and use them. But use them in a good way. Use them to affect good all over."

That same evening, the Two Kings charity held its fifth annual dinner, which was sponsored by Microsoft's Bing search engine. Some of the heavyweights in attendance included Ne-Yo, Miami Heat player Chris Bosh, Kanye West, Leonardo DiCaprio and Drake.

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Snoop Dogg And R. Kelly Strive For 'Greatness' On 'Platinum'

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:25 AM PST

'Me and Kells understand who we are and what we do to make each other better,' Snoop tells MTV News.
By D.L. Chandler, with reporting by Rahman Dukes


Snoop Dogg
Photo: MTV News

West Coast icon Snoop Dogg and Chicago R&B veteran R. Kelly teamed up with production whiz kid Lex Luger for the booming track "Platinum." Snoop sat down with MTV News to talk about the track, which will be featured on his 11th studio album, Doggumentary, saying his and R. Kelly's approach to music is what made their partnership a natural and familiar fit.

"I think me and Kells understand who we are and what we do to make each other better," Snoop said. "He has a deep love for music, and sometimes he goes over the head of the people that's listening just like myself, because we're too in-depth with music. We don't just listen to our genre. We find ourselves enjoying all walks of music."

In his 20-year career, Snoop somehow possesses the hunger of a hip-hop up-and-comer. He explained the reason behind that drive and how R. Kelly helped him on this latest journey.

"We wanna be great. We don't wanna make cool records. Because any time I hear R. Kelly, he's great," the cool Californian said. "Whenever he hears Snoop Dogg, I'm great. So why not come together and make some greatness?"

The song, however, almost didn't make the final cut, as Snoop had finished up recording the album. Snoop's friend previewed the Lex Luger track for the rapper, which impressed him enough to jot down a few bars. After sending his sketch to Kelly, the crooner replied with his own rough demo, leading the pair to finally complete the record.

What do you think about the combo of Snoop and Kells? Let us know in the comments!

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Former Jay-Z Protege Tru Life Gets Eight Years In Jail

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:15 AM PST

Rapper pleads guilty to second-degree gang assault in 2009 stabbing death.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Tru Life
Photo: Paul Hawthorne/ Getty Images

Former Jay-Z protégé Tru Life has reached a plea deal with Manhattan prosecutors that will land the rapper in jail for eight years, MTV News has learned.

The New York native was offered a deal last week stemming from a 2009 incident that resulted in the stabbing death of a 20-year-old man, Christopher Guerrero. Tru Life, born Roberto Rosado, and his brother Marcus Rosado were accused of the crime, but the rapper pleaded down to second-degree gang assault, while Marcus pleaded to first-degree manslaughter and will serve 10 years behind bars.

"Robert and Marcus Rosado accepted responsibility today for their role in the tragic incident that occurred in June 2009," the brothers' attorneys, Alan M. Abramson and Joel S. Cohen, told MTV News in a statement. "They wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Guerrero family, and it is their hope that by accepting responsibility they can bring some measure of closure to the family."

The altercation took place June 15, 2009, after Tru Life and Guerrero exited New York nightclub Pacha. Court documents reveal that Guerrero died later as a result of a stabbing, and a second man, who was allegedly involved in the scuffle, was hospitalized for stab wounds.

Tru Life was once slated to be a cornerstone of Jay-Z's then-burgeoning Latin-orientated Roc La Familia, along with Texas rapper Aztec, but the Puerto Rican rapper never released a project under the label.

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Justin Bieber's <i>Never Say Never - The Remixes</i> Tops <i>Billboard</i> Chart

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 08:45 AM PST

In a week that saw plenty of post-Grammy sales bumps, it's Bieber who reigns supreme.
By James Montgomery


Justin Bieber
Photo: Mark Von Holden/ WireImage

In a week in which the post-Grammy sales boom finally took hold, sending several long-dormant albums rocketing back up the charts, it was the kid who got shut out at the big show who ended up topping the charts.

Justin Bieber's Never Say Never - The Remixes debuts at #1 on next week's Billboard top 200 albums chart, giving the pop star the second chart-topping bow of his young career. The album sold more than 161,000 copies, easily surpassing Mumford & Sons' breakout Sigh No More, which benefited from the group's Grammy-night performance with Bob Dylan (and the Avett Brothers), selling nearly 133,000 copies — a 169 percent increase in sales from the previous week — to hold steady at #2.

Former chart champ the Now 37 compilation lands at #3, with sales of nearly 95,000 copies, and Lady Antebellum — who not only performed at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, but took home the awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year — posted a 205 percent sales jump, selling more than 85,000 copies to snag the #4 spot.

Grammy winner and performer Bruno Mars' Doo-Wops & Hooligans sold nearly 61,000 copies (a 55 percent burst in sales) to come in at #5, followed by a host of other Grammy beneficiaries: Eminem's Recovery at #6 (nearly 61,000 copies sold), the 2011 Grammy Nominees compilation (#7, nearly 56,000 copies sold), Bieber's My World, 2.0 (#8, more than 54,000 copies), and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday (#9, nearly 46,000 copies). Rihanna's Loud rounds out the top 10, with sales of more than 45,000 copies sold.

That Grammy bump continues outside the top 10 too, starting with Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, which, thanks to her Grammy performance, jumped 30 percent in sales, moving nearly 42,000 units to land at #11. Surprise Album of the Year winners Arcade Fire's The Suburbs posted a 238 percent sales jump to come in at #12, selling more than 40,000 copies ... and moving past the 500,000 mark in total sales as a result.

Other winners and performers who leapt up the charts include Florence and the Machine, whose Lungs moved from #28 to #19; Cee Lo Green's The Lady Killer (from #53 to #22); Lady Gaga's The Fame (from #35 to #23); and the Black Keys' Brothers, which posted a 25 percent sales jump to grab the #24 spot.

Aside from Bieber's Never Say Never, other notable Billboard debuts include Bright Eyes' The People's Key, which opened at #12 with sales of nearly 41,000 copies, Hillsong United's Aftermath (#17, with sales of more than 27,000 copies), Ginuwine's Elgin (#30, with sales of more than 19,000 copies), and PJ Harvey's Let England Shake, which bows at #32 with sales of nearly 18,000.

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Nicki Minaj: My Appeal Lies In Showing It's 'OK To Be Weird'

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 11:09 PM PST

The Young Money MC talks to BlackBook about fame, Lady Gaga and ongoing response to MTV doc 'My Time Now.'
By James Dinh


Nicki Minaj
Photo: MTV

Nicki Minaj is a platinum-selling rapper but she's still adapting so many aspects of fame. The Young Money MC says she's learning that she has to censor herself and that not all of her followers are fans.

"I have to watch my mouth sometimes," she tells BlackBook magazine in a new interview.

"All of those people who follow me on Twitter? They aren't my friends. Some of them are fans, but many of them are people who hate my guts and are just waiting for me to tweet something that they can put on their blogs. It's easy to see 2 million followers and think, 'Look at all these people who love me!' But not all of them love me. Whether I'm smiling or not, I know that people are always waiting for me to slip up."

Last November, MTV premiered Minaj's documentary, "My Time Now," and the 26-year-old raptress tells the magazine she was afraid she'd been "too real" and revealed "too much of the actual person behind Nicki Minaj" during filming.

"Someone once told me, 'People love the façade of pop stars. It's not good to be a real person,' so I lost sleep over it," the rapper says. "But then I met tons of people who said, 'I've became a fan of yours after watching that documentary.' I'm realizing now that I'm never really going to know the rules. I just have to play."

The chart-topping rapper also sees similarities between herself and another breakout artist: Lady Gaga. Nicki tells the magazine that the two are walking similar paths to fame with "the awkward, non-pretty thing."

"What we're saying — what I'm saying, anyway — is that it's OK to be weird. And maybe your weird is my normal. Who's to say? I think it's an attitude we both share," the "Moment 4 Life" MC says.

Do you think Nicki and Gaga have a lot in common? Share your thoughts below!

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Junior Sanchez Cuts Right To The 'Raging' On <i>Seize The Fewcha</i>

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:59 AM PST

'I tend to borrow from a lot of different genres, because my palette is really pretty wide with music,' DJ/producer tells MTV News of mix CD.
By Adam Stewart


Junior Sanchez
Photo: MTV News

Hip-hop heavyweights aren't the only ones making waves with mixtapes these days. Dance music has taken the States by storm, and world-class DJs are having a field day with the seemingly endless supply of fresh beats and distinctly unique sounds.

One of the best in the biz is veteran DJ/producer Junior Sanchez. After the massive success of "Where You Are," his collaboration with Harry "Choo Choo" Romero and Alexander Technique, and the forthcoming release "I Believe In," slated for Miami in March (both released on Steve Angello's Size Records), Sanchez has positioned himself to be one of the biggest names of 2011, starting with his powerful new mix CD, Seize the Fewcha.

"A lot of people build a CD and build it up, but I was like, 'Let's just go for the gusto and play all of these amazing tracks that people really don't get to hear,' " Sanchez told MTV News. "I don't have seven hours to build to that moment. So you just want to get to that moment and get to the moment where everyone is just kind of raging."

Junior dives headfirst into the meat of Seize the Fewcha, hitting heavy right out of the gate with the Armand Van Helden and Steve Aoki collaboration "BRRRAT!" and moving swiftly into a dubstep homage to dot-com dating with a remix of Christopher Just's "You Looked Much Cuter (On My Computer)."

"There's a lot of dubstep influence," he said. "I love cats like Rusko, and when I make dance music in general, I tend to borrow from a lot of different genres, because my palette is really pretty wide with music."

Sanchez dabbles in some of the freshest floor-fillers ever thrown on to one disc. From the digitally distorted and mind-bending "Attack Muzik" by Sanchez and DJ Reza to "Select Start," a techno-laden, infectiously hooked monster pumped out by up-and-coming Russians Hard Rock Sofa and Swanky Tunes, the level of intensity and off-kilter variety of Sanchez's track selection never ceases to amaze.

Garnished intermittently with Cirez-D "Total Departure"-esque infinite builds throughout "Elevator," featuring Joel and Benji from Good Charlotte, and "nEthang!," a classic electro groove that only Felix Da Housecat and Junior Sanchez could conjure up, Seize the Fewcha is a dazzling commentary on what is and what will be huge in dance music over the next year.

Having produced Katy Perry's "Ur So gay" and, most recently, Mya's upcoming album, Sanchez is a true renaissance man whose talents are sought after by some of the biggest names in the game.

"I'm working on her album; it's kind of like a rediscovery of Mya, a reinvention of Mya. We are doing some really interesting sounds," he said. "It's a lot of dance-influenced stuff, but there are some tracks that are really dark pop, like really industrial; kind of Depeche Mode-influenced, but it's still really dance-y. It's a gambit of creativity, but the main thing at the end of it is like the songs are there. The songs are amazing."

Sanchez is also poised to release an R&B /dance record with newcomer O'Neil McKnight entitled "Crazy."

"It's amazing. He's an amazing artist. And he's the future of R&B right there, for sure," Sanchez said.

"It's a dance track. It's kind of like what [Sanchez] does best: Dance music meets '80s," McKnight said. "Everybody who has heard it thus far has been going crazy. I was at Puffy's house a couple weeks ago, and he was playing it, like, 30 times just dancing around. He was like, 'This is so refreshing,' so it's a good feel!"

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'Spider-Man' Musical Star Talks Production Delays And Fighting Fear

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 11:39 PM PST

'To give the kind of performance you want to give, there's no room for fear,' T.V. Carpio tells MTV News.
By Eric Ditzian


T.V. Carpio
Photo: Dario Cantatore/ WireImage

"Things are constantly changing. It's a very creative process," T.V. Carpio told MTV News, explaining the seemingly ever-shifting nature of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark."

For some observers on the outside looking in, that might come off as spin, an "it's all good" mentality meant to calm the public while inside the musical's playhouse, "Spider-Man" continues to struggle to find its creative footing. But to Carpio, it's all part of the inspirational process of working with Julie Taymor, the visionary behind the "Lion King" musical and films like 2007's "Across the Universe."

"You have to be down to jump, because Julie is always having these crazy visions," said Carpio, who took on the role of the villainess Arachne after the original actress left the production. "She's amazing like that, and you just have to go with it."

Still, there's no doubting that the cast of "Turn Off the Dark" has had a lot to just go with. From multiple delays in the show's official Broadway debut to highly publicized safety issues and injuries, the musical is being buzzed about for all the wrong reasons. Recent reports suggest fresh behind-the-scenes talent is being welcomed into the fold.

Carpio, however, denied reports that Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, a playwright and comics writer, has been hired to work on script issues. "I haven't heard anything about a writer joining us. Whenever they do change anything, they make an announcement to the cast," she said. "They told us that all the rumors, if we haven't been told about them, aren't true."

The cast has been working closely with musical supervisor Paul Bogaev, one of Taymor's longtime collaborators, to enhance various musical numbers. "There aren't any new songs," Carpio said. "Paul's just working with the songs we already have. Yesterday, he helped write a new part for my monologue in the second act. And we put in a new flight. He's just another set of outside eyes helping sculpt what's already there. But he is the only new one who's actually there and working.

"Although it's new, because he hasn't worked on 'Spider-Man' all along, Julie works with a lot of the same people," she added. "The family we have working on the music -- the choreographers, dancers, actors -- is sort of like the family from 'Across the Universe.' It didn't feel crazy, like, 'Who's this guy?' It was like, 'Oh hey, Paul!' "

Through all the changes, Carpio has kept herself insulated within what she affectionately calls her "'Spider-Man' bubble" and has been readying for the upcoming premiere of "Limitless," a thriller in which she co-stars with Bradley Cooper that hits theaters on March 18. Whatever happens with "Turn Off the Dark" in the future, the actress has managed to keep anxiety at bay -- the original Arachne, Natalie Mendoza, dropped out after suffering a concussion during a high-flying stunt -- and focused on the task at hand: delivering an entertaining Broadway experience.

"To give the kind of performance you want to give, there's no room for fear. There's always adrenaline, but it's not about fear. You just have to trust you can do it," she said. "I don't care about what goes on outside. I can't control what people say; I can only control my performance. That's the only thing I can give."

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

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Teaches Fans To 'Be Proud'

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:45 AM PST

'Everything that she's about is in that song,' one fan says of the single.
By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Vaughn Schoonmaker


Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Fans have been donning their best Lady Gaga costumes for the first three stops on the latest leg of her Monster Ball Tour, and MTV News has been there all the way. Gaga's dedicated Little Monsters have been turning out in droves to see their Mother Monster belt out her hits, including her latest smash, the anthemic disco number "Born This Way."

Fans told MTV News that the song's feel-good message has resonated with them. "I think it's fantastic that she decided to put that song out first before any other more noteworthy songs she might have," Juliana explained. "Because it meant something to her."

Lisa further explained that "it means no matter what you are, who you are, who you want to be, you just can't help it, because you were born this way."

Meghan thinks "Born This Way" is a great track to pump yourself up with when you're feeling low. "It means that no one should really be able to tell you who you can and can't be, because obviously you can't change how you are," she said. "And you should just express that."

Kristen added: "Nobody should discriminate against you for anything. Just be who you are, be proud and that's it."

Mon Cheri boiled down what the song means to her: "Do what you want to do! I mean, keep it real, keep it safe and keep it legal, but you got to do you, hon."

Not only does the song have a great message, but as Alicia pointed out, it also is awesome to dance to. "It's just perfect. ... Everything that she's about is in that song," she said. "And it has an amazing, catchy beat, as usual."

Marie said the tune sums up what Lady Gaga is all about: "It's everything she says in interviews all wrapped up into a song."

What do you think of "Born This Way"? Share your reviews in the comments!

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'Glee'-Cap: Rachel Berry Drives Us To Drink

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:41 AM PST

For our musical recap of the 'Blame It on the Alcohol' episode, we got really into the spirit of things.
By Jim Cantiello


Dot-Marie Jones and Matthew Morrison on "Glee" Tuesday night
Photo: FOX

This week's "Glee" seems to have inspired a one-man party here in the MTV Newsroom. After Rachel's wild party, our own Jim Cantiello seems to have hit the sauce and, well, to quote Jamie Foxx, if you can't follow along with this song, blame it on the alcohol.

Rachel Berry's dads left her alone in a big empty house.
They're off on Rosie's gay cruise.
Her songwriting sucks, she says, "Aw shucks, I live like a church mouse;
It's time for me to drink some booze."

They play Spin the Bottle,
Rachel and Blaine kiss.
His loins start to throttle,
Does it mean he's into misses?

Kurt freaks out 'cause his buddy who's out
Now might be bi or living a lie.
Again their lips lock, now he's sober and shocked
Confirms that he's gay, no vagina any day!

It's Alcohol Awareness,
Such unfairness!
Teachers are hypocrites, getting sloppy and
sh--faced on their nights off.
Will and Beiste's honky tonk!
Tries to chase Emma's tail,
But leaves Sue a voicemail.

I started drinking tonight because "Glee" taught me that it's alright
And now I want another pour.
[guzzle guzzle, burp]
Like Rachel, Sam and all the gang, I drank everything in sight.
I'm so trashed I want to dance just like Thom Yorke.

[Footage goes black and white. Jim, in a fancy hat, twitches around the office à la Radiohead's "Lotus Flower" video.]

" 'Glee' inspires kids to join choirs,"
Said Ryan Murphy to the press.
Until minute 55, drinking was glorified,
Forgot about those 7-year-olds, I guess.

Rachel hits the sauce
Like she's livin' with the Hoff.
She sneaks in liquor
Glee kids get sicker.
[Jim is increasingly inebriated, wobbly and emotional.]
I puke when I hear Ke$ha too.
I don't know what to do,
I'm so frickin' drunk
And my favorite show's in a funk. The stories are crazy,
But one-liners save the day.
... Hold me ...

Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-lcohol,
I blame it on the writers o-o-o-o-on call,
Wish they would reca-a-a-a-all
How to enthra-a-a-a-all.

[Jim is totally sloshed, just rhyming stupid things now.]

Shopping ma-a-a-a-a-ll
Urban spra-a-a-a-awl
Montrea-a-a-a-al
City ha-a-a-[yawn]-all
Bocce ba-a-a-all.

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Ke$ha To Release Dance Remix Album In March

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 10:21 PM PST

<i>I Am the Dance Commander + I Commander You to Dance: The Remix Album</i> hits stores March 22.
By Jocelyn Vena&#160;


Ke$ha
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Ke$ha has made a name for herself as a party girl who makes party songs. But maybe you find the choice tracks on her debut, Animal, and the follow-up, Cannibal, not quite up to snuff for your dance-floor needs. And maybe that's why the singer has decided to release her first ever remix album, I Am the Dance Commander + I Command You to Dance: The Remix Album, on March 22.

For the album, Ke$ha hooked up with a number of dance DJs and producers, as well as a few notable guests. The track listing includes: "Blow" (Cirkut Remix), "The Sleazy Remix" (which includes an appearance by Andre 3000), "Tik Tok Untold Remix," "F--- Him He's a DJ" (live version), "Animal Switch Remix," "Your Love Is My Drug" Dave Audé club remix, "We R Who We R" Fred Falke club remix, "Take It Off" Billboard remix, "Tik Tok" Chuck Buckett's Veruca Salt remix and her track with 3OH!3, "Blah Blah Blah" DJ Skeet Skeet radio remix.

In addition to the new music, Ke$ha is also set to release the music video for her latest single, "Blow." She tweeted about filming it in late January. On Tuesday, the singer shared that she saw some footage from the video, writing, "Just saw the final cut of my new video for BLOW all I can say is HOT DAMN."

Currently, Ke$ha is on the road for her Get $leazy Tour, which she kicked off last week in Portland, Oregon. She's set to wrap up her tour in Las Vegas on May 7. 

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Ciara Says Online Post About Label Woes 'Came From A Real Place'

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 10:53 PM PST

'I just wanted my fans to know where I was,' she tells MTV News.
By By Aly Semigran, with reporting by Rahman Dukes


Ciara
Photo: MTV News

Ciara took to her Facebook page last week to address fans and ask her label, Jive Records, to release her after two lackluster albums. When MTV News caught up with the R&B singer recently, we asked about the headline-making post.

"My letter was a message to my fans, and it came from a real place and I just wanted my fans to know where I was," she explained.

The 25-year-old singer, who has had chart-topping hits such as "Goodies" and "1,2 Step," wrote in the post, titled "My Time to Speak": "It is true that I have asked and I pray that my label will release me. I have had some great times and success with my label, but sometimes like all great things, it's at that point where I feel we don't share the same views on who I am as an artist."

She called her last two efforts with the label -- Fantasy Ride and Basic Instinct, which, in its first week on the Billboard albums chart, debuted at #44, moving just 37,000 copies -- "frustrating" because she was allegedly all but ignored by label execs.

Ciara then told her Facebook fans that she spent "tens of thousands" of her own money to promote her latest single, "Gimme Dat," and "more than one hundred thousand dollars" to get the subsequent music video made.

In one final plea, the multiple Grammy nominee wrote, "I have so much of me as an artist I still want to give to the world and my fans, A release would allow me to go be creative with people who care and understand me as an artist. In a short time, I will be able to bring to you a new music energy and a visual excitement! Thank you so much for standing by me through the good, bad, and the confusion. I love you all."

Jive Records has yet to comment on the Facebook post.

Despite her concerns about what comes next, Ciara confirmed to MTV News, "I am still going to be doing shows, of course." Late Tuesday night, the singer posted a video of a recent performance, tweeting, "I live for moments like this! Love my Fans! http://tinyurl.com/476mwef Its a #CiaraMovement baby!!"

Ciara reiterated, as she did in her Facebook post, that she was going to make her fans, shows and "having fun" her top priorities, while allowing everything else regarding her future in music to "fall in place the way it's supposed to."

Do you think it was a good move for Ciara to address her label woes with Jive on Facebook? Let us know in the comments!

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