Kamis, 04 Agustus 2011

MTV News

MTV News

Kanye West And Jay-Z's <i>Watch The Throne</i> Is 'An Event'

Posted: 04 Aug 2011 03:53 AM PDT

Hip-hop experts and artists weigh in on the highly anticipated joint album.
By Rob Markman


Kanye West and Jay-Z
Photo: WireImage

Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne is shaping up to be the most eagerly anticipated album of the year. With that anticipation comes much speculation. Fans, critics and even other rappers themselves are all looking forward to the LP's August 8 release date, trying to predict the impact and outcome of the rap mash-up.

"It should be some big records on there; it's Jay-Z and Kanye West," Jadakiss told MTV News.

Relative rap newcomer Wiz Khalifa also had high hopes, considering the solo legacies Hov and Yeezy have already laid out for themselves. "These are two people who have made great music in the past together, but [also] on their own, so coming together is gonna be an awesome thing," he said. "It can only mean well for hip-hop."

A collaboration of this magnitude yields grand expectations, and while he doesn't doubt their individual greatness, Vibe Editor in Chief Jermaine Hall reminds fans that the Throne are only human. "The expectations are almost unrealistic to match," he said before comparing the duo's artistic plight to that of the late King of Pop. "It seems like Jay and 'Ye could've came up with the second coming of 'Thriller' and people would've been like, 'Yo, that Vincent Price monologue is wack.' It's just impossible to meet those expectations."

Vibe editorial director Datwon Thomas believes that Watch the Throne will meet the hype, mostly because the duo will find inspiration in each other. "One of the things that we've always seen from Jay-Z is the fact that he's always mentioned that he needs inspiration, that he needs a little bit of competition," Thomas said. "Now he's helped groom one of the biggest hip-hop artists of all time and he has him in his own camp."

Elliott Wilson, founder of hip-hop blog Rap Radar, thinks rap needs more collaboration, and in the past few years, too much attention has been paid to soloists. "You know what's lost in hip-hop is the group dynamic," he said before using the Throne's latest single to illustrate his point. "The reason I love 'Otis' a lot is it's so traditional, but yet innovative in a lot of ways. I think the tradition is MC back and forth, pass the mic."

"They got good chemistry already," Styles P said. "That's all it really takes is the good chemistry and the good work ethic and the effort that they've been putting in, but they've been working together for years now, so that shouldn't really be too much of a problem on their own. It's really how the egos blend — that's what I wanna see."

In 2002, Jay-Z dropped Best of Both Worlds with R&B star R. Kelly, but after Kells' personal and legal drama relating to his alleged sex tape with a minor began to surface, Hov backed away from the project. The two reconvened in 2004 on an LP called Unfinished Business, but during that album's subsequent tour, things went awry and the run collapsed. With Kanye and Jay planning a WTT tour, many are wondering how long can they co-exist.

"Are they gonna start fighting over stage lights?" Wilson joked. Thomas doesn't think so; he has faith that if things do get out of hand, there are enough strong personal relationships between the two artists' camps that they will be able to curtail any drama. "If egos start to spark, at the same time, there are enough people to understand that this is a momentous occasion and you can't mess this up," he said.

Jay himself denounced any notion of drama earlier this week when he appeared on New York's Hot 97 and spoke with radio host Angie Martinez, saying the two had a brotherly relationship.

Whatever the case, anticipation for Watch the Throne is at an all-time high. With only days left until it is released on iTunes, fans are clamoring for a listen, wondering just what Jay-Z and Kanye West will bring to the table. Wilson believes that's the way things should be and fans should enjoy the moment. "We love events. That's why the Internet culture is built off of it," he said, "And this lives up to the hype of being an event."

Watch the Throne Week is on! Check in with MTV News every day until Wednesday for exclusive content surrounding the release of Jay-Z and Kanye West's eagerly anticipated LP.

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Evanescence To Premiere 'What You Want' Live On MTV

Posted: 04 Aug 2011 03:53 AM PDT

'MTV First: Evanescence' premieres Monday at 7:54 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, with exclusive live stream to follow on MTV.com
By James Montgomery


Evanescence
Photo: Wind-up Records

Last month, MTV News premiered a sneak peek of Evanescence's brand-new single "What You Want," and the response from fans was overwhelming, to say the very least.

We went on to unveil snippets of two more songs from the self-titled album (out October 11) — the booming "The Other Side" and the ethereal "Lost in Paradise" — and each was met with the same strong enthusiasm ... so, we figured it was time to do something big. Really big.

And here it is: On Monday, at exactly 7:54 p.m. ET/PT, Evanescence will perform "What You Want" live — for the first time anywhere — on MTV. And immediately following that performance, the whole band will sit down with us for an exclusive interview and Q&A session that will stream live on MTV.com.

Of course, it wouldn't be right if we didn't include Evanescence's fans in all the fun, which is why we're asking you to submit your questions for the band via Twitter, using the hashtag #EVMTV. We'll pick the best ones and get their answers during our live stream.

And as if all of that wasn't enough, immediately following the live stream, we'll be posting the full album version of "What You Want" on MTV.com.

We're calling the entire event "MTV First: Evanescence," and it all begins Monday, August 8, at 7:54 p.m. ET/PT. We'd tell you to tune in, but we're pretty sure that's a given. After all, Evanescence has been gone for nearly four years ... and judging by your reactions, you guys certainly miss them.

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Sean Kingston Feels A Lot Better After Weight Loss

Posted: 04 Aug 2011 03:53 AM PDT

'I've been working out every day,' the slender singer tells MTV News of getting trim since his jet-ski accident.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Sean Kingston
Photo: MTV News

It took a "life-or-death" jet-ski accident for Sean Kingston to realize he needed to get serious about his health. The 21-year-old sat down with MTV News on Tuesday night for "MTV First: Sean Kingston," and the "Beautiful Girls" singer opened up about his recovery from the accident as well as his new lease on life.

At the time of his May 29 accident in the Miami area, Kingston weighed more than 300 pounds, but he has lost nearly 50 pounds in the past two months. "Actually, I shed like 45 pounds, and I've been working out every day. So I've been really getting my healthiness [together].

"Right now, I do the bicycle, I do the treadmill, I play basketball. But I got to keep it up and lose more weight," Kingston told Sway. "It's easy to gain weight when you're in the studio. That's how it first started out but I'm cutting all that out. I don't eat after 6 [p.m.], and then I really just do the treadmill, and that's what it is. I feel a lot better."

Kingston was heavily medicated while hospitalized, recovering from heart surgery and a number of injuries, including a broken jaw. But now that he's feeling better, he's no longer taking any meds. "I was on pain medication, Percocet," he confirmed. "I don't take it no more, though. I don't have any more pain."

Sean was fully aware that many artists have become addicted to pain medications, though, so he had his mom help him monitor his use of the medications. "I had no problem with that," he said of watching his doses. "My mom made sure and kept an eye on it and make sure I wasn't overdoing it."

During the interview, Kingston also revealed a previously unseen photo that showed him in the hospital with his mouth wired shut.

Kingston explained to Sway that he was going about 35 miles an hour on his jet ski during Memorial Day weekend when he miscalculated how high the tide had risen and collided with a bridge. He asked his mom to take that photo of him so it would serve as a reminder of that painful time.

"I remember it, it was crazy," he said looking at the photo again. "At that time, if you notice, I got my mouth wired. Just have it as a memory, because I know the accident is always gonna live with me, but just to have a memory of that time ... I just wanted to have a picture so I can look back at that time."

Share your well-wishes for Kingston in the comments below.

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Diddy Wants Machine Gun Kelly To Stay 'True To Himself'

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 08:10 AM PDT

'This kid, I think he's a star,' Diddy tells Sway on MTV News' 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Diddy and Machine Gun Kelly
Photo: MTV News

Diddy's ear for talent is unquestionable. After playing an instrumental role in the careers of Jodeci and Mary J. Blige, the Bad Boy founder went on to discover the Notorious B.I.G., Mase, 112 and Faith Evans. His newest signee may not fit the Bad Boy mold, but Diddy is excited nonetheless — so excited that he Skyped into "RapFix Live" while on vacation in Spain to chat it up with Sway about his newest artist, Machine Gun Kelly.

"Yes, I signed MGK," Diddy confirmed. "This kid, I think he's a star. He's one of the best live performers I've ever seen to come out in a minute."

Influenced by DMX, Cleveland, Ohio's Machine Gun Kelly began battle-rapping around 2004 while he was still in high school. His passion grew from the corner ciphers to the studio, where he would lay tracks for his 2006 mixtape, Stamp of Approval. Back then, the MC (who got the Machine Gun part of his moniker because of his rapid-fire raps) was just getting his feet wet. In 2010, MGK would drop two tapes, 100 Words and Runnin' and his breakthrough Lace Up. From there, the energetic spitter would develop his following thanks to his spirited live performance.

The hip-hop mogul marveled at the existing fanbase Kelly had before even signing the deal. "He has just such a movement, just hundreds and thousands of loyal fans that came from the place he came from in different parts of the country," Diddy gushed. "He wasn't always the coolest kid in school, and just the process of growing up and the problems that they all encounter, they relate to him in such a way."

On the surface, MGK may not fit what many would perceive as the Bad Boy mold. He is a white, skinny, tatted-up kid from Cleveland who is influenced by punk music just as much as he is influenced by rap. For Combs, it's a non-issue.

"One of the things as an executive and someone that runs a record company is that I change so much as far as my respect for artists whether they succeed or fail. I think it's important to empower the artist," he said. "He will not be changing for Bad Boy; he will not have a typical Bad Boy swag. He's not going to be popping champagne or driving around in Bentleys. He's gonna be him and true to himself. He has a lot of creative control in his project."

Kelly, who recently graduated from sleeping on a futon to a mattress in his manager's mother's house, agrees. He assured his fans that he won't be changing his lifestyle very much. "We're kind of all about that 'I don't like to look better than my fans,' so maybe one day I'll change, but I pray to God I just stay the same," he said.

"We had a bidding war before he came in, but Puff is Puff," MGK said. "Honestly, I really want to treasure this almost-famous stage as much as we can, while we still can. It's crazy, because Ohio is one thing; we have this great hometown love. We'll do 4,000 in one show, but then we just did Texas and it was probably 60 to 100 people, still doin' holes in the wall, and it's so cool."

He won't be doing those venues much longer. MGK confirmed that he signed a two-album deal with Bad Boy and will be dropping his debut album, also called Lace Up, in the first quarter of 2012. "No push-backs with us, baby," he bragged. "Not happening. The fans are not allowing that to go down."

Have you checked out Machine Gun Kelly's music? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Evanescence Tour Will Be 'Straight Up <i>Rock</i>'

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 01:12 AM PDT

Amy Lee tells MTV News the band is preparing to end four-year road hiatus with run of 'big energy' shows.
By James Montgomery


Evanescence's Amy Lee
Photo: MTV News

It's been nearly four years since Evanescence wrapped the tour in support of their The Open Door album ... and in the time since, as any fan of the band will tell you, Amy Lee and Co. spent most days doing anything but Evanescence.

Of course, all that has recently changed. Their self-titled comeback album is due in stores October 11, and the snarling first single, "What You Want," is waiting in the wings. Last weekend, they shot a video for the song, and they're gearing up for a massive world tour.

In a way, you could say they're making up for lost time, which has made the past month a rather hectic ride, indeed.

"We haven't started rehearsing [for the tour] yet, actually. ... It's just been a crazy run-around. We did a big photo shoot in L.A. for a couple days and I've been running around doing a lot of press," Lee told MTV News. "We're putting the album art together, getting the mixes done at the same time — I'm carrying my speakers around everywhere with me and, like, setting them up in different hotel rooms."

Evanescence have also been focused on finishing the track list for their album — a process made easier by the fact that they'll also release a deluxe edition that features all 16 recorded tracks — and finalizing the routing for that aforementioned tour. And then it's full-steam ahead ... regardless of whether everyone's ready or not.

"I wish I had more time to prepare," Lee said of the tour set to kick off in October. "No, we're excited to get back out there. All we can do is just run as fast as we can. Everything's just crammed really tight, from the video to the promo to the rehearsal," she added. "I'm ready to get to rehearsal, because I'm starting to feel like, 'OK, we've got dates booked, we haven't practiced yet.' Starting to get a little nervous, but in a good way. ... [We'll] be back in front of the fans, and feeling that energy again. That's going to be good for my brain."

And when Evanescence do return to the road, what can fans expect? Well, a solid dose of the new album, of course, but also plenty of the old hits too. Of course, Lee can sum it all up pretty nicely.

"It's just going to be straight-up rock. Big energy, this album is just a fast-paced rock ride. Is that dumb to say? Fine, make fun of me," she laughed. "We've got three albums now to pull from so, of course, we want to play the new ones but, of course, we're going to play the old ones too. It's going to be a lot."

Are you looking forward to a new album from Evanescence? Tell us in the comments!

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Eminem Is Not To Be Messed With, Game Says

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 08:10 AM PDT

'He'll end your career,' Game says of Em on 'RapFix Live,' following the release of his dis track 'Uncle Otis.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Game
Photo: MTV News

The Game made headlines last month when he dropped "Uncle Otis," a lyrical call-out session on which the Cali rapper poked fun at everyone from Jay-Z to Big Sean to Kreayshawn and 50 Cent. When it comes to hip-hop disses, Game isn't gun-shy, but there is one MC he would never throw shots at.

"One thing that stuck with me is that Eminem is not to be f---ed with ever in hip-hop, ever," he told Sway on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."

Though the pair once collaborated on "We Ain't," a track off of Game's 2005 debut The Documentary, the Compton rapper's famous feud with Eminem cohort 50 Cent has affected his and Slim Shady's relationship. Though Game and Marshall no longer speak, Game holds a great amount of respect for the Detroit wordsmith. "If you notice out of everybody I take a shot at, that's the only person that's untouched. He's in a bubble and you don't even say nothing to Eminem. To anybody that ever does, God bless you," Game said. "He'll end your career."

Game, who is signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath records, got his start in 50's G-Unit group, appearing on their mixtapes and collaborating with Fif himself. In 2005, a rift grew between the Game and 50, and subsequent shots were fired as the two rappers' camps butted heads outside of New York City's Hot 97 radio station. The two tried to patch things up during a press conference in New York City a few months later, but the truce didn't last. Game even told MTV News that Michael Jackson once tried to bring the two warring rappers together, but things didn't pan out.

The feud between Game and 50 affected both of their relationships with Dr. Dre, who has overseen both careers, and affected Game's relationship with Eminem. "It just had to happen, man, and I was put into a situation where I had to defend myself lyrically and I did," Game said of the many dis records he threw G-Unit's way. "It wasn't personal to anybody; I told that to Dre, I've told that to Paul Rosenberg, who manages Em, and the only the person I hadn't spoke to about it was Em and 50."

"Sometimes stuff happens and I wish it had longevity," he said of the Dre/50/Eminem relationship. "But it didn't, so no regrets on my behalf."

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Carey Mulligan, Marcus Mumford Engaged

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 07:12 AM PDT

Mumford & Sons frontman and 'An Education' actress have been dating for five months.
By Terri Schwartz


Marcus Mumford
Photo: Gus Stewart/ Getty Images

Carey Mulligan is about to get "an education" in marriage.

According to Us, Mulligan is engaged (for real this time) to boyfriend Marcus Mumford. The Mumford & Sons frontman, 24, reportedly popped the question to Mulligan, 26. The pair first got together five months ago, when the "Drive" actress went to a secret Mumford & Sons show with her buddy Jake Gyllenhaal. (Mumford and Mulligan are also said to have been childhood pen pals through their church in London.)

Their supposed engagement was first reported on July 26, but Us claimed on Wednesday (August 3) that they got the latest scoop from an insider close to the couple. "They're a great couple," the source told the magazine, "very sweet."

Both stars had recently split with their significant others when they reconnected in February. Mulligan split with her longtime boyfriend and "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" costar Shia LaBeouf in October, while Mumford broke up with singer Laura Marling around the same time.

When MTV News caught up with the Oscar-nominated Brit at San Diego Comic-Con, she was keen to talk about the other love story in her life: Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "The Great Gatsby." It turns out, despite her fiancé's musical chops, she's not too keen on joining the ranks of actresses who sing and dance in Luhrmann's films.

"No singing," Mulligan said emphatically. "As I say, it's been eight months since I got the job, so I've had a lot of time to think about it."

NeedToBreathe Give Taylor Swift Fans A Little 'Rock And Roll'

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 05:29 AM PDT

'We'll see the mom wearing a NeedToBreathe shirt and the kid wearing the Taylor Swift shirt!' lead singer Bear Rinehart tells MTV News of fans on tour.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker, with additional reporting by Morgan Schwartz


NeedToBreathe
Photo: MTV News

As Taylor Swift's super successful Speak Now Tour makes its way across North America this summer, her "rock-and-dance-a-billy" opening act NeedToBreathe took a moment out of their grueling schedule to tell MTV News all about life on the road with one of today's biggest stars.

"We've been a band for almost 11 years," lead singer Bear Rinehart said. "It's been little steps along the way, you know? Playing in our hometown for the first time at a club that we loved, and then getting signed by Atlantic Records, and then Taylor called and wanted us to tour with her 'cause she's a fan."

During the four-man band's first soundcheck of the tour, the guys were surprised to discover just how much of a NeedToBreathe fan Taylor is. "[It was] her and her family sitting out in the crowd, like, singing along to every word of the songs that we're doing in the soundcheck," drummer Joe Stillwell recalled. "It's a little surreal to kind of see that from somebody that you see on such a big scale all the time."

While South Carolina's NeedToBreathe have been on the music scene for a while now, the Speak Now tour has been an experience unlike any other for the group.

"We haven't played in venues this big, so that's been a little bit to get used to," Bear noted. "The first night you walk out there and there's 20,000 people, it's like, 'Whoa, this is pretty intense!' "

"Her fans, for the most part, are younger than our fanbase," said lead guitarist Bo Rinehart (Bear's brother).

"Some of these people, it's the first rock and roll show they've ever been to," Bear said with a laugh about Taylor's hard-core fans. "Sometimes we'll see the mom wearing a NeedToBreathe shirt and the kid wearing the Taylor Swift shirt!"

The band's fourth studio album, The Reckoning, hits stores in September.

Will you catch the Speak Now Tour? Tell us your thoughts on NeedToBreathe in the comments below!

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Sean Kingston Promises 'Straight Heat' On Next Album

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 11:23 PM PDT

Recovering singer says during 'MTV First: Sean Kingston' he hopes to release new music by year's end.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Sean Kingston
Photo: MTV News

After recalling the incidents of his "life-or-death" accident during "MTV First: Sean Kingston," the singer opened up about his plans to get back to work and release new music by year's end.

"[I'm] focused on music again, about to start working on a new album and get back out there again," he said during the chat at his house in Miami. "I'm excited about the project. It's going to be really dope."

Given the intensity of his accident and the recovery process, Kingston has a whole new perspective on songwriting. "I haven't lost no memory; I think I'm even better at writing and stuff," he said. "Being in the hospital, having all this time off, I've been writing and coming up with different ideas. I'm ready to go."

Kingston is best known for his reggae-infused pop tracks like "Beautiful Girls" and "Take You There," and his still-in-the-works new album will certainly touch on the sound that catapulted him to stardom. "I'm going back in with my producer J.R. [Rotem], who did really big records for me. I'm going back to the whole reggae, island-pop thing. I'm going back to my roots," he said.

"I think it's definitely going to open up a lot of people, because now I got a story to tell," he later said. "The world needs to know what I'm coming with, 'cause I'm coming with straight heat. I've been down. I've been in the house coming up with ideas. My producer J.R., he's a hitmaker. It's gonna be my third album, I'm older now. It's gonna be crazy."

While in the hospital, Kingston had his jaw wired shut for a time. It was a situation Kanye West once found himself in that sparked his first hit "Through the Wire." Kingston certainly wouldn't rule out writing a song about his recovery — or working with 'Ye, for that matter.

"Oh man, he's in my top five rappers," he said. "I met him twice, and he's a great person. He's definitely talented. I'm actually waiting for him and the Jay-Z album [Watch the Throne] to drop. I'd be more than excited to collaborate with him."

Kingston — the Jamaican-American singer who broke onto the scene with the "Stand by Me"-sampling song "Beautiful Girls" and scored another hit with the Justin Bieber collabo "Eenie Meenie" last year — was rushed to the hospital May 29 after a jet-ski crash. He explained to Sway that he was going about 35 miles an hour when he miscalculated how high the tide had risen and collided with a bridge.

What are you expecting from new Sean Kingston music? Let us know in the comments!

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Kings Of Leon Have Never Been Shy About Alcohol

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 12:43 AM PDT

Past interviews have highlighted the band's love of drinking.
By Gil Kaufman


Kings of Leon
Photo: Getty

In an era where most rock bands are about as edgy as the latest Ark Music Factory teen-sensation-in-a-box, Tennessee hell-raisers Kings of Leon have often stood out as a throwback to a messier era.

The band of brothers (and cousin) raised by a Pentecostal preacher rose from humble beginnings to their current status as one of the biggest rock bands on the planet thanks to dark, moody songs, good genes (and jeans) and a well-established reputation as boozing, brawling ladies' men who've been only somewhat tamed by rock stardom.

In recent times, it seemed as if those hellion days were behind them, as one by one the Followill boys have gotten engaged, married or into serious relationships and talked about dialing back the partying.

Questions were raised, though, over the weekend when the Kings announced they were canceling the remainder of their U.S. tour due to singer Caleb Followill's "vocal issues and exhaustion." The news came after a disastrous show in Dallas during which Followill repeatedly complained about the heat and abruptly left the stage, at one point telling the crowd, "I'm gonna go backstage and I'm gonna vomit. I'm gonna drink a beer and I'm gonna come back out and play three more songs."

Though Caleb never returned to the stage, frustrated bassist Jared Followill later tweeted, "There are internal sicknesses & problems that have needed to be addressed. I can't lie, there are problems in our band bigger than not drinking enough Gatorade." The missive clearly made it seem as if some deeper issues than the heat were afoot.

Looking back at interviews the band has conducted over the past few years, it's clear that alcohol has long been a part of the fuel that helped the band navigate their rise to stardom — for good or ill. Whether it's Jared jokingly telling MTV News that he was impressively good at "Rock Band" while drunk or Caleb suggesting that the band's most recent CD, Come Around Sundown, "sounds better with a cocktail," to which Jared replied, "Everything [is better with a cocktail]," the boys have not shied away from discussing their tippling.

An April 2009 cover story in Rolling Stone magazine called "The God-Fearing, Booze-Swilling Rise of America's Hottest Band," in fact, opens with Caleb and brother drummer Nathan arriving home late one night in 2007 after a heavy night of drinking and getting into such a vicious fight that Caleb dislocated his shoulder and Nathan shattered a $7,000 mirror and then proceeded to repeatedly stab his brother's mattress with a kitchen knife.

The rest of the story has a number of other boozy moments, from Caleb's drunk New York apartment shopping to a description of the light in the interior of their 75-acre Tennessee property "reflecting off the endless bottles of hard alcohol and wine that cover nearly every inch of counter space."

It notes that after Caleb met his wife, model Lily Aldridge, he gave up drinking whiskey and now sticks to "wine, beer and the occasional shot of tequila."

Though their well-documented love of spirits appears to be at least somewhat to blame for recent troubles, the RS story also mentioned that, like his preacher father, Caleb "suffers from nerves, and he regularly vomits during performances."

Caleb has not made any public statement about what ails him, but on Tuesday, he told TMZ he was focused on healing. "I'm just trying to get better," he said. Asked if the band will still hit the road as planned in September for a string of Canadian shows, he replied, "I don't know ... we'll see how it goes."

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James Franco May Be Worried, But 'Apes' Director Isn't

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 01:08 AM PDT

Rupert Wyatt doesn't share Franco's concern that 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' will suffer because of his involvement.
By Eric Ditzian


Freida Pinto and James Franco in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
Photo: Twentieth Century Fox Film

James Franco is worried. Is the what's-that-dude's-deal backlash going to follow him into the multiplex?

There's the Oscar debacle and the dozen or so degrees he's pursuing and the "Three's Company" performance-art installation and any number of other accomplishments and interests that get on some people's nerves, and Franco is fearful his newest movie, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," is going to suffer because of it all.

"Critics will be out to kill this movie and blame me for it just because they are out to kill me," he said in a July Playboy interview. "Last year people were pretty nice. This is the year when people are going to have fun going after me."

One person who isn't concerned is "Apes" director Rupert Wyatt. "I think people are going to see this film, hopefully, for the film," the British filmmaker told MTV News at San Diego Comic-Con. "Those that will go see this film for James Franco will still see the film for James Franco. I totally understand where he's coming from. Obviously he took a bit of a knock with the Oscars, but at the end of the day, he's an actor and that's his job."

Likely helping matters, from critical reviews to box-office pop, is that "Apes" is a first-rate piece of popcorn entertainment. And, honestly, we're kind of surprised to say that. But after checking out an early screening, we can say the story is engrossing, the CG apes look amazing, and Andy Serkis, as the lead ape, delivers one heck of an emotional performance. Seriously! The humans, even Franco himself, take a backseat to Serkis' motion-captured performance as Caesar, the super-smart simian who leads his fellow creatures in their San Francisco-trashing uprising.

For his part, Serkis credits his co-star with helping create a believable relationship between Caesar and Franco's kindhearted but misguided scientist. "It was amazing working with him," Serkis told us. "It really is a testament if they can truly believe the person opposite them — who is wearing a performance-capture suit with a head-mounted camera — actually go full-on and have a relationship with them. It's all about believability. All credit to him that he bought into the whole process."

Check out everything we've got on "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."

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

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Young The Giant To Make VMA Performance Debut

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 09:47 AM PDT

'My Body' rockers join lineup that includes Adele, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown on August 28.
By Gil Kaufman


Young the Giant
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

MTV has a history of providing up-and-coming acts with a huge stage at the annual Video Music Awards. In recent years, everyone from Nicki Minaj to the Polyphonic Spree, Daddy Yankee, Keri Hilson, Wale and B.o.B have made major splashes at the event. This year, it's Young the Giant's turn.

The California rockers, who've scored a pair of alternative radio hits with "My Body" and the charging rocker "Cough Syrup," will make their VMA performance debut on August 28 when they take the stage at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The group, whose self-titled debut was released in January, has already been featured across the MTV universe as a "Push" artist and as one of mtvU's Freshman 5: Top 5 Bands for Summer.

"We are extremely excited and absolutely honored to be asked to perform at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. It will be without a doubt, a monumental experience for us and one we will never forget," the band said in a statement. "We've watched countless VMAs, and to have the opportunity to perform this year alongside some of the biggest artists in the world will be truly amazing. We can't wait!"

After gaining notice in 2009 by winning a contest to open for Kings of Leon, YTG will bask in their brightest spotlight to date, joining the list of previously announced performers Lil Wayne, Adele and Chris Brown. Additional performers and presenters will be announced soon. The five-piece's "My Body" video has become an online sensation, racking up more than 1.3 million views on YouTube and appearing on MTV's "Teen Wolf," among other places.

"Young the Giant is one of those bands you see live for the first time and walk away a superfan wondering when you can see them again," said Amy Doyle, executive producer of the 2011 VMAs and MTV's executive vice president of music and talent. "We are excited to give them our biggest stage and introduce them to a global audience of music lovers."

The band, which has been hitting the road hard over the past year with everyone from Minus the Bear to Neon Trees and Incubus, will play at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago this weekend.

The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live on Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for your favorites in the general categories by visiting VMA.MTV.com.

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Drake Inspires Glasses Malone To Carve His Own 'Niche'

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 11:11 PM PDT

'I wish I could sing sometimes, but I can't,' Cash Money rapper says.
By Rob Markman


Glasses Malone
Photo: MTV News

Celebrity Favorites: Glasses Malone

Life must be good on Cash Money Records. Just ask California rapper Glasses Malone who is set to drop his debut album, Beach Cruiser, on the Birdman-helmed label in August. The label's roster boasts Baby himself, Lil Wayne and Bow Wow, and then there's label subsidiary Young Money, which houses Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga.

"Hell, yeah, it's competitive," Glasses said when asked about the amount of talent on the two labels. "Let's face it, Drake is probably one of the most, if not the most talented artist right now. This dude can be into a nice verse and kick some singin' sh--, after being into a nice verse. Not an all right verse, he'll be into a nice verse and then start singin' and hold a great pitch. And then you look at Nicki Minaj, it's success stories."

G. Malone is such a fan of Drizzy's crooning that he sometimes wishes that he himself could hold a tune, but by the same token, he is aware of his own fanbase, which looks to him for harder, street-bred material.

"I wish I could sing sometimes, but I can't, so what I try to do is keep carving my niche at this gangsta sh--," he told Mixtape Daily. "I figure, I can't top Drake doin' what he's doin'. Drake is that n---a, he got it together. Wayne is that n---a, but I could make them n---as like, 'Man that n---a G's sh-- hard.' And once you do that, you win."

For Glasses, Cash Money and Young Money's talented roster ultimately fuels his drive. "I use their situation as inspiration to know that the sky's the limit," he said.

One of the perks to having such high-profile labelmates is the potential for good features. But on Beach Cruiser, Malone refused to force the issue. He has already recorded with Birdman and Wayne for his album and a number of other Cash Money artists on various side projects. When it comes to Drake, however, Glasses would rather wait until the time and the vibe is right.

"Me and Drake, we talked a couple of times. We barely finna do somethin' now. I just couldn't figure out a song for Drake. I don't talk about girls," the Watts rapper said about his and Drizzy's respective styles. "My songs wouldn't be the right songs. He really appreciates women. I have to find the right niche."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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'Jackass' Team Planning Ryan Dunn MTV Tribute

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 10:22 PM PDT

Director Jeff Tremaine hopes special will 'celebrate his life.'
By James Montgomery


Ryan Dunn
Photo: Michael Buckner/ Getty Images

In the time since his death, "Jackass" star Ryan Dunn has been remembered by his friends and fans, and his life was celebrated in a special tribute video played during a memorial service held in Los Angeles.

Now, his "Jackass" associates are planning to honor his legacy with an MTV special, which will feature his greatest moments — and never-before-seen outtakes — from the wildly popular stunt show and subsequent feature films.

That's according to "Jackass" director Jeff Tremaine, who spoke to entertainment site Screen Junkies following MTV's presentation at the annual Television Critics Association press tour in Los Angeles.

"We're gearing up to do a tribute to Ryan," Tremaine told the site. "That's our next project. [His death] hurt pretty bad. It's hurt everybody, but we want to celebrate his life and show everybody. We have just such an amazing bank of footage of him. We're going to dig it all up so we'll discover it too."

A spokesperson for MTV couldn't be reached for comment by press time, but Tremaine said he hopes the Dunn special will air in the fall and will include new interviews with the late star's "Jackass" associates. He also hinted that the show may finally reveal some classic footage that, so far, has remained in the vaults of Dickhouse Productions — for various reasons.

"There's always been the Van Surfing, him and Chris [Pontius] re-enacting a scene from 'Teen Wolf' that didn't go well," he said. "Ryan was riding on the roof of the van and the van was speeding towards a body of water, stopped a little bit short. He made it to the water but the water was only like five inches deep, slammed pretty bad. We decided not to air that because we thought that kids might imitate it too easily."

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Katy Perry Sets Singles Record With 'Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)'

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 06:09 AM PDT

Perry breaks Billboard Mainstream Top 40 record following her nine VMA nominations for tracks from Teenage Dream.
By Gil Kaufman


Katy Perry
Photo: John Parra/ WireImage

It took her a bit longer than expected, but Katy Perry's persistence and the inescapable, saxophone-bleating 1980s vibe of "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" were just too much for music fans to resist.

Perry, who is nominated for a leading nine Moonmen at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards, finally snagged the record as the first album from the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart to have five #1 singles. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Perry's Teenage Dream album is the first in the nearly 19-year history of the chart to achieve the feat, thanks to "Friday Night" bumping up one spot to #1 this week.

Explore "Katy Perry: By The Numbers"

"Friday Night" joins the other chart-toppers from Perry's Dream album, which include the title track, "California Gurls," "Firework" and "E.T." The record puts her in pretty impressive company, landing Perry just ahead of Lady Gaga (The Fame) and Justin Timberlake (FutureSex/LoveSounds), whose albums yielded four #1s apiece.

"Friday Night" also broke some other new ground, setting the high watermark for most weekly plays in the chart's history (12,468), blowing past the old record, which she also held with "E.T." (12,361). Even more impressive, the five singles from Dream account for five of the six songs with the chart's highest-ever weekly spin totals, with Pitbull's "Give Me Everything" acting as the spoiler at #4 with 12,107.

What Other Records Could Katy Smash Next? We Break Them Down

When we sat down with Perry before the premiere of her "E.T." video with Kanye West, she talked us through how her songwriting process has evolved on Teenage Dream. "I always want to be completely honest and, for this record in particular, I knew from the outside world, a lot had changed. [But] I was hoping that I was still the same me, [the] kind of quirky, weird-perspective girl that I've always been," she said during "MTV First: Katy Perry." "But you know, there was a lot of distraction and glitz and glam. When you get to a certain point, you have to push it all away and remember what your core is, and that's what I did for this record."

The next potential record to fall could be the biggie Perry's been waiting for. She's still looking to become just the second artist ever to mark five #1 singles from the same album on the Billboard Hot 100, a mark held by Michael Jackson's Bad. She's got four #1s already and "Friday" moved up from 3 to 2 on last week's chart, so it could happen.

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Jadakiss, Styles P Laugh Off LOX And <i>Detox</i> Comparison

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 10:13 PM PDT

'Nah, we ain't longer than Detox,' Styles tells MTV News, comparing group's first album since 2000 to Dr. Dre's long-awaited project.
By Rob Markman


Jadakiss and Styles P
Photo: MTV News

When the LOX dropped their last album, We Are the Streets, the world had just finished breathing a collective sigh of relief, thankful that their computers didn't crash in the Y2K scare. Not that the Yonkers, New York, rap trio made up of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch haven't been busy dropping solo albums and mixtapes over the past 11 years.

"Paperwork, paperwork, it ain't on us. All I'm gonna say is, LOX-wise, you hear how many verses we do, freestyles we do, songs we do, LOX songs we drop here and there," Styles P said about the group's long-awaited third album. "Due to common sense, it's paperwork. When the paperwork pans out, you got LOX. That's all I'm gonna say. We would've been gave y'all LOX."

The LOX got their start on Diddy's Bad Boy Records in 1997 after they dropped their debut single, "We'll Always Love Big Poppa." The song stood as a dedication to the Notorious B.I.G. after he was murdered earlier that year. In 1998, the group dropped their debut album, Money, Power, Respect, but soon after, they became disgruntled with their label and organized a "Let the LOX Go" campaign to be let out of their Bad Boy contract. Diddy eventually obliged, and the threesome dropped their sophomore album on Ruff Ryders in 2000. Aside from the group effort, each member dropped a number of solo albums on various labels, leaving entangled contracts that are now getting sorted out.

"It's a lot of heads involved with the new LOX album. You got Ruff Ryders, you got Bad Boy, you got Interscope. It's a lot of politics in one set of paperwork, but it's gettin' close," Styles said.

If Dr. Dre's Detox is rap's longest-delayed LP, then the LOX aren't far behind. Jada and P are amused at the comparison. "Nah, we ain't longer than Detox. We close! We right behind it; we ain't neck and neck, though," Styles said, laughing at the notion that his group could eclipse Dre's drought if the producer's album is dropped this year as planned.

Jadakiss begged to differ, starting a little debate with his rhyme partner. "We passed Detox," 'Kiss proclaimed.

"Nah, they said Detox was coming in '99," Styles argued.

Despite common misconceptions based on the album's title, it was 1999 when Dre dropped his 2001 LP. Work on his third album was said to have started in 2003, but details are sketchy. Jada suggests a joint Dr. Dre and LOX album release to satisfy the fan's demand. "We need to do a double album: the Detox and the new LOX album," he joked.

After a few laughs, Jada got serious and said the group was close to a breakthrough in the legal holdups, but he wouldn't nail down a specific label where the album would be released. "Big shout-out to J Records, Geffen Records, Atlantic, Warner," he said. "Big shout-out to all of these labels."

What are you expecting from new LOX music? Let us know in the comments!

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Amy Winehouse <i>Back</i> At #4 On <i>Billboard</i> 200

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 09:55 AM PDT

Country singer Eric Church debuts at #1, while Kelly Rowland hits #3.
By Gil Kaufman


Amy Winehouse
Photo: Barry Brecheisen/ WireImage

Country singer Eric Church will score his first #1 album on the Billboard 200 next week with his third effort, Chief. But it's an artist who's been absent from the tally for nearly five years that made the biggest noise: Amy Winehouse.

According to figures provided by Nielsen SoundScan, Church moved 145,000 copies of his album, more than enough to push chart champ Adele back down to #2, as her unstoppable 21 gives up the top spot on sales of 83,000 while passing the 2.8 million mark.

And while former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland makes a splash at #3 with her third solo album, Here I Am, it's the name just behind her that provides some déjà vu. More than a week after her yet-unexplained death at age 27, Amy Winehouse's smash 2006 album, Back to Black, moves up five spots to #4, as sales rose another 44 percent from the previous week to 54,000. Winehouse's 2003 debut, Frank, also makes a strong return, moving up 24 spots to #33 after sales picked up by another 58 percent to 12,000.

The only other new face in the top 10 is another British soul singer, Joss Stone, whose indie effort, LP1, comes in at #9 on sales of 30,000.

The rest of the top 10: Jason Aldean's My Kinda Party (#5, 42,000), Beyoncé's 4 (#6, 41,000), Kidz Bop 20 (#7, 39,000), Blake Shelton's Red River Blue (#8, 31,000) and Bad Meets Evil's Hell: The Sequel (#10, 26,000).

A couple of acts that debuted in the top 10 last week have slipped out of it, including rockers 3 Doors Down, who move down 10 to #13 with Time of My Life (23,000) and DJ Khaled, whose We the Best Forever drops nine to #14 (21,000).

Sales remained strong for "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery, with his digital season 10 collection moving up five spots to #21 on sales of 16,000, while runner-up Lauren Alaina got a similar boost, moving up 20 slots to #89 with her digital collection (5,000).

Further down the line, the Wu-Tang Clan's Legendary Weapons has a modest bow at #41 with just a shade under 10,000 units moved, and the signal fades for mellow rockers 311, as their Universal Pulse tumbles 37 spots in week two to #44 (9,000, down 80 percent).

Church has also locked down the #1 spot on the iTunes album chart, with Winehouse's Black just behind, followed by Adele, pre-orders for Jay-Z and Kanye West's joint album Watch the Throne, Rowland, Stone, Bad Meets Evil, Mumford & Sons' Sigh no More, Winehouse's Frank and Foster the People's Torches.

LMFAO continue their summer jam domination on the iTunes singles chart with "Party Rock Anthem," which beats out Bad Meets Evil's "Lighters," Katy Perry's record-setting "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)," Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" and Hot Chelle Rae's "Tonight Tonight." Lil Wayne is at #6 with "How to Love," followed by Kanye and Jigga's "Otis," Britney Spears' "I Wanna Go," Pitbull's "Give Me Everything" and Adele's "Rolling in the Deep."

Look for more movement at the top next week as Trace Adkins, Greyson Chance and O.A.R. make their chart debuts.

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Beyonce Throws Trailer Park 'Party' In New Music Video

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 08:39 AM PDT

Singer was spotted filming clip in a mobile-home park in New Jersey.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyonce
Photo: Rob Loud/ Getty Images

We got to see how Beyoncé would "Run the World (Girls)" in her post-apocalyptic video for the song, and then we attended her wedding in "Best Thing I Never Had." Now Queen B is throwing a "Party" in her latest video, and lucky for us, we're all invited.

According to reports, Beyoncé headed to New Jersey to shoot the video. ThatGrapejuice.net reported that Beyoncé was hanging with little sister Solange and former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland and was spotted wearing a fur jacket on set. The song also features Andre 3000, though he wasn't seen at the shoot.

Rapup.com further reported that the shoot took place at South Brunswick's Oakdale Mobile Home Park. The site posted photos of Beyoncé from the set in which she wearing a black dress and little black pillbox hat while being driven around in a golf cart. An old-school red muscle car was also spotted on set.

Local website Mycentraljersey.com spoke to some of the area's residents. "I wasn't expecting this," Bill Flaherty told the site. "There's a lot of good-looking young girls. I'm impressed by the artists doing the painting on the side of the trailer. This is not something that happens every day."

The video shows some of the area's charm, and a number of locals were used as extras in the clip. "We had a call last night to be here by 8 a.m.," the mother of Monica Singleton, an extra in the video, said.

Beyoncé is very busy locking down several videos off her album 4. Videostatic.com reported that Adria Petty, who worked with Beyoncé on her trippy "Sweet Dreams" video, will also work on her "Countdown" clip.

MTV News' request for comment from Beyoncé's camp had not been answered as of press time.

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