MTV News |
- Jay-Z Calls <i>Watch The Throne</i> Tour The 'Best Party'
- Heavy D's Friends, Family Say Goodbye At Private Funeral
- 'Breaking Dawn' Director Gave Fans 'A Lot' Of Sex
- Justin Bieber Should 'Stay Strong,' Usher Says
- Beyonce/ Mary J. Blige Duet Was Meant For <i>4</i>
- 'Breaking Dawn' Midnight Screenings Earn $30 Million
- Common Trades Hoops For Hip-Hop On 'When I Was 17'
- Howie D Doing Crunches Before Britney Spears Lap Dance
- T-Pain Fights Off Auto Intruders, On 'When I Was 17'
- 'Breaking Dawn' Screenwriter Invited Herself To Wedding
- Nas In 'Rare Form' On New Album, Salaam Remi Says
- Johnny Depp 'Feels His Costumes' In 'Dark Shadows'
- U2's Iconic <i>Achtung Baby</i>: 20 Years Later
- 'Breaking Dawn - Part 1': Everything You Need To Know
- Paramore Look To Rediscover 'Fun' On New Album
- Rick Ross Promises A 'Classic Debut' From Meek Mill
- 'Breaking Dawn' Fans Travel Cross-Country For Midnight Premiere
- Kristen Stewart's Big 'Nerdy' Week
- Jay-Z, Jimmy Fallon: <i>GQ</i> Men Could Take Down <i>People</i>'s Sexiest
- Lady Gaga To Be Honored As LGBT 'Hero'
| Jay-Z Calls <i>Watch The Throne</i> Tour The 'Best Party' Posted: 18 Nov 2011 01:56 AM PST 'The most important thing is that the people that are coming to the concert are leaving there thrilled,' Hov tells MTV News.
The fans aren't the only ones having a ball during Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne Tour. A hoarse Jay walked the red carpet of the GQ Men of the Year party in Hollywood on Thursday, and he could hardly contain his excitement.
"We're having a great time," Hov told MTV News' Jim Cantiello. "The most important thing is that the people that are coming to the concert are leaving there thrilled and we're having an amazing time. As you see, I don't have a voice," he laughed. The tour, which kicked off last month in Atlanta, has been running for less than a month but has been met with rave reviews on each outing. Noted for its dual elevated stages and artsy video montages, Hov and 'Ye's grandiose WTT run has been one worthy of the royal rap duo. Aside from their Throne cuts, Jay and Kanye have pulled from their respective solo catalogs, performing early hits like "Where I'm From" and "Through the Wire," as well as new favorites like "Empire State of Mind" and "Runaway." The highlight, however, is the duo's current single "N---as in Paris." Toward the end of the opening show in Atlanta, the two MCs performed the song twice; the next night, three times. At recent New York and Miami concerts, the track has been performed as many as four times in a single night. The Throne are slated to hit Connecticut's Mohegan Sun on Friday night (November 18) and Atlantic City on Saturday. "It's like the best party you've ever been to every night," Jay said. "It's star-studded and it's music and it's just unbelievable." |
| Heavy D's Friends, Family Say Goodbye At Private Funeral Posted: 18 Nov 2011 03:52 AM PST Jay-Z, Will Smith and Diddy among guests at Mount Vernon, New York, service; a poem was read dedicated to the late rapper by President Obama.
|
| 'Breaking Dawn' Director Gave Fans 'A Lot' Of Sex Posted: 18 Nov 2011 02:56 AM PST Bill Condon tells MTV News he tried 'to give people the experience they had reading the book' in 'Part 1.'
"Breaking Dawn - Part 1" features two of the most hotly anticipated moments in the entire "Twilight Saga." First, lovebirds Bella Swan and Edward Cullen finally get it on. And later, in a far less tender scene, Bella endures a pretty gory birth to give life to her half-human, half-vampire daughter, Renesmee.
Bill Condon knew all along that those two scenes were pivotal moments that he would need to get right onscreen. But keeping in mind the PG-13 rating the studio wanted to preserve, the director also knew that he had to tackle those intense sequences without going too far over the line. When MTV News caught up with Condon, he predicted that fans will be pleased with the final product (especially the sex scene), which hit theaters on Friday (November 18). As in the novel, the honeymoon scene plays out mostly through Bella remembering the passionate night the morning after, which allowed Condon to show the event in several parts. "I think when you see the movie you'll see, you think you get it and then you get more of it and then you get more of it, which I think was part of the intention because it's such a big thing — everyone's been waiting for it," he said. "We just wanted to make sure you got a lot of it when you got it." And Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were good sports about the whole process, Condon said, though he admitted filming the steamy section got "kind of clinical." The scene was carefully choreographed but the two lead actors were "so cool about it."
The birthing sequence, which easily could have pushed the film to an "R" rating, proved similarly challenging. Condon wanted to stay as true as possible to Stephenie Meyer's depiction but he knew he couldn't be too graphic. "You want to give people the experience they had reading the book, and that was incredibly powerful, the way Stephenie described it. "You can't show everything, obviously, we have a [PG-13] rated movie," he said. "But we did it through the point of view of Bella and what she can see as she's giving birth. I think your imagination fills in a lot of that." Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Justin Bieber Should 'Stay Strong,' Usher Says Posted: 18 Nov 2011 03:17 AM PST 'All of this comes with the territory,' Ush tells MTV News of paternity-suit drama.
Usher might not have known how big Justin Bieber would become when he discovered him a few years back, but he was pretty sure he had found something special.
Since Bieber burst on the scene with his My World EP back in 2009, the 17-year-old has grown up with the world watching. He's gone from up-and-comer to full-fledged pop sensation, racking up chart-topping albums and a box-office hit and becoming an all-around mega-heartthrob — all in two years. Of course, with the good does come negative attention as well. Recently, Bieber was hit with a paternity lawsuit, which has since been dropped. Usher, no stranger to his own controversies, had these words for the Biebs: "Stay strong. And know that all of this comes with the territory." Aside from the drama, Usher is especially proud of Bieber's charitable side. His mentor said he "absolutely" knew the kid from Stratford, Ontario, had a big heart from the start. "To write a check is only half of it, but when you truly take on a responsibility to be a philanthropist, you accept an effort, and I really think that Pencils of Promise is something that has a very bright future," Usher told MTV News at an event for the charity, noting that Bieber is a only a small part of it. Usher — who appears on Bieber's new Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe — gives credit to the folks surrounding the teen superstar, including manager Scooter Braun. "Just judging from the determination and the will power of the entire team around Justin, I see a very, very promising [future] for him as a philanthropist," Usher said. Related Artists |
| Beyonce/ Mary J. Blige Duet Was Meant For <i>4</i> Posted: 18 Nov 2011 03:35 AM PST 'She sent it through her A&R people to give to me,' MJB says of My Life II's 'Love a Woman.'
Not sure how to keep your woman happy? Just ask Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. The two divas lay out a tutorial on how to court the fairer sex with "Love a Woman," from MJB's upcoming My Life II ... The Journey Continues, Act I. But fans may be surprised to learn that the long-overdue collaboration was nearly a one-woman affair.
B initially recorded the song for her4 LP, but thought it would be a better fit as a duet with Mary. "It was a song she recorded for her album that didn't fit her album and she sent it through her A&R people to give to me," Mary revealed to MTV News. "When the song came, her voice was on it completely and it was just amazing and I wasn't sure that they wanted to give me this record because it was so amazing." The soothing track starts off with Mary sweetly singing, "So you think you know how to love a woman/ But I think it's still some things you need to know." As the flowery instrumental builds with a serene piano melody and accentuating horns, MJB goes on to warn that a woman needs more than material things. B turns up the heat demanding that she needs "more than sex," she needs to be made love to. From there, the song plays as a lyrical how-to. Communication is a must, as is respect, but coming home late and being a one-minute man is a no-no. While both the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and an expecting Queen B display good chemistry on the song, a video for the track may be hard to pull off. "I'm sure 'Love a Woman' would be a single but I can't really trouble Beyoncé right now; she's pregnant and I'm sure she's doing her stuff," Mary said. "So whenever she's ready, if she's ever ready, I'm ready and it'll be great." Should MJB and B shoot a video for "Love a Woman"? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Breaking Dawn' Midnight Screenings Earn $30 Million Posted: 18 Nov 2011 12:05 AM PST Box-office haul is enough to break series record but a far cry from all-time high set by 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.'
Box-office analysts predicted that the returns for "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" were going to be big, but now we're finally getting an idea of just how big.
The totals from Thursday's midnight showings are in, and "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" just barely broke the series record by earning $30.25 million; "Eclipse" held the previous best for the series with $30.1 million. That works out to be almost $8,600 per location just from the midnight showings. While impressive, the midnight totals for "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" were still a far cry from the record set by "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," which earned $43.5. Ray Subers from Box Office Mojo expects "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" to follow the pattern set by "New Moon" in 2009 for its Friday total, which was $83 million, and then go on to earn $160 million for its total opening weekend, which would make it the second-best opening of the year and all-time, again behind "Deathly Hallows, Part 2." Summit had originally predicted that the penultimate entry in the series could earn anywhere from $110 million to $125 million in its opening weekend. Rival studios claimed this number was purposely lower than actual expectations, which they put at more than the "New Moon" $142 million total. To put the midnight total into perspective, Taylor Lautner's last film, "Abduction," has earned only $27.5 million in the two months since its release. Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Common Trades Hoops For Hip-Hop On 'When I Was 17' Posted: 18 Nov 2011 02:24 AM PST 'I couldn't play for a little while, so I started rapping more,' he recalls on the episode, airing Saturday at 11 a.m. ET/PT on MTV.
While most 17-year-olds were spending their free time playing video games and hanging out, Common was perfecting his skills. There's no doubt that this led to his successful hip-hop career.
The Grammy-winning artist revealed how he began rapping thanks to a sports-related injury on this week's episode of "When I Was 17," airing Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. "When I was 17, I went to high school at [Chicago's] Luther South, and I did well in high school," the MC said on the episode, which also features T-Pain and "Twilight" star Alex Meraz. "I played basketball, but I got injured." Common was hit in the eye during one of the games. Of course, that put him out of the game for a little bit, since it's kind of important to be able to see what's going on. So Common decided to use his time a little more productively than most other 17-year-olds. "When I got injured, I couldn't play for a little while, so I started rapping more," he said. "I would be in gym class, and I would, like, get somebody to start beatboxing, and I'd just start freestyling." Even at such a young age, Common's freestyling skills were unmatched. "He would be able to freestyle on any topic," his friend Marlon recalled. "We would change topics for him, and he would be able to talk about and rap about it. It was actually amazing." He went by the moniker Rashid Cool at the time, and people knew he was a force to be reckoned with. "It was right around the time hip-hop was getting strong, so you get respect. A lot of people were like, 'Rashid Cool, you know he's good people,' " Common said. "When I Was 17" — this week featuring T-Pain, Common and Alex Meraz — airs Saturday at 11 a.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Howie D Doing Crunches Before Britney Spears Lap Dance Posted: 18 Nov 2011 01:47 AM PST Backstreet Boy jokes to MTV News that he'll be ready 'if she does, by chance, pick me to do that' on Femme Fatale Tour.
Howie D is set to hit the road with Britney Spears on her Femme Fatale Tour this weekend, but there's one thing he may not be ready for: getting one of her famous onstage lap dances. "I just heard about it, and it just means that I have to go into major workout mode now," the Backstreet Boy joked to MTV News. "I have to do more pushups and crunches than I ever did, because I want to make sure that I represent myself and my group properly."
If Brit does decide to give him a lap dance, he already sees a potential perk. "If she does, by chance, pick me to do that, which I'm not opposed to, it's a good get-out-of-jail-free card for me," he laughed, pointing to his wedding band. "So I'm down with it. It's all in the name of music." The string of South American tour dates happens to be timed perfectly to the release of Howie D's first-ever solo album, Back to Me, and he's got some fun stuff in store for lucky fans who come to check him out. "Well, I'm actually taking a lot from what I've learned from the Backstreet Boys and implementing it into my show," he revealed. "Actually, on the show with me I have a DJ that's behind me and we're kind of working on some stuff together. [There's] even some Backstreet Boys songs. I'm definitely not shying away and presenting what the fans want to hear, but at the same time premiering some of my new songs off the record and it's just gonna be a fun, energy-packed, 'get your mind away for 20 minutes' on my set [show]." Related Artists |
| T-Pain Fights Off Auto Intruders, On 'When I Was 17' Posted: 18 Nov 2011 01:39 AM PST Singer recalls a hazard of living out of your car on latest episode, airing Saturday at 11 a.m. ET/PT on MTV.
T-Pain wasn't always living the lavish lifestyle he has now. The Auto-Tune pioneer opens up about his humble beginnings in this week's episode of "When I Was 17," airing Saturday at 11 a.m. ET/PT on MTV. "When I was 17, I was living in and out of my '81 Oldsmobile Cutlass," T-Pain said on the episode, also featuring Common and "Twilight" star Alex Meraz.
"It was pretty beat-up on the outside and the inside, and it had a horrible smell," T-Pain's wife, Amber, added. T-Pain's car put a roof over his head and provided a spot for romantic getaways. "I used to have sex in it a lot," he offered up bluntly. During one steamy session, T-Pain and his girlfriend at the time were interrupted by intruders trying to break into the car. "It just so happened we were getting dressed," he recalled. "This guy tries to get into this car." T-Pain wasn't worried; his car was filled with tools he could use to fight back. "I got crazy amount of just things in my car," he said. "There's some pipes, there's a wrench. So I'm trying to pull my pants up and chuck this dude at the same time." The intruder eventually walked away. T-Pain's girlfriend at the time was frantic and asked him a very ridiculous question. "My girlfriend was screaming. The stupidest question she asked me of that night was, 'Did you know that guy?' And I'm like, 'What? Why would I know this dude?' " T-Pain laughed. "When I Was 17" — this week featuring T-Pain, Common and Alex Meraz — airs Saturday at 11 a.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Breaking Dawn' Screenwriter Invited Herself To Wedding Posted: 18 Nov 2011 12:58 AM PST 'I was [Bella's mom] Renee's friend from California,' Melissa Rosenberg says of scripting backstory for her 'Part 1' cameo.
The first "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" teaser trailer, released back in June, gave fans a look at the wedding of Bella Swan and Edward Cullens. But equally interesting were the guests of honor featured in the wedding sequence, which introduced new characters like the Denali clan of vampires. But with the movie in theaters on Friday (November 18), one attendee in particular will likely have Twilighters geeking out.
"The Twilight Saga" author Stephenie Meyer made her first cameo in the series back in 2008's "Twilight," playing a restaurant patron. But the author-turned-executive producer on parts 1 and 2 of "Breaking Dawn" couldn't resist returning to the big screen so she could attend the wedding ceremony she inspired. In a blink-and-you-miss it moment, Meyer can be spotted sitting in the pews on Bella and Edward's big day. But she's not the only behind-the-scenes figure who makes a sneak appearance. "I'm right next to her!" "Breaking Dawn" screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg recently told MTV News. Rosenberg understands, however, if fans don't recognize her on the first viewing, because even she couldn't find her cameo at first. She admitted to jokingly telling director Bill Condon that "there's one guest at the wedding who's not seen enough," until Condon added a few more frames in the movie. But when Rosenberg still couldn't spot herself among the guests, Condon took matters into his own hands. "Finally, during one screening, he stopped and said, 'See! There you are!' " she said with a laugh. "It was Stephenie and then [producer] Wyck Godfrey and then myself and then [producer] Bill Bannerman, we were all in the same row at the wedding." And as Meyer and Rosenberg are behind the "Twilight Saga" screenplays, it only makes sense that they took the time to come up with a backstory for their respective characters at the wedding. "Stephenie was married to Wyck, and I was [Bella's mom] Renee's friend from California," Rosenberg explained. It sounds like there's a fan-fiction to be written about the time between Meyer's diner dinner and when she got invited to the Cullen wedding!" Did you spot the screenwriters in "Breaking Dawn - Part"? Share your sightings and reviews in the comments! Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Nas In 'Rare Form' On New Album, Salaam Remi Says Posted: 17 Nov 2011 11:40 PM PST 'All his verses on the album, it sounds like you're getting smacked upside the head,' producer tells Mixtape Daily.
Behind the Beats: Salaam Remi
By the time Nas was putting out his classic rap LP Illmatic, Salaam was separately making his mark, already having produced for seminal hip-hop star Kurtis Blow at the age of 14. Though they hailed from the same Queens, New York, neighborhood and ran in similar circles, Nas and Salaam didn't hook up until 2001, when Nas requested a beat from Remi for his Stillmatic LP. Now, 10 years later, he and Nas are still at it, working on God's Son's upcoming 10th solo studio album. "Life is different, and at this point, life is good and dudes is looking younger now than they did when they were 25," Remi told Mixtape Daily. "So he's just in that rare form." It's surprising that they didn't hook up sooner, but after going through a small spat with one of Nas' mentors, Large Professor, Remi never got the chance to really get to know Nas earlier. But a 2001 chance meeting in L.A. led to one of hip-hop's most organic partnerships. "I created the track for 'What Goes Around (Poison),' and I sent it to him," Remi recalled. "And when I sent it to him, at the end of the day, we're in the same neighborhood." Remi's discography is long and diverse. In 1991, he worked alongside Marley Marl on Craig G's Now, That's More Like It album, and three years later, he produced Ini Kamoze's reggae hit "Here Comes the Hotstepper." Salaam, however, is most known for producing the Fugees' 1996 smash single "Fu-Gee-La" from their Grammy-winning The Score LP. Then, of course, there is his work with Amy Winehouse on her 2006 breakout, Back to Black. Since hooking up, Salaam has been responsible for a number of Nas bangers: 2003's "Made You Look" was noted for its authentic New York feel, while the uplifting "I Can" sampled its drums from the Honeydrippers' "Impeach the President," one of the most recognizable samples in hip-hop. In 2004, Remi crafted "Thief's Theme" and Nas' collaboration with his dad, "Bridging the Gap" More recently, the two have come up with the gritty "Nasty," the first single from the Queens rap legend's upcoming album. On the boom-bap-inspired track, Nas chooses to bypass any notions of going pop, instead setting his sets on hip-hop's underground. It's a welcomed departure from the hip-hop that occupies top 40 radio these days, but Salaam promised that the sound on Esco's next album will be diverse. "Musically, I have an array of records," he said. "You got some 'Nasty'-type stuff, you have stuff that's in the middle, up, down. I have all types of stuff. Just at the end of the day, we have to see what feels right for that package of 10 to 12 songs, because it's way more songs." The expectations for this new Nas album are high, and Remi assured fans that his friend will deliver. "He sounds like he's on his A-game writing," he said. "All his features at this point, all his verses on the album, it sounds like you're getting smacked upside the head. As much as 'Nasty' has that type of beat, it's really him on the beat that's making it connect all the way." For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines. Related Artists |
| Johnny Depp 'Feels His Costumes' In 'Dark Shadows' Posted: 17 Nov 2011 11:42 PM PST Costume designer Colleen Atwood takes MTV News inside the extravagant looks of Depp's Barnabas Collins.
Costume designer Colleen Atwood has dressed Johnny Depp for eight films, five of which were directed by Tim Burton. The pair's collaboration dates all the way back to 1990's "Edward Scissorhands" and continues to this day with Burton's latest flick, "Dark Shadows."
In the film, Depp plays centuries-old vampire Barnabas Collins, who is awakened in the late '60s and tries to forge a relationship with his modern descendents. Atwood recently revealed to MTV News that while Depp is most certainly involved in the costuming process, he's come to trust her enough to let her work her magic. "Johnny's very open about what things are in the process, but he really lets people present things to him. He never really pushes at all," Atwood said. "Sometimes he doesn't even look in the mirror in his fittings. It's so funny. It's pretty amazing. People would be surprised, because I think they have this image of Johnny, because he's so stylish always, but he really feels his costumes more than looks at them, and the movement and the feeling in them is really important." For "Shadows," Depp's vampire is of the traditional sort. Unlike the sparkling vamps of "Twilight," Barnabas cannot be exposed to sunlight. His courtship of Victoria Winters (Bella Heathcote) and his desire to keep his dark secret from her, however, forces him into the daylight. This presented a costuming issue for Atwood, who had to find interesting ways to conceal Depp's skin from sun. "He plays a vampire who wouldn't normally go out in the daytime, but we wanted him to be able to have outings, so I did two or three different hat shapes and we tried them once he got his hair and makeup on," Atwood tells MTV News. "I also found these amazing hundred-year-old sunglasses, but they were too small ... so I took them and had them copied. And the color of the sunglasses and the color of the hat and his costume coat, which was a really dark green, is one of our favorite combos we've come up with in our work together." The three-time Oscar winner (for "Alice in Wonderland," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Chicago") admits that Depp's professionalism has been key to their successful collaboration, saying, "There's a lot of trust there for both of us, so it's a nice process, because ... if he has an idea, it comes from someplace; it's not just some wanky fashion idea." If the early photos are any indication, Atwood has outdone herself yet again. Depp's Barnabas looks simultaneously terrifying and alluring, and co-stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Chloe Moretz and Helena Bonham Carter's dark, high-style extravagance looks like a perfect fit for the Gothic world Burton has created. Are you loving the look Atwood has created for "Dark Shadows"? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me at @JohnMitchell83 with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we've got on "Dark Shadows." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| U2's Iconic <i>Achtung Baby</i>: 20 Years Later Posted: 17 Nov 2011 11:06 PM PST To mark the anniversary of the album that changed U2 forever, MTV News spoke to the man who wrote the book on the band's once heady times.
Twenty years ago, U2 — slightly removed from the double-barrel success of The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum — were a band in crisis. Sure, they were arguably the biggest rock act on the planet, but, for the first time in their career, they had felt the sting of critical backlash: Many felt Hum's accompanying documentary, which followed the band across America, was grandiose and self-righteous (even its director would later call it "pretentious"), and the group couldn't help but wonder if perhaps the critics were right. Had U2 become too big? Had their fascination with all things American (the songs of Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Bob Dylan, the spiritualism of gospel choirs, the sanctity of Sun Studios and Graceland) led them too far from their roots? Were Bono's sociopolitical viewpoints detracting from the power of the band? And, really, after a decade spent trying to conquer the world — and succeeding — what did U2 really have left to accomplish? They took all those questions (and more) to Berlin, where they hoped to be inspired by the German Reunification and the ghosts of David Bowie and Iggy Pop, both of whom had rediscovered and reinvented themselves there. But, as you'd probably expect, things didn't go according to plan. The sessions bore little fruit as U2 struggled to redefine the group and clear divisions began to develop among bandmembers that had always considered themselves friends first. There was talk of quitting altogether; that rather than continue to fracture, perhaps it was time to call it a day. Thankfully, they didn't. In a way, those Berlin sessions not only made U2 stronger, but they made them realize that things had to change. Gone were the grandiose gestures and bombastic ballads, replaced instead with an entirely new sound: one that embraced the burgeoning club scene of Europe, the streaked sonics of alt-rock, the artful artifice of Bowie and the adventurous explorations of producer Brian Eno. U2 had redefined what it meant to be a rock band in the 1990s, and they did it all with one marvelous album, Achtung Baby, which marks its 20th anniversary on Saturday. So in celebration of the album that not only forged new territory, but launched the second phase of U2's epic career, MTV News spoke to the man who was there to witness it all, author and critic Bill Flanagan. He wrote what is arguably the definitive book on the band's Achtung era, "U2: At the End of the World," a sprawling, dense thing that followed them from the recording studio to the stage, on their massive, hugely influential Zoo TV Tour, and beyond. And today, he's looking back on the album that changed everything. Starting, of course, at the beginning. "Rattle and Hum was a hugely successful album, spun off a bunch of hit singles," Flanagan said. "You couldn't have asked for more from it, commercially, but there was a critical backlash, which probably had as much to do with the movie as anything. Critics were saying, 'Wait a minute, when did these guys become the prophets of rock and roll, telling Americans about Johnny Cash and B.B. King and Bob Dylan?' And any other band in that circumstance ... would go, 'Who cares about the critics, what do they know?' But one of the things that's unusual about U2 is that they sort of took the criticism to heart, and thought, 'Actually, they may have a point.' "When they saw how [the film] looked, they felt it was a dead end. ... And they didn't want to be trapped; they didn't want be stuck wearing cowboy hats and waving a white flag up and down the stage forever," he continued. "It was a huge risk because, look, when you'd become as big as they had become after The Joshua Tree, everybody tells you 'Don't mess with it.' Nobody says, 'What a good idea, you're going to change your sound, change the way you look.' " Still, undaunted, U2 headed to Berlin's Hansa Studios, the same place Bowie had recorded Low and Heroes, and where Iggy made The Idiot. And it was there where they split into two distinct camps: those who wanted to try something new, and those who argued there was no point in messing with success. "There was this great argument about what it meant to reinvent themselves. Bono and Edge were very dedicated to the theory that they had to do something that was dramatically different, and [drummer] Larry [Mullen] and [bassist] Adam [Clayton] weren't totally buying it," Flanagan said. "It became really tense. They didn't feel like they were getting the work done, they just felt like they weren't coming up with good stuff, and they talked about maybe throwing in the towel; that maybe they should go out on top and not become one of those bands that just becomes a worse and worse version of itself." There were also external pressures, namely from the band's significant others, who, having watched them win over the world, wanted nothing more than them to come home. "There was a lot on the line with the band, and there was a lot on the line with their families. They'd put a lot of things on hold with their families while they were trying to conquer the world in the '80s," Flanagan said. "They were wealthy, so there was a real question from the wives of, like, 'Well, OK, now you've done what you wanted to do, and now you're going to stay home.' So that was part of the pressure that was on them, like, 'What's the reason?' When you started doing something when you were 15 or 16, and now you're 30 ... you're starting to have kids ... things change." Of course, we all know how things turned out. After additional sessions in Dublin, U2 had gone through the fire and emerged with Achtung Baby, a delightfully odd thing that was a very big risk, to say the very least. ("People were taken aback by it," Flanagan said. "They thought they had lost their minds.") But for all the sonic adventurousness of tracks like "Zoo Station" or "The Fly," there was a definite heart to the lyrics ... one that was very much inspired by Bono's own domestic dilemmas. "The lyrics were actually, for the most part, actually quite confessional, even if they were disguised. It's about relationships, marriage, the lure of freedom versus the responsibilities of domesticity," Flanagan explained. "And that's what gives the album its emotional weight. ... And the sound of the album, the beats, the rhythmic improvisations they did and the sonics, which I think, really, is where Edge and Eno and Lilywhite and Flood, the engineer, really got to have some fun. People didn't know what to make of the album." And looking back 20 years later, Flanagan said that all the head-scratching surrounding Achtung Baby probably wasn't justified. Sure, it's a sonically amorphous listen and, thematically, it deals with weighty topics like sexuality and spirituality. Of course, it's a gaudy thing and, yes, it saw Bono playing characters like the Fly and MacPhisto. But at its core, it's also an album unlike any other; the kind huge bands don't have the balls to make these days. And because of all that, it's unquestionably real, and that authenticity makes it an all-time classic. "The really great albums, like Revolver by the Beatles or Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan, just create their own sonic world ... and Achtung Baby does that," Flanagan said. "It doesn't sound like it's part of the Manchester thing, it doesn't sound like it's part of the Grunge thing, it doesn't sound like it's part of what Public Enemy and N.W.A were doing. It just sounds like it's Achtung Baby. "And that's kind of the most important thing a record can do. That's why people still like Led Zeppelin and that's why people still like Pink Floyd; there's not really other stuff that does it. If you're in the mood for a Led Zeppelin record, you've got to put on a Led Zeppelin record. And I think if you are in the mood for Achtung Baby, there's no other album you can go to, that have that combination of vulnerability in the lyric and authority in the music and just tremendous fun in the production." Share your favorite cuts from Achtung Baby in the comments below! Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Breaking Dawn - Part 1': Everything You Need To Know Posted: 17 Nov 2011 10:47 PM PST We've been following the penultimate 'Twilight' entry for years ... and now it's finally here!
Well over three years after "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer exclusively told MTV News that "Breaking Dawn" should be split into two films, the first part of the vampire epic rolled into theaters Friday (November 18).
In the time since that interview, we've covered the two films exhaustively. The sheer amount of content is staggering — hours and hours of interviews, exclusive reveals of footage and photos, analysis of casting news and conversations with fans. And right here on this page you can find it all. Right here, you can find out everything there is to know about "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1": The Split "I definitely think it was the right thing to do, for the movie and for the book," Taylor Lautner told MTV News of the split. "It's hard enough to condense 500 pages into a script, but to condense 800 and everything that's going on in 'Breaking Dawn,' it would have been impossible." Soon, casting for the new vamps had begun, with folks like Maggie Grace, Lee Pace and Noel Fisher signing on to play bloodsuckers. Young Mackenzie Foy was picked to be Bella and Edward's daughter. Filming kicked off in Rio de Janeiro in November 2010. The First Looks "It's always awkward in a way if you're doing it with anybody," RPattz told us of the sex scene. "It really depends on how it's staged and stuff. It's like doing Twister." During an "MTV First" with Pattinson tied to "Water for Elephants," the Brit ended up spilling tons of dirt on "Breaking Dawn" — sex scenes, musical performances and his thoughts on his movie daughter. Lautner sat down for his own "MTV First" shortly thereafter, an effort to promote "Abduction," but obviously the talk turned early and often to "Twilight." In June came the MTV Movie Awards, and, as usual, we delivered a "Twilight" first look: this time, an exclusive trailer for "Breaking Dawn - Part 1," complete with evidence of Bella Swan's wedded bliss and baby bump. Fans were blown away, and so was Stewart, as she told us later at San Diego Comic-Con. "I think the most surreal experience was getting married," she said. "It was right at the bitter end. I was amping up to it the entire time. They left me on my toes for six months. And then it was just sort of very cathartic to see the entire cast in the pews and everyone excited to see how it was all going to go down." The Arrival Before their U.S. press duties truly kicked off, we sat down with Pattinson, Stewart and Lautner for yet another "MTV First." There was talk of sex, abs and G-strings, as well as the debut of an exclusive clip. We also sat down for extended one-on-one interviews with the three actors: Pattinson discussed fulfilling sexual fantasies, Stewart confessed that the sex scene was "all close-ups," and Lautner revealed that he fought against taking his shirt off in the movie. With just days to go until opening, we hit the "Breaking Dawn" black carpet in Los Angeles. Though all the Twi-craziness has been part of his life for years, Pattinson admitted he still can't comprehend it all. "It's like an alternate reality," he told us. "My everyday life is so boring, and then you go to these things and everyone thinks something cool is happening." Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Paramore Look To Rediscover 'Fun' On New Album Posted: 17 Nov 2011 11:24 PM PST In new interview, Paramore talk about moving on from the Farros and inspiring fans.
Paramore are moving forward, with a song-a-month "Singles Club" and plans for a new album in 2012. But in the new issue of
For the magazine's cover story, Paramore discuss the departure of founding members Josh and Zac Farro last winter and how it forced them to realize that perhaps they had been approaching the business of being in a band from the wrong angle. Namely, they forgot all about the fun. "We've always enjoyed what we do," guitarist Taylor York told the magazine, "but we'd watch other bands on tour with us, and they would just be having a blast. They'd be in vans, all cramming in one hotel room. Every day, they were just stoked to be there. In my head, I'm like, 'Either they're just really mistaken, or we're missing something. I don't think it's possible to have that much fun.' " "I felt so bad for the longest time, because we made being in a band look like it wasn't fun," frontwoman Hayley Williams added. "In my opinion. Other people might not have thought that, but you imagine all the interviews we did where it was just like, 'Uhh ... ' " Gee, wonder which interview she's referring to? Still, after surviving the split with the Farros, Paramore rediscovered the joy of being in a band while on tour in South America, and that's what gave them the desire to press on with a new album. "This winter, when Zac and Josh left, we went through a really hard time," York said. "I think we had to go through that. We all love each other, but we had to come together so closely that we really rediscovered how much we really love each other — and how much we love playing music. We had to go through that to realize what we had." Recharged, Paramore are pressing on with their new record — one that, from the sound of things, will be a spirited affair indeed. "It's important for young people to know how much fun it is to make music with your friends," Williams said. "You have to fight for it, of course, but it's the biggest gift to play music for people, and it's a gift even if you're not playing for anybody. It's fun, and I'm excited. We're stoked to have that spirit revolving around this [forthcoming] album and just relax into the process." What are you expecting from Paramore's next album? Let us know in the comments! |
| Rick Ross Promises A 'Classic Debut' From Meek Mill Posted: 17 Nov 2011 11:24 PM PST 'You can expect real hip-hop from me: spit, versatility,' Philly MC tells 'RapFix Live.'
Meek Mill is on fire right now. Just last week the Maybach Music rookie dropped the high-powered remix of his "Ima Boss" single, and while another rapper in his position might rush to put an album out in order to capitalize off the momentum, Meek is taking his time.
When Meek Milly's debut album does drop his MMG boss, Rick Ross, has no doubt that it'll be quality. As a matter of fact, when Rozay and Meek were featured on "RapFix Live" on Wednesday, the Bawse made the proclamation of all proclamations. "Meek Mill debut gonna be a classic," Ross boasted as his Philadelphia protégé nodded in agreement. "You can be expecting something by the summer — if not the summer, before the summer," Meek told "RFL" of his yet-untitled LP. "You can expect real hip-hop from me: spit, versatility. Like Ross said, it ain't about quantity, it's about quality. I like to take my time, put out good records, pick good beats, pick good features." So far so good. Meek is building a reputation for making hard street bangers thanks to tracks like "Tupac Back" and "Ima Boss," his two singles from this year's MMG compilation Self Made Vol.1. And Meek's latest Dreamchasers mixtape yielded yet another street favorite in the Young Chris-assisted "House Party." But rather than focus on the right now, the fiery MC understands that you only get one chance to make your first album, so he's in no rush. "That's what the focus is: making sure it's classic. And I'm really excited and proud that the homey is taking his time to go to that next level," Ross said. "Of course he's the hardest new artist in the game — we know that, hands down. Of course he can capitalize right now and we know that, that's the obvious. But what's not, is his debut album will be a classic." Do you think Meek Mill has what it takes to deliver a classic debut? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Breaking Dawn' Fans Travel Cross-Country For Midnight Premiere Posted: 18 Nov 2011 08:08 AM PST 'We came all the way from North Dakota to come to a New York premiere of 'Twilight,' fan John Myhre says.
Everyone knew that the premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" would be an emotional journey for fans of the vampire movies, but for some at the midnight premiere Thursday night in New York City, it was a literal journey across the country.
"We came all the way from North Dakota to come to a New York premiere of 'Twilight,' " die-hard fan John Myhre said. John wasn't the only fan who traveled from afar to see the film. Another group of fans came from Texas just to see "Breaking Dawn" at midnight, before everyone else. For one fan, the hype could not properly prepare her for the film, which went beyond what she was expecting. "I thought it was great. It was the best thing ever. It totally exceeded my expectations," she said. So everyone loved it, but what was the best part? The movie boasts three major moments — the wedding, the honeymoon and the birth — and fans were split on which they loved the most. "The love scene was beautiful. You would love it," one fan said. Susan Dolan saw similarities to her own life in "Breaking Dawn." "Charlie was walking Bella down the aisle. I was like, 'That's totally my dad,' " she said. Dante Delva went a different route and chose a key scene between Jacob and his pack. "My favorite part of the movie has to be when Jacob stood up to Sam. Even though you have the authority, I have the free will to do whatever I want," he said. Several fans said that one showing was not nearly enough for them. "I actually have tickets to three more showings, so I'll be back," Alanna Foxx said. We all still have one more "Twilight" installment to go, and the Twi-hards will be there to the bitter end. "I am looking forward to seeing 'Breaking Dawn - Part 2.' I will be at the midnight premiere again," Carla Suarez said. Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Kristen Stewart's Big 'Nerdy' Week Posted: 18 Nov 2011 09:56 AM PST The 'Breaking Dawn' star's 'Snow White' trailer and possible 'Akira' casting are hot topics on 'Talk Nerdy to Me.'
Kristen Stewart is having a big week. Not only is she kicking off the first of her final two "Twilight" films with Friday's (November 18) release of "Breaking Dawn - Part 1," she also set the geek world on fire with her "Snow White and the Huntsman" trailer and reports that she could join the cast of "Akira," based on the beloved Katsuhiro Otomo anime and manga of the same name.
But the reactions to those two projects have been decidedly mixed — as with all things, there's some good and some bad — so it's up to us to dive into those topics and more on this week's episode of "Talk Nerdy to Me."Keep reading for a taste of all the "Nerdy"-ness that awaits you this week! KStew Approaches "Akira" Kristen's Total "Snow" Out Doctor Potter Men of Steel, Too! "Breaking" the Box Office Tell us what you thought of this week's "Talk Nerdy to Me" in the comments section! Check out everything we've got on For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Jay-Z, Jimmy Fallon: <i>GQ</i> Men Could Take Down <i>People</i>'s Sexiest Posted: 18 Nov 2011 05:58 AM PST GQ held its annual Men of the Year bash in Hollywood Thursday night.
HOLLYWOOD — The GQ Men of the Year are ready to rumble with People magazine's "Sexiest Men."
At GQ's 16th annual "Men of the Year" Party at the Chateau Marmont, honorees Jay-Z, Jimmy Fallon and Michael Fassbender joked that if push came to shove, their posse of powerful GQ players would dominate Bradley Cooper's sexy gang, which includes "Glee" star Darren Criss, the male stars of "Parks and Recreation," Tim McGraw, Joe Manganiello, Joel McHale and dozens more. GQ top dog Jay-Z even has a strategy in place. "I'll take on the whole entire cast of 'Parks and Recreation.' I'll leave Justin [Timberlake] to take care of 'Glee' and Jimmy Fallon could karate-chop the rest of those guys," Jay joked. Fallon was less sure about the match-up. "['Parks and Recreation' character Ron Swanson] is a tough guy. That's a tough call, but you know, I gotta see what the arena is. I gotta look at the variables there." Meanwhile, "True Blood" star Manganiello thinks he could hold his own against the GQ gang. "I'm fighting for People presently, so you know who I'm going to say," he said before adding, "I think we should do it for charity!" "Revenge" star Emily VanCamp was torn. "[Co-star] Joshua Bowman's one of the sexiest so I'd have to say Josh," she said. But does she really think Bowman could take on Jay-Z? "That's a tough one. Don't tell him I said so, but no," she said. "Teen Wolf" star Colton Haynes had no qualms picking Team GQ despite co-star Tyler Posey repping on People's list. "We worked out with the same trainer today and I gave him a lot of crap about that, so just to spite him, I'm with GQ," Haynes quipped. "21 Jump Street" star Rob Riggle has a theory as to why the well-dressed men of GQ would beat up the half-naked pretty boys of People. "[Team GQ has] more of a manly man's, unshaven look, I think. They're gonna be a little tougher. They got a little more grit." Actress Lizzie Caplan snarked that her skinny "Party Down" partner in crime Adam Scott would lead the Sexiest Men to victory. "I mean, clearly he's enormous and so cut. I'm surprised he's not on the cover of Men's Fitness, like, all the time," she said with a wry smile. If there's one thing everyone could agree on, it's that GQ's secret weapon is one of the December issue's four cover subjects, Mila Kunis. "I think Mila would kick Bradley [Cooper's] ass," asserted "The Killing" star Billy Campbell. "I think Mila Kunis could take some people out if she wanted to," Fallon seconded. We wondered what Justin Timberlake would do in a GQ/People magazine knife fight, however. The singer-turned-actor appears on both lists this year. Maybe he could be the ref. Related Artists |
| Lady Gaga To Be Honored As LGBT 'Hero' Posted: 17 Nov 2011 10:14 PM PST Trevor Project will present singer with their Hero Award at December event.
Lady Gaga has never been shy about her feelings for the LGBT community — she's perhaps the biggest and most A-list advocate for LGBT youth. Now her work with the community is earning her some recognition.
At this year's annual Trevor Live event, the singer will be honored by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that offers suicide-prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Gaga will receive the Trevor Hero Award, Press Party reports. The organization will also recognize Google Inc. with the Trevor 2020 Award. "Our young people are at the center of a health crisis, and vocal leaders like Lady Gaga and technology leaders like Google Inc. have stepped up to help change our culture," David McFarland, interim executive director and CEO of the Trevor Project, said in a statement. "Our honorees are working with the Trevor Project to make a better today and a brighter tomorrow for youth. We are proud to honor Lady Gaga with the Trevor Hero Award and Google Inc. with the Trevor 2020 award for their work to help young people express their true selves with pride." Gaga and her mother recently started the Born This Way Foundation, which will focus on "youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change." The Trevor party is set to go down on December 4 at the Hollywood Palladium. Gaga won't be the only A-lister on hand at the big show. Fergie, Mary J. Blige, Miley Cyrus, Gleeks Chris Colfer and Darren Criss, Julianne Hough and "True Blood" star Joe Manganiello are just a few of the stars slated to appear. Criss made headlines last year when he was joined onstage by Katy Perry at the event. The two performed her track "Teenage Dream," which he had famously covered on "Glee." Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| You are subscribed to email updates from MTV News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar