Selasa, 22 November 2011

MTV News

MTV News

Robert Pattison Is 'Sensational' In 'Cosmopolis'

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

'He's a great actor,' director David Cronenberg tells MTV News. 'It's obvious in the movie.'
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in "Cosmopolis"
Photo: Caitlin Cronenberg's Twitter

The infamous birth scene in "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" may have drawn comparisons to the work of director David Cronenberg, but star Robert Pattinson got to work with the auteur for real in the upcoming "Cosmopolis," an adaptation of the novel by Don DeLillo.

The role represents a dynamic shift from the character fans around the world know Pattinson for, Edward Cullen, but Cronenberg, when he spoke with MTV News' Josh Horowitz, explained that the choice was nothing more than the normal casting process.

"You start with the basics. How old is he? What does he look like? Is the character very nerdy? Is he handsome and devilish?" Cronenberg said. "Is he an intellectual? You think about all these things and you think about the actors who could possibly project the things that you need from this character."

Once Cronenberg had a list of potential candidates for the "Ulysses"-inspired protagonist, Eric Packer, it is important to consider a star's profile in order to get the proper funding for the film. Cronenberg said that it takes an actor with a name like Pattinson to get his movies made.

After judging Pattinson's interest in the project and working around his schedule, it was clear to Cronenberg that he was the man for the job. "Ultimately, I felt he was the guy. Once again, intuition," he said. "I saw his movies, including ones maybe his Twi-Hard fans don't know about, like 'Little Ashes.' Maybe they saw 'Remember Me,' I'm not sure."

As for Pattinson's "Twilight" reputation, it's something Cronenberg acknowledges. "I can't pretend that I'm not aware of that. This is an unusual jump for him. He said it himself. It's scary," Cronenberg said, adding that it's the scary part of it that makes it worthwhile. "It's a scary thing because he's never really had to carry a movie quite that way before, totally on his own," he said. "He's in every scene. He's almost in every shot, so scary for him, but for an actor, scary is good. You don't want to be bored. You don't want to be too confident."

The question that will be on everyone's minds who goes to see the film may ultimately be, "Can the 'Twilight' kid actually act?" Cronenberg was quick to cast any doubt aside. "Really, he's fantastic. He's sensational," he said. "Really, I'm telling you. He's a great actor. It's obvious in the movie. It's not like maybe yes, maybe no. It's obvious."

Check out everything we've got on "Cosmopolis."

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

'Dancing With The Stars': Rob Kardashian Steps Up

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

Big sister Kim looks on as Rob tops the leaderboard, with J.R. Martinez and Ricki Lake falling short of the reality star.
By Kelley L. Carter


Rob Kardashian on "Dancing With the Stars"
Photo: ABC

The talk-show host. The reality star. The war hero.

Only one will be crowned the winner on Tuesday's (November 22) "Dancing With the Stars" season finale, but you better believe Ricki Lake, Rob Kardashian and J.R. Martinez are hoping their dance moves win over America's heart.

On Monday night, they performed two dances each — the second was a freestyle dance — and the judges loved what Kardashian brought to the table. After weeks of seeing everyone else nab the highest scores, it was the reality star who brought home the top spot on the leaderboard.

Here's how everyone fared:

Ricki Lake and Derek Hough
Lake, the sole remaining woman in the competition, went first, dancing the cha-cha to Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x," and the judges loved it, telling her she was living the dance and exuding confidence. "Action-packed performance. Good timing. Good rhythm. Hips were working good. It's a dance deserving of this final. Well done," hard-to-please judge Len Goodman told her. 27/30

When Lake came back for her freestyle, she burst through a screen (of her larger self from earlier in the season; since being on the show she's shed quite a bit of weight), and they shimmied and flipped and twisted and turned all about the stage. The judges said their dance was demanding and difficult. "It was fun, it was entertaining. Overall, what a great number," Goodman said. 27/30

Lake's overall score: 54/60

Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke
The reality star —whose big sister Kim watched from the audience for the first time since her divorce — danced the waltz, and the judges found his movements to be a little heavy and said he lost his posture at times. Carrie Ann Inaba said he was the male version of Cinderella. Overall, they thought it was simple and beautiful. "Tonight, you were flowing and you were glowing. So full of expression. I love the continuity of lines," judge Bruno Tonioli said. 27/30

For their second dance of the night, Kardashian and Burke danced on a set that mirrored Harlem, New York's Cotton Club, and Cheryl said she wanted to play to Rob's strengths. That meant their dance started off slow and then kicked up a notch and finished fast. The judges said their dance blew them all away. "Brilliant contact! Brilliant execution! Brilliant performance!" Tonioli yelled. 30/30

Kardashian's overall score: 57/60

J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff
For much of the season, he's topped the leaderboard — or at least been close — until last week. His ankle was injured, but he danced in spite of it, and his scores suffered. For his cha-cha on Monday, his ankle was in much better shape, but the judges said Martinez was off-time and there were many mistakes. Tonioli was the lone judge who gave him praise. Carrie Ann Inaba offered: "I think when people watch you dance, they just fall in love with your spirit. Tonight, your musicality was a bit off. We're in the finals, so watch your arms. I know you've got it in you." 24/30

Martinez performed the final freestyle of the night, and they went with a Latin-inspired routine to pay homage to his Latin heritage. The judges said this time around, he redeemed himself. They said his dance was hypnotic and found it to be an incredible comeback from his first-round routine. "That's the way to come back! Those lifts were the sickest lifts I've ever seen — congratulations!" Inaba cheered. 30/30

Martinez's overall score: 54/60

Who had your favorite dance of the finals? Let us know in the comments!

Will 'Breaking Dawn' R-Rated Sex Scene Make The DVD?

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 05:42 AM PST

Director Bill Condon 'went for it' on too-hot-for-PG-13 version of the honeymoon, screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg tells MTV News.
By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in "Breaking Dawn"
Photo: Summit

"Twilight" fans should know by now that the original sex scene filmed for "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" was a lot steamier than the version that made the final cut. The MPAA said the film would need an R rating if director Bill Condon didn't cut out some of the "thrusting."

Needless to say, he did, and "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" currently reigns atop the box office with a PG-13 rating. But screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg admitted to MTV News that she wished the raunchier cut had made it to the big screen.

"Bill, he went for it," Rosenberg said with a laugh when she recently spoke to MTV News. "I wanted to keep [the footage]."

Though all the bumping and grinding didn't make it to the final cut of the film, Rosenberg is crossing her fingers that a lot of the footage will make it to the DVD. So everyone out there hoping that some of the more explicit parts of that sex scene will one day be released for public consumption, you just might be in luck.

That's not the only scene that got chopped from the final cut of the movie, though. Rosenberg said there was a sequence before Bella and Edward's wedding that also got the ax because it was slowing down the rest of the movie.

"There was a whole section before the wedding with Charlie, Renee and Carlisle and Edward, kind of a back-and-forth, but it just slowed everything down. But there are some nice things in there," she said.

To calm fans who might be upset about missing that interaction, Rosenberg added, "But again, these are things that will show up someday."

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

Lil Wayne: Drake Selling 750,000 Not 'A Problem'

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 04:32 AM PST

'We just want to get a perfect point across,' YMCMB captain tells MTV News of valuing art over sales.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Travis Laurendine


Drake and Lil Wayne
Photo: John Shearer/Wireimage

While performing on Sunday night's American Music Awards, Drake had a moment. The Young Money MC was in the middle of the second verse to his single "Headlines" when he switched up the lyrics to reflect the projected first-week success of his sophomore album, Take Care.

"If we talkin' bout the numbers/ Man, it look like 700, they know," Drake rapped in response to the Billboard prediction that he will debut atop the albums chart this week with as many as 700,000 copies sold. However, if you let Young Money head honcho Lil Wayne tell it, the numbers are not as important as the cultural impact.

"As far as expectations, we don't have those around here. Expectations are a weakness in the music business because if you expect anything, 10 times out of 10 it's not gonna happen, so we don't have expectations around here," Lil Wayne told MTV News on Friday when we caught up with him on a trip to New Orleans where, he gave out Thanksgiving Turkeys in his old neighborhood on Saturday.

"What we do expect is ... to work very hard and we expect people to respect our hard work and our effort," Weezy continued. "Now as far going to buy the album, as far as going to get 750,000 copies, that's never a problem with us; that's never important to us."

In 2008, Wayne sold more than a million copies of Tha Carter III in its debut week. And this past August, he moved 960,000 units of Tha Carter IV in the first seven days of release, but the Louisiana rhyme animal is more concerned with his Young Money artists making their creative mark. "Pardon me for sounding however I sound with this statement, but we rich as sh--, so numbers and record sales that doesn't matter to none of us," he said.

Take Care hit retail last Tuesday, but leaked several days prior. After it hit the Net early, Drizzy didn't seem too concerned about how the leak would affect his bottom line. Instead, he invited fans to a digital listening party. "Listen, enjoy it, buy it if you like it...and take care until next time," he tweeted. Songs like the Rick Ross-assisted, Just Blaze-produced "Lord Knows" quickly became a trending topic on Twitter.

So far, the critical opinion to the LP has been fairly positive. The Toronto artist blends rap bars and R&B melodies with equal expertise on the album, and even if some find it too different at first, Wayne hopes that eventually everyone will come around and recognize Take Care as a great body of work.

"We just want to get a perfect point across, a swell opinion across," he said. "We want our opinion to be different from everybody else's opinion, but so different and so great that everybody else joins that opinion. And if we get that done with the album, mission accomplished."

Share your reviews of Take Care in the comments below!

Related Artists

'Breaking Dawn' Box Office: What It Means For 'Part 2'

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 01:36 AM PST

Box-office experts weigh in on whether 'Twilight' series can top blockbuster 'Harry Potter' finale.
By Kevin P. Sullivan


Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in "Breaking Dawn - Part 1"
Photo: Summit

Opening weekend has come and gone for the first part of the "Twilight Saga" finale, and "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" bowed to an impressive $139.5 million at the box office, just short of the series-record $142 million for "New Moon" in 2009.

But $139.5 million is certainly nothing to shake a stick at, and a number of box-office experts MTV News spoke with agreed that the number represents a serious accomplishment, despite coming up just short.

"When the final numbers come in today, 'Breaking Dawn' will have the fifth-best opening ever, a record I'm sure every studio wouldn't mind having," said Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations. "And even though 'Breaking Dawn' will always be in the shadow of 'New Moon,' which hit $142 million two years ago when it debuted over the same weekend, 'Breaking Dawn,' and the 'Twilight' franchise in general, is one of those rare commodities in Hollywood that sustains its audience from film to film."

The question of the drop in revenue from "New Moon" still remains. By normal box-office logic, returns would ramp up in anticipation for the finale, yet the penultimate entry in the series could not top the second. Phil Contrino, editor of Boxoffice.com, said it has to do with the fanbase.

"I think a healthy portion of the audience is growing up and forgetting about this franchise. It's not enough to put a significant dent in the grosses, but there's definitely an impact," he said.

As "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" approaches, fans of both the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" series anxiously await to see which finale will come out on top at the box office. Gitesh Pandya from Box Office Guru said Potter's record will remain.

"Since 'Part 2' is the final 'Twilight' film, I expect it to open a little higher and maybe even beat 'New Moon,' " Pandya said. "But it won't match the numbers for the final 'Harry Potter' unless it's converted into 3-D."

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

Katy Perry To Host 'Saturday Night Live'

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 03:20 AM PST

No word yet whether she'll also serve as musical guest on December 10 episode.
By Kevin P. Sullivan


Katy Perry
Photo: J.B. Lacroix/ WireImage

Let's hope this goes better than "Sesame Street." The day after claiming a special honor at the American Music Awards for being the first woman in history to have five #1 singles on the same album, Katy Perry gets to add one more honor to her résumé: host of "Saturday Night Live."

A release from EMI announced that Perry will take up hosting duties for the December 10 episode of the live variety show. The announcement made no mention of whether Perry would also perform as the show's musical guest.

Perry appeared once before on the show back in 2010 as the musical guest for an episode hosted by Amy Poehler. She also showed off some of her comedic chops in a sketch that satirized her controversial and voluptuous guest spot on "Sesame Street."

Perry joins a list of musicians who have also hosted "SNL," including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ludacris, Paul Simon, Queen Latifah and Sting.

Comedy is not entirely a new area for Perry. The video for "Last Friday Night" included a good amount of acting before and after the music ended, playing out like a short film. There were also a handful of shorts on Funny or Die based on her character from the video, Kathy Beth Terry.

Perry's television experience, however, is limited to one short appearance as Honey on an episode of "How I Met Your Mother" back in February. She most recently lent her voice to the big-screen adaptation of "The Smurfs" this past summer, playing Smurfette.

It's also important to note Perry's comedic husband, Russell Brand, who hosted earlier this year.

How do you think Katy will do as "SNL" host? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos Related Artists

Dr. Dre Deserves A Break, Slim The Mobster Says

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 04:01 AM PST

'He gave us Eminem and 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Game ... let the man have fun,' War Music rapper tells 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Dr. Dre
Photo: MTV News

Dr. Dre made waves last week when he said he was ready to take "a little bit of a break" from music after he finishes working with Kendrick Lamar and Slim the Mobster.

When Slim appeared on "RapFix Live" Wednesday, the Aftermath rapper said, "For the past time that I've been around, I know for a fact that [Dre] hasn't been out the studio long. Let him have a break.

"He gave us Eminem and 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Game, he gave us so many different things in his time. There are some rappers who haven't gave us nothing. So, let the man have fun now."

At the opening of the Beats by Dre pop-up store in Manhattan, New York, the hip-hop icon told Fader TV, "I've been working on music for 27 years now, and the longest I've ever been out of the studio in 27 years has been two weeks. I'm never gonna stop music — it's like air to me. I'm gonna take a little bit of a break, enjoy some time with the family."

But can we at least get Detox before he goes? "I'm hoping," said Slim, who recently released his War Music mixtape. "That's what we're shooting for, right?"

Several years in the making, there hasn't been a hip-hop album shrouded in as much mystery as Dre's third solo affair. Even Slim, who is in the Doc's camp, isn't sure which songs will make the final track list, though he has heard several, including a song with Jay-Z and another with Drake.

"It's a process, so I don't even know what songs are really on the album and what songs aren't on the album," Slim said, before noting that, ultimately, Dre isn't too concerned with high-profile features. "He's picky; he don't care about that name stuff. It's gotta be appeasing to him and what he likes."

Were you surprised by Dr. Dre's announcement? Sound off below!

Related Videos Related Artists

Lady Gaga, Britney, Taylor Swift, Beyonce Drop Concert DVDs

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 03:04 AM PST

Four pop divas released concert specials on Monday — just in time for Black Friday!
By Jocelyn Vena


Taylor Swift
Photo: Getty Images

Music fans planning to burn off those post-Thanksgiving calories with some holiday shopping are in luck: Some of pop's biggest divas dropped live DVDs on Monday (November 21): Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears all have concert specials out, just in time for your Black Friday wish list. Here, MTV News breaks down the four releases (and one more to watch out for).

Taylor Swift
Just as Taylor wraps up her Speak Now Tour this week, the American Music Award winner is releasing "Speak Now World Tour - Live." The 18-song DVD features Swift performing some of her biggest tracks during that arena-filling trek. And if that's not enough Taylor, there's also a 16-song CD that fans can snatch up.

Beyoncé
Filmed over four shows in New York, weeks before B announced her pregnancy at the VMAs, the "Live at Roseland" DVD special shows the Queen B recounting some of the greatest moments of her career before launching into a nonstop live performance of her 4 album. It also includes behind-the-scenes footage that gives fans their first look at the wedding dress Beyoncé wore the day she married Jay-Z.

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is giving her little monsters a front row seat to her epic Monster Ball Tour. Filmed during stops at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, the concert originally aired on HBO and earned the pop star an Emmy. The DVD also includes previously unseen material that didn't make the final cut on HBO. In addition, Gaga is releasing a new album, Born This Way - The Remix, today.

Britney Spears
After debuting her Femme Fatale live concert special on Epix earlier this month, Spears is releasing the spectacle on DVD this week for those who may have missed it. Full of costume changes, swirling dance numbers and a sexy lap dance, this special is perfect for the Brit enthusiast.

One to Pre-Order: Adele
A fifth diva will get into the game on Cyber Monday. On November 28, Adele drops her own concert special, "Live at the Royal Albert Hall." And given that it might be a while before the singer hits the road again (she's on the mend from throat surgery), the DVD will at least give fans a taste of Adele's live stage show.

Share your concert DVD shopping picks in the comments section!

Related Artists

Justin Bieber Takes Paternity Test

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 01:48 AM PST

Even after lawsuit was dropped last week, Bieber's team is taking steps to prove the allegations are false.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber
Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Justin Bieber is a man of his word. After promising he would take a DNA test when a paternity suit was brought against him, TMZ reports the pop star took one Friday night at a lab in New Jersey.

The gossip site reports that the test was taken under "very controlled circumstances," and the next move is on Mariah Yeater, the woman who claimed that her son is Bieber's before dropping her paternity suit last week.

Bieber and his team have maintained that the 17-year-old is not the father of 3-month-old Trystan. E! News reports that there is no timeframe for when Yeater must provide a DNA sample.

When MTV News caught up with Bieber on Thursday night, one day before he took the test, he shrugged off the controversy, instead focusing on the positive and saying he's been doing "great" these days.

Bieber sat down with NYC radio station Z100 earlier that day and joked that he'd prefer the rumors be about running away to South America with a supermodel. "Right now, I'm focusing on my album and the music and the [Pencils of Promise] charity we're doing and just being positive, because Christmastime is a time for joy and happiness, so that's what I'm thinking," Bieber said. "And as far as the whole baby situation, it's unfortunate that it had to happen like that. People make false accusations, but things happen in this industry and you have to keep your head high and be positive."

Those words mirror the advice Bieber's mentor, Usher, shared with him: "Stay strong. And know that all of this comes with the territory."

Related Artists

Pusha T Calls 'What Dreams Are Made Of' Clip 'Arrogant'

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 03:15 AM PST

Fear of God II: Let Us Pray video pays homage to Ronald Reagan, G.O.O.D. Music rapper explains on set.
By Nadeska Alexis


Pusha T
Photo: Neilson Barnard/ Getty Images

Pusha T's full-length solo debut won't hit shelves until 2012, but in the meantime, the G.O.O.D. Music rapper will continue to release singles and accompanying videos from his November EP, Fear of God II: Let Us Pray. MTV News caught up with Pusha on set in Brooklyn, New York, this month where he explained the concept of the "What Dreams Are Made Of" video, set to debut soon.

"Fear of God II: Let Us Pray is all about street music, and it's really for my fans, 100 percent just for my fans," Pusha began. "If you love what I'm about and what I've been doing all these years, then it's for you, and I'd be cheapening [the project] if I didn't shoot a video for one of the harder records off of the EP," he added, referring to "Dreams."

"[The video] is arrogant, it's a bit brash, it's about excess, fast living and articulating a lifestyle, a lifestyle that we know very well," the Virginia rapper elaborated, before digging deeper into the track's meaning. "Lyrically, it's about how our people fell victim to drugs, but it wasn't all our fault: [Ronald] Reagan had a lot to do with that; don't just blame us."

In one segment of the video, Pusha is perched on a chair reminiscent of a throne, surrounded by champagne and a few illegal substances that pop up fairly often in his music. The most-surprising item in the scene, however, is a jar full of jellybeans, which are intended as a tribute to the former president. "Ronald Reagan was an avid jellybean lover, so we've got to pay homage to him. We have to: He had a lot to do with this," Pusha explained. "The Ronald Reagan era was a tough time and a detrimental time to the black community, but we adapted."

To clarify, Pusha explained that his music isn't usually inspired by Reagan, but "Dreams" does bear a direct reference to him. "I have a very mean couplet in this song that describes what Reagan did and how Nancy [Reagan] tried to be down too, so we decided to showcase that with the jellybean."

After the premiere of "What Dreams Are Made Of," Pusha plans to roll out a few more videos from Fear of God II, depending on the schedules of the rappers featured on his songs. "I'm so passionate about a lot of the records that I definitely want to shoot a couple more [videos]," he said.

Which Fear of God II song would you like to see Pusha make a video for? Share your pick in the comments below!

Related Artists

'Breaking Dawn - Part 1' Ends In A 'Very Organic Place'

Posted: 20 Nov 2011 11:34 PM PST

'Everybody debated it a lot,' screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg says of back-and-forth over where to split the finale.
By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Robert Pattinson in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"
Photo: Summit Entertainment

If you were among the devoted "Twilight" fans who lined up to see "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" over the weekend, then you already know the film has a pretty dramatic conclusion. But MTV News has learned that the first of the two-part finale wasn't always intended to end where it does, even if it seems like the obvious choice.

When we caught up with screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg and director Bill Condon shortly before "Part 1" hit theaters, the creative duo admitted to a lot of early discussions trying to decide the best place to split the final two movies. While Rosenberg and Condon felt that the current ending was the most "organic" place to pause before "Part 2," the studio wanted to make sure it was a spot in the story line that would best serve the entire series.

"We went back and forth a lot and, initially, this seemed like a very obvious place for the split, but then as the creative process went forth, myself, the studio and [author] Stephenie [Meyer], [producer] Wyck [Godfrey] and everybody debated it a lot," Rosenberg said. "I tried a couple different things but ultimately this was a natural, very organic place to split it."

Condon said he was always a defender of the existing split, even if many members of the creative team debated him on it.

"When I came on, I really felt very strongly this is where it should be [divided]," he told us.

Fans of Meyer's novel should have a general idea of where "Part1" ends even if they haven't seen the movie. But if you're afraid of spoilers, we'll just say that Bella (Kristen Stewart) undergoes some pretty significant changes as the film winds to a close.

Rosenberg actually considered a split that would have pushed "Part 1" even further along in the novel. "Pushing from further into the second movie, pushing into the first act of the second movie," she said of the other options she had toyed with. "But it wasn't organic, it wasn't right."

Do you think the filmmakers chose the right place to split the two "Breaking Dawn" films? Share your thoughts 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

Nickelback Roar Back To Basics On <i>Here And Now</i>

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 01:58 AM PST

Band's new album isn't a departure, because it doesn't have to be.
By James Montgomery


Nickelback's Chad Kroeger
Photo: Getty Images

When Nickelback set out to record their brand-new album Here and Now, which hit stores Monday (November 21), they decided not to stray far from the mantra that has made them one of the decade's biggest-selling acts: Namely, keep it simple, stupid.

"If we had a 'vision,' it was pretty much 'Record 11 songs, try to make sure they don't sound like any of the other 11 songs, and make 'em good,'" frontman Chad Kroeger said. "That was about it."

If Kroeger sounds like he's joking, he assures you, he's not. After all, for more than 15 years now, Nickelback have done one thing — write and record the kinds of songs that sound great played very loudly, be it on the radio, in the parking lot or inside venues that house professional sports franchises — and have done it exceptionally well, to the tune of some 50 million albums sold worldwide. And Here and Now seems destined to follow in those footsteps, both sonically (have you heard "Bottoms Up"?) and commercially. Then again, the latter doesn't seem to matter all that much to Kroeger and company, which may very well be the secret to their success.

"Did you read the bio [for the new album]? Oh my God, it's a thrill ride. It's like my mom wrote it. She's like, 'They've sold this many records worldwide, they've won all of these accolades, the band has set these records,' and you just go down it, and there's almost nothing about the new album," Kroeger laughed. "The adjectives are just like, 'Wow, this dude got a thesaurus for Christmas for sure, and he just blew the dust off it.'

"You know what? I think [sales] mean more to my mom. My mom is just pumped when this stuff comes out," he continued. "But I think sometimes, we'll be sitting at dinner, and we'll look at each other, if it's just the four of us, those are those little secret private moments where we'll look at each other and be like, 'That was pretty cool.' Or, you know, 'Pass the butter.' "

And so, on Here and Now, Nickelback return with much of the same that has led them to such lofty heights. They'll make no bones about it, either. It will probably sell a bazillion copies and launch singles onto modern rock radio for the foreseeable future. And it will most definitely be coming to an arena near you very soon. And all those things would be near-certainties even if the band decided to go with their original title for the album, which, truth be told, would've been pretty awesome, really.

"It's called Here and Now because it just represents a snapshot in time, a snapshot of who we were when we made it," Kroeger explained. "And of all the names we had, it was better than Wizard Beating."

Related Artists

Fred The Godson Just Trying To 'Win' For New York

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 02:02 AM PST

Bronx MC talks to Mixtape Daily about inspiration for his aptly titled City of God tape.
By Rob Markman


Fred the Godson
Photo: MTV News

Main Pick
Headliners: Fred the Godson and DJ Drama

Representing: Bronx, New York

Mixtape: City of God

Real Spit: Fred the Godson makes a strong proclamation for a relative newcomer to rap on his new City of God mixtape: "You can't rank my skill/ I told Drama that this would be one of the most lyrical Gangsta Grillz." But the Bronx, New York, MC backs up his boast with bullying bars.

Big Bronx, as Fred's also known, sets a hell of a tone on the tape's intro, and exercising his lyrical dominance isn't the only promise he makes. Over a subdued piano track, Fred the God also pledges to return New York to its rap prominence.

"We chose for the mixtape to be called City of God because of 'City of God' the movie — it's like a takeover," Fred told Mixtape Daily of drawing inspiration from the 2002 Rio de Janeiro-set film.

Making a play on the title of the flick and his rap moniker, Fred's confidence in his own ability is apparent throughout the 19-track mixtape. "That's why we went with that name, and I'm just here to try to win New York, to try to bring New York back in general," he said.

Fred's formula is simple: mix dramatic, banging beats with witty punchlines and a hustler's ambition, then add the occasional notable feature and voila, you have one of the hardest mixtapes of 2011.

On "Gettin' Money Pt. II," Fred collaborates with Meek Mill and Cory Gunz over a menacing track guided by a Diddy-laced hook. "Doves Fly" finds Fred alongside G.O.O.D. Music's Pusha T on a cocaine-themed free-for-all. "What up Pusha? Tell Malice I got that Khaled/ The best, send a fiend to the moon — Alice," Fred spits while Pusha Ton offers, "Every block another notch up on my résumé/ Now I'm getting rap money with a better 'Ye."

Raekwon shows up on the title track, Maino on "How You Don't Know Me" and Vado for "Head Banger," but Fred is just as comfortable holding tracks down by himself. "Block on Fire" is a coming-of-age story in which the hefty MC documents his street rise. "I'm tryin' to cop the drop-650 from the powder/ I can't do that makin' $6.50 an hour," he spits about his dream car.

It isn't all chest-pounding, however, as Fred displays a healthy amount of conviction on "We Gon Fly." Instead of rapping about the upside of the drug trade, the Godson rhymes about moving from the street to rap's legal hustle, opening up about his daughter Sadie and his almost-lethal bout with asthma.

Although he has already accomplished a lot in his rap career, the 2011 XXL Freshman gets honest on "Long Way to Go," noting that his "top-ranked flow" is only one part of the bigger picture. Still, if Fred the Godson continues to put out projects of this caliber, the road to riches may not be as long as he thinks.

Joints to Check For

» "Hip Hop": "The first joint is called 'Hip Hop,' featuring D-Dot Angelettie; you know him as the Mad Rapper from [the] '90s, Biggie, Mase and all that, 'Tell 'em why you mad son,' " Fred said. "We brought him back on this joint called 'Hip Hop' because now he got something to be mad about again, you know, the bars is back, them lyrics is fire. It's called 'Hip Hop' 'cause it got that knock to it. And I'm just going in with them bars with the flow and all that, so this one they gonna love."

» "Talkin Bout Money": "This joint right here is the 'Dead Presidents' freestyle from [Jay-Z's] Reasonable Doubt. I took the beat and I got a little bit of harmonizing on it from my brother Remo the Hitmaker and it's just bars on it. Not everybody can mess around with this beat, so I took it and I did my thing with it."

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

Related Artists

Usher And David Guetta 'Proud' Of 'Without You'

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:39 AM PST

'When you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is,' Usher tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Jim Cantiello


Usher
Photo: MTV News

When Usher and David Guetta hooked up for the French DJ's latest album, Nothing but the Beat, the two superstars created a chart-topping smash, "Without You," that combines Guetta's ear for house beats and Usher's ability to convey a range of emotions with his voice. It's a song that has really stuck with fans of all genres of music.

The track — a swirling pop ode to not giving up on love in the face of adversity — struck Usher with its emotional core.

"David Guetta is an amazing artist," he told MTV News last week at a Pencils of Promise charity event. "We talked for many years about working together, and we found a record that was incredible."

Usher said it was a song that resonated with him personally. "I think the world wanted a record like that. That [song] really spoke to the journey that I've actually been on in the last three years," he said. "Traveling all around the world, music sounds different. There's many different genres, and when you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is."

When MTV News talked to Guetta on the American Music Awards red carpet Sunday, he said "Without You" is a standout track on the album. The LP dropped earlier this year and also includes Nicki Minaj, who performed with Guetta at the AMAs.

"It's one of my favorite songs," he said. "It's just, I'm a DJ, so I want to make people dance always, but I also want to give emotions. When it comes to that, 'Without You' is probably one of the most emotional songs that I've done, and yes, I'm very proud of that record."

What do you think about "Without You"? Share your reviews in the comments!

Related Photos Related Artists

'Dark Knight Rises' Is 'Just Epic,' Gary Oldman Says

Posted: 20 Nov 2011 11:58 PM PST

'I will say this: There's a conclusion,' actor tells MTV News of 'Rises' being the last in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy.
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Gary Oldman in the teaser trailer for "Dark Knight Rises"
Photo: Warner Bros.

Gary Oldman may have learned his lesson about speaking candidly when it comes to Batman movies.

When he spoke with MTV News' Josh Horowitz while promoting "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," Oldman measured each word about "The Dark Knight Rises" carefully.

Quite a few seconds passed before Oldman started to answer our first question about the next Batman movie, but he assured Horowitz that it was not something to read into. Oldman was quick to recount the tale of the time he opened up at Comic-Con two years ago and said the next Batman film would happen in the next year or so.

"It went around the world," Oldman marveled. "[Warner Bros. is] the studio, and it's their prerogative."

When he finally did open up about the purported finale of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, Oldman offered up some insights into the overall vision of the film.

"I will say this: There's a conclusion. He touches on the first [film] and weaves it in," he said. "It resolves. I think it's a trilogy. It's just great. The story is terrific. It is just epic."

One of the biggest shadows "The Dark Knight Rises" will need to escape is the legacy of Heath Ledger's iconic performance. Oldman said the choice of Bane as the villain was a strategic one on Nolan's part.

"I think it was smart of Chris to go with a lesser-known villain rather than — because Heath's performance, first of all, we love the Joker in Batman," Oldman said. "Heath's performance was so dazzling that you got to think, 'How the hell do I top it?' Instead of going for Riddler, instead of going for Penguin, he's gone a slightly different way with the story."

Finally, Oldman commented on the essential role of "Rises" in Nolan's Batman story, saying it is something more than a cash grab. "I think [Nolan's] got enough smarts and enough class. I know this much about Chris Nolan: He wouldn't make a third for the sake of it," he said.

Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."

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

Related Videos Related Photos

Nicki Minaj, Selena Gomez Dazzle On AMA Red Carpet

Posted: 20 Nov 2011 11:08 PM PST

Our style experts say Taylor Swift played it too safe and dish on the bold fashion statements from Sunday's show.
By Christina Garibaldi


Nicki Minaj at the 2011 AMAs
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/ FilmMagic

The American Music Awards was all about the ladies on Sunday night, but it wasn't just the electrifying performances that got people talking, it was the fashion as well. From metallic gowns to pink hair, there was a little bit of everything to brighten up the red carpet.

Katy Perry hit the stage to perform her new single "The One That Got Away," and also scored a special AMA for being the first woman to earn five #1 singles off one album. But before all of that, Perry hit the red carpet in a vibrant, Vivienne Westwood Couture gown that accented her pink hair.

"I didn't mind her red carpet look," Celebuzz Senior Producer Jackie Willis told MTV News about Perry. "I didn't think it was her best, I didn't think it was her worst; it was fine."

Also looking pretty in pink, Nicki Minaj strutted down the red carpet in a somewhat understated (for her) Oscar de la Renta silk gown with a black lace bodice. But viewers couldn't seem to take their eyes off Minaj when she kicked off the show in a futuristic get-up, complete with rear-end speakers. Nicki was joined by David Guetta for her songs "Turn Me On" and "Super Bass."

"I'm always really into Nicki's style," Willis said. "It's weird and outrageous, I liked it."

Arguably young Hollywood's cutest couple, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber brought movie star flare to the AMAs as they walked hand-in-hand down the carpet. Gomez stunned in a Giorgio Armani gown with a plunging neckline and open back, looking both sophisticated and glamorous.

"I loved it, I love them," Willis said. "I thought they looked very 'Boardwalk Empire.' Very formal, probably one of the more formal couples on the red carpet. I think that Selena has a very good handle on her style. I love the 'short in the front, long in the back' that she always tends to wear."

Gomez's pal Taylor Swift, who won three AMAs, including the top prize of the night for Artist of the Year, sparkled in a gold Reem Acra gown with a side-swept ponytail, which seems to be a favorite look overall for the country star.

"Taylor Swift always looks stunning because she's always wearing the same style," Willis laughed. "I was thinking maybe that's her lucky color because she always wins an award in a gold gown."

Get More AMA Fashion Coverage on Celebuzz

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

T.I. Titles Next Album <i>Trouble Man</i>

Posted: 20 Nov 2011 11:22 PM PST

'This is the first project where I'm talking about things that I've experienced before that I'm not necessarily experiencing now,' T.I. tells Billboard.
By Rob Markman


T.I.
Photo: MTV News

With his troubles seemingly behind him, T.I. is now embracing it all on his upcoming eighth solo album, titled Trouble Man.

After mulling over two titles — Kill the King and Trouble — T.I. revealed to Billboard that he chose a variation of the second selection.

T.I. has been visible in Atlanta clubs and various industry functions, like last month's BET Hip Hop Awards, since he was released from prison September 29. The rapper told the magazine he has been trying to dodge negativity at every turn these days.

"A lot of times, I'm taking myself out of my element," Tip said of the creative process surrounding his 2012 album. "This is the first project where I'm talking about things that I've experienced before that I'm not necessarily experiencing now, 'cause I'm not doing a whole lot of partying. I do a little bit, but not a lot ... nothing like when I was in that life."

Billboard was able to preview five tracks out of the 45 Tip claims to have already recorded for the next project. One such track is "Pyro," a new single T.I. plans to drop this week. " 'Pyro' is a straight party record," he said. "It's nostalgic of those crazy nights, early mornings [but] just turned up."

In the past few months, Tip has unveiled two singles that are believed to appear on Trouble Man: The Big K.R.I.T.-produced "I'm Flexin' " is a bouncy brag-fest, while "Hear Ye, Hear Ye" featuring Pharrell is an expert display of the King's lyrical muscle.

Aside from music, Tip and wife Tameka "Tiny" Harris will star in VH1's "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle," premiering December 5.

Related Videos Related Artists

Beyonce Thought 'Everyone' Knew She Was Pregnant

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 09:43 AM PST

'I was definitely thinking, 'Everyone knows, everyone can see,' ' B says of hiding bump before MTV VMA reveal.
By James Montgomery


Beyoncé at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Before she announced her pregnancy to the entire world at the 2011 Video Music Awards, Beyoncé was worried that everyone would figure out her secret ... after all, it was getting rather difficult to hide that baby bump.

"The whole time, I was definitely thinking, 'Everyone knows, everyone can see,' " B told Billboard.com before the screening of her new "Live at Roseland" concert film on Sunday in New York.

She was especially sure that she'd been found out after putting on the shows that make up that film — her four-night stand at New York City's Roseland Ballroom in August — when she was very much with child and, by her own account, had a difficult time performing with her usual ferocity.

"When you're pregnant, it's a little bit harder to breathe," she said, "so it was hard doing all the choreography and singing at the same time."

Of course, watching clips from the film — when a perfectly locked-in B performed a medley of hits while backed by a cracking, all-female backing band — you wouldn't know it. But now that she's revealed her pregnancy to the world, Beyoncé joked that "Roseland" will serve another purpose altogether ... namely, giving her and Jay-Z's child (who just might be a girl) a chance to say "I can't believe I was in that belly!"

Beyoncé's "Live at Roseland" film made its world premiere Monday (November 21) online, and is available for purchase at Walmart and on the Net. She can also be heard on a duet with Mary J. Blige on "Love a Woman," a standout track on Blige's just-released My Life II ... The Journey Continues, Act I.

Related Artists

Nicki Minaj Has 'Crazy Ideas,' David Guetta Says

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 09:33 AM PST

'It's very exciting,' working with MC, Guetta tells MTV News on American Music Awards red carpet.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello


Nicki Minaj performs at the AMAs on Sunday
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

On Sunday night, Nicki Minaj joined forces with David Guetta for a sexy, amped-up performance of their track "Turn Me On" at the American Music Awards. The two kicked off a night that would lead to two wins for the fierce MC, who nabbed trophies for Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Album for Pink Friday.

Before Guetta hit the stage, he spoke to MTV News on the red carpet, revealing that his collabo with Minaj would have fans seeing a whole new side of the MC. "To tell you the truth, the fact that I'm performing this record for the first time ... I want to see the reaction that people are gonna have because they are going to hear Nicki like they've never heard her before," he explained of working with Minaj, who also appears on his song "Where Them Girls At." "I'm really happy today because I'm having a #1 record with Usher [for] 'Without You,' which is amazing [and] my first #1 as an artist in the U.S. And presenting this also, I really can't wait to get the reaction from the American audience when they're gonna see her sing like this because she is killing it."

In the lead-up to the performance, Guetta said that Minaj was already bringing fire to the table. "She always comes with the crazy ideas," he said. "So it's very exciting."

With the performance under their belts, the two now have plans to shoot a video for the track, which appears on Guetta's album Nothing but the Beat. Guetta and Minaj teased the video plans on Twitter, hours after the AMAs wrapped up. "We are shooting our video with @NICKIMINAJ tmw. It's gonna be sick! #nbtb #TurnMeOn," Guetta wrote.

"Can't wait David! Love u!!!" she tweeted in response.

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists
Diposting oleh computer game di 05.28

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

Langganan: Posting Komentar (Atom)