MTV News |
- Gina Carano 'In Control' Of Male 'Haywire' Co-Stars
- 'American Idol' Finds Reed Grimm, Hallie Day In Pittsburgh
- Jennifer Hudson's Family Murders: A Trial Date Is Set
- Sarah Burke, Pioneering Freestyle Skier, Dies At 29
- 'Underworld: Awakening' Pushes Boundaries, Stars Say
- Katy Perry Flies High At First Post-Divorce Show
- DMX, Eve, The LOX To Reunite On Ruff Ryders Tour
- Swizz Beatz's Megaupload Shut Down By Feds
- 'Hunger Games' Girl On Fire Outfit: Meet The Designer
- Afrojack Readies First Album In Los Angeles
- Lady Gaga Announces Born This Way Foundation Launch
- Wale: 'I Still Support' Pill Despite MMG Split
- Childish Gambino's 'Heartbeat' Video Fits Song's 'Mood'
- Tech N9ne To Perform 90 Shows In 99 Days
- 'American Idol' Premiere Suffers 27 Percent Ratings Drop
- Cobra Starship's 'Middle Finger' Video Is Bird-Flipping Fun
- 'Red Tails' Cast Learned From Real Tuskegee Airmen
- Rick Perry Drops Out Of Race, Endorses Newt Gingrich
- Sundance 2012 Concert Guide: Who's Playing When
- 'American Idol' Already Belongs To Phillip Phillips
| Gina Carano 'In Control' Of Male 'Haywire' Co-Stars Posted: 20 Jan 2012 03:53 AM PST 'I didn't have any issue [doing] this fight scene with a woman, because I was the underdog,' Ewan McGregor tells MTV News.
If you like your movies with a lot of action, kick-ass fight sequences and actors who do their own stunts, look no further than this week's new thriller "Haywire" to satisfy those needs.
The concept for the film was born after director Steven Soderbergh saw footage of MMA fighter Gina Carano in the cage, which inspired the Oscar winner to build a film around her. "Haywire" revolves around a black-ops supersoldier (Carano) who seeks the ultimate revenge after she is betrayed by her colleagues, played by the very capable Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas and Michael Douglas. MTV News recently caught up with Carano, Tatum and McGregor to discuss the very realistic fight sequences and how the guys were more than game for getting their butts kicked by a woman. "The physicality, that was fun to me. I didn't have to hurt anybody," Carano said of the difference between the film's choreographed fights versus her MMA matches. "I didn't have to worry about getting choked out, and there were no egos with any of the actors. They all wanted to do all their own stunts, and a lot of people around me were like, 'Gina, that's not normal. You've got some beautiful people to work with and a beautiful first experience.' "
"To be totally honest, she's better than every guy I've ever fought, really, other than one, and he was a strike force fighter as well," Tatum admitted of his co-star, with whom he shares an intense bone-breaking exchange during the first five minutes of the film. "I can say this without any amount of trying to say it for the movie: I challenge anyone to come and fight her or even move with her. She's by far the best athlete I've ever gotten a chance to move with. She's so strong and in control, it's just ridiculously unprecedented in my opinion." McGregor added that he didn't even think about the man-vs.-woman factor, only that it was the most appropriate scenario for his manipulative, weasel-like character. "There was a slight difference in our fight scene together. For me, I didn't ever have any issue with the fact that I was having to do this fight scene with a woman, because I was the underdog," he said. "There was no question that I was going to get killed if I didn't manage to get away." Check out everything we've got on "Haywire." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| 'American Idol' Finds Reed Grimm, Hallie Day In Pittsburgh Posted: 19 Jan 2012 07:04 AM PST Samantha Novacek, Creighton Fraker and Eben Franckewitz also stand out.
"American Idol" continued its kindness streak Thursday (January 19), handing out 38 Golden Tickets during its Pittsburgh audition rounds. Furthermore, of the 11 singers showcased during the hour-long program, 10 made it through to Hollywood. (Where have you gone, William Hungs of the world? Come back, Renaldo Lapuz!)
Even the auditions that looked like they were going to be joke auditions turned out to be authentic. Case in point: Samantha Novacek, who came before the judges joined by her sister, who insists on planking while she sings. So before Novacek tore into Faith Hill's "Like We Never Loved at All," sister Patricia laid down in front of her, head up, arms at her side. (Before you criticize "Idol" for being late to the meme, remember the audition was taped over the summer.) Planking or no, the vocals were there, and when the 19-year-old breezed through to Hollywood, Novacek's entire family celebrated by planking in the lobby. Our only question: Does the sister get to come to Hollywood too? Another standout on Thursday's show was 15-year-old Eben Franckewitz, whom producers made sure to throw the Bieber tag on early. (Granted, he did have a haircut that recalled the Biebs.) The Milford, Ohio, resident rode to the audition with his perfectly supportive parents and knocked his rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine" out of the park. "You definitely have a God-given gift that is pretty amazing and spot-on," Randy Jackson told him, sending him (and his Bieber coif) through to the next round. Reed Grimm brought wily soul to the "Family Matters" theme song (!), culled from his many years onstage (the 26-year-old has been in a family band since he was 2) and was instantly zipped through to Hollywood. Even Urkel would have been proud. Creighton Fraker, 28, of Queens, New York, didn't know what he was going to sing for the judges, so he decided to do a song he made up on his way to the audition. There wasn't much there in the way of lyrics — the song just sort of awkwardly name-dropped the judges — but thankfully "Idol" is a singing contest and not a songwriting one, and the judges were so impressed with his vocals that they did one of those things where they throw out crazy percentages in front of their "yes" votes to quantify how much they like him. (Steven Tyler won by giving him a "3 gazillion percent yes.") Jennifer Lopez commented the Queens native is like if Jamiroquai and Justin Timberlake had a baby, which, weird? But Tyler better summed up the judges' enthusiasm, gushing, "Dude, you are so Hollywood!" The show closed with 24-year-old Hallie Day of Baltimore, a high school dropout who crawled back from a suicide attempt several years ago and thrilled the judges with her strong vocals on Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." "She could win," mused Lopez, who's already taken to calling Day "Blondie." Other contestants who passed on to Hollywood on Thursday's show: Heejun Han, 22, of Flushing, New York, who sang a surprisingly soulful version of "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," made even more surprising by the fact that he had never sang in front of his family; 27-year-old Aaron Marcellus from Teaneck, New Jersey, who took on Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" and came out a winner; and 20-year-old Chase Likens of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, whose version of Lady Antebellum's "Love Don't Live Here" stood out from the pack. "American Idol" continues Sunday with the San Diego audition rounds, following the NFC Championship Game on Fox. What did you think of Thursday's round of "Idol" auditions? Let us know in the comments! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. |
| Jennifer Hudson's Family Murders: A Trial Date Is Set Posted: 19 Jan 2012 03:25 AM PST More than three years since Hudson's mom, brother and nephew were killed, suspect William Balfour will stand trial in April.
Three and a half years after Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew were killed, the man accused in their deaths will finally stand trial. According to E! Online, Cook County Judge Charles Burns announced Thursday (January 19) that jury selection for William Balfour's trial would begin April 9 and that testimony in the trial is expected to begin on April 23.
Balfour is the estranged husband of Hudson's sister, Julia, and is suspected of killing Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57; Jason Hudson, 29; and Julian King, 7, on October 24, 2008. He was indicted by a grand jury on three counts of murder, aggravated kidnapping and home invasion and has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys argue that there is no forensic evidence linking Balfour to the killings and that he was the "convenient" suspect. The prosecution has said Balfour was jealous that Julia Hudson was dating another man and went to the house to confront her. His mother, Michele Davis Balfour, has argued that her son was dating three other women at the time and that jealousy would not have been an issue. Hudson kept out of the spotlight in the months following the tragedy, making her first public appearance singing the national anthem at the 2009 Super Bowl, followed by an emotional performance of "You Pulled Me Through" at the Grammys. Hudson has only recently addressed the subject via a series of interviews pegged to the release of her memoir, "I Got This." "I felt as though I had to [perform]," Hudson told "Dateline" this month. "I could hear my brother's voice in my head, like, 'Is she ever going to sing again?' He'd always say, 'Knock it off, Jenny!' if I was discouraged about something. I could either sit here and mope around, or do what I know would make them proud." Hudson said part of the reason she has been able to move forward is due to the love and support she's had from family, friends and strangers. "I was literally lifted up by love," Hudson said. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Sarah Burke, Pioneering Freestyle Skier, Dies At 29 Posted: 19 Jan 2012 04:59 AM PST Olympic hopeful had been in a coma since a skiing accident in Park City, Utah, last week.
Professional skier and Olympic hopeful Sarah Burke died Thursday (January 19) following an accident during a training run on the superpipe in Park City, Utah, on January 11; Burke had been in a coma since the crash. Burke's publicist confirmed the news of her death to People magazine. The freestyle skier's death comes just one week after she underwent successful surgery to repair a torn vertebral artery that caused bleeding between her brain and skull. Despite the success of the procedure, Burke remained in a coma. Hospital officials told the magazine that Burke suffered a ruptured artery, which caused her to go into cardiac arrest. She sustained irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood and never regained consciousness. According to a statement from her parents, sister and husband Rory Bushfield obtained by People, Burke died "peacefully surrounded by those she loved" and her organs and tissues were donated, per the skier's wishes. The family also expressed their "heartfelt gratitude" in the statement, for the "international outpouring of support they have received from all the people Sarah touched." The 29-year-old Canadian was considered a pioneer in women's free skiing, "The Godmother" of the sport according to the Ski Channel. She was an eight-time X-Games medalist and an Olympic hopeful for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Burke's family has reportedly received a substantial number of inquiries from people asking how they can offer support and make a donation on behalf of Burke. For more information, please go to GiveForward.com. Share your condolences for Burke's family and friends in the comments below. |
| 'Underworld: Awakening' Pushes Boundaries, Stars Say Posted: 19 Jan 2012 07:04 AM PST Kate Beckinsale and cast newbies talk about flick's 'nonstop' action.
After the international success of the three previous "Underworld" films, it makes sense that everyone involved would be back for a fourth installment — all those whose characters weren't killed off, that is. This week brings us a bright and shiny new chapter in the ongoing war between the vampires and lycans: "Underworld: Awakening." The film essentially picks up after the events in "Underworld: Evolution" and has added several new elements and characters.
"The Underworld is now not so much 'under' anymore," star Kate Beckinsale told MTV News during the recent press day. "Humans are aware of vampires and werewolves. I wake up to find that I've been in some kind of coma for 12 years, and everything is different. As I'm discovering what's different about the world, the audience is on the same page with me, and then it turns out I had a daughter who's now 12, and that's pretty insane for my character." Newcomer Theo James, an up-and-coming English actor who plays a young and rebellious vampire named David, explained, "We're pushing the boundaries a bit. You have a lot more characters, and it's bigger. It's 90 minutes that doesn't really stop." India Eisley, a new castmember who plays Selene's newly discovered daughter, agreed: "It's nonstop, back-to-back-to-back action." Michael Ealy revealed, "What's new and different is that the movie is shot in 3-D, and for the first time, there is a human component," not-so-subtly pointing to himself, indicating that he was referring to his character. "I don't want to spoil it, but it's the first human component in the franchise's history," he said with a smile. Ealy went on to say that if there is a fifth "Underworld" film, and he ends up in it, he hopes his human character doesn't stay that way for long. "I want to get bit!" he said. Check out everything we've got on "Underworld: Awakening." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| Katy Perry Flies High At First Post-Divorce Show Posted: 18 Jan 2012 11:35 PM PST Newly single pop star soars above the crowd in Indonesia during California Dreams Tour stop.
Katy Perry re-emerged Thursday (January 19) for her first concert since announcing her split with husband of one year, Russell Brand. The concert, which took place at the Sentul International Convention Centre in Jakarta, Indonesia, was the first of the two final shows on her California Dreams Tour.
In video from the gig, Perry is captured lighting up the show while performing her Teenage Dream track "Not Like the Movies," during which she sits on a swing while singing the dreamy ballad in a red-and-white, candy-cane-striped gown. Check out photos of Katy's spectacular concert looks. While she had been sporting short, blue hair as of late, for the show, she was wearing her signature black hair with Bettie Page bangs. Two days prior to hitting the stage, Perry shared her excitement for the show on Twitter, writing, "I'm SO EXCITED to FINALLY be in INDONESIA! U guys have waited forever #timetodeliver." Hours before she took the stage, she had one more message for her fans when she tweeted, "It's the day of the show y'all! Can't WAIT! #JAKARTADREAMS." The performance comes one week after she was snapped on the set of an Adidas commercial donning bright-blue hair and some threads designed by Jeremy Scott for the athletic brand. She has another show Monday in Manila, Philippines. She is also up for two awards at the Grammys, set to take place February 12. At last year's show, the singer made a grand romantic gesture when she debuted footage from her Indian wedding to Brand during the broadcast. It was the first time anyone had seen any video from their nuptials. Did you catch Katy's California Dreams Tour? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| DMX, Eve, The LOX To Reunite On Ruff Ryders Tour Posted: 19 Jan 2012 03:18 AM PST Swizz Beatz also onboard for U.S. and overseas dates, RR co-CEO Joaquin 'Waah' Dean tells MTV News.
At their height, Ruff Ryders were one of the most electrifying crews in rap. Now, DMX, Swizz Beatz, Eve and the LOX are planning to reunite on an upcoming Ruff Ryders Tour. "Everybody's on deck. It's just that we're making sure all of the schedules are intact," RR co-CEO Joaquin "Waah" Dean told MTV News. Dates are still being finalized, but Dean confirmed that he expects the tour to start between March and April. The plan is for the crew to begin their run overseas and then come over to the U.S.
"We gonna take it nice and slow. We ain't gonna do like how we used to do, 30 or 40 cities; we not gonna go that far just yet," he said. "We gonna take it slow. Do a nice little five to 10 joints overseas and then some dates on this side just to build the momentum and have some fun with it." "We are all family and we're going to come back stronger than when we left. ... It's going to take the nation by storm," DMX told TMZ on Thursday (January 19). When the story was first reported by TMZ, there was some question concerning the LOX's involvement, but Dean insists that Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch will be onboard. "LOX is done; can't do nothing without the LOX," he boasted. In addition to all the original members of Ruff Ryders, the tour will also showcase RR's new talent like Murda Mook. "We're not starting from scratch, but we're starting from a whole new generation who have to get familiar with us," Waah said. Will you check out the Ruff Ryders Tour? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| Swizz Beatz's Megaupload Shut Down By Feds Posted: 19 Jan 2012 02:25 AM PST Action is among largest criminal copyright cases ever brought by the United States, Department of Justice confirms in statement to MTV News.
Megaupload's problems continue to mount. On Wednesday, news broke that the popular file-sharing site had come under fire after Universal Music Group took issue with a promotional video featuring Universal Music Group artists like Kanye West, will.i.am and Diddy. Now, the site run by Swizz Beatz has been shut down. On Thursday (January 19), the federal government took the action against Megaupload.com, and also arrested several members of the company, hitting them with multiple racketeering and copyright infringement charges, according to a statement issued to MTV News by the U.S. Department of Justice. A federal indictment alleges that the site, which allows users to transfer large files, has generated more than $175 million in criminal proceed and costs copyright-holders more than $500 million in lost revenue from pirated movies, albums and other materials. Swizz Beatz, Megaupload's CEO, was not charged in the indictment which was handed down on January 5, and as of now, it is unclear how the producer/rapper's involvement with the company will play into the case. The Associated Press reported that Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom (also known as Kim Schmitz) was arrested Thursday in New Zealand along with three others. The Department of Justice said that this is among the largest criminal copyright cases ever brought by the United States. The news broke a day after major websites like Wikipedia and Google protested against the U.S. House of Representatives' Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, and the Senate's similar Protect IP act. Representatives for Swizz Beatz had not responded to MTV News' request for comment at press time. Related Artists |
| 'Hunger Games' Girl On Fire Outfit: Meet The Designer Posted: 19 Jan 2012 12:27 AM PST In this week's Hobnobbing, we catalog Judianna Makovsky's iconic looks.
The Web nearly caught fire Thursday (January 19) when Entertainment Weekly debuted the first image of "Hunger Games" characters Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) in their parade costumes, snapped mere moments before District 12's heroine becomes (quite literally) the Girl on Fire (we see you with that lit fuse, Cinna!).
Of course, fans of Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel know that the textured black suits are meant to reflect the duo's coal-mining community, brought to sartorial life by their savvy stylist (played by Lenny Kravitz). "This is one of those moments where Cinna's character syncs up with the creativity of our costume designer Judianna Makovsky," director Garry Ross told EW. As if sitting front row at a Capitol-sponsored fashion show, fans have slowly but surely been treated to the growing catalog of Makovsky's "Hunger Games" looks — from Effie Trinket's lavender, silk brocade gown recently revealed on Capitol Couture to Katniss' and Peeta's futuristic training uniforms. Even the most casual cinephile should recognize Makovsky's work. The Oscar nominee (and frequent Ross collaborator) is a Hollywood veteran with nearly 30 years of experience crafting iconic period and present-day looks for some of the silver screen's biggest projects. After toiling as a wardrobe assistant on films like "The Cotton Club" and "Dick Tracy," Makovsky took the lead, whipping together wardrobes for Tom Hanks' "Big" (which Ross wrote and co-produced) and "The Quick and the Dead." She earned her first Oscar nomination for Ross' 1999 retrosplosion "Pleasantville," starring Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon as two teens who time-travel back to the 1950s, necessitating more sweater sets and curve-hugging skirts than an Ann Taylor outlet. The result was an eye-popping collection of richly saturated confections, worthy of recognition by the Academy and the Costume Designer's Guild.
An Oscar-nominated semester at Hogwarts followed (yes, Makovsky dressed Harry, Ron and Hermione in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") before she teamed up with Ross for the 2004 equestrian classic "Seabiscuit" (starring then-up-and-comer Elizabeth Banks, a.k.a. Effie Trinket). The costumer earned her third Oscar nom for the film's Depression-era garb. A mishmash of films followed, including "National Treasure," "The Last Airbender" and "X-Men: The Last Stand" (perhaps the film in which she perfected her bodysuit construction), before she once again signed on with Ross for "The Hunger Games." With several outfits yet to be seen from the March 23 release, including an unfettered view of Katniss' glitzy interview gown, we can only expect the best from Makovsky. Could another Oscar nomination be in her dystopian future? What do you think about the "Hunger Games" costumes so far? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Afrojack Readies First Album In Los Angeles Posted: 19 Jan 2012 02:00 AM PST Award-winning DJ/producer is also overseeing Paris Hilton's new music project.
Afrojack is in Los Angeles, and not just for a stopover. The award-winning DJ/producer will be anchored to the City of Angels, hunkered down in the studio to work on music. A lot of music. Paris Hilton confirmed at the Golden Globes that Afrojack is producing her next album. The two were recently in the studio working with LMFAO's Redfoo. And on top of all that, Afrojack (real name Nick Van de Wall) is also working on his own first album.
"I'm in the studio now for two months in Los Angeles," Afrojack told MTV News recently before an epic resident set at Las Vegas dance-music mecca, XS Nightclub. "I have two studios booked and I have a big house and we are all staying there and just thinking about not only producing my album, but just producing other songs for other people." His next single, "Can't Stop Me Now," a collaboration with Shermanology, is the only confirmed collabo he could reveal. But fans can be sure that Afrojack is looking to work with plenty of other artists while he's in L.A. "I've met a lot of people in the last two years around the world, and I'm pretty sure they are going to be on the album," Van de Wall said, mentioning Omarion, Redfoo, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo as possibilities. "I did a remix for Leona Lewis, and I really loved her voice. I want to have her on the album," he added, referring to his Grammy-nominated remix of Lewis' "Collide." "And I'm going to work with my own boys. I'm gonna do collabs with R3hab, with Quintino and Shermanology." After the radio success of "Give Me Everything," Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now" and Beyoncé's "Run the World (Girls)," one has to wonder: Will Afrojack's coming album be more pop or club? Is it turns out, maybe both. "I'm still thinking," he revealed. "I could do club, but then the pop side wouldn't understand. And if it's just pop, the club side wouldn't understand. I think I'm just going to do both. I think it's just going be a totally different thing. Let's see what happens. It's my first album!" Should Afrojack focus on pop or club? Sound off in the comments section! Related Artists |
| Lady Gaga Announces Born This Way Foundation Launch Posted: 18 Jan 2012 11:58 PM PST Mother Monster's nonprofit will promote youth empowerment and equality.
Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation will launch February 29 with a fete at Harvard University, the singer and her mother and co-founder, Cynthia Germanotta, announced in a statement on Thursday (January 19). BTWF was created to promote youth empowerment and equality by encouraging self-confidence and well-being and bringing bullying to an end.
Joining the pop star at Sanders Theatre will be her partners in the endeavor: Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet and Society, the MacArthur Foundation and the California Endowment. Gaga has long been a staunch supporter of anti-bullying legislation, reportedly meeting with President Obama to discuss the topic in September and visiting the White House in early December to discuss the issue with administration officials. She dedicated her performance of "Hair" at the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas to Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old fan who took his own life after years of anti-gay harassment. And last year, Gaga topped DoSomething.org's list of the most charitable celebrities, in part for her work on behalf of gay rights causes. "My daughter's foundation was born out of her passion to create a better world where people are kinder and nicer to one another and are accepted for who they are, regardless of how different they may be," Germanotta said. "She has experienced many of the struggles that our youth encounter today, and identifies with the lasting effects they can have without proper support. Together, we look forward to creating a new movement that will engage and empower youth and accept them as valuable members of our society."
The Mother Monster's commitment to the gay community was again recognized Thursday (January 19) with a nomination for Outstanding Music Artist at the GLAAD Media Awards.The awards recognize fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community across all media. In December, the diva was recognized with the Hero Award by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that offers suicide-prevention services to LGBT youth. During her acceptance speech at Trevor Project Live, Gaga touched on her wishes to someday make bullying a hate crime. "I hope that we can acknowledge all together that where this needs to begin is in the schools," Gaga said. "I want my fans and people all over the world to know that there's always somebody that's listening. But I want them to know they're listening before it gets too late." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Wale: 'I Still Support' Pill Despite MMG Split Posted: 18 Jan 2012 11:58 PM PST 'I believe in Pill, and I'm sure Rozay believes in Pill, and we wish him the best,' Wale tells MTV News of former Maybach Music comrade.
There is no love lost between Maybach Music and Pill. Earlier this month, the Atlanta MC dropped a bomb when he revealed that he was working to terminate his deal with Warner Music Group and leave Rick Ross' Maybach Music crew.
There isn't any beef with Wale, though; the D.C. spitter told MTV News he still supports his former MMG comrade. "Personal is personal, business is business. I'm friends with people that I've fired, so I've been in the game long enough to understand [you need to] separate the two," Wale said Wednesday when he walked the red carpet for the reopening of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club in New York. "So shout-out to Pill and what he's doin'." On December 28, Pill vented via Twitter, criticizing his label for not providing enough television and radio support. Though the "Trap Goin' Ham" MC was featured heavily on Maybach's 2011 Self Made Vol. 1 compilation, on January 3, he told MTV News he was never actually signed to Ross' label. According to Pill, his recording contract was with MMG's parent label, Warner Bros.
Still, P-I-Double-L was included on a number of label-driven projects, appearing on the October XXL cover with Ross and company as well as a May 2011 episode of "RapFix Live" with Rozay, Wale and Meek Mill. In the end, however, things just didn't work out. Though Pill is obviously frustrated, he maintains that he doesn't harbor any ill will toward anyone in MMG. "I ain't got nothing against none of them, nobody. It's just the situation don't work," Pill said matter-of-factly. "I still support what he's doin'; it just didn't work out on the business side," Wale echoed. "Everybody gets chances, though. Everybody gets second, third, fourth, fifth chances. I believe in Pill, and I'm sure Rozay believes in Pill, and we wish him the best." What do you think of Wale's support for Pill despite the MMG split? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists |
| Childish Gambino's 'Heartbeat' Video Fits Song's 'Mood' Posted: 18 Jan 2012 11:58 PM PST 'Fans should be able to check this out and just see my visualization of the song,' 'Community' star-turned-rapper tells MTV News.
Don't call Childish Gambino's upcoming "Heartbeat" clip a video; rather, it's a reflection of how the actor-turned-rapper was feeling when he recorded it. "I do not really have a set of things in mind. I thought the best way to convey the feeling that's in the song was to be confused ourselves," Childish Gambino, a.k.a. "Community" star Donald Glover, told MTV News last week during a break from filming the clip in Van Nuys, California. "I guess when it's all said and done, fans should be able to check this out and just see my visualization of the song."
"Heartbeat" — from CG's debut album, Camp — is an electrified breakup song equipped with pulsating drums and buzzing synth chords. The rapper, who is better known (for now) for his role as Troy Barnes on "Community," enlisted director Kyle Newacheck to shoot the visual. Newacheck directed an episode of the NBC comedy back in 2009. In the month leading up to his November release, Childish told MTV News that Camp was a "labor of love." With the independently released LP, Gambino aimed to tell a story. "The biggest compliment I can give it is that I like it more than everything else I've done," he said. "I think it's a cohesive piece, and I wanted to tell a whole story with it. Hopefully, the whole album is like a book or a novel where [there's] a through line." "Heartbeat" is simply a chapter in that story, and its video will be reflective. "This is kinda like the mood of the song," Gambino said. "I wouldn't say it's so much a video as much as it is just a mood." What are you expecting from Childish's "Heartbeat" video? Let us know in the comments below! Related Artists |
| Tech N9ne To Perform 90 Shows In 99 Days Posted: 19 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST 'To be able to make history like this is a wonderful accomplishment,' Tech N9ne tells XXL of Hostile Takeover Tour.
Nobody tours like Tech N9ne. Last year, the Kansas City, Missouri, spitter ran through an astounding 82 shows in 85 days, and now Tech Nina is looking to outdo himself when he embarks on his Hostile Takeover 2012 Tour in March. The MC is promising 90 shows in 99 days.
"I started planting the seeds for this music thing to expand more than 10 years ago and to see it be recognized globally like this is a beautiful thing," Tech Nina told XXLMag.com. "We started Strange Music so we could make the music we wanted to make and tour like we wanted to tour. Now, to be able to make history like this is a wonderful accomplishment." Tech will be bringing MTV's 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC Machine Gun Kelly, Krizz Kaliko, Mayday, Stevie Stone and Prozak on the road with him for planned stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas. "It's a world-record-setting tour for hip-hop. I think it's a beautiful thing for all the ragers," Machine Gun Kelly said in a promotional video on XXL's website. The energetic Tech delivers a headlining set that usually lasts about two hours, and that kind of performance takes a lot of preparation. Before his All 6's and 7's Tour last year, the Strange Music CEO talked to MTV News about what it takes to get into tour shape. "You gotta take your Syntha-6 protein shakes, you gotta drink those, you gotta eat right. You gotta eat every two hours. You gotta try to get up to six times a day; I haven't even got up to four," Tech Nina told MTV News last June. "I have been workin' out with [a personal trainer] for like four months. So now I'm out here by myself, and I gotta get a jump rope, we already got the dumb bells, we already got the mats, we already got the medicine ball, and your voice, it just has to grow accustomed to yelling every night." Will you be attending Tech N9ne's Hostile Takeover 2012 Tour? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Premiere Suffers 27 Percent Ratings Drop Posted: 19 Jan 2012 09:57 AM PST Show's debut saw biggest year-over-year ratings drop ever.
How do you celebrate crushing the competition in the ratings but still facing one of the worst drop-offs in memory? That's the conundrum "American Idol" brass faced on Thursday morning (January 19) when ratings for the season 11 debut of the #1 program in prime time showed a steep decline from last year's bow even as "Idol" easily won the night.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wednesday night's two-hour premiere represented the biggest year-over-year ratings drop for a season opener in the show's decade-long history. Despite pulling in a formidable 21.6 million viewers, the season 11 bow was down 27 percent from last year in ratings and 18 percent in total viewership. Even before the season began, pundits had predicted that "Idol" would likely continue its slow ratings slide while remaining the highest-rated program in prime time. Ratings for the season premiere peaked in 2007 (when it drew a 15.8 rating in the crucial adult demo) and have been on the decline since then. Though there was a marginal bump in 2010 when Ellen DeGeneres joined the judging panel, Wednesday night's show pulled in a 7.2 rating in the adult (18-49) demo.
"Idol" has gotten the usual promotional push from Fox, but considering the full-court press employed to hype former judge Simon Cowell's "X Factor" in the fall, the buzz surrounding the latest season of "Idol" appears tame by comparison. The show is also likely to get even more of a ratings challenge when rival "The Voice" debuts on NBC following next month's Super Bowl. Wednesday night's show went easy on the typical cavalcade of wacky, tone-deaf singers, focusing on more promising contestants such as Phillip Phillips and David Leathers Jr. Once again, though, producers also placed the spotlight on the judging panel, lavishing attention on Steven Tyler's fangirls' rapt looks of attention and stolen kisses (not to mention his fiancée), as well as Jennifer Lopez's multiple struts to the judging table. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. |
| Cobra Starship's 'Middle Finger' Video Is Bird-Flipping Fun Posted: 18 Jan 2012 10:40 PM PST Hotly tipped MC Mac Miller also shows up in the clip, which is heavy on single-digit salutes.
In Cobra Starship's "Middle Finger" video, released Thursday (January 19), there are plenty of allegories to economic injustices, socio-political discourses on a return to the Gold Standard and, perhaps most pointedly, thinly veiled criticisms of the United States' imperialistic foreign policies and their long-term effects on global de-stabilization.
OK, not really. It's basically just a lot of middle fingers, of all shapes and sizes, ages and genders, thrust defiantly skyward. At one point there's a callback to their "You Make Me Feel ..." video, a "Zoolander"-esque Jeep trek, a cute puppy, some basketball and exactly one old woman getting drenched. Oh, and Mac Miller shows up, too. Of course, all of this is basically one giant contradiction to what frontman Gabe Saporta told MTV News late last year, when he promised the "Middle Finger" clip would feature "a lot of cheekiness ... and no middle fingers." But, then again, if Cobra Starship have proved anything over the years, it's that they're not adverse to a good joke, which is probably what Saporta was doing when he touted the complete lack of fingers in the new video. Their videos are never serious, and, well, "Finger" is definitely keeping with that trend. High art this most certainly ain't.
So, much like Big Sean did with his "Dance (A$$)" video — which, like the title implied, featured plenty of posterior — Cobra Starship delivered a clip that's just one long vignette of bird-flipping. The basic plot follows the guys (and gals) as they traipse across a city, basically being complete jerks to everyone, which, in turn, earns them plenty of one-finger salutes. It's pretty funny, to be honest. And that's the best thing you can say about any Cobra Starship vid. Leave the social commentary to the Boss; Saporta and Co. are content churning out the goofiest clips in the rock universe. And "Middle Finger" is a welcome addition to their, uh, oeuvre. Proudly, profanely so. What did you think of the "Middle Finger" video? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| 'Red Tails' Cast Learned From Real Tuskegee Airmen Posted: 18 Jan 2012 11:12 PM PST 'They were there to validate and chastise our decisions at the same time,' Elijah Kelley said of airmen's role.
There was a lot of pressure on the cast of the upcoming true-life World War II drama, "Red Tails." Not only did they have to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American air regimen in the U.S., but they also had to appease the actual airmen who worked as consultants on the film.
MTV News sat down with Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley and Ne-Yo to discuss the relationship between the actors and the real-life historical figures. Wilds explained that having some of the real Tuskegee Airmen on the set of "Red Tails" made things both easier and harder. With the added pressure came a real sense of insurance. "It's hard. It definitely is pressure because you're holding the historical importance of these guys basically in your hands while you're creating this film," Wilds said. "But I think having them on set and being there with us and helping us with everything, it kind of made everything so much easier." Kelley summarized the airmen's dual role on the film, saying, "they were there to validate and chastise our decisions at the same time."
Ne-Yo learned the hard way that when you want to portray real-life figures, you're responsible to them for even the smallest of details. "A few of the existing Tuskegee Airmen were on set making sure that everything was as genuine and authentic as possible to the point where they would grab you and shake you and straighten your tie and pull your pants up and pull your belt," Ne-Yo said. "They would go that far, and you basically just had to take it." All the men agreed that when it came to taking orders from the real deal, you had little choice but to accept their tips. "An 80-plus-year-old man grabs you and fixes your belt, you might just want to let him do it," Ne-Yo said. Wilds agreed, saying, "It's a lot of years of strength." Are you planning on seeing "Red Tails"? Let us know in the comments. Related Videos |
| Rick Perry Drops Out Of Race, Endorses Newt Gingrich Posted: 18 Jan 2012 10:58 PM PST 'I know when it's time to make a strategic retreat,' former GOP presidential hopeful says.
Rick Perry announced Thursday (January 19) that he is suspending his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination and throwing his support behind former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Perry made the announcement at a news conference in Charleston, South Carolina, saying, "I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable path forward for me in the 2012 campaign. I know when it's time to make a strategic retreat." The Texas governor's announcement came just hours before the final debate leading up to Saturday's South Carolina primary, in which he had been polling in the low single digits. Perry finished fifth in both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary. Upon entering the race, Perry initially surged in the polls, but his support quickly dwindled following several gaffes during the Republican debates. In explaining his support for Gingrich, Perry stated, "I believe Newt is a conservative visionary who can transform this country," adding that Gingrich has the "heart of a conservative reformer." With recent polls showing Gingrich closing in on Romney's lead in South Carolina, Perry's timing and endorsement could have an impact on Saturday's primary. Perry's endorsement of Gingrich also comes on the same day that a recount of the Iowa caucus results erased Romney's razor-thin victory, putting former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum at the top of the vote count. Check back for up-to-the-minute coverage on the primary races and stick with PowerOf12.org throughout the 2012 presidential election season. Related Videos |
| Sundance 2012 Concert Guide: Who's Playing When Posted: 19 Jan 2012 07:58 AM PST Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Afrojack and more set to perform at film festival in Park City, Utah.
For those unfamiliar with the goings-on at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, the annual star-studded event has morphed from a modest independent film festival into a full-blown showcase for all aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, television and music — not to mention the promotional opportunities for a multitude of consumer goods and lifestyle brands at the festival's infamous gifting lounges.
In regard to the musical element of the festival, this year's performance and concert lineup features a slew of big names more accustomed to large venues with sell-out crowds than the intimate settings at Sundance's smaller-scale venues. Park City Live in association with Continuum Entertainment Group will host live performances by LMFAO & House of Party Rock on Saturday, deadmau5 on Sunday. Microsoft's Bing Bar, located at the historic former Claim Jumper Hotel on Main Street, will feature Wiz Khalifa and Jason Mraz on Friday, Drake on Saturday, Cobra Starship on Sunday, Theophilus London on Monday, and James Murphy on Tuesday. Their SPIN Music Sessions series will include happy-hour shows by Gary Clark Jr. on Friday, Cool Kids on Saturday, Group Love on Sunday, and Fitz and the Tantrums on Monday. Following Friday's artist talk with guests Mary J. Blige and Mos Def, celebrating the documentary "Invisible War," the Sundance Channel is hosting a special afterparty with performances by Estelle and DJ Jesse Marco at Sugar Lounge on Main Street. Other acts to look out for include Afrojack on Thursday (January 19), OneRepublic at Park City Live on Tuesday, and the All-American Rejects on Wednesday as part of Sundance's ASCAP event. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Already Belongs To Phillip Phillips Posted: 19 Jan 2012 08:51 AM PST Season 11 contestant is a mash-up of every male winner in show's history.
Last night's 14-hour "American Idol" premiere presented the usual suspects of hopefuls. To paraphrase judge (and hideous eyewear collector) Randy Jackson at the end of the Savannah, Georgia, trip, "We came, we saw, we mocked immigrants' accents, we patronized and lusted after hot girls, we competently read off of producers' notes, we conquered."
Then, just as the expected parade of planted craycrays and daughters of athletes wrapped up, "Idol" introduced its eventual season 11 winner, Phillip Phillips. First let's talk his name. It's so ridiculous, it's awesome. You'll never forget it. Not to get all numerologist on you, but for season 11, a digit comprised of "one" repeated twice, a name like Phillip Phillips is destined to end up on top. At least he is in a pretentious overwritten novel. But Phillip Phillips' unavoidable victory truly comes into focus once you realize that he's a tried-and-true mash-up of every male winner in the show's 10-year history. Musically, Phillip2 is a Dave Matthews worshipper (hi, season nine's Lee DeWyze!) with the Joe Cocker mannerisms of season five's Taylor Hicks. His first audition song was a Stevie Wonder classic. (Sophomore class president Ruben Studdard made his first impression with a Stevie song, too.) And just when you thought fellow contestant Colton Dixon had the David Cook fans in his corner by singing the season seven winner's "Permanent" (and sharing a passion for haircuts tragique), Phillips rocked a "Thriller" of an encore: a white-dude twist on a Michael Jackson fave à la Cook's "Billie Jean." Then there's the look. He showed up wearing the uniform of two different male victors: reigning champ Scotty McCreery's jeans and sandals combo and the "um, bro, I think you still have three more buttons to utilize on your plaid shirt" shtick of season eight's pocket-sized Idol Kris Allen. It's no wonder "Idol" producers are drooling over this dude. Notice how Phillip2 was magically allowed to play the guitar for J.Lo, Steven and Randy, even though past seasons have forbidden instruments at this point in the audition process? Nigel Lythgoe knows that this dude with boyish good lucks from a small Southern town who works a boring-but-memorable day job is going to have the "Idol" superfans (myself included) making embarrassing homemade signs, leaving lengthy comments on blogs, tweeting hashtags that only a few dozen people understand and bitching about how overproduced his major-label debut will be. It's the same formula movie producers use when adding a "2" to the end of a hit movie title. We're sheep, guys.
So go back to the woods with your giant boyfriend, Tent Girl. And to the 17-year-old lady-killer who was compared to a young MJ but reminded me more of the woman who played Gary Coleman on Broadway's "Avenue Q," better luck next year. My personal fave, funky nutjob Ashlee Altise? Your joy-hop dance is about to turn into a depressed stomp. This is Phillip Phillips' now. Cue the confetti. So ... when's "The Voice" start again? Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. |
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