Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Brit Brit Teams With Xenomania For New Album!
Exciting news! As our most beloved Britney Jean Spears preps for the March release of her new album, more details about its sound are emerging – including the news that the Xenomania production team – which has produced tunes for Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue, and Cher – have worked on a few tracks! Oh, man! We [...]Leeann Tweeden America Ferrera Julie Berry Samaire Armstrong Christina Ricci
'B.M.F' To T.I.: The Top 10 Hip-Hop Stories Of 2010
Take a look back at what happened to Lil Wayne, Guru, Nicki Minaj and other rap stars in the past 12 months.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Lil Wayne
Photo: John Parra/ WireImage
In 2010, the biggest stories in hip-hop imbued the community with collective cheers (as new stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj began to break out) and sobs (as Guru passed and T.I. returned to prison). There were also stories we'll probably still remember years from now, like when Eminem and Jay-Z joined forces in their hometown ballparks or when Weezy was freed from Rikers. Here, MTV News takes a look at the top 10 hip-hop stories of the year.
"B.M.F." Bawses
Rick Ross' industrial-strength anthem was hip-hop's biggest street record of the year and transformed the Miami MC from punching bag to Teflon Don following his feud with 50 Cent. His textured voice delivered a series of massively catchy lines ("I think I'm Big Meech!"), while 2010's breakout producer Lex Luger laced the track with a concrete-hard instrumental. "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" served as the soundtrack to the summer, and rappers like Lupe Fiasco ("Building Minds Faster"), Sheek Louch ("The Real New York") and Jermaine Dupri ("I Think I'm Berry Gordy") all took the beat for a spin.
Drake Debuts
Heading into 2010, the Toronto lyricist was still riding high from his breakout mixtape, 2009's So Far Gone, and expectations were adding up like late charges. But the Lil Wayne protégé handled the pressure like Mike Vick in the fourth quarter: calm, composed and cool. His first official LP, Thank Me Later, featured the hits "Over," "Find Your Love" and "Fancy" and easily found its way onto many year-end best lists, while Drake took his act on the road for a series of buzzed-about tours that included surprise guests (Jay-Z, Eminem, J.Cole, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant) that would make for a good career, let alone 12 months.
Eminem Recovers
After a rocky return with 2009's Relapse, Em went back to the studio for Recovery. This time, however, with a series of new collaborators (Rihanna, Just Blaze, Alex Da Kid, DJ Khalil) that reinvigorated the Detroit MC. The result: two soaring #1 hits ("Not Afraid" and "Love the Way You Lie" ) and a nod as MTV News' Hottest MC in the Game. Expect some spillover for the potty-mouth wordsmith as he's up for a leading 10 Grammys at the 2011 ceremony.
Weezy Was Freed
Lil Wayne's folklore grew by Incredible Hulk-size leaps and bounds over the past 12 months, beginning with a series of events leading up to the New Orleans rapper turning himself in to serve 10 months in a New York prison. After being granted a temporary reprieve when a fire at the courthouse delayed his sentencing, he stunned a Madison Square Garden audience in March when he joined Young Jeezy onstage during his set on Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 Tour. While behind bars, he released a full-length album, I Am Not a Human Being, which debuted at #1. Then, following his release in November, Wayne traveled to Las Vegas to join Drake on the last stop of his Light Dreams and Nightmares Tour, where he turned the Sin City crowd into LeBron James-level witnesses.
G.O.O.D. Fridays Deliver
Kanye West made it his personal duty to deliver a new song to the Web via his blog every Friday from September through December, and the producer galvanized the hip-hop community with a series of dazzling numbers. Every seven (sometimes eight) days, 'Ye dropped songs that were album quality but with the intensity of mixtape material. The payoff came when he took the tracks and spun them over into elongated and elaborate records that powered his stunning My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Guru Passes
The underground icon passed away earlier this year, spurring a cloud of controversy as his business partner Solar and the rapper's family feuded over details surrounding Guru's death. The sudden fall of the beloved star left fans in shock. But DJ Premier and Guru's nephew led a spirited charge to channel the rapper's legacy and the indelible mark he left on music as a part of Gang Starr and through his Jazzmatazz series.
"Home and Home" Triumphs
Jay-Z and Eminem scored on this mini tour as they traded massive headlining gigs in their hometowns, two shows in Detroit and another two in New York City. Eminem raised the stakes on the first two stops in Comerica Park by bringing out Dr. Dre, Drake and 50 Cent. Hov, however, was not one to be outdone and turned Yankee Stadium into an All-Star Game with a lineup that included Kanye West, Swizz Beatz and Nicki Minaj.
Nicki Minaj Ascends
In the past, decorated MCs like Busta Rhymes and Ludacris battled for the crowd as they joined an array of artists in collaboration on their tracks. This year, though, Nicki Minaj was on most people's speed dial. The upstart artist took the throne from the boys as the guest star on a series of tracks by big names from Mariah Carey to Kanye West. She's a monster, indeed.
"Runaway" Soars
Kanye West returned from his self-imposed exile with the driving "Power," but it was during the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, and later with the premiere of the "Runaway" video, that the embattled MC made the true inroads to his comeback. The allegorical number featured West's sweeping production and Pusha T's sharp-elbowed punch lines. 'Ye's self-deprecating rhymes, though, humanized the superstar and brought the attention to his amazing skill as an arranger; not to mention, it spotlighted his devilish charm despite his ornery ways.
T.I. Returns to Prison
The Atlanta MC inspired plenty of people last year during his TV series, "T.I.'s Road to Redemption." His hard-luck story, however, turned into steel when he was arrested yet again, for drugs, following his release from a halfway house earlier this year. This time, though, he admitted a dependency problem and begged a judge for leniency, T.I. was sent back to prison to serve 11 months for probation violation. His recent album, No Mercy, showcases the rapper at his most introspective as he looks for his life's answers.
What do you think was the biggest hip-hop story of 2010? Share it in the comments.
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Blind Items: I Guess, You Guess
This married celebrity female chef who has been in this spot before, also spent some one on one time with this football player who was Nick Lachey's man crush and may have slept with Paris Hilton too. I think he did, but I am too lazy to look it up. (CDAN)
All signs point to Giada De Laurentiis and Matt Leinart, so I'll register them as my official guess. Or we can just let our imaginations go full fuckery by saying that Paula Deen is rubbing sticks of butter all over Brett Favre's cocktail salchicha.
This film actress has a Public Boyfriend and a Private Boyfriend. Public Boyfriend was set up by their publicists. The two are obligated to participate in multiple photo ops together every month. Even though Public Boyfriend is more famous than our actress, she?s talking smack behind his back about how boring and pathetic she finds his work, how much she?s helping his career and reputation, and how she can?t wait for their contract to end.
Whenever she?s not with Public Boyfriend, she flies straight into the arms of Private Boyfriend. She?s not very subtle about it either. She is regularly seen out drinking and partying and playing beer pong with Private Boyfriend until the wee hours of the morning. She claims they are just working buddies, but we don?t think working buddies regularly spend the night together in the same hotel room. (Blind Gossip)
Ashley Greene and Joe Jonas? And of course working buddies spend the night together in the exact same hotel room and in the exact same bed. It's called IN THIS ECONOMY! Ashley can use that one.
This actor just barely out of his teens, recently confessed to a friend that he did something he regrets terribly when he was younger. Several years ago he claims he was allegedly part of hazing a group of younger guys, and the hazing went too far. He didn?t say exactly what they did, only that the boys were naked and humiliated. The boys who were the victims never pressed charges, but to this day the young actor feels guilty about it. It might not seem that salacious, but in the show this star acted in, he played a child getting bullied. (BuzzFoto)
Naked and humiliated? Was this torture game called "Seven Minutes In Hell With John Travolta?" And I don't have one clue who this could be.
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Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover
Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman
Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
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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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
New To BBB, We Answer Your Spa Questions! What Is Cupping?
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Bar Refaeli: Black Bikini Babe
Looking healthier and happier than ever, Bar Refaeli was spotted soaking up the sunshine in Mexico on Tuesday (December 28).
The oh-so-sexy supermodel was back at her poolside perch while clad in a skimpy black bikini as she undoubtedly enjoyed the leisurely day alongside a few close friends.
As previously reported by GossipCenter, Bar made the trip sans actor beau Leonardo DiCaprio, who was spotted spending the Christmas weekend partaking in a cultural outing to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Leo was recently named the biggest grossing actor of 2010 by Forbes magazine, while Bar also continues to do quite well for herself in the modeling world.
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Monday, December 27, 2010
The Kardashian Sisters Get Spoofed on SNL
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10 Designers who could make Kate Middleton?s Wedding Dress
Of the lists of names that are being produced, few seem to take into consideration the extensive requirements of a formal wedding dress for a ceremony in a [...]
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Alex Reid, Colin Jackson, Lizzie Cundy at Mayfair launch of Terence Trout 2011 collection
The James Bond themed show accompanied by a Bugatti Veyron caused quite a stir with the guests certainly shaken up with a twist and asking [...]
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Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds And More 2010 Breakups
Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato and more broke our hearts when they broke up this year.
By Jocelyn Vena
Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson
Photo: Kevin Mazur
Sure there was lots of love this year, but 2010 more likely will be remembered for its many surprising celebrity breakups. Some of Hollywood's seemingly most stalwart duos decided to part ways this year. So, as the final days of 2010 wind down, MTV News takes a look back on some of the year's most shocking splits.
Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato
In March, Jonas and Lovato copped to dating one another after months of speculation. Weeks later the pair would open up for the first time about taking their "Camp Rock" relationship offscreen.
As summer approached, the pair began to promote their joint ventures, "Camp Rock 2," and their summer tour together. However, by May they had split. Still, the youthful twosome pledged that touring together wouldn't be awkward. Eventually, Lovato left the tour to seek treatment for personal reasons, and well, Jonas hasn't been shy about his affections for Ashley Greene. We can't help but hope he and Demi can let bygones be bygones.
Courteney Cox and David Arquette
Cox and Arquette shocked the world when they split in October after 11 years of marriage. Things quickly got weird when Arquette appeared on Howard Stern's radio show and dished about the split and his emotional state in a post-Cox world. The bottom line is we expect them to have to reunite once "Scream 4" hits theaters in 2011. We hope things end better for Gale and Dewey.
Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush
If a reality-TV starlet and a pro football star can't make it, then who can? After battling engagement and pregnancy rumors, Kardashian and Bush called it quits in March after dating for three years. Kim seems to be recovering just fine in the love department, with speculation swirling that she's dated Halle Berry's ex Gabriel Aubry and Kanye West. Not too shabby, Miss Kardashian.
Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens
Say it isn't so! Efron and Hudgens snuck this split in right as the year was getting sleepy and coming to an end. In mid-December, news broke that the longtime lovebirds had split amicably, shocking "High School Musical" fans everywhere. In the weeks since the split, Efron has been busy filming his latest flick, "The Lucky One," while Hudgens celebrated her 22nd birthday in Las Vegas and assured the world she's doing great.
Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds
As news of the Efron/Hudgens breakup broke, the world was almost simultaneously stunned when ScarJo and Reynolds announced that they too had split. The pair, who claimed that they still felt like newlyweds after two years of wedded bliss, decided to pull the plug on their marriage and focus on life separately, leaving a gaping hole in the planet's collective hottest couple list.
Which 2010 celebrity breakup shocked or saddened you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Anna Nicole Smith Hit The Bahamas Like A Hurricane!
Who knew that one woman could do so much damage?? According to newly-leaked U.S. government reports that have been released by WikiLeaks, Anna Nicole Smith wreaked so much havoc in the Bahamas, she may have brought down a string of government officials, causing the government to topple. In one of the documents written in 2006, Deputy Chief [...]Julia Stiles Gabrielle Union Leslie Bibb Elisabeth Röhm Lauren German
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Vanessa Hudgens: Christmas Eve Outing with Stella
Fitting in a little sisterly fun prior to their family celebrations, Vanessa Hudgens escorted Stella out for a trip to the local fitness center in Studio City, California on Friday (December 24).
In no mood to be photographed, the "High School Musical" hottie covered up her face as her adorable younger sister followed suit while passing awaiting paparazzi.
Busy throughout the past week with Christmastime doings, Miss Hudgens tended to her last minute shopping needs at Barneys New York the previous day while also grabbing up lunch at Burbank Fireplace and BBQ.
Meanwhile, this happens to be the first winter holiday in the past three years in which Nessa is a bachelorette - as she recently ended her relationship with ex-beau, Zac Efron.
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Deadmau5 Brings Dance Music To The 'Masses,' Wolfgang Gartner Says
'He has a major role in the younger generation to this music,' producer/DJ tells MTV News of his collaborator.
By Adam Stewart
deadmau5
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images
It's no secret that 2010 was a pivotal year for electronic dance music here in the States. With deadmau5 and Swedish House Mafia becoming household names, the genre's momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Using a conduit of collaboration, artists such as deadmau5 (a.k.a. Joel Zimmerman) have paired up with various underground acts to further the rapid expansion of the genre.
Perhaps one of the most notable movers and shakers of the year is now-Grammy-Award-nominated producer and DJ Wolfgang Gartner, who recently sat down to chat with MTV News about deadmau5 and dance music's rise to the top.
"He has a major role in the younger generation to this music," Gartner says, "but there have been certain artists that have been instrumental in helping it cross over and reach the mainstream — which I think is a good thing. I think rap artists using dance beats is a great thing. I think it just brings more people towards this music that we all love."
Thanks to several key moments, such as deadmau5 taking the helm as house DJ (well, technically "House Artist") for the 2010 VMAs, dance music has been thrown into the forefront of America's youth, a key demographic for any genre.
"Everybody knows who he is now and he's kind of exposing the masses to dance music. These little five-, six- and seven-year-old kids latch on to this 'mau5head' logo — they get into the music and he's bringing this tiny young generation into this music that probably wouldn't be exposed to it."
Gartner certainly doesn't mind the exposure either. Unless you were living under a rock for the past six months, you probably heard one of this past summer's hottest anthems, "Animal Rights," a collaborative effort brought forth by deadmau5 and Gartner.
"It was interesting because I kind of had a preconceived notion about how he would be to work [with]," said Gartner. "I think our sounds are really similar, so I figured he would work in a similar way to me, but the way that he writes music is actually completely different to me. But he achieves kind of the same sound through a completely different process."
Recorded in deadmau5's favorite Los Angeles studio — that would be rocker Tommy Lee's House — "Animal Rights" is a thumping progressive house anthem that melds Wolfgang's unmistakable harmonics and funk riffs with the driving bass line and wobbly synths that make deadmau5 one of the unique forces in the dance music world.
"[Deadmau5] writes these rich complex chord progressions and he does it by drawing these little bars on a grid, which is just amazing that you can do that and get that result," Gartner goes on to say. "It just proves you don't have to be able to play keyboards to write amazing music."
The two sound pioneers never cease to stop pushing the limits on what they are able to produce. Using drastically difference production approaches, deadmau5 and Gartner had the ability to play off each other's strengths while recording the track.
"I'd say the biggest thing is that I play everything in on a keyboard, like even my drums," says Gartner. "I play everything in live and he draws it in with notes on a mouse, which blew me away because his music is very musical."
What do you think 2011 will hold for deadmau5 and Gartner? Let us know in the comments below!
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Thursday, December 23, 2010
Demi Lovato Pays Damages for Punching Dancer
She's currently in the midst of receiving help for her issues, but Demi Lovato has gotten one problem out of the way.
According to TMZ, the "Camp Rock" star has come to terms in a financial settlement with the dancer who she punched during a dispute back in October.
The report tells that Alex Welch is lined up to receive financial damages from Lovato - though the amount has not been disclosed.
Of the situation, Miss Welch's attorney, Donald Karpel, told TMZ, "The parties are satisfied and the dispute has been resolved amicably and completely."
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'Spider-Man' Musical Director Speaks Out On Injuries
'An accident like this is obviously heartbreaking for our entire team,' Julie Taymor says in statement.
By Terri Schwartz
Julie Taymor
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ WireImage
There's been a lot of negative press about Julie Taymor's Broadway musical "Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark," after a fourth castmember, aerialist and stunt double Christopher Tierney, was injured during a preview performance on Monday. A spokesperson for the show made a statement on Tuesday and the Actors' Equity Association spoke to MTV News about the show's streak of injuries. And now Taymor has commented about the show's continued bad luck.
"An accident like this is obviously heartbreaking for our entire team and, of course, to me personally," Taymor said in her statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "I am so thankful that Chris is going to be alright and is in great spirits. Nothing is more important than the safety of our 'Spider-Man' family and we'll continue to do everything in our power to protect the cast and crew."
Tierney's injury spurred the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Actors' Equity Association and New York State Department of Labor to meet with the "Spider-man" company on Tuesday and institute additional safety measures to prevent further injuries. But some other Broadway stars took to their social networking accounts to demand Taymor stop production on the $65 million musical.
"SPIDERMAN SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND EMBARRASSING TO WORKING ACTORS EVERYWHERE," Tony Award-winning actress Alice Ripley tweeted on Tuesday. "DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE? WHERE IS THE LINE FOR THE DECISION MAKERS, I AM CURIOUS."
"Rent" star Adam Pascal took to his Facebook page Tuesday and said, "I have to weigh in on Spiderman. They should put Julie Taymor in jail for assault! I know what it's like to fall and get hurt in front of 2,000 people. It's no fun, but at least it was the one time it happened. I hope whoever was hurt is ok and sues the sh-- out of Julie, Bono, Edge and every other a--hole who invested in that steaming pile of actor crippling sh--!"
Pascal toned down his anger and clarified his comments on Wednesday (December 22): "I think some of you missed the intended humor in my post, although my anger is real, I don't think anyone should sue Bono and the Edge you dummy! Or put Julie Taymor in jail you double dummy. I was making a point."
As of now, "Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark" preview performances are proceeding as planned, and the official Broadway opening date has been pushed back from January 11 to February 7. Wednesday's matinee was the only performance canceled due to Tierney's injury.
Do you think "Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark" should be canceled due to the danger involved? Tell us in the comments.
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The Return Of Bennifer!
No, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are not back together, BUT some dramz from their Bennifer days HAS arisen from the depths of failed-celebrity-relationship-heaven! We reported yesterday that Claudia Vazquez, the girlfriend of J. Lo’s ex-husband Ojani Noa, filed a $10 million lawsuit against the singer for allegedly meddling with a motion picture contract based on [...]Adrianne Palicki Mena Suvari Halle Berry Maria Bello Tina Fey
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Audrey Hepburn voted most iconic beauty of all time in Olay Beauty Poll
The poll conducted by skin care specialists Olay in their Olay Big British Beauty Poll asked participants about their views on a variety of� beauty related� [...]
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We’re sure it’s hard for anyone who has lost a child to accept it, but it can’t be healthy to pretend like it didn’t happen at all – especially after a year has gone by! Brittany Murphy’s mother, Sharon Murphy, admits that she’s yet to come to terms with the death of her daughter and [...]Laura Prepon Georgianna Robertson Piper Perabo Keira Knightley Grace Park
Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.
You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.
Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.
And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.
And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.
To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.
"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."
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Wiz Khalifa To Go Green On Next Single, 'Roll Up'
Pittsburgh MC tells MTV News he just 'came up with' follow-up to 'Black and Yellow.'
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Matt Elias
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: MTV News
Wiz Khalifa may not be an environmentalist, but the Pittsburgh rapper does have a thing for the green movement.
So for a follow-up to his breakout hit "Black and Yellow," it only makes sense he tap a resource he's familiar with.
"The next single is called 'Roll Up,' surprisingly," he told MTV News with a laugh. "Really, I just needed another single and we were trying to come up with a look and then me and [my manager] talked about it," Wiz continued. "We talked about it for three minutes. And then I came up with that song."
The track is slated for release on his forthcoming debut album, which is yet-untitled but tentatively scheduled for a March release.
"I'm definitely looking forward to my next single coming out," Wiz said. "I'm looking forward to my album dropping in late March, which is gonna be exciting for me and the Taylors worldwide. Like I keep saying, always keep building on top of my brand, keep doing what I'm doing and make new fans."
The MC is currently in Los Angeles, where MTV News visited Wiz and Snoop Dogg as they shot the video for the remix, or G-mix, to Wiz's "Black and Yellow."
"Black and yellow, ahh, black and yellow/ See me now they treating me like I'm somebody special," Wiz spits on the remix. "Smoking on that good, know it's me soon as they smell it/ You can chill, I'm the one who get it, not the one who sell it/ I grind every day, I'm balling, I can't help it/ N---as on that bullsh--, my pockets full of Celtics."
Snoop sent a picture to Twitter of the pair partaking in some smoke-filled activities while in the studio over the weekend. "Tha Dogg N @RealWizKhalifa blowin' like a broke stove, ya digggggggg?!?!?!" Snoop wrote.
What do you think of Wiz's "Black and Yellow"? Tell us in the comments!
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Keri Hilson Lets In The Men For No Boys Allowed
As the singer let MTV News tag along on a day of album promotion, she explained her exclusive title.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Jim Cantiello
Keri Hilson
Photo: MTV News
What better way to spend a Monday than with "Pretty Girl Rock" singer Keri Hilson, as she promotes this week's release of her new album, No Boys Allowed? MTV News was lucky enough to tag along with Hilson and occasionally pepper her with questions while she hopped around New York City for photo shoots and prepared for an interview on "106 & Park."
In a cab ride to BET's studios, we asked Hilson which song she's most excited for fans to hear on the new album.
"That's a hard question," she said. "It's almost like asking, 'Which baby do you like the most? Which child do you like the most?' "
So, we tried an easier question. Why aren't boys allowed? Or, does she mean that boys aren't allowed but men are?
"Yeah, men [are allowed]," Hilson said. "That's the point of the album. I feel like I give so much of the female perspective, and I really wanted to give guys a chance to sound off and give their perspective on certain things, so I had to bring in the men."
By way of illustrating the point (maybe), we saw Hilson receiving a piggy-back ride from a manly friend. "This is a man's job!" Hilson shouted. "No boys allowed! Only a man can handle this," she added, referring to her burly mode of "transport."
After her "106 & Park" performance, we asked Richie, Hilson's choreographer, whether she was a good dance pupil or not.
"Uh, yes, Keri is amazing," he said.
"What do you mean, 'Uh, yes?' " interjected Hilson, who recently caused a stir with her racy grinding in the video for "The Way You Love Me."
"I mean, listen. It's a process that we go through, but Mama's always under the gun," he tried to explain, at which point Hilson cut in again.
"Boo! Cut!" Hilson mock protested, and pretended to put her dance man in a headlock.
"And she comes out and she wins," Richie finished, laughing. "So, yes, it's an amazing process, but Mama makes it through the fire."
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Cyruses call it quits
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On Gossip Girl, Kelly Rutherford’s character really has no idea what her stepdaughter is capable of. In the real world, Kelly is fully aware of Taylor Momsen’s potential and recently came to the defense of her costar when asked about her departure from the show. As fans have already seen, Jenny Humphrey hightailed it out of [...]Vanessa Minnillo China Chow Heidi Montag Marley Shelton Leeann Tweeden
Lindsay Lohan Named As Suspect In Assault Investigation
Betty Ford staffer reportedly accused Lohan of attacking her on December 12.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lindsay Lohan (file)
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
Lindsay Lohan has been named a suspect in an assault case. According to multiple reports, the actress is being accused of attacking a female staffer at the Betty Ford Center in an incident on December 12. Lohan allegedly acted out when the staffer asked her to take a drug and alcohol test.
"The incident involved Lindsay Lohan and another female adult who was a staff member at the location," a police spokesman told E! News. "Lohan was reported as the suspect in the investigation and the victim desired prosecution."
Officers responded to the Betty Ford-affiliated sober house that Lohan is staying in. "The incident is being investigated as a misdemeanor, not committed in the presence of a peace officer; therefore no one was arrested at the scene," the spokesman added. "The investigation is currently ongoing. Upon completion of the investigation reports will be forwarded to the district attorney's office to determine if charges will be filed in the case."
Currently Lohan is set to be released from rehab on January 3 and has a progress hearing on February 25. Calls by MTV News to the Palm Desert police were not returned by press time. Additionally, a rep for the actress had not responded to MTV News' request for comment by press time.
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Katie Holmes: West Coast Workout Woman
Back on the West Coast, Katie Holmes was spotted hitting up a fitness center in Los Angeles today (December 21).
The ?Dawson?s Creek? darling sported a grey hoodie with black trousers and leopard print boots as she carried her large tote bag past the paparazzi.
Last night, Katie was in New York City with her husband Tom Cruise and daughter Suri as they left their apartment.
The happy trio headed off to the Plaza Hotel for some family fun. The night prior they ate at the Il Cantinori Italian Restaurant.
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Looks like Miley’s got yet another life change she’ll have to cope with. According to sources close to the family, Billy Ray and Tish are putting their Toluca Lake home on the market for $7 million or more. Sources also say that Tisch was checking out a home in Encino listed at $4.6 million over three months [...]Paris Hilton Tyra Banks Melissa Joan Hart Deanna Russo Shakira
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Monday, December 20, 2010
Liz Hurley and Shane Warne Dating?
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P!nk, The Soccer Mom?
Oh my! It sounds like impending motherhood is softening P!nk! The singer recently took to her Twitter to share her sentiments – and terror – after watching a children’s Christmas recital! She wrote: I just watched about 20 3 yr olds in their 1st holiday recital.My heart hurts it was so damn adorable.I’m gonna b a soccer [...]Adriana Lima Poppy Montgomery Amber Valletta Nicollette Sheridan Amanda Detmer
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Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.
You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.
Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.
And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.
And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.
To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.
"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."
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Sunday, December 19, 2010
TRON Is #1!
It isn’t close to making back the money that they put into creating it, but this is pretty decent, we’d say! TRON: Legacy came out on top this weekend in the theaters, taking the #1 spot with an estimated $43.6 million, which unfortunately, isn’t even HALF of the flick’s $170 million budget! However, box-office analyst Jeff Bock [...]Rachel McAdams Mariah Carey Cinthia Moura Katy Perry Rebecca Mader
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Birthday Sluts
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