ESSENCE’s ‘Black Women In Hollywood’ Photos Last night, who’s who in Black Hollywood came out to celebrate Erykah Badu at ESSENCES’s Black Women In Music in Los Angeles on the 20th anniversaryy of her Baduizm album. Lincoln Motor Co. was the exclusive automotive sponsor for the lavish event and featured the all-new Continental and MKZ on the red carpet. The stars of BET’s New Edition Story came out to celebrate. Remy Ma was also spotted looking niicccceeeeee… Mya looked stunning! Raj Register, multicultural communications manager for Lincoln, stood alongside singer Estelle who premiered her feature with Lincoln “Be in Luv.” Check out the video below: Hit the flip to see more pics from the evening plus Erykah Badu…
Young Money’s Mack Maine tells MTV News: ‘They said they’ll give him some tickets on the front row behind, but [not] courtside.’ By Rob Markman Lil Wayne Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images All Lil Wayne wanted to do is take in an NBA playoff game with his buddies, but on Thursday night (May 31) the Oklahoma City Thunder started baller blockin’. “Was going to go to the Thunder game tonight but was denied by the team to be in their arena. Wow. Smh. Go Spurs,” Weezy tweeted just hours before tip-off. Tunechi is a noted L.A. Lakers fan, but his friend and manager Cortez Bryant is a San Antonio Spurs die-hard, so Weezy thought he’d treat his buddy to a game — that is until OKC brass spoiled his plans. It was Young Money President Mack Maine who tried to score the tickets through a broker, but securing the seats proved to be difficult. “He finally just let me know, they not really tryin’ to sell tickets to him,” Mack Maine told MTV News minutes after the playoff game ended. “They said they’ll give him some tickets on the front row behind, but they’re not really tryin’ to have him sittin’ courtside.” Then things got even weirder Mack, told us. “Then they also sent a message back sayin’ the OKC policy was no special parking and no escort, so he gotta walk in like everybody else,” he explained. “Why would you actually want to cause pandemonium? That’s gonna make it harder for your security.” Mack explained that he and Weezy were just concerned about their safety and the safety of the fans. It’s hard to imagine that the multiplatinum superstar could just slip in and out of an arena unnoticed. “We’re not no prima donnas, but that’s just common sense, for our safety and the safety of your building,” the Billionaire Minds rapper said. “We were basically just tryin’ to take our brother to the game.” Chances are Tez wouldn’t have enjoyed himself anyway, as his beloved Spurs lost to the Thunder in a blowout, 102-82. “Yeah it worked out perfect anyway,” he said. Related Artists Lil Wayne
‘The boy is talented, and you can’t take talent away. He’s a bona fide entertainer,’ veteran singer tells MTV News. By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway Chris Brown Photo: Noel Vasquez/ Getty Images Bobby Brown has been on the road with New Edition over the past few months for the group’s 30th anniversary tour, and as the veteran entertainer gets ready to drop his fifth album, The Masterpiece, he’s showering praise on contemporary stars like Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Usher who have furthered his R&B legacy. During the height of New Edition’s popularity in the ’80s, Brown cemented a bad-boy image that stuck with him throughout the years, sometimes to his detriment. The new generation of R&B singers have faced their own unique challenges after being thrust into the spotlight, and maybe none as obvious as Chris Brown. Still, Bobby Brown thinks the young star isn’t doing too badly for himself. “He’s good; he’s a church boy compared to me,” Brown told MTV News matter-of-factly. “Chris Brown is incredible. [He’s] an incredible dancer, incredible singer. I respect him a lot because he’s held his head up throughout everything that he’s been through,” Brown said, addressing the singer’s much-publicized assault case against ex-girlfriend Rihanna. “He’s only been through a little bit, but the boy is talented and you can’t take talent away. Talent is given from God, you can’t learn what he does. He’s a bona fide entertainer and he should be respected.” Despite the setbacks Chris Breezy has faced, Bobby Brown is confident that he has what it takes to stick around in the long run. “He’s still young and he’s got a long way to go. I’m 30 years deep into this entertainment thing and I could see him 30 years from now, still doing what he does — flipping and singing and dancing,” Brown continued. “And now he’s getting ready to do a movie, so he’s covering the spectrum of entertainment.” Chris isn’t the only millennial entertainer who gets praise from Bobby Brown, though. “Trey Songz is definitely a talented brother, he’s a talented writer, talented singer,” he adds. “I just love the new generation of R&B singers, I think they’re upholding what entertainment is about. I got it from Rick James and Michael Jackson, and I’m just grateful that they’re taking what I love, what I’m passionate about, to the next level and keeping it young and fresh.” Usher, who will release his new album, Looking 4 Myself, just one week after The Masterpiece drops on June 5, is also on top of the list. “Before Usher even had a record out, I was training him, I’m surprised I didn’t put him out,” Brown said. “I worked with him a lot, teaching him different ways of training your body to dance and I’m proud of him. I’m glad he kept everything together.” Brown will continue his mission to entertain the masses with The Masterpiece , which is his first album in 14 years. And although he’s got respect for the new crop of singers, he maintains that he needed to fly solo this time around. “This project is about me as an individual and me as far as growth in my life, so I didn’t really want to go all commercial with it, and to make it something that became a spectacle.” Brown admitted. “This is all about Bobby right now. It’s just to get this off my heart and once this is released and people are able to hear it and appreciate it, then I can move forward with my life.” The The Masterpiece , is set for release on June 5, led by the single “Don’t Let Me Die.” Do you agree with Bobby Brown’s praise of Chris Brown? Leave your comment below! Related Artists Chris Brown Bobby Brown
‘Throughout this competition, I grew a backbone,’ Ledet says of his third-place finish and his plans for a post-‘Idol’ album. By James Montgomery Joshua Ledet performs on “American Idol” Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images Despite receiving heaps of hyperbolic praise throughout his run on “American Idol” — like, for example, when he was dubbed “one of the best singers ever on the show” — Joshua Ledet wasn’t angry when he was booted in the week leading up to the “Idol” finale. Quite the opposite, in fact. “I was happy that I finished third; all the stress was gone from me. I felt relieved that I didn’t have to worry about competing, or learning any more songs … I was really, really relieved after getting voted off,” Ledet told MTV News. “Just being on a schedule every day, knowing what you’re going to do throughout the whole day, at the exact time, was ridiculous. We would literally go by the schedule. It was tough, rehearsing, learning the songs, doing press, photo shoots, all these different things, all in one day. … I don’t even think celebrities do that much in one day.” And while he might have had some issues with the rather frantic “Idol” schedule, Ledet had none with the guy who ended up winning this season, Phillip Phillips, whom he said “deserved” to be crowned champion — even if, like much of America , Ledet knew it was pretty much a foregone conclusion. “He’s not the kind of person to let people make decisions for him, he stands his ground and does his own thing. I think his career will be great,” he said. “I kinda knew in the back of my head that it was going to be Phillip, because his fans are ridiculous.” Ledet added that he’d like to emulate Phillips’ attitude when it comes time to make his post-“Idol” album — something that, before he competed on the show, seemed an impossibility for the shy Louisiana native. But now, thanks to his tremendous run and all that praise, Ledet’s ready to make the kind of album he wants to, and on his own terms. “I think throughout this competition, I grew a backbone, and I learned how to say ‘no.’ And I think when that time comes, to where I’m sitting in a room with a whole bunch of people deciding what my album’s going to be like, I think I’ll be strong enough to say ‘no’ to some things and ‘yes’ to things that I really want,” Ledet smiled. “And when they say ‘no,’ I’ll say ‘yes’ if I really like it. … Growing a backbone throughout this competition really helped me and got me in the shape I need to be in. … It’s the best thing I took from ‘American Idol.'” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Finale Show
‘[Today] is the last episode of the season and I think we are just really relieved,’ finalist Jessica Sanchez says about Wednesday’s finale. By Kelly Marino Jessica Sanchez performs on the “American Idol” finale on May 22 Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images The end is finally upon us. On Wednesday night (May 23), someone will be showered in confetti and ultimately crowned the 11th “American Idol” after going head-to-head in last night’s final performances. Will Jessica Sanchez take home the title, finally becoming the first female contestant since Jordan Sparks in 2007 to win? Or will it be Phillip Phillips , whose stage presence is so similar to the last few years’ winners, apparently all he needs to do is make the ladies melt with that guitar and he’ll be a shoo-in for first place. Regardless, not a lot of people can say they stuck it out this long. “Of course we all want to win, but it gets to a point where nobody really makes it this far,” Sanchez, a.k.a. the tiny girl with the huge voice, said backstage Tuesday night. “I love that I’m with [Phillip] in the top two. It’s amazing. He’s goofy and he’s funny and he is an amazing artist and an amazing person overall.” And those feelings were mutual — in so many words or less. When asked what his favorite performance of the night was, the humble yet painfully bashful Phillips replied with that infamous smile, “Probably all three of Jessica’s.” According to the judges though, it was Phillip Phillip’s song choice of “Home” in the final round that stole the show, giving him the one and only standing ovation of the night — a moment that might not have happened had he not calmed his nerves earlier on. “I was scared to death,” the husky-voiced Georgia native explained after realizing he would be performing in front of more than 7,000 audience members inside the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. “But you know, I went out there and finally loosened up throughout ‘Stand by Me,’ and I just had fun the rest of the night. It was so, so fun.” And after three months of crazy schedules, lack of sleep, countless critiques, powerful (and some not so powerful) performances, it’s about time to have some fun and loosen up. With Tuesday night’s two-hour finale their last show of the season, both “Idol” hopefuls, who will take the stage singing duets with some of their favorite artists, agree it is a stress-free road from here on out. “We just feel like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders,” 16-year-old Sanchez admitted. “[Today] is the last episode of the season and I think we are just really relieved. We are going to miss each other so much. We are going to be on tour together, but I mean, this competition has taught us so much and it’s been really tiring too.” “We got to the point that whatever happens, happens,” Phillips, the only contestant never up for elimination, added. “We are two completely different artists and we wish each other the best with both of our careers.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances
Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry were booted from ‘Idol’ earlier than anyone expected. By Gil Kaufman Jessica Sanchez with Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Seacrest on “American Idol” Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images America, you only have yourself to blame. In a pattern repeated for the past few seasons, “American Idol” viewers seem to get a little lazy this time of year and suddenly forget to vote for their favorites, putting one of the potential winners in jeopardy. Case in point: preternaturally talented teen diva Jessica Sanchez. Even after killing it on Wednesday night (again) , Bebe Chez very nearly got sent home in seventh place Thursday night in one of the most shocking near-eliminations in recent history. The judges didn’t even have to hear her sing before they jumped up to save the singer , but she came thisclose to becoming the latest super-talent to wash out of “Idol” way before her time. The “Idol” save has a checkered history. Sometimes it’s been pulled out for singers whose talents (and commercial prospects) were decent at best (Michael Lynche) or annoying at worst (Casey Abrams). In fact, of the four saves in “Idol” history, the only one that truly made sense was season eight’s piano-playing Matt Giraud, who only made it one more week before being sent home. With only two weeks left before their save would have timed out, Randy, Jennifer and Steven pulled out the lifeline for the one remaining contestant who truly deserves it, if only for the fact that Sanchez could break the string of wins by bland white male singers who’ve met with solid to dismal chart success over the past four seasons. If Sanchez had gotten the boot, she would have joined a fairly illustrious group of singers who were gone too soon. Among them: Jennifer Hudson : Success is the best revenge, and when Hudson was inexplicably sent home in seventh place during season three who knew she’d go on to be the first Oscar winner in “Idol” history and a musical powerhouse? Um, we did. Chris Daughtry : The second-most shocking elimination in “Idol” history has to be bald-headed steak-and-potatoes rocker Chris Daughtry. He went out in fourth place in season five, which was won by … Taylor Hicks. Yeah, that guy. After declining to take the lead singer gig in Fuel, Daughtry went on to multiplatinum success and a spot as the third best-selling “Idol” alum of all time. Melinda Doolittle: If you watched season six of “Idol” then you likely remember the powerhouse vocalist that ex-lead judge Simon Cowell dubbed “incredible.” But, somehow, Melinda got the hook in the week before the finale , beat out by Blake Lewis. You know, the beatboxing faux-hawk wearing dude who lost to Jordin Sparks? Exactly. Do you think the judges made the right call by saving Jessica? Let us know in comments below! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Most Shocking ‘American Idol’ Exits ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances
MC serves up hip-hop and pop on the bipolar Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, which leaked online Wednesday. By Rob Markman Nicki Minaj Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images Search for Nicki Minaj ‘s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded in iTunes, and you’ll find that it’s tucked tight in the hip-hop/rap section, but putting Nick’s sophomore album in the confines of a single genre only tells half the story. The album was illegally leaked onto the Internet on Wednesday night, but when Barbs officially unwrap Roman’s new LP on April 3, they’ll find a culmination of her musical growth neatly sequenced in a symmetrical pop/rap package. The first half of Roman Reloaded recalls Nicki the Ninja’s mixtape days, where she spewed nothing but venom on tracks like “I Get Crazy” and “Itty Bitty Piggy.” The album opener, “Roman Holiday,” isn’t unfamiliar, but the theatrical track which Nicki brought to life at the 2012 Grammys makes more sense in the context of the LP. The vaudevillian hook gives way to some pretty clever rhymes that many may have missed during the much-panned televised performance. “Anyway stylists go get Bulgari/ I am the ultimate Svengali/ You bitches can’t even spell that/ You hoes buggin’ repel that,” she spits before getting schizophrenic, switching up to a flow that has hints of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Sure, Nicki is a pop icon, but these days, so are Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. The Young Money superstar refuses to give up any rap ground, however, and the first seven tracks from Roman Reloaded are unapologetically street. The Hit-Boy-produced “Come On a Cone” and “I Am Your Leader” are both anchored by bass-rattling beats and both find Nicki (as Roman) inviting haters to her figurative male genitalia. On the latter, the Female Weezy pounds her chest alongside Rick Ross and Cam’ron, baiting her competition with lines like: “Nunchuck her, no time to duck her/ Sign of the cross ’cause this is her last supper.” Roman Reloaded has more rap features than her 2010 debut: 2 Chainz shows up for “Beez in the Trap” and Wayne appears twice, once on the title track and then again on “Sex in the Lounge.” Nicki then gives the hood some inspiration with Nas, Drake and Young Jeezy in tow on the uplifting “Champion,” but shortly after that, the bipolar LP takes a sharp turn. Rather than mix hip-hop with her ever-growing pop sensibilities, Nicki presents Roman Reloaded as a two-parter. If cassettes were still the music medium of choice, there’d be a stark contrast between the A and B sides. RedOne’s pulsating sound dominates on the Harajuku Barbie’s current top 10 single “Starships” and continues for five songs straight — the sequencing is not coincidental. “Pound the Alarm” is an adrenaline-laced fist-pumper, and “Whip It” proves that the reigning rap queen picked up quite a few tricks touring alongside Britney Spears last year. “Automatic” is another sweat-inducing dance anthem that should keep Minaj on the charts while her rap fare will keep her in the conversation amongst the hottest MCs. Over the course of 19 tracks, the Barbs should find a song to suit their every mood. “Fire Burns” for when they’re nursing heartbreak, “Marilyn Monroe” for when the world seems to be just too much and “Hov Lane” when they want to celebrate their relative victories. Since her come-up days, Nick has refused to be put in a box. With her cocksure rap demeanor, it’s hard to ignore her hip-hop roots, but when you factor in her ability to craft a popular tune, the possibilities become endless. Roman Reloaded is a further realization of those infinite possibilities, so instead of defining Nicki Minaj by category, maybe it’s time to give her own genre. What do you think of Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded ? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Nicki Minaj
‘Barbz, shld i twerk in the stupid hoe vid???’ Minaj asks fans. By Jocelyn Vena Nicki Minaj Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images If Nicki Minaj ‘s latest Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded track, “Stupid Hoe,” seems off-the-wall, her fans should probably expect the video to be as well. And given the hints that the fierce MC has dropped on Twitter, something zany is definitely in store. Over the course of the last few days, the singer has been keeping her Barbz and Kenz up-to-date on the video shoot, which will by all accounts feature multiple costume changes, multiple setups and even some fried chicken. “Next shot is in a bathing suit and [hairstylist] terrence got me eating fried chkn and carrot cake!” she tweeted, later adding, “gettin my nailz done. still shootin the vid. 2 more looks!!!!” The rapper later posted a photo of her manicure, which featured animal prints and rainbow colors. “Barbz, shld i twerk in the stupid hoe vid???” she asked. “but i 4got my twerkin moves … dang.” She may not end up twerkin’ in the video, but as of Wednesday, she still had some work to do on the clip, so it seems anything could make the final cut. “Stupid Hoe” will be the second video off of Minaj’s February 14 release. Earlier this month, she teased the clip for “Roman Reloaded,” the album’s lead single. “Well, [Roman] was there [in Moscow] secretly because [alter ego] Martha wanted him to go there, so they put him in this thing with monks and nuns; they were trying to rehabilitate him,” Minaj explained. “But I can’t tell exactly what happened, you’ll just see it in the video format, but let’s just say he got out of there.” Minaj added that the video for “Roman in Moscow” “will be shot real soon.” Those aren’t the only Minaj videos that fans are excited for. Her clip for Madonna’s lead single, “Gimme All Your Luvin,” had everyone buzzing when she tweeted about a kiss she shared with the Queen of Pop. While little is known about that video, a behind-the-scenes photo of Nicki donning red sunglasses and hanging out with M.I.A. on set hit the Web late Tuesday night. Related Artists Nicki Minaj
‘That was the one person that I was sorta like, ‘Damn!’ but we’ll get it though,’ Drizzy says of working with JT. By Jocelyn Vena Justin Timberlake Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images A year ago, Drake spoke to MTV News about the possibility of working with Justin Timberlake , saying that he had built a “rapport” with the pop superstar. With Drizzy’s new album Take Care out this week, however, it’s clear the two didn’t actually end up getting that rapport on tape. But in the latest issue of Billboard, the Canadian MC says that he and Timberlake came pretty close to making a collaboration happen. “I really wanted to work with Justin Timberlake on this project and we came so close, man, so close. He’s just super busy, and not in the music mindset right now as far as creating,” he revealed. In the 12 months since Drake first talked to us about working with the star, Timberlake has forged a real-deal Hollywood career, with roles in movies like “The Social Network” and “Friends With Benefits.” “The song was gonna be dope,” the rapper said of the track, which was reportedly set to be produced by Noah “40” Shebib. “It was solid, a solid little look. But he’s so immersed in the acting thing, and I don’t blame him, he’s doing great at it. He was just like, ‘I really want to work. I just can’t do it right now. But we’ll work as soon as I’m back in the studio.’ ” And Drake is holding out hope it’ll happen one day. “He gave me his word on that, so I’m looking forward to [working] with him,” he said. “Even just giving him some ideas, writing, him working with [40], I think that would just sound crazy — Justin Timberlake and 40. “Half the time, I just want artists to work on 40’s beats; I don’t even really want to intrude, I just want to hear them,” the rapper added. “40 has so many ideas, and I’d love to hear an artist like Justin Timberlake to see what he and 40 could come up with. But that was the one person that I was sorta like, ‘Damn!’ but we’ll get it though.” Share your reviews of Drake’s Take Care in the comments below! Related Artists Drake Justin Timberlake
Bieber becomes first artist to achieve 2 billion YouTube views, one year after losing the race to 1 billion hits to Gaga. By James Montgomery Justin Bieber Photo: Frank Micelotta/MTV One year ago, Lady Gaga bested Justin Bieber in the race to 1 billion YouTube views , becoming the first artist to reach the plateau and establishing herself as the queen of social media in the process. Well, now it’s Bieber who reigns supreme, blowing by Gaga to become the first artist to rack up 2 billion YouTube views, according to social-media stats service Famecount.com . Bieber set the mark on Monday, thanks in no small part to his 1 million official YouTube subscribers, who help his YouTube site average nearly 94 million views a month. Bieber, of course, began his career as a YouTube sensation, after videos of the then-12-year-old singer tallied millions of views and caught the attention of manager Scooter Braun and Usher . For most of 2010, he and Gaga jockeyed for position atop the YouTube charts, as the clips for “Baby” and “Bad Romance” battled back and forth to be the most-watched music videos on the site. Gaga also became the first artist to have her music videos break the 1 billion mark in total online views in March 2010, and nipped Bieber in the race to 10 million Twitter followers in May of the same year. And while Bieber is now the first artist to amass 2 billion YouTube views, he still trails Lady Gaga in overall online clout . According to Famecount, Mother Monster still holds a sizable lead over Bieber in total Facebook fans (44 million to 37 million) and Twitter followers (15 million to nearly 14 million). Both Bieber and Gaga trail Eminem and Rihanna in terms of overall Facebook fans: Em counts 48 million fans, while RiRi has 46 million. Related Videos MTV First: Lady Gaga MTV First: Justin Bieber Related Artists Justin Bieber Lady Gaga
