Tag Archives: highly-regarded

B.o.B, Andre 3000 ‘Play The Guitar’ On New Single

Track samples classic Bob Marley and T.I.’s verse on Drake’s ‘Fancy.’ By Rob Markman B.o.B Photo: Getty Images Since B.o.B ‘s early mixtape days, the Atlanta hitmaker drew comparisons to another ATLien. With his out-of-this-world production and rap style, Bobby Ray was at times considered a new age Andre 3000 , and on the axe-wielding Bob’s latest single, “Play the Guitar,” fans finally get to hear the two together. Beginning with a bluesy guitar riff and samples based on Bob Marley’s 1973 classic “I Shot the Sheriff” and T.I.’s verse on Drake’s “Fancy,” the Salaam Remi-produced track finds B.o.B and Three Stacks flexing their rap muscles. The song, which is the next single off of Bobby Ray’s upcoming Strange Clouds LP, was released Tuesday (December 27) on iTunes. The song’s hook is built around scratched-in T.I. vocals. “B.o.B plays the guitar” is brought in and out to set up Bob’s opening verse. “Well it’s B.o.B, flyer than a stewardess/ Fresh to death like I’m dressed for a eulogy,” he raps for starters. The “Nothing on You” MC then continues to showcase his tightly packed rap flow, reminding fans of his lyrical prowess. Rhyming alongside the highly regarded OutKast great had to provide some sort of inspiration for the youngster, and 3000 didn’t disappoint. At the top of his verse, Dre begins spitting about standing atop a Church’s Chicken restaurant playing a guitar, while B.o.B stands on the roof of an adjacent Dunkin’ Donuts. Yes, it is a strange way to set off a rap verse, but it’s fitting for an MC who prides himself on individuality. Andre continues his free-wheeling rhyme, spitting about everything from the advice his grandmother has given him to an Internet rumor that he plays the violin. In the end, Three Stacks leaves something for the next generation of musicians, spitting, “I encourage any child to pick up some instrument.” Just like B.o.B. What do you think of B.o.B and Andre 3000’s “Play the Guitar”? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists B.o.B Andre 3000

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B.o.B, Andre 3000 ‘Play The Guitar’ On New Single

Raekwon Classic Debut Cuban Linx A ‘Gift And A Curse’

‘Sometimes people get stuck off of one style I got,’ Raekwon tells MTV News about 1995’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. … By Rob Markman Raekwon Photo: MTV News For Raekwon , the success of his 1995 classic debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx … , is a double-edged sword. While the Wu-Tang Clansman celebrated and performed songs from his first album on Saturday at Rock the Bells in New York, he admitted to MTV News that sometimes the OB4CL admiration distracts from his other work. “It is a gift and a curse, because sometimes people get stuck off of one style I got, and that’s cool if that’s what you love,” Rae said backstage at Rock the Bells before he and Ghostface performed Cuban Linx … for thousands of fans. “I mean, I wanna be loved regardless by the fans because they help me pay my bills and allow me to still be here, but as long as you know what I’m capable of.” The Chef got his start as a member of Wu-Tang Clan in 1993, but after dropping the much-celebrated Cuban Linx…, Raekwon was held as one of New York’s biggest rap draws, right along with the Notorious B.I.G., Nas and Method Man. Since then, Rae dropped Immobilarity in 1999 and The Lex Diamond Story four years after that. In 2009, the Staten Island MC returned with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx … Pt. II , and last year he released his fifth solo album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang . Still, having such highly regarded debut can be a lot to deal with at times. “Of course I get tired of people dwelling on that, but at the same time, that’s me, that made me a Martin Luther King rap n—a, that put me in a certain box. So if that’s what you know me by, as long as you know me from the get-down side,” he said. “Other than that, all I can do is keep climbing and keep growing and that’s all I been doing.” In true Chef fashion, Raekwon used food to draw his perfect analogy, comparing his albums to prime cuts of meat. “Every now and then, it do feel like, ‘Yo, check this out, leave that steak alone, that sirloin, and f— with New York steak or this rib eye or somethin’.” On August 1, Rae celebrated the 16-year anniversary of the Purple Tape and spoke with RapFix about its impact. “I knew I had a classic when I formulated with these nine members in this group,” he said of his camaraderie with the Wu. “Everything at that time that we was making, we was so sharp, it was supervisual already.” Related Artists Raekwon

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Raekwon Classic Debut Cuban Linx A ‘Gift And A Curse’

Lil Wayne’s ‘Unplugged’: Old Hits And A Soon-To-Be Smash

Weezy debuts Tha Carter IV track ‘Nightmares of the Bottom’ during Sunday’s special. By Rob Markman Lil Wayne at his “Unplugged” performance Photo: Frank Micelotta/MTV/PictureGroup LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill and now Lil Wayne . On Sunday (June 12), Weezy joined MTV’s “Unplugged” hip-hop ranks with a most energetic performance. Birdman Jr. took the stage wearing a black sweatshirt, black sunglasses and a red fitted baseball cap with a white button attached that read “Tunechi.” Backed by a full band, Wayne launched into his 2008 album cut “3 Peat” and then stopped to address the full-throated crowd. “If you got your Carter III album, make some noise,” Wayne said of his highly regarded record. From there, the New Orleans rapper jumped into spirited renditions of “Mr. Carter” from TCIII and then “Shoot Me Down.” Wayne, who was released from his eight-month prison bid last November, segued into his portion of Drake’s “Miss Me” with a heartfelt speech. “A few months ago, I was locked up and stuff,” Wayne began. “And it was people like y’all that made me feel like I wasn’t even there, so I really appreciate it.” After warming up, Weezy F. took off his sweatshirt, leaving on a white tee, then turned the heat up with an animated “A Milli” performance. With the energy steadily building, the Young Money CEO went into “Fireman” from Tha Carter II and then treated fans to something special: a cover of Tupac’s “Hail Mary.” Wayne focused particularly on ‘Pac’s second verse: “Penitentiaries is packed with promise makers, never realize the precious time that bitch n—as is wastin’,” he rapped to the crowd’s delight. Aside from the rap hits he is known for, Lil Tunechi visited his rocked-out Rebirth album and performed a spirited version of “Drop the World.” As Wayne delivered the song’s opening line, “I got ice in my veins, blood in my eyes,” he removed his shades to reveal his eyes and his emotion. From rock to pop, the self-proclaimed Best Rapper Alive mashed up his latest single, “How to Love,” with his 2009 #1 smash record “Lollipop.” The MC took the crowd to musical heights as he ran through his catalog of hits. One highlight in particular is when Wayne debuted “Nightmares of the Bottom,” a new track from his highly anticipated and oft-delayed Tha Carter IV album. The song, which details Wayne’s rise to the top and unwillingness to fail, was an immediate fan favorite as he rapped lines like “Don’t call me sir, call me survivor” and “Weezy F. Baby, and the ‘F’ ain’t for fear.” As the performance drew to a close, Wayne took off his shirt and let his hair loose before his band drummed up the beat to his Harry Belafonte-sampling cut “6 Foot, 7 Foot.” A loosened-up Weezy rapped each lyric with conviction before he brought out his Young Money signee Cory Gunz to deliver the track’s rapid-fire third and final verse. Cory quickly exited the stage, and in the end, Lil Wayne stood triumphant while the crowd applauded ferociously. Young Moola, baby! What was your favorite part of “MTV2 Presents: Lil Wayne Unplugged”? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Lil Wayne Related Photos MTV2 Presents Unplugged Lil Wayne

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Lil Wayne’s ‘Unplugged’: Old Hits And A Soon-To-Be Smash

Selena Gomez Punched in the Face By Justin Beiber Fan?

Was Selena Gomez punched in the face by a Justin Bieber fan? Unnamed sources across the internet are claiming this is the case, but we’re pretty sure it didn’t happen. Although Selena Gomez being punched in the face makes for a great story, it just seems a bit unlikely. According to the rumor mill, Selena Gomez was punched in the face by a Justin Bieber fan angry at Gomez for stealing the Biebster. That would be quite a case of Bieber fever. Perhaps a more likely explanation than Selena Gomez being punched in the face is that Gomez simply has a cold sore, also known as the Herpes simplex virus. Outbreaks can occur as a result of stress, such as that coming from dating the biggest teen pop star in the world. That could be the case as well, but let’s face it – it’s going to be pretty difficult to find out exactly what happened. With that in mind, we’ve decided to throw out a few suggestions of our own. # Selena Gomez tripped on a pile of Justin Bieber’s money and split her lip. # Selena Gomez was trying to kiss Justin Bieber and bumped into his ego. # Justin Bieber assaulted Selena Gomez during a game of Laser Tag (he’s been said to do that) # Selena Gomez took T.I.’s suggestion to go “straight to the face” with her drink a bit too literally. # Justin Bieber was too hot for Selena Gomez’s lips to handle. # Selena Gomez got between the Jersey Shore cast and an open bar during happy hour. Give us your best explanations in the comments or on Twitter (@Bloginity). Do you think Selena Gomez was being punched in the face? Let us know! source:www.bloginity.com

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Selena Gomez Punched in the Face By Justin Beiber Fan?

Living in the Land of Make Believe: Justin Beiber Fever, but is it the Fans Who Are Sick?

*Justin Beiber was just 14 years old when he was discovered. With his adorable smile, humble attitude and “mop” styled hair adored by young girl’s everywhere, he was to become “the next big thing.” Well, for the last two years, Justin has won the hearts of children, tweens, teens, young people and many more up the age ladder. While most other teenagers were gaming, toiling over which outfit to wear to school to keep their “cool” status and hoping that the girl or boy they like, likes them back, Justin has been singularly focused for the last two years on work. Hard work. It was just in 2009 that his debut single, “ One Time ” was released worldwide. The single hit its height in the top ten in Canada. The release of My World , followed in the fall of 2009, and was ultimately certified platinum in the United States. He’s been on fire ever since. It is clear from the teenage female fans that it is Beiber or bust. While he has been criticized for his popularity, he is highly regarded by many and considered a “teen idol.” I have to admit that his boyish face and seemingly humble disposition makes him hard not to like. The ultimate confession is that I have his music on my iPod (don’t judge me). Justin’s gift of himself and visibility to his fans is appearing to backfire. With each teenage girl believing that they could one day play the supporting role in Justin’s life, it was a blow to their hearts and egos when he was recently seen walking and kissing Selena Gomez, who is two years his senior. The fans took their pain to the ether and let loose posting death threats and other hurtful messages about Selena on Twitter and other blog sites. Unfortunately, Justin’s commitment to his fans circled back to bite him in the bum. I think if the fans of other teen idols like Michael Jackson and David Cassidy could have tweeted when they were rumored to be dating, we may have seen similar behavior. What would cause these teenagers to act in such a manner? Outside of raging hormones, that is. I believe that Justin’s visibility without a “girl X” by his side for these last two years led young fans to believe he would always be available to them. Then, he chooses someone they do not approve of. She may not be the “wholesome” match for the Beibs that would have for him. Most importantly Selena is not them. In addition and unfortunately, the internet is a great place for people to put their pain without any future guilt of watching the insult land on the eyes and hearts of the person it was directed towards. We watched this ugly scenario play out when Phoebe Prince in Massachusetts committed suicide in 2010 because of the relentless online bullying that was unleashed on her. We have to get these teens out of the Land of Make Believe. Monica Cost is communications strategist, brand manager and respected corporate and motivational speaker. She is the President and Founder of Evidently Assured, a brand & talent management firm.  Email her at:  LiveYourTruth@MonicaCost.com . Follow her via Twitter: @monicacost and Facebook.com/monicahairstoncost .

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Living in the Land of Make Believe: Justin Beiber Fever, but is it the Fans Who Are Sick?

Living in the Land of Make Believe: Justin Beiber Fever, but is it the Fans Who Are Sick?

*Justin Beiber was just 14 years old when he was discovered. With his adorable smile, humble attitude and “mop” styled hair adored by young girl’s everywhere, he was to become “the next big thing.” Well, for the last two years, Justin has won the hearts of children, tweens, teens, young people and many more up the age ladder. While most other teenagers were gaming, toiling over which outfit to wear to school to keep their “cool” status and hoping that the girl or boy they like, likes them back, Justin has been singularly focused for the last two years on work. Hard work. It was just in 2009 that his debut single, “ One Time ” was released worldwide. The single hit its height in the top ten in Canada. The release of My World , followed in the fall of 2009, and was ultimately certified platinum in the United States. He’s been on fire ever since. It is clear from the teenage female fans that it is Beiber or bust. While he has been criticized for his popularity, he is highly regarded by many and considered a “teen idol.” I have to admit that his boyish face and seemingly humble disposition makes him hard not to like. The ultimate confession is that I have his music on my iPod (don’t judge me). Justin’s gift of himself and visibility to his fans is appearing to backfire. With each teenage girl believing that they could one day play the supporting role in Justin’s life, it was a blow to their hearts and egos when he was recently seen walking and kissing Selena Gomez, who is two years his senior. The fans took their pain to the ether and let loose posting death threats and other hurtful messages about Selena on Twitter and other blog sites. Unfortunately, Justin’s commitment to his fans circled back to bite him in the bum. I think if the fans of other teen idols like Michael Jackson and David Cassidy could have tweeted when they were rumored to be dating, we may have seen similar behavior. What would cause these teenagers to act in such a manner? Outside of raging hormones, that is. I believe that Justin’s visibility without a “girl X” by his side for these last two years led young fans to believe he would always be available to them. Then, he chooses someone they do not approve of. She may not be the “wholesome” match for the Beibs that would have for him. Most importantly Selena is not them. In addition and unfortunately, the internet is a great place for people to put their pain without any future guilt of watching the insult land on the eyes and hearts of the person it was directed towards. We watched this ugly scenario play out when Phoebe Prince in Massachusetts committed suicide in 2010 because of the relentless online bullying that was unleashed on her. We have to get these teens out of the Land of Make Believe. Monica Cost is communications strategist, brand manager and respected corporate and motivational speaker. She is the President and Founder of Evidently Assured, a brand & talent management firm.  Email her at:  LiveYourTruth@MonicaCost.com . Follow her via Twitter: @monicacost and Facebook.com/monicahairstoncost .

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Living in the Land of Make Believe: Justin Beiber Fever, but is it the Fans Who Are Sick?

‘Pink Panther’ Writer/Director Blake Edwards Dies At 88

‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ director was with wife Julie Andrews when he died. By Eric Ditzian Blake Edwards in 1965 Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images Blake Edwards, the highly regarded director behind “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and many of the “Pink Panther” films, died Thursday (December 16) at the age of 88, according to Variety. Edwards began his career in Hollywood in the mid-1940s, when he co-wrote a Western called “Panhandle.” He went on to write several other films and created a popular radio series, “Richard Diamond, Private Detective.” He assembled a r

Calvin Borel Makes Kentucky Derby History

Calvin Borel grabbed the rail and didn’t let go Saturday, sloshing through the slop on another flawless ride to win his third Kentucky Derby in four years – a record for the history of the race. No man has ever won the race three times in a span of four years. The most wide-open Derby in years ended with a sure thing — Borel crossing the finish line and punching the air with this right fist, raising it toward the gray sky. The jockey’s magic touch gave trainer Todd Pletcher his first Derby victory after 24 failures. His ride nearly duplicated the one he turned in last year aboard 50-1 shot Mine That Bird, except he and Super Saver went off at lower odds and were never in last place. Borel was confident enough in his colt and his knowledge of his home track to take him off the lead in the early going of the 1 1/4-mile race at Churchill Downs. In all but one of his six previous races, Super Saver had never been farther back than second in the early stages. Borel knew that strategy wouldn’t work in a 20-horse Derby field on a tiring, sloppy track. Breaking from the No. 4 post, he immediately tucked his colt along the rail — a predictable move from the rider nicknamed “Bo-rail” — and there they stayed almost the entire way. Super Saver was timed in 2:04.45 as the second-choice behind favorite Lookin At Lucky, whose 6-1 odds tied Harlan’s Holiday in 2002 for the longest priced favorite in 136 runnings. He paid $18, $8.80 and $6. Trained by Nick Zito, Ice Box returned $11.20 and $8 after nipping Paddy O’Prado at the wire for second. Paddy O’Prado paid $7.40 to show. Pletcher let out a whoop and slapped his hands together after his colt crossed the finish line, snapping a skid that the Eclipse Award-winning trainer was eager to end. He seemed to have a lock on his first Derby win until expected favorite Eskendereya was withdrawn last weekend with a swollen leg. That left Pletcher with four horses in the race, but none was as highly regarded. And now that’s over, it’s time to watch the Mayweather vs Mosley live stream as the next big sports event for the day. Calvin Borel Makes Kentucky Derby History is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading

Louisiana student sent home for wearing Colts jersey

A Louisiana high school student says he was sent home for wearing an Indianapolis Colts jersey after the principal encouraged students to wear jerseys supporting the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl.

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Louisiana student sent home for wearing Colts jersey

New England Patriots won’t fill defensive coordinator post

New England Patriots say they won’t fill defensive coordinator post.

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New England Patriots won’t fill defensive coordinator post